What do the abbreviations mean on a UKCA marking?

Abbreviation Meaning
F Facade (construction substrates, not including glass)
G Glazing (glass substrates)
XS Sanitary sealant with shrinkage less than or equal to 20% (ISO 10563)
S Sanitary sealant with shrinkage less than or equal to 55% (ISO 10563)
PW Pedestrian walkway
EXT Exterior
INT Interior
CC Cold climate (sealant which can be used at up to -30C after curing)
LM Low modulus (low force to stretch, more elastic)
HM High modulus (high force to stretch, less elastic)
E Elastic (elastic product, without specified modulus)
P Plastic (plastic product, without specified modulus)
25, 20, 12.5, 7.5 Movement capability is expressed as a percentage of the original joint dimension
1, 2, 3 Sanitary performance level (1 being the highest quality, 3 being the lowest)
Understanding UKCA Labels and what they mean

What is a UKCA Marking?

A UKCA Marking is a label confirming a product has been “UK Conformity Assessed”, a necessary requirement for sealants sold in England, Wales and Scotland.

Within the identification code section of a UKCA marking, you can find useful information about a sealant. For example, the product type, intended usage and maximum allowed distortion. This is explained using a series of abbreviations, for example: "F-EXT-INT" refers to joint sealants for facade elements, suitable for exterior and interior applications.

Understanding UKCA Labels on sealants - BS EN 15651-1

BS EN 15651-1 Sealants for façade elements (F)

Non-structural façade sealants that are used in building construction for exterior & interior application.

  • TYPE: F-INT
    Only for indoor use
     
  • TYPE: F-EXT-INT
    Indoor and outdoor use
     
  • TYPE: F-EXT-INT-CC
    Indoor and outdoor use; and suitable for use in cold climates.

As an additional identification code, with regard to the maximum total deformation, the elastic or plastic behaviour:

  • P (plastic), E (elastic) 7.5P, 12.5P, 12.5E
  • LM ( Low Modulus ), HM ( High Modulus ) 20LM, 20HM, 25LM, 25HM
     

EXAMPLE: F-EXT-INT-CC-25LM - Joint sealant for facade elements, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Can be used in cold climates. Low modulus sealant with maximum allowed distortion of 25%.

 

Understanding UKCA Labels on sealants - BS EN 15651-2

BS EN 15651-2 Sealants for glazing (G)

Non-structural, elastic joint sealants for sealing of glazing in buildings.
· Glass to glass
· Glass to frame
· Glass to porous substrates

  • TYPE: G
    Joint sealant for sealing glazing.
     
  • TYPE: G-CC
    Joint sealant for sealing of glazing; and suitable for use in cold climates. 

As an additional identification code, with regard to the elasticity and the movement range:

  • LM ( Low Modulus ), HM ( High Modulus ) 20LM, 20HM, 25LM, 25HM
     

EXAMPLE: G-CC-25LM - Joint sealant for sealing of glazing in buildings. Suitable for use in cold climates; Low modulus sealant with maximum allowed distortion of 25%.

 

Understanding UKCA Labels on sealants - BS EN 15651-3

BS EN 15651-3 Sealants for sanitary joints (S)

Sealants for joints inside buildings that are exposed to humidity.
· Bathrooms
· Toilets
· Showers
· Kitchens
 

  • TYPE: S1, S2, S3 
    Joint sealant for sanitary applications S1 to S3 differ according to the anti-fungal property of the sealant. The best resistance class is the S1, S3 the worst.
     
  • TYPE: X
    The suffix "X" refers to a low shrinkage of the sealant. Without the designation "X" the shrinkage is higher.
     

EXAMPLE: XS1 - Low shrinkage sanitary sealant with highest level anti-fungal resistance.

 

Understanding UKCA Labels on sealants - BS EN 15651-4

BS EN 15651-4 Sealants for pedestrian walkways (PW)

Cold applied, non-structural elastic sealants that are used both indoors and outdoors, for joints in floors.
· Floor joints in pedestrian walkways, public areas and areas subject to foot traffic.
· Expansion joints between concrete slabs. Such as in balconies, warehouses etc.

  • TYPE: PW-INT
    Only for indoor use
     
  • TYPE: PW-EXT-INT
    Indoor and outdoor use
     
  • TYPE: PW-EXT-INT-CC
    Indoor and outdoor use; and suitable for use in cold climates.

There are additional identification codes to define elasticity and range of movement:

  • LM ( Low Modulus ), HM ( High Modulus ) 20LM, 20HM, 25LM, 25HM
     

EXAMPLE: PW-EXT-INT-CC-25LM - Joint sealant for expansion joints in floors, suitable for indoor and outdoor use; and for use in cold climates; Low modulus sealant with maximum allowed distortion of 25%.

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