Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of freeze-thaw resistance (ISO 16546:2020)

This document specifies the equipment and test method for determining the effects of successive cycling from dry conditions at −20 °C to wet conditions at 20 °C on the mechanical properties and moisture content of thermal insulating products.
This document is intended to simulate the freeze?thaw effects on thermal insulating products which are frequently exposed to water and low temperature conditions, e.g. inverted roofs and unprotected ground insulation.

Wärmedämmstoffe für das Bauwesen - Bestimmung des Verhaltens bei Frost-Tau-Wechselbeanspruchung (ISO 16546:2020)

Dieses Dokument legt die Prüfeinrichtungen und das Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung der Auswirkungen zyklisch aufeinanderfolgender trockener Umgebungsbedingungen bei -20 °C und feuchter Umgebungs¬bedingungen bei 20 °C auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften und den Feuchtegehalt von Wärmedämmstoffen fest.
Zweck dieses Dokuments ist die Simulation der Auswirkungen von Frost-Tau-Wechselbeanspruchungen auf Wärmedämmstoffe, die häufig Wasser und niedrigen Temperaturen ausgesetzt werden, wie z. B. im „Umkehrdach“ und bei der ungeschützten Wärmedämmung zum Erdreich.

Produits isolants thermiques destinés aux applications du bâtiment - Détermination de la résistance aux effets du gel-dégel (ISO 16546:2020)

Le présent document spécifie l'équipement et la méthode d'essai permettant de déterminer les effets sur les propriétés mécaniques et la teneur en eau du produit de cycles successifs entre des conditions sèches à −20 °C et des conditions humides à 20 °C. Il s'applique aux produits isolants thermiques.
L'objet du présent document est la simulation des effets du gel-dégel sur les produits isolants thermiques fréquemment exposés à l'eau et à de basses températures, par exemple, en toiture inversée ou en isolation au contact direct de la terre.

Toplotnoizolacijski proizvodi za uporabo v gradbeništvu - Ugotavljanje odpornosti proti ponavljajočemu zamrzovanju in taljenju (ISO 16546:2020)

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
07-Jul-2020
Withdrawal Date
30-Jan-2021
Current Stage
6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
Start Date
08-Jul-2020
Completion Date
08-Jul-2020

Relations

Effective Date
21-Feb-2024

Overview

EN ISO 16546:2020 (ISO 16546:2020) specifies a standardized, automatic test method for determining the freeze‑thaw resistance of thermal insulating products for building applications. The procedure simulates repeated cycling from dry conditions at −20 °C (freezing in air) to wet conditions at 20 °C (thawing in water) to measure changes in water absorption and compression behaviour after 300 successive cycles. This European adoption by CEN ensures harmonized assessment for products commonly exposed to water and low temperatures (e.g., inverted roofs, unprotected ground insulation).

Key topics and requirements

  • Test principle: Continuous automatic freeze–thaw cycling between −20 °C (air) and 20 °C (water) to replicate real exposure conditions.
  • Performance metrics: Change in mass (water absorption) and change in compression strength or stress (compression behaviour) quantify freeze‑thaw resistance.
  • Number of cycles: 300 successive freeze‑thaw cycles.
  • Long‑term water absorption link: Testing is performed in conjunction with either ISO 16536 (water absorption by diffusion) or ISO 16535 (long‑term absorption by immersion); the choice depends on the product application.
  • Specimens: Set A specimens (used for water absorption) and derived compression test sets B1/B2. Specimen thickness equals original product thickness; typical sizes are 500 × 500 mm or 200 × 200 mm depending on the absorption method.
  • Apparatus: Cold chamber (−20 ± 2 °C), water tank (20 ± 2 °C) with specimen holder, accurate balance (0.1 g), and compression testing machine per ISO 29469.
  • Conditioning: Standard conditioning at (23 ± 5) °C (or (23 ± 2) °C and 50 ± 5 % RH in disputes); alternative tropical conditioning at (27 ± 5) °C and 65 ± 5 % RH must be reported.
  • Automation: The current edition requires the test to be performed by an automatic process.

Practical applications and users

  • Manufacturers: Validate product durability and support performance declarations for insulation boards, panels, and loose fills used in wet/low‑temperature exposures.
  • Test laboratories: Implement standardized freeze‑thaw protocols for quality control and certification testing.
  • Specifiers and designers: Select insulation materials suitable for inverted roofs, below‑grade insulation, terraces, and other assemblies where water ingress and freezing are expected.
  • Regulators and certification bodies: Use results to verify compliance with product standards and building regulations.

Related standards

  • ISO 16536 - Water absorption by diffusion (linked method)
  • ISO 16535 - Long‑term water absorption by immersion (linked method)
  • ISO 29469 - Determination of compression behaviour (used for compression testing)

EN ISO 16546:2020 provides a consistent, reproducible framework to assess how thermal insulating products withstand freeze–thaw cycling - essential for specifying durable insulation in cold, wet building environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

EN ISO 16546:2020 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of freeze-thaw resistance (ISO 16546:2020)". This standard covers: This document specifies the equipment and test method for determining the effects of successive cycling from dry conditions at −20 °C to wet conditions at 20 °C on the mechanical properties and moisture content of thermal insulating products. This document is intended to simulate the freeze?thaw effects on thermal insulating products which are frequently exposed to water and low temperature conditions, e.g. inverted roofs and unprotected ground insulation.

This document specifies the equipment and test method for determining the effects of successive cycling from dry conditions at −20 °C to wet conditions at 20 °C on the mechanical properties and moisture content of thermal insulating products. This document is intended to simulate the freeze?thaw effects on thermal insulating products which are frequently exposed to water and low temperature conditions, e.g. inverted roofs and unprotected ground insulation.

EN ISO 16546:2020 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN ISO 16546:2020 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12091:2013. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN ISO 16546:2020 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-oktober-2020
Toplotnoizolacijski proizvodi za uporabo v gradbeništvu - Ugotavljanje odpornosti
proti ponavljajočemu zamrzovanju in taljenju (ISO 16546:2020)
Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of freeze-thaw
resistance (ISO 16546:2020)
Wärmedämmstoffe für das Bauwesen - Bestimmung des Verhaltens bei Frost-Tau-
Wechselbeanspruchung (ISO 16546:2020)
Produits isolants thermiques destinés aux applications du bâtiment - Détermination de la
résistance aux effets du gel-dégel (ISO 16546:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 16546:2020
ICS:
91.100.60 Materiali za toplotno in Thermal and sound insulating
zvočno izolacijo materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 16546
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.100.60
English Version
Thermal insulating products for building applications -
Determination of freeze-thaw resistance (ISO 16546:2020)
Produits isolants thermiques destinés aux applications Wärmedämmstoffe für das Bauwesen - Bestimmung
du bâtiment - Détermination de la résistance aux effets des Verhaltens bei Frost-Tau-Wechselbeanspruchung
du gel-dégel (ISO 16546:2020) (ISO 16546:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 June 2020.

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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 16546:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 16546:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 163 "Thermal
performance and energy use in the built environment" in collaboration with Technical Committee
CEN/TC 88 “Thermal insulating materials and products” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2021, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2021.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 16546:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 16546:2020 without any modification.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16546
Second edition
2020-06
Thermal insulating products
for building applications —
Determination of freeze-thaw
resistance
Produits isolants thermiques destinés aux applications du bâtiment —
Détermination de la résistance aux effets du gel-dégel
Reference number
ISO 16546:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 16546:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 16546:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
6 Test specimens. 2
6.1 General . 2
6.2 Dimensions of test specimens . 2
6.3 Number of test specimens . 2
6.4 Preparation of test specimens . 2
6.5 Conditioning of test specimens . 3
7 Procedure. 3
7.1 General . 3
7.2 Preliminary tests . 3
7.3 Water absorption frost thaw cycling . 4
7.4 Compression behaviour . 4
7.5 Interruption of the procedure . 4
8 Calculation and expression of results . 5
8.1 Water absorption . 5
8.2 Changes in the compression behaviour. 6
9 Test report . 6
ISO 16546:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee Committee ISO/TC 163, Thermal performance and
energy use in the built environment, Subcommittee SC 1, Test and measurement methods, in collaboration
with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 88, Thermal
insulating materials and products, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between
ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 16546:2012), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— Revision of Clause
...

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