TS EN 16572

TS EN 16572 is a glossary standard focused on the technical terminology used for mortars for masonry, renders and plasters in the conservation of cultural heritage. In practice, this kind of vocabulary standard helps everyone involved in heritage work use the same words and definitions for the same materials and interventions, which is especially important when descriptions must remain consistent across specifications, reports and conservation documentation.

Terminology in heritage mortars, renders and plasters

Masonry mortars are the binding mixes used to hold stone, brick and similar units together. Renders and plasters are related surface layers used to cover, level, protect or finish wall surfaces. In cultural heritage contexts, these terms carry additional practical weight because compatibility with historic fabric, surface behaviour and intervention language all matter. General technical context: clear terminology reduces ambiguity when selecting materials, describing work, or comparing conservation approaches.

What this standard provides

This European Standard sets out terminology for mortars used in the field of cultural heritage. It also notes that, alongside the terms used in the three official CEN languages—English, French and German—equivalent terms are provided in Dutch, Italian, Greek, Swedish and Spanish for information only. The standard is a glossary, not a test method or a product-performance specification; its purpose is to standardise understanding of the technical language itself.

• Official-language terms and definitions are the CEN terms and definitions.
• Equivalent terms in other languages are informative only.
• The scope covers mortars for masonry, renders and plasters in cultural heritage.
• Its value lies in consistent communication across conservation practice.