SIST EN 1026:2016

Overview

EN 1026:2016 (CEN) specifies a laboratory test method for air permeability of completely assembled windows and doors (any material) when subjected to positive and negative test pressures. The method is intended to represent in-use conditions when products are installed per the manufacturer’s specification and relevant European standards and codes of practice. The standard excludes the joints between the window/doorset frame and the building construction.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: apply defined sequences of positive and negative test pressures and measure air flow (air leakage) through opening joints and seals.
• Test apparatus: airtight test chamber with an open face sized for the specimen, controlled pressure generation, rapid pressure pulses, and flow and pressure measurement instruments.
• Instrument accuracy: flow-measuring device accuracy ±5% for flows >1 m3/h and ±0.05 m3/h for flows ≤1 m3/h; pressure measurement ±5%.
• Test pressures and pulses:
  • Pressure steps: 50 Pa increments up to 300 Pa; 150 Pa increments above 300 Pa.
  • Pre-test pulses: three pulses at 10% above maximum test pressure or a set minimum (500 Pa for windows/external doorsets; 150 Pa for internal doorsets).
• Specimen preparation and conditioning:
  • Condition specimen for at least 4 hours at 10–30 °C and 25–75% RH.
  • Operable parts cycled open/closed at least once, then set to the tested closing condition (closed, latched, or locked as defined).
  • Ventilation devices taped unless being measured.
• Test chamber correction:
  • If chamber air permeability is <5% of the maximum permitted classification flow it may be assumed zero; otherwise measure and subtract chamber leakage. Chamber leakage must not exceed 30% of the combined leakage.
• Results and units:
  • Airflow reported as m3/h and normalized to reference conditions.
  • Results expressed per unit joint length (m3/(h·m)) and per overall area (m3/(h·m2)), recorded to two significant figures.
• Test report essentials: reference to EN 1026:2016, test lab, date, specimen ID and drawings, material/fixtures, closing condition, test method and climate, measurement uncertainty, and measured results.

Applications and users

• Who uses EN 1026:2016: window and doorset manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, certification bodies, architects, specifiers, quality control and R&D teams, and construction compliance officers.
• Practical uses:
  • Demonstrating product performance for design, certification and regulatory compliance.
  • Comparing air leakage across product lines or design revisions.
  • Supporting building energy efficiency, indoor air quality and comfort assessments.
  • Input for product classification and procurement specifications.

Related standards

• EN 1026:2016 is intended to be used alongside relevant European standards and codes of practice that define installation requirements, classification systems and performance criteria for windows and doors (see manufacturer guidance and national implementations).