The European standard “EN 13553 Flexible floor coverings - Polyvinyl chloride floor coverings for use in special wet areas - Technical specifications” describes the minimum additional features required for the following products:
These features are essential for the satisfactory installation of these products, creating a long-lasting and waterproof installation in particularly wet areas.
The EN 13553 standard defines two categories of PVC flexible flooring to ensure they perform reliably as waterproof installations in specific wet areas (e.g., commercial showers, pool sides, or industrial wet rooms): Category A and Category B. These categories are primarily distinguished by the type of substrate (floor surface) on which the flooring is installed:
This distinction helps specifiers and installers select the correct product to prevent water seepage under the flooring. This standard includes an informative appendix (Appendix B) providing guidance on selecting the appropriate category according to the substrate.
Products meeting the EN 13553 standard must undergo additional testing beyond the basic standards (e.g., waterproofing under Annex A), and the category is part of the product marking/declaration.
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 12466 apply. Furthermore, a dedicated wet area refers to an area where the floors are designed to remain wet frequently or continuously and are equipped with floor-mounted drainage systems (e.g., floor drains). Examples include bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and shower rooms without partition walls.
Products covered by this standard must comply with EN ISO 10581, EN ISO 10582, EN 651, or EN 13845 standards. Furthermore, floor coverings that meet the requirements of these standards are suitable for special wet areas if they also meet the additional requirements specified in the table entitled “Suitable products for special wet areas” within this standard. These requirements are based on: floor covering type, substrate type, nominal total thickness (mm), total thickness of compacted layers (mm), water penetration (days), weld seam strength when welded according to the manufacturer's instructions, flexibility, and waterproofness.
Floor coverings or packaging materials covered by this standard must, in addition to marking according to EN ISO 10581, EN ISO 10582, EN 651 or EN 13845 standards, also bear the following marking:
EN 13553 is a European standard that specifies requirements for flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring designed for use in specific wet areas. This standard ensures that certain PVC flooring can be laid in environments prone to frequent water exposure, creating a waterproof and durable installation. Specific wet areas typically include locations where water is regularly present on the floor and slip resistance and impermeability are critical, such as commercial kitchens, shower rooms, swimming pool surrounds, or industrial wet processing areas. This standard does not cover general PVC flooring, but adds minimum additional requirements on top of the basic standards to make it suitable for these demanding conditions.
The EN 13553 standard applies to PVC floor coverings in rolls that already comply with one of the following basic standards:
These are welded or sealed at the joints to create a continuous, impermeable surface that prevents water from penetrating underneath.
This standard focuses on the following characteristics required for wet area performance:
The EN 13553 standard defines two categories (A and B) depending on the substrate type (e.g., concrete or raised floors), allowing specifiers to select the appropriate product.
Compliance with the EN 13553 standard is frequently required for construction projects in Europe, particularly in commercial or public facilities subject to hygiene and safety regulations. It helps manufacturers certify their products for wet areas and enables architects and designers to ensure safe and long-lasting floor coverings. Products meeting this standard generally bear the CE mark under the construction products regulation.
This standard plays a key role in developing safe and reliable flooring solutions for damp environments across Europe.
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