FprEN 13409
(Main)Adhesives - Test method for cementitious and calciumsulfate-based floor levelling compounds - Determination of setting time
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies the measurement of setting time of a prepared cementitious or calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compound, after mixing with the liquid component, e.g. water.
This document applies to cementitious and calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compounds used for the preparation of subfloors to ensure the suitability of the substrate prior to the installation of floor coverings. By using the floor levelling compound, a homogeneous layer is built up on the load-bearing substrate, to ensure consistent absorbency, evenness and strength.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 17-Feb-2027
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 193 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 193/WG 4 - Building adhesives
- Current Stage
- 4599 - Dispatch of FV draft to CMC - Finalization for Vote
- Start Date
- 26-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 16-Feb-2026
- Completion Date
- 26-Aug-2026
Overview
FprEN 13409 is a harmonized European standard developed by CEN, detailing the test method for determining the setting time of cementitious and calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compounds. These materials are widely used for substrate preparation prior to the installation of floor coverings. The standard outlines the procedure for accurate measurement of setting time, an essential quality parameter for floor levelling compounds, which ensures the formation of a homogeneous, strong, and even surface layer.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: The standard is applicable to both cementitious and calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compounds when mixed with a liquid component, typically water. It focuses on prepared subfloors that will receive coverings such as vinyl, carpet, laminate, or tiles.
- Purpose of Setting Time Measurement: Determining the precise setting time ensures that the floor compound achieves proper strength, evenness, and absorbency before floor finishing work commences.
- Test Methodology: Utilizing a needle penetration technique (commonly the Vicat apparatus), this method monitors the transition of the compound from a plastic to a solid state according to standardized conditions.
- Environmental Control: The testing environment must be controlled for temperature and humidity, as these factors affect chemical reactions and setting behavior.
- Reporting Requirements: The results must be thoroughly documented, including references to this standard, batch details, mix proportions, procedure, and observed setting times.
Applications
- Construction and Renovation: Contractors, flooring specialists, and manufacturers use this standard to verify the usability and timing of floor levelling compounds, minimizing risks such as premature installation of floor coverings.
- Quality Control: Manufacturers rely on the procedure to consistently produce compounds that meet prescribed setting time benchmarks, ensuring reliable performance across different environments.
- Product Development: R&D teams use setting time data to enhance the formulation of new levelling compounds, aiming for optimal workability and turnaround times on site.
- Compliance and Certification: Clients and regulatory agencies reference this standard when inspecting finished subfloors, ensuring that all floorcovering installations are based on properly set substrates.
Related Standards
- EN 196-3 – Methods of testing cement - Determination of setting time and soundness. This is a referenced methodology for needle penetration testing.
- EN 923 – Adhesives - Terms and definitions. For unified terminology across adhesive and floor preparation standards.
- prEN 1937:2026 – Test method for standard mixing procedures of floor levelling compounds. Critical for ensuring test consistency.
- ISO 554 – Specifications for standard atmospheres used in conditioning and testing. Ensures uniform environmental conditions for accurate results.
Practical Value
Adhering to FprEN 13409 allows stakeholders in the construction and flooring industries to:
- Ensure Proper Substrate Preparation: Only install floor coverings on thoroughly set, levelled surfaces, preventing costly failures or callbacks.
- Standardize Test Results: Facilitate consistent product comparison and regulatory compliance across Europe by using a unified test method.
- Enhance Safety and Reliability: Lower the risk of subfloor defects by confirming the performance of floor levelling compounds before final surface applications.
By integrating this standard into quality management systems and project specifications, manufacturers and professionals increase the durability and reliability of floor installations, supporting both client satisfaction and industry best practices.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 08-May-2024
Get Certified
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DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 13409 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Adhesives - Test method for cementitious and calciumsulfate-based floor levelling compounds - Determination of setting time". This standard covers: This document specifies the measurement of setting time of a prepared cementitious or calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compound, after mixing with the liquid component, e.g. water. This document applies to cementitious and calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compounds used for the preparation of subfloors to ensure the suitability of the substrate prior to the installation of floor coverings. By using the floor levelling compound, a homogeneous layer is built up on the load-bearing substrate, to ensure consistent absorbency, evenness and strength.
This document specifies the measurement of setting time of a prepared cementitious or calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compound, after mixing with the liquid component, e.g. water. This document applies to cementitious and calcium sulfate-based floor levelling compounds used for the preparation of subfloors to ensure the suitability of the substrate prior to the installation of floor coverings. By using the floor levelling compound, a homogeneous layer is built up on the load-bearing substrate, to ensure consistent absorbency, evenness and strength.
FprEN 13409 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.99 - Other construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprEN 13409 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 13409:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
FprEN 13409 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Lepila - Preskusna metoda za cementne in kalcijsulfatne izravnalne mase za tla -
Ugotavljanje strjevalnega časa
Adhesives - Test method for cementitious and calciumsulfate-based floor levelling
compounds - Determination of setting time
Klebstoffe - Prüfverfahren für zement- und calciumsulfatbasierte Bodenspachtelmassen -
Bestimmung der Abbindezeit
Adhésifs - Méthode d’essai pour les mortiers de nivellement à base de ciment et de
sulfate de calcium - Détermination du temps de prise
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13409
ICS:
91.100.99 Drugi gradbeni materiali Other construction materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 13409
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2026
ICS 91.100.99 Will supersede EN 13409:2002
English Version
Adhesives - Test method for cementitious and
calciumsulfate-based floor levelling compounds -
Determination of setting time
Adhésifs - Méthode d'essai pour les mortiers de Klebstoffe - Prüfverfahren für zement- und
nivellement à base de ciment et de sulfate de calcium - calciumsulfatbasierte Bodenspachtelmassen -
Détermination du temps de prise Bestimmung der Abbindezeit
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 193.
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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye 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
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13409:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
prEN 13409:2026 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle . 5
5 Standard test conditions . 5
6 Apparatus and materials . 6
7 Procedure . 6
7.1 Calibration . 6
7.2 Determination of initial setting time . 6
7.3 Determination of final setting time . 7
8 Expression of results . 8
9 Test report . 8
prEN 13409:2026 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 13409:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 193 “Adhesives”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNE.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13409:2002.
prEN 13409:2026 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 13409:2002:
— term “hydraulic setting floor smoothing and/or levelling compounds” changed to “cementitious and
calciumsulfate-based floor levelling compounds”;
— concretisation of the scope;
— editorial changes.
prEN 13409:2026 (E)
Introduction
Persons using this document are to be familiar with normal laboratory practice.
This document does not purport to address all the safety problems, if any, associated with its use.
It is the responsibility of the user to establish health and safety practices and to ensure compliance with
any European and national regulatory conditions.
prEN 13409:2026 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the measurement of setting time of a prepared cementitious or calcium sulfate-
based floor levelling compound, after mixing with the liquid compon
...