TS EN 13969

TS EN 13969 is a standard for bituminous flexible sheets used in damp proofing and below-ground waterproofing in buildings. It covers the definitions and characteristics of bituminous damp proof sheets, including sheets used for basement tanking applications and storage-related basement uses. In practical terms, it provides a technical framework for understanding which products belong to this family and how their essential characteristics are described.

What bitumen damp proof sheets are

Bituminous flexible sheets are layered building products designed to form a barrier against moisture and water. Bitumen provides the water-resistant binder, while the carrier or reinforcement layer contributes tensile strength, dimensional stability and handling flexibility during installation. These sheets are commonly used on foundations, basement walls, below-ground structures and other parts of a building in contact with soil. Damp proofing and waterproofing are related but not identical concepts: damp proofing addresses moisture control under less severe conditions, while waterproofing is intended for more demanding exposure to water.

The technical role of the standard

This standard establishes a common technical vocabulary for identifying the product family and describing its characteristics. That shared terminology helps manufacturers, designers and installers refer to the same type of material with the same technical meaning. In broader technical context, standards of this kind support comparison of properties such as dimensional features, mechanical behaviour, watertightness performance, ageing behaviour and other physical characteristics relevant to installation and service life. Based on the title and scope alone, the document is focused on definitions and characteristics for this product group rather than on a complete, stand-alone specification for every possible installation detail.

• Creates common terminology for bituminous sheets used in basements and below-ground construction.
• Clarifies the use context for damp proofing versus below-ground waterproofing.
• Supports comparable description of product characteristics across suppliers and projects.
• Helps explain the technical identity of flexible bituminous sheets with carrier layers.