EN 1062-7:2004

Overview

EN 1062-7:2004 is a CEN (European Committee for Standardization) standard titled Paints and varnishes - Coating materials and coating systems for exterior masonry and concrete - Part 7: Determination of crack bridging properties. It specifies two test methods for assessing the crack-bridging performance of coating materials, coating systems and related products intended for exterior masonry and concrete. The standard also provides a classification of coatings according to their crack-bridging properties. Users are advised to read EN 1062-7 in conjunction with EN 1062-1 and prEN 1504-2.

Key topics

• Scope and applicability: Applies to coatings and coating systems for exterior masonry and concrete where crack-bridging is relevant.
• Two test methods: The standard defines two distinct methods to determine crack-bridging properties (the specific procedural parameters are contained in the standard text).
• Classification system: Provides a scheme to classify coatings by their crack-bridging capability, enabling comparison across products.
• Product and system level assessment: Covers both individual coating materials and complete coating systems or related products.
• Contractual note: States that the choice of the method for a particular product or system should be agreed upon by the interested parties.

Practical applications

EN 1062-7:2004 supports practical decision-making and quality assurance in contexts such as:

• Product development and R&D - Manufacturers use the standard to evaluate and improve crack-bridging performance during formulation and system design.
• Specification and procurement - Architects, specifiers and clients reference the classification to select coatings suited for substrates prone to cracking.
• Quality control and testing - Independent test laboratories apply the methods to verify manufacturer claims and support compliance testing.
• Contract administration - Contractors and project managers use the standard to define acceptance criteria for exterior masonry and concrete coatings in tenders and contracts.
• Durability assessment - Helps assess whether a coating system can bridge substrate movement or small cracks without loss of protective or aesthetic function.

Related standards

• EN 1062-1 - General classification and methods for exterior coatings on mineral substrates (read in conjunction).
• prEN 1504-2 - (Product standards for coatings used in surface protection of concrete) - referenced alongside EN 1062-7 when assessing concrete protection systems.

Using EN 1062-7:2004 helps stakeholders test, classify and specify coatings for improved performance on cracking substrates - an essential part of product specification, regulatory compliance and long-term asset protection.