oSIST prEN 15534-5:2019

Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5: Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles

This standard specifies the characteristics of cladding profiles and tiles made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics, usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC), for external use.
This document is applicable to extruded profiles but also to tiles manufactured by other plastics processing techniques, e.g. injection moulding.
It is not applicable to support rail profiles, cover strip profiles and fastener devices.
This document also specifies assessment methods, provisions for the assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) of these products and includes requirements for marking.

Verbundwerkstoffe aus cellulosehaltigen Materialien und Thermoplasten (üblicherweise Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC) oder Naturfaserverbundwerkstoffe (NFC) genannt) - Teil 5: Anforderungen an Profile und Formteile für Wandbekleidungen

Dieses Dokument legt die Eigenschaften von Profilen und Formteilen für Wandbekleidungen, die aus cellulosehaltigen Materialien und Thermoplasten hergestellt sind, üblicherweise Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC, en: wood-polymer composites) oder Naturfaserverbundwerkstoffe (NFC, en: natural fibre composites) genannt, für Anwendungen im Außenbereich fest.
Dieses Dokument gilt für extrudierte Profile sowie für Formteile, die durch andere Kunststoffverarbeitungsverfahren, z. B. Spritzguss, hergestellt wurden.
Es gilt nicht für Unterkonstruktionen, Profile für Deckleisten und Beschläge.
Dieses Dokument legt darüber hinaus Bewertungsverfahren sowie Vorschriften für die Bewertung und Überprüfung der Leistungsbeständigkeit (AVCP) dieser Produkte fest und enthält Anforderungen an die Kennzeichnung.
Wiederverarbeitete und/oder wiederverwendete Werkstoffe können zur Herstellung von Erzeugnissren, die die Anforderungen dieses Teils von EN 15534 erfüllen, verwendet werden.
ANMERKUNG 1 WPC-Werkstoffe sind wiederverwendbare Werkstoffe, die in einem Werkstoffrückgewinnungsprozess aufbereitet werden können, um Rohstoffe einzusparen und gleichzeitig Emissionen von Schadstoffen in Luft, Wasser und in den Boden sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die menschliche Gesundheit zu minimieren.
ANMERKUNG 2 EN 15347 enthält ein Schema zur Charakterisierung von Kunststoffabfällen und ISO 15270 gibt Anleitungen zur Verwertung von Kunststoffabfällen.

Composites à base de matières cellulosiques et de thermoplastiques (communément appelés composites bois-polymères (WPC) ou composites fibres d'origine naturelle (NFC)) - Partie 5: Spécifications relatives aux lames et plaques pour bardage et lambris

Le présent document spécifie les caractéristiques des lames et des plaques pour bardage et lambris à
base de matières cellulosiques et de thermoplastiques, communément appelées composites boispolymères
(WPC) ou composites fibres d’origine naturelle (NFC), destinées à être utilisées à l’extérieur.
Le présent document s’applique aux lames extrudées, mais aussi aux plaques fabriquées par d’autres
techniques de transformation des plastiques, par exemple le moulage par injection.
Il n’est pas applicable aux lames pour barres d’appui, couvre-joints et éléments de fixation.
Le présent document spécifie également les méthodes d’évaluation, ainsi que les dispositions relatives à
l’évaluation et à la vérification de la constance des performances (EVCP) de ces produits, et il inclut des
exigences pour le marquage.
Des matériaux retraités et/ou recyclés peuvent être utilisés pour la fabrication des composants à
condition qu’ils satisfassent aux exigences de la présente partie de l’EN 15534.
NOTE 1 Les matériaux WPC sont des matériaux recyclables qui peuvent être traités par un procédé de
valorisation des matériaux destiné à économiser les ressources tout en réduisant au minimum les émissions de
substances dangereuses dans l’air, l’eau et le sol ainsi que leurs impacts sur la santé humaine.
NOTE 2 Un cadre relatif à la caractérisation des déchets de plastiques est donné dans l’EN 15347 et des lignes
directrices pour la valorisation et le recyclage sont données dans l’ISO 15270.

Kompoziti iz materialov na osnovi celuloze in plastomerov (navadno imenovani lesno-polimerni kompoziti (WPC) ali kompoziti iz naravnih vlaken (NFC)) - 5. del: Specifikacije za profile in ploščice stenskih oblog

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 27-Mar-2019
• ICS: 79.080 - Semi-manufactures of timber
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• Technical Committee: IPMA - Polimer materials and products
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 17-Jan-2019
• Due Date: 06-Jun-2019
• Completion Date: 26-Mar-2019
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Mandate: M/121 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
• Mandate: M/121_AM1 - First amendment to mandate M/121 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardisation work for harmonised standards on wall and ceiling finishes
• Ref Project: prEN 15534-5 - Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5: Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN 15534-5:2014 - Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5: Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023
• Revised: SIST EN 15534-5:2014 - Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5: Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles
• Effective Date: 04-Apr-2018

Overview - prEN 15534-5 (WPC / NFC cladding profiles and tiles)

prEN 15534-5 specifies performance, testing and conformity requirements for external cladding profiles and tiles made from cellulose‑based materials and thermoplastics - commonly known as wood‑polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC). The draft standard applies to extruded profiles and to tiles manufactured by other plastics processing methods (for example injection moulding). It is not applicable to support rails, cover strips or fastener devices. The document also covers assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) and marking requirements. Reprocessed or recycled materials can be used where they meet the standard’s requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & applicability: External cladding profiles and tiles from cellulose‑based + thermoplastic compounds; extrusion and other plastics processes covered.
• Reaction to fire: When declared, reaction to fire class shall be expressed per EN 13501‑1 based on relevant test results.
• Mechanical properties:
  • Flexural tensile strength - includes deflection under 250 N (compliant if mean deflection ≤ 5.0 mm) and bending strength reported in MPa.
  • Modulus of elasticity in bending (MPa).
  • Resistance to fixings - withdrawal capacity (N/mm²) and pull‑through resistance (N/mm²).
  • Impact resistance - falling mass impact testing.
  • Peel strength for laminated foil profiles.
• Durability:
  • Artificial weathering, moisture resistance under cyclic conditions, swelling and water absorption.
• Thermal properties:
  • Linear thermal expansion, heat reversion (profiles), and heat build‑up characteristics.
• Release of dangerous substances: Leaching assessment per referenced methods.
• Testing & AVCP: Specifies sampling, type testing, factory production control (FPC), initial inspection and surveillance procedures aligned with AVCP principles.
• Marking & labelling: Requirements for declaration and traceability.

Practical applications and users

This standard is intended for:

• Manufacturers of WPC/NFC cladding profiles and tiles (design, production and quality control).
• Product testing laboratories performing mechanical, thermal, durability and fire tests.
• Specifiers and architects requiring harmonized performance data for external cladding.
• Compliance officers, certification bodies and regulators applying AVCP and CE marking obligations.
• Installers and façade engineers seeking performance criteria for fixation, expansion and durability.

Using prEN 15534-5 helps ensure consistent product performance, reliable test methods, traceability and conformity for external WPC/NFC cladding systems.

Related standards

• EN 15534‑1 (test methods for WPC/NFC)
• EN 13501‑1 (reaction to fire classification)
• EN 16472; EN ISO 4892‑2 / EN ISO 4892‑3 (artificial weathering / light exposure)
• CEN/TS 16637‑2 (surface leaching test)
• EN 15347 and ISO 15270 (plastic waste characterization & recycling guidance)

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2019
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OHVQRSROLPHUQLNRPSR]LWL:3&DOLNRPSR]LWLL]QDUDYQLKYODNHQ1)&GHO
6SHFLILNDFLMH]DSURILOHLQSORãþLFHVWHQVNLKREORJ
Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually called
wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5:
Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles
Verbundwerkstoffe aus cellulosehaltigen Materialien und Thermoplasten (üblicherweise
Holz-Polymer-Werkstoffe (WPC) oder Naturfaserverbundwerkstoffe (NFC) genannt) -
Teil 5: Anforderungen an Profile und Formteile für Wandbekleidungen
Composites à base de matières cellulosiques et de thermoplastiques (communément
appelés composites bois-polymères (WPC) ou composites fibres d'origine naturelle
(NFC)) - Partie 5: Spécifications relatives aux lames et plaques pour bardage et lambris
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 15534-5
ICS:
79.080 Polizdelki iz lesa Semi-manufactures of timber
83.140.99 Drugi izdelki iz gume in Other rubber and plastics
polimernih materialov products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2019
ICS 79.080; 83.080.01; 83.140.99 Will supersede EN 15534-5:2014
English Version
Composites made from cellulose-based materials and
thermoplastics (usually called wood-polymer composites
(WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 5:
Specifications for cladding profiles and tiles
Composites à base de matières cellulosiques et de Verbundwerkstoffe aus cellulosehaltigen Materialien
thermoplastiques (communément appelés composites und Thermoplasten (üblicherweise Holz-Polymer-
bois-polymères (WPC) ou composites fibres d'origine Werkstoffe (WPC) oder Naturfaserverbundwerkstoffe
naturelle (NFC)) - Partie 5: Spécifications relatives aux (NFC) genannt) - Teil 5: Anforderungen an Profile und
lames et plaques pour bardage et lambris Formteile für Wandbekleidungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 249.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 15534-5:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Products characteristics . 6
4.1 Reaction to fire . 6
4.2 Mechanical properties . 6
4.2.1 Flexural tensile strength . 6
4.2.2 Modulus of elasticity in bending . 6
4.2.3 Resistance to fixings . 6
4.2.4 Impact resistance . 6
4.2.5 Peel strength (profiles with laminated foil) . 6
4.3 Durability . 6
4.3.1 Resistance to artificial weathering . 6
4.3.2 Moisture resistance . 7
4.3.3 Swelling and water absorption . 7
4.4 Thermal properties . 7
4.4.1 Linear thermal expansion . 7
4.4.2 Heat reversion (applicable to profiles) . 7
4.4.3 Heat build up . 7
4.5 General characteristics . 7
4.6 Release of dangerous substances (leaching) . 7
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods . 8
5.1 Reaction to fire . 8
5.2 Mechanical properties . 8
5.2.1 Flexural tensile strength . 8
5.2.2 Modulus of elasticity in bending . 8
5.2.3 Resistance to fixings . 8
5.2.4 Falling mass impact resistance . 8
5.2.5 Peel strength (profiles with laminated foil) . 8
5.3 Durability . 9
5.3.1 Resistance to artificial weathering . 9
5.3.2 Moisture resistance under cyclic conditions . 9
5.3.3 Swelling and water absorption . 9
5.4 Thermal properties . 9
5.4.1 Linear thermal expansion . 9
5.4.2 Heat reversion (applicable to profiles) . 9
5.4.3 Heat build up . 9
5.5 Release of dangerous substances (leaching) . 9
6 Assessment and verification of constancy of performance - AVCP . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Type testing . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance criteria . 11
6.2.3 Test reports . 12
6.2.4 Shared other party results . 12
6.2.5 Cascading determination of the product type results . 13
6.3 Factory production control (FPC) . 14
6.3.1 General . 14
6.3.2 Requirements . 14
6.3.3 Product specific requirements . 17
6.3.4 Initial inspection of factory and of FPC . 18
6.3.5 Continuous surveillance of FPC [only for products covered by AVCP system 1+, 1 and
2+] . 18
6.3.6 Procedure for modifications . 19
6.3.7 One-off products, pre-production products (e.g. prototypes) and products produced
in very low quantity . 19
7 Marking and labelling . 20
Annex A (normative) General characteristics . 21
A.1 Appearance . 21
A.2 Physical characteristics . 21
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this European Standard with Regulation (EU)
No.305/2011 . 22
ZA.1 Scope and relevant characteristics . 22
ZA.2 System of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) . 23
ZA.3 Assignment of AVCP tasks . 24
Bibliography . 27

European foreword
This document (prEN 15534-5:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249
“Plastics”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association. For relationship with EU Regulation, see informative Annex ZA,
which is an integral part of this document.
1 Scope
This document specifies the characteristics of cladding profiles and tiles made from cellulose-based
materials and thermoplastics, usually called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre
composites (NFC), for external use.
This document is applicable to extruded profiles but also to tiles manufactured by other plastics
processing techniques, e.g. injection moulding.
It is not applicable to support rail profiles, cover strip profiles and fastener devices.
This document also specifies assessment methods, provisions for the assessment and verification of
constancy of performance (AVCP) of these products and includes requirements for marking.
Reprocessed and/or recycled materials can be used for manufacturing the components which comply
with the requirements of this part of EN 15534.
NOTE 1 WPC materials are recyclable materials which can be treated in a material recovery process intended
to save resources while minimizing harmful emissions into air, water and soil as well as their impacts on human
health.
NOTE 2 A scheme for the characterization of plastics waste is given in EN 15347 and guidelines for the
recovery and recycling are given in ISO 15270.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, Composites made from cellulose-based materials and thermoplastics (usually
called wood-polymer composites (WPC) or natural fibre composites (NFC)) - Part 1: Test methods for
characterisation of compounds and products
EN 16472, Plastics - Method for artificial accelerated photoageing using medium pressure mercury vapour
lamps
CEN/TS 16637-2:2014, Construction products - Assessment of release of dangerous substances - Part 2:
Horizontal dynamic surface leaching test
EN ISO 4892-2, Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps (ISO
4892-2)
EN ISO 4892-3:2016, Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 3: Fluorescent UV
lamps (ISO 4892-3:2016)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15534 1:2014+A1:2017 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 Products characteristics
4.1 Reaction to fire
When decided to declare the reaction to fire performance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile shall be
expressed as the reaction to fire class, as specified in EN 13501-1, based on results of the test(s),
relevant for the claimed class, according to 5.1.
NOTE The reaction to fire indicates the degree of contribution of the material to the behaviour of the
construction product in the event of fire.
4.2 Mechanical properties
4.2.1 Flexural tensile strength
When declared, the flexural tensile strength of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile shall be evaluated by:
a) determining the deflection under a load of 250 N according to 5.2.1 and expressed as “compliant”
when the mean value of the deflection under a load of 250 N is ≤ 5,0 mm, and
b) determining the bending strength according to 5.2.1 and expressed as the value of the bending
strength in megapascals.
4.2.2 Modulus of elasticity in bending
When declared, the modulus of elasticity in bending of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile shall be
evaluated according to 5.2.2 and expressed as value in megapascals.
4.2.3 Resistance to fixings
When declared, the resistance to fixings of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or WPC/NFC tile shall be
evaluated by:
a) determining the withdrawal capacity of nails and screws in accordance with 5.2.3.1, and expressed
as the value of the withdrawal parameter, in newtons per square millimetre, and
b) determining the pull through resistance in accordance with 5.2.3.2 and expressed as the value of
the pull through parameter, in newtons per square millimetre.
4.2.4 Impact resistance
When declared, the impact resistance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be
evaluated by determining the falling mass impact resistance in accordance with 5.2.4 and expressed as
“compliant” when no more than one test specimen out of 10 test specimens shows a failure.
4.2.5 Peel strength (profiles with laminated foil)
When declared, the peel strength of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or WPC/NFC tile shall be evaluated
according to 5.2.5 and expressed in Newtons per millimetre (N/mm) or if the foil breaks, the tensile
strength at break of the foil in Newtons (N) or as the peeled length in millimetres (mm).
4.3 Durability
4.3.1 Resistance to artificial weathering
When declared, the resistance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile to artificial weathering
shall be evaluated in accordance with 5.3.1, and expressed as the value of ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* and the
appearance criteria.
4.3.2 Moisture resistance
When declared, the moisture resistance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be
evaluated by determining the moisture resistance under cyclic conditions in accordance with 5.3.2, and
expressed as “compliant” when the mean value of the deflection under a load of 250 N is ≤ 6 mm.
4.3.3 Swelling and water absorption
When declared, the swelling and water absorption of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile
shall be evaluated in accordance with 5.3.3 and expressed as “compliant” when:
1) the mean values of swelling are:
i) ≤ 10 % in thickness direction,
ii) ≤ 1,5 % in the width direction,
iii) ≤ 0,6 % in the length direction;
2) the individual values of swelling are:
i) ≤ 12 % in thickness direction,
ii) ≤ 2 % in the width direction,
iii) ≤ 1,2 % in the length direction;
3) the mean value of the water absorption is ≤ 8 % in weight, and
4) the individual values of the water absorption is ≤ 9 % in weight.
4.4 Thermal properties
4.4.1 Linear thermal expansion
When declared, the linear thermal expansion of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be
evaluated in accordance with 5.4.1 and expressed as “compliant” when the linear thermal coefficient
−6 −1
K .
is ≤ 50⋅10
4.4.2 Heat reversion (applicable to profiles)
When declared, the heat reversion of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be evaluated
in accordance with 5.4.2 and expressed as a percentage (%).
4.4.3 Heat build up
When declared, the heat build-up of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be evaluated
in accordance with 5.4.3 and expressed in centigrade (°C).
4.5 General characteristics
The general characteristics of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile shall be evaluated in
accordance with Annex A
4.6 Release of dangerous substances (leaching)
When declared, the leaching of dangerous substances of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or a WPC/NFC tile
shall be evaluated in accordance with 5.5 and expressed as a percentage (%).
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods
5.1 Reaction to fire
The WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile shall be tested in accordance with the test method(s) given in
EN 13501-1 and EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 9.6, for the referred class of the reaction to fire
performance.
When tested in accordance with EN 13823, the mounting and fixing of the WPC/NFC cladding profile or
tile shall conform to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 9.6.2 and the indication on this method, as given
therein, shall also be declared.
5.2 Mechanical properties
5.2.1 Flexural tensile strength
The deflection under a load of 250 N and the bending strength shall be determined according to
EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, Annex A, using 4 test specimens per side.
5.2.2 Modulus of elasticity in bending
The modulus of elasticity in bending shall be determined according to the EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017,
Annex A, using 8 specimens and on both faces of the profile/tile if relevant.
5.2.3 Resistance to fixings
5.2.3.1 Withdrawal capacity of nails and screws
The withdrawal capacity of nails and screws shall be determined according to
EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2014, 7.6 using 10 test specimens.
5.2.3.2 Pull through resistance
The pull through resistance shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 7.7 using 10
test specimens.
5.2.4 Falling mass impact resistance
The falling mass impact resistance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile made from non-cellular
material shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 7.1.2.2.1, on 10 test specimens
using the following parameters:
— H = (1 000 ± 5) mm;
— M = (500 ± 2) g.
s
The falling mass impact resistance of a WPC/NFC cladding profile or tile made from cellular material
shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 7.1.2.2.2, on 10 test specimens using the
following parameters:
— H = (1 000 ± 5) mm;
— M = (500 ± 2) g.
s
5.2.5 Peel strength (profiles with laminated foil)
The peel strength shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 10.3 using 4 test
specimens.
5.3 Durability
5.3.1 Resistance to artificial weathering
The resistance to artificial weathering shall be determined after an exposure of the WPC/NFC cladding
profile or tile according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 8.1, using one specimen per colour, during:
— 300 h for an exposure to xenon-lamps (EN ISO 4892-2); or
— 2 016 h for an exposure to fluorescent UV (EN ISO 4892-3:2016, Method A, Cycle 1); or
— 750 h for an exposure to medium pressure mercury lamps (EN 16472).
Five measurements shall be performed on each specimen.
The difference of colour, ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE* shall be determined according to EN 15534-
1:2014+A1:2017, 8.1.3 .
The appearance criteria shall be defined by the manufacturer.
5.3.2 Moisture resistance under cyclic conditions
The moisture resistance under cyclic conditions shall be determined according to
EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 8.3.2.
The deflection under a load of 250 N shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017,
Annex A, using 3 test specimens mounted to the test apparatus in the same way as for the bending test
according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 4.5.2, giving the lower mean value for the maximum force; the
test shall be performed on both faces of the profile/tile, if relevant.
5.3.3 Swelling and water absorption
The swelling and water absorption shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 8.3.1,
using 5 test specimens.
5.4 Thermal properties
5.4.1 Linear thermal expansion
The linear thermal expansion (use class 3, only) shall be determined according to EN 15534-
1:2014+A1:2017, 9.2, using 3 test specimens.
5.4.2 Heat reversion (applicable to profiles)
The linear heat reversion shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 9.3, using 3 test
specimens.
5.4.3 Heat build up
The heat build-up shall be determined according to EN 15534-1:2014+A1:2017, 9.4, using 3 test
specimens.
5.5 Release of dangerous substances (leaching)
The leaching of dangerous substances shall be determined according to CEN/TS 16637-2:2014,
6 Assessment and verification of constancy of performance - AVCP
6.1 General
The compliance of cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC with the requirements of this
standard and with the performances declared by the manufacturer in the DoP shall be demonstrated
by:
— determination of the product type;
— factory production control by the manufacturer, including product assessment.
The manufacturer shall always retain the overall control and shall have the necessary means to take
responsibility for the conformity of the product with its declared performance(s).
6.2 Type testing
6.2.1 General
All performances related to characteristics included in this standard shall be determined when the
manufacturer intends to declare the respective performances unless the standard gives provisions for
declaring them without performing tests (e.g. use of previously existing data, CWFT and conventionally
accepted performance).
Assessment previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard, may be taken into
account provided that they were made to the same or a more rigorous test method, under the same
AVCP system on the same product or products of similar design, construction and functionality, such
that the results are applicable to the product in question.
For the purposes of assessment, the manufacturer's products may be grouped into families, where it is
considered that the results for one or more characteristics from any one product within the family are
representative for that same characteristics for all products within that same family
NOTE 1 Products may be grouped in different families for different characteristics.
NOTE 2 Reference to the assessment method standards should be made to allow the selection of a suitable
representative sample.
In addition, the determination of the product type shall be performed for all characteristics included in
the standard for which the manufacturer declares the performance:
— at the beginning of the production of a new or modified cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or
NFC(unless a member of the same product range), or
— at the beginning of a new or modified method of production (where this may affect the stated
properties); or
they shall be repeated for the appropriate characteristic(s), whenever a change occurs in the cladding
profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC design, in the raw material or in the supplier of the components,
or in the method of production (subject to the definition of a family), which would affect significantly
one or more of the characteristics.
Where components are used whose characteristics have already been determined, by the component
manufacturer, on the basis of assessment methods of other product standards, these characteristics
need not be re-assessed. The specifications of these components shall be documented.
Products bearing regulatory marking in accordance with appropriate harmonized European
specifications may be presumed to have the performances declared in the DoP, although this does not
replace the responsibility on the cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC manufacturer to
ensure that the cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC as a whole are correctly manufactured
and its component products have the declared performance values.
6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance criteria
The number of samples of cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC to be tested/assessed shall be
in accordance with Table 1.
Table 1 —Number of samples to be tested and compliance criteria
Characteristic Requirement Assessment No. of samples Compliance criteria
method
[name of the [clause where [number of [clause where criteria are
characteristic] requirement is [clause where the samples to be given. Usually they
given. Usually, method is given] assessed] should appear in Clause 4
Clause 4 “Requirements” of the
“Requirements” of standard]
the standard]
Reaction to fire - 4.1 5.1 6 5.1
Single flame source
test
Reaction to fire - 4.1 5.1 3 5.1
Single burning item
test (internal use)
Flexural tensile 4.2.1 5.2.1 4 4.2.1
strenghth
Modulus of elasticity 4.2.2 5.2.2 8 5.2.2
in bending
Resistance to fixings 4.2.3 5.2.3 10 5.2.3
Nail and screw
withdrawal
Resistance to fixings 4.2.3 5.2.3 10 5.2.3
Pull through
resistance
Impact resistance 4.2.4 5.2.4 10 4.2.4
Peel strength 4.2.5 5.2.5 4 4.2.5
(profiles with
laminated foil)
Durability against 4.3.1 5.3.1 1 specimen per 4.3.1
artificial weathering colour, 5
measurements
For use class 3 only
per specimen
Durability against 4.3.2 5.3.2 3 4.3.2
moisture
For use class 3 only
Characteristic Requirement Assessment No. of samples Compliance criteria
method
[name of the [clause where [number of [clause where criteria are
characteristic] requirement is [clause where the samples to be given. Usually they
given. Usually, method is given] assessed] should appear in Clause 4
Clause 4 “Requirements” of the
“Requirements” of standard]
the standard]
Durability against 4.3.3 5.3.3 5 4.3.3
swelling and water
absorption
(use classes 2 and 3)
Linear thermal 4.4.1 5.4.1 3 4.4.1
expansion
Heat reversion 4.4.2 5.4.2 3 4.4.2
Heat build up 4.4.3 5.4.3 3 4.4.3
Dangerous 4.6 5.5 according to 4.6
substances CEN/TS 16637-2
6.2.3 Test reports
The results of the determination of the product type shall be documented in test reports. All test reports
shall be retained by the manufacturer for at least 10 years after the last date of production of the
cladding profiles and tiles made of WPC or NFC to which they relate.
6.2.4 Shared other party results
A manufacturer may use the results of the product type determination obtained by someone else (e.g.
by another manufacturer, as a common service to manufacturers, or by a product developer), to justify
his own declaration of performance regarding a product that is manufactured according to the same
design (e.g. dimensions) and with raw materials, constituents and manufacturing methods of the same
kind, provided that:
— the results are known to be valid for products with the same essential characteristics relevant for
the product performance;
— in addition to any information essential for confirming that the product has such same
performances related to specific essential characteristics, the other party who has carried out the
1)
determination of the product type concerned or has had it carried out, has expressly accepted to
transmit to the manufacturer the results and the test report to be used for the latter’s product type
determination, as well as information regarding production facilities and the production control
process that can be taken into account for FPC;

1)
The formulation of such an agreement can be done by licence, contract, or any other type of written consent.
— the manufacturer using other party results accepts to remain responsible for the product having
the declared performances and he also:
— ensures that the product has the same characteristics relevant for performance as the one that
has been subjected to the determination of the product type, and that there are no significant
differences with regard to production facilities and the production control process compared
to that used for the product that was subjected to the determination of the product type; and
— keeps available a copy of the determination of the product type report that also contains the
information needed for verifying that the product is manufactured according to the same
design and with raw materials, constituents and manufacturing methods of the same kind.
6.2.5 Cascading determination of the product type results
For some construction products, there are companies (often called “system houses”) which supply or
2)
ensure the supply of, on the basis of an agreement some or all of the components (e.g. in case of
3)
windows: profiles, gaskets, weather strips to an assembler who then manufactures the finished
product (referred to below as the “assembler”) in his factory.
Provided that the activities for which such a system house is legally established include
manufacturing/assembling of products as the assembled one, the system house may take the
responsibility for the determination of the product type regarding one or several essential
characteristics of an end product which is subsequently manufactured and/or assembled by other firms
in their own factory.
When doing so, the system house shall submit an “assembled product” using components manufactured
by it or by others, to the determination of the product type and then make the determination of the
product type report available to the assemblers, i.e. the actual manufacturer of the product placed on
the market.
To take into account such a situation, the concept of cascading determination of the product type might
be taken into consideration in the technical specification, provided that this concerns characteristics for
which either a notified product certification body or a notified test laboratory intervene, as presented
below.
The determination of the product type report that the system house has obtained with regard to tests
carried out by a notified body, and which is supplied to the assemblers, may be used for the regulatory
marking purposes without the assembler having to involve again a notified body to undertake the
determination of the product type of the essential characteristic(s) that were already tested, provided
that:
— the assembler manufactures a product which uses the same combination of components
(components with the same characteristics), and in the same way, as that for which the system
house has obtained the determination of the product type report. If this report is based on a
combination of components not representing the final product as to be placed on the market,
and/or is not assembled in accordance with the system house’s instruction for assembling the
components, the assembler needs to submit his finished product to the determination of the
product type;
2)
This can be, for instance, a contract, license or whatever kind of written agreement, which should also contain
clear provisions with regard to responsibility and liability of the component producer (system house, on the one
hand, and the assembler of the finished product, on the other hand.
3)
These companies may produce components but they are not required to do so.
— the system house has notified to the manufacturer the instructions for manufacturing/assembling
the product and installation guidance;
— the assembler (manufacturer) assumes the responsibility for the correct assembly of the product in
accordance with the instructions for manufacturing/assembling the product and installation
guidance notified to him by the system house;
— the instructions for manufacturing/assembling the product and installation guidance notified to the
assembler (manufacturer) by the system house are an integral part of the assembler’s Factory
Production Control system and are referred to in the determination of the product type report;
— the assembler is able to provide documented evidence that the combination of components he is
using, and his way of manufacturing, correspond to the one for which the system house has
obtained the determination of the product type report (he needs to keep a copy of the system
house’s determination of the product type report);
— regardless the possibility of referring, on the basis of the agreement signed with the system house,
to the latter’s responsibility and liability under private law, the assembler remains responsible for
the product being in compliance with the declared performances, including both the design and the
manufacture of the product, which is given when he affixes the regulatory marking on his product.
6.3 Factory production control (FPC)
6.3.1 General
The manufacturer shall establish, document and maintain an FPC system to ensure that the products
placed on the market comply with the declared performance of the essential characteristics.
The FPC system shall consist of procedures, regular inspections and tests and/or assessments and the
use of the results to control raw and other incoming materials or components, equipment, the
production process and the product.
All the elements, requirements and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a
systematic manner in the form of written policies and procedures.
This factory production control system documentation shall ensure a common understanding of the
evaluation of the constancy of performance and enable the achievement of the required product
performances and the effective operation of the production control system to be checked. Factory
production control therefore brings together operational techniques and all measures allowing
maintenance and control of the compliance of the product with the declared performances of the
essential characteristics.
In case the manufacturer has used shared or cascading product type results, the FPC shall also include
the appropriate documentation as foreseen in 6.2.4 and 6.2.5.
6.3.2 Requirements
6.3.2.1 General
The manufacturer is responsible for organizing the effective implementation of the FPC system in line
with the content of this product standard. Tasks and responsibilities in the production control
organization shall be documented and this documentation shall be kept up-to-date.
The responsibility, authority and the relationship between personnel that manages, performs or verifies
work affecting product constancy, shall be defined. This applies in particular to personnel that need to
initiate actions preventing product non-constancies from occurring, actions in case of non-constancies
and to identify and register product constancy problems.
Personnel performing work affecting the constancy of performance of the product shall be competent
on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience for which records shall be
maintained.
In each factory the manufacturer may delegate the action to a person having the necessary authority to:
— identify procedures to demonstrate constancy of performance of the product at appropriate stages;
— identify and record any instance of non-constancy;
— identify procedures to correct instances of non-constancy.
The manufacturer shall draw up and keep up-to-date documents defining the factory production
control. The manufacturer's documentation and procedures should be appropriate to the product and
manufacturing process. The FPC system should achieve an appropriate level of confidence in the
constancy of performance of the product. This involves:
a) the preparation of documented procedures and instructions relating to factory production control
operations, in accordance with the requirements of the technical specification to which reference is
made;
b) the effective implementation of these procedures and instructions;
c) the recording of these operations and their results;
d) the use of these results to correct any deviations, repair the effects of such deviations, treat any
resulting instances of non-conformity and, if necessary, revise the FPC to rectify the cause of non-
constancy of performance.
Where subcontracting takes place, the manufacturer shall retain the overall control of the product and
ensure that he receives all the information that is necessary to fulfill his responsibilities according to
this European standard.
If the manufacturer has part of the product designed, manufactured, assembled, packed, processed
and/or labelled by subcontracting, the FPC of the subcontractor may be taken into account, where
appropriate for the product in question.
The manufacturer who subcontracts all of his activities may in no circumstances pass the above
responsibilities on to a subcontractor.
NOTE Manufacturers having an FPC system, which complies with EN ISO 9001 standard and which addresses
the provisions of the present European standard are considered as satisfying the FPC requirements of the
Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.
6.3.2.2 Equipment
6.3.2.2.1 Testing
All weighing, measuring and testing equipment shall be calibrated and regularly inspected according to
documented procedures, frequencies and criteria.
6.3.2.2.2 Manufacturing
All equipment used in the manufacturing process shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure
use, wear or failure does not cause inconsistency in the manufacturing process. Inspections and
maintenance shall be carried out and recorded in accordance with the manufacturer’s written
procedures and the records retained for the period defined in the manufacturer's FPC procedures.
6.3.2.3 Raw materials and components
The specifications of all incoming raw materials
...