Every kind of construction material used in the European Union requires a certification of safety that is depicted by the CE marking. Tile adhesives are also required to meet this safety norm to be declared fit according to British Standards.

Like all construction material such as tiles, bricks etc adhesives need to pass the safety test in order to be used in Europe. Included in this is metallic components, timber, adhesives for tiles, plastic water pipes and gypsum blocks. The BS EN 12004 is the minimum requirement that is needed in order for a tile adhesive to pass the test to conform. The properties stated in the new British Standard are perfect in comparison to the former British Standard BS 5980 as they are more descriptive. The classification separates the different kinds of adhesives according to their dispersion, performance and reactions to a series of tests.

The newly introduced tests are far more detailed as to what were carried out earlier for meeting safety standards. The newly formed safety tests also now have to take into consideration the following factors:- the ability to stretch, slipperiness, water resistance and the ability to withstand deformation. It is a requirement of manufacturers to declare that the proudct meets the basics of these outlined characteristics in order to prove the adhesive meets British Standards. The product will be marked by the manufacturer under a certain catergory that will instantly confirm that it is safe for use.

All CE marked adhesives may not necessarily conform to the compulsory prerequisites as stated in the directive for BS EN 12004. Having a CE marking only implies that it has passed the general standard that allows it to be sold in the European Union markets but it does not ensure full safety of the product as per the new British Standard. To be considered fit for BS EN 12004 standards adhesives have to have passed the following performance tests; heat ageing, freezing and thawing. These tests however, are not included in order to pass the CE certification. The durability of the product however needs to pass the Construction Products Directive.

Before you buy any product it is advisable to check the markings. Scrutinise the label thoroughly to see that it holds both the CE and the BS EN 12004 certification. Even if you find both the markings on the label go through the contents to ensure that the adhesive meets the heat ageing and freeze/thaw requirements. The adhesive will show signs if it contains this property, such as a no performance determined NPD sign. It may also have a N/mm2 value which is lower than 0.Durability is measured with 5N/mm2.

The manufacturer will set a classification rating, the CE and the BS EN 12004 marks which shows the public the product they are buying passes all the safety norms.

With these kind of checks in place the public can rest assured whether decorating the bathroom, with those gorgeous ceramic bathroom tiles or choosing a tile design for your kitchen, each product has had to pass the safety checks in place.