Standards Development

Scope

This proposed International Standard specifies test methods and performance requirements for polymeric foam core substrate boards used beneath ceramic tile finishes.

It applies to boards with: 

• Foam cores such as XPS, EPS, PU, or similar;

• Cementitious, mineral, or polymer modified facings and thermoplastic-based plastic sheets;

• Intended application as tile backer boards, wet area construction panels, or substrates for bonded waterproofing systems.

Excluded:

• Products used solely as thermal insulation;

• Boards without facers;

• Panels not intended to receive ceramic tile finishes;

• Non foam core board products.

Purpose

Foam core boards are widely used as lightweight, waterproof substrates in tile installations.

However:

• No ISO standard exists specific to tile applications.

There is, however, a European testing and evaluation procedure EAD 030437-00-0503.

• Existing standards address insulation, not tile system performance.

• Manufacturers use inconsistent or proprietary tests.

• Designers, installers, and regulators lack harmonised criteria.

• Failures can occur due to substrate deflection, moisture movement, or incompatible surface conditions.

An ISO standard is required to:

• Provide unified international test methods

• Ensure consistent quality and performance

• Support reliable and durable tile installations

• Improve transparency for specifiers

• Align with ISO/TC 189’s system based approach (e.g., ISO 13007, ISO 14448)

ISO/TC 189 is the correct committee because the product functions as a tile installation substrate and directly impacts the performance of ceramic tile systems.