TS EN 13967

TS EN 13967 is a standard in the family of flexible waterproofing sheets, dealing with plastic and rubber damp proof sheets and the plastic/rubber sheets used for basement tanking. In practical building terms, this subject matters wherever moisture migration, ground dampness, or water ingress can affect below-ground construction elements. The standard is centered on how these products are identified and characterized, while this description provides the general technical context around the subject.

What damp proof sheets do in building construction

Plastic and rubber damp proof sheets are continuous membrane materials used to restrict moisture transmission. From a general technical perspective, their value lies in flexibility, the ability to maintain continuity across joints, and their capacity to adapt to irregular substrates and detailing. In below-ground construction, these membranes are commonly associated with foundations, basement walls and floor interfaces, where the combination of soil contact, hydrostatic pressure and structural movement can make moisture control more demanding. “Basement tanking” refers to enclosing the below-ground part of a structure with a protective barrier intended to limit water and damp penetration.

Why terminology and characteristics matter

The title shows that this standard is about definitions and characteristics rather than a prescriptive installation guide. That makes product designation especially important: users need to understand what category a sheet belongs to, what basic properties define it, and how it differs from other waterproofing products. In building applications, a basement membrane may face different stresses from a general damp proof layer, so the correct identification of material type and intended use is essential for technical selection.

In general technical context, relevant concepts include flexibility, continuity of the membrane, joint treatment, compatibility with adjacent materials and long-term resistance in service. The standard name indicates that plastic and rubber-based sheets are the focus, which is important because these materials are often chosen for their balance of adaptability and barrier function. For basement tanking, the membrane is only one part of the system; detailing, substrate preparation and continuity at transitions are equally important in practice.