BRITISH STANDARD |

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636-3 : 1997
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Plywood Ð |
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Specifications |
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Part 3. Requirements for plywood for use |
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in exterior conditions |
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The European Standard EN 636-3 : 1996 has the status of a |
British Standard |
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ICS 79.060.10 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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BS EN 636-3 : 1997

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee
B/541, Wood-based panels, upon which the following bodies were represented:

APA (Engineered Wood Association)

Association of British Plywood and Veneer Manufacturers
British Woodworking Federation
Chartered Institute of Building
Co-ordinator for Timber and Timber Products
Council of the Forest Industries of British Columbia
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Finnish Plywood International
Flat Roofing Contractors' Advisory Board
Forestry Commission
Furniture Industry Research Association
Institution of Structural Engineers
Local Authority Organizations
Mineral Bonded Board Products Federation
National Federation of Roofing Contractors
National House-building Council
National Panel Products Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
Structural Board Association
Timber Research and Development Association
Timber Trade Federation
Wood Panel Industries Federation
Zurich Municipal Building Guarantee

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board for
Building and Civil Engineering,
was published under the
authority of the Standards Board
and comes into effect on
15 September 1997

 BSI 1997
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Text affected

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/541
Draft for comment 92/11491 DC

ISBN 0 580 27938 3

 BS EN 636-3 : 1997

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 636-3 3

 BSI 1997 i
BS EN 636-3 : 1997

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee B/541 and is the
English language version of EN 636-3 : 1996 Plywood Ð Specifications Ð Part 3:
Requirements for plywood for use in exterior conditions, published by the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN).
EN 636-3 was produced as a result of international discussions in which the United
Kingdom took an active part.
BS EN 636-1, BS EN 636-2 and BS EN 636-3 contain requirements which have no direct
relationship with those in BS 6566 : Parts 4, 7 and 8 : 1985. Parts 1 to 8 inclusive of
BS 6566 will be withdrawn in accordance with CEN provisions within six months of
completion of the full package of European Standards covering plywood and related
test methods. These standards are:

EN 310 EN 315 EN 325 EN 636-2

EN 313-1 EN 322 EN 635-1 EN 636-3
EN 313-2 EN 323 EN 635-2 EN 1072
EN 314-1 EN 324-1 EN 635-3 EN 1084
EN 314-2 EN 324-2 EN 636-1

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 310 : 1993 BS EN 310 : 1993 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
BS EN 314 Plywood Ð Bonding quality
EN 314-1 : 1993 Part 1 : 1993 Test methods
EN 314-2 : 1993 Part 2 : 1993 Requirements
EN 315 : 1993 BS EN 315 : 1993 Plywood Ð Tolerances for dimensions
EN 323 : 1992 BS EN 323 : 1993 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
density
BS EN 324 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
dimensions of boards
EN 324-1 : 1993 Part 1 : 1993 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
dimensions of boards Ð Determination of thickness, width
and length
EN 324-2 : 1993 Part 2 : 1993 Determination of squareness and edge
straightness
EN 335-3 : 1995 BS EN 335 Hazard classes of wood and wood-based products
against biological attack
Part 3: 1996 Application to wood-based panels
EN 717-2 : 1994 BS EN 717 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
formaldehyde release
Part 2 : 1995 Formaldehyde release by the gas analysis
method
EN 1058 : 1995 BS EN 1058 : 1996 Wood-based panels Ð Determination of
characteristic values of mechanical properties and density
EN 1072 : 1995 BS EN 1072 : 1995 Plywood Ð Description of bending
properties for structural plywood
EN 1084 : 1995 BS EN 1084 : 1995 Plywood Ð Formaldehyde release classes
determined by the gas analysis method

The following standards are referred to informatively in annex A of EN 636-3:

EN 318 : 1993 BS EN 318 : 1993 Fibreboards Ð Determination of

dimensional changes associated with changes in relative
humidity
EN 320 : 1993 BS EN 320 : 1993 Fibreboards Ð Determination of resistance
to axial withdrawal of screws
EN 594 : 1995 BS EN 594 : 1996 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð
Racking strength and stiffness of timber frame wall panels

ii  BSI 1997
 BS EN 636-3 : 1997

EN 596 : 1995 BS EN 596 : 1995 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð Soft

body impact test of timber framed walls
BS EN 635 Plywood Ð Classification by surface appearance
EN 635-1 : 1995 Part 1 : 1995 General
EN 635-2 : 1995 Part 2 : 1995 Hardwood
EN 635-3 : 1995 Part 3 : 1995 Softwood
EN 789 : 1995 BS EN 789 : 1996 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð
Determination of mechanical properties of wood-based
panels
ENV 635-4 : 1996 DD ENV 635 Plywood Ð Classification by surface
appearance
Part 4 : 1997 Parameters of ability for finishing Ð Guideline

Standards mentioned in the text which are prefixed by `pr' are in preparation, but are
available as European prestandards.
The draft standards identified by reference numbers [1] to [7] in annex B are now
available as European prestandards as follows:

[1] (WI 112.019) prEN 12869-1

[2] (WI 112.038) prEN 12869-2
[3] (WI 112.020) prEN 12870-1
[4] (WI 112.039) prEN 12870-2
[5] (WI 112.021) prEN 12871-1
[6] (WI 112.040) prEN 12871-2
[7] (WI 112.067) prEN 12871-3

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv, the EN title
page, pages 2 to 6, an inside back cover and a back cover.

 BSI 1997 iii

blank
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 636-3
NORME EUROPEÂENNE
EUROPAÈISCHE NORM December 1996

ICS 79.060.10

Descriptors: Wooden board, plywood, exterior, specification, characteristics, quality control, marking

English version

Plywood Ð Specifications Ð
Part 3: Requirements for plywood for use in exterior conditions

Contreplaque РExigences Ð Sperrholz Ð Anforderungen Ð

Partie 3: Exigences pour contreplaque utilise Teil 3: Anforderungen an Sperrholz zur
en milieu exteÂrieur Verwendung im Auûenbereich

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1996-12-05. CEN members are
bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the
conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard
without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards
may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a
CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite EuropeÂen de Normalisation
EuropaÈisches Komitee fuÈr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

 1996 Copyright reserved to CEN members.

Ref. No. EN 636-3 : 1996 E
Page 2
EN 636-3 : 1996

Foreword Contents
This European Standard has been prepared by Working Page
Group 2, Plywood, of Technical Comittee CEN/TC 112,
Wood-based panels, the secretariat of which is held Foreword 2
by DIN. 1 Scope 3
This European Standard shall be given the status of a 2 Normative references 3
national standard, either by publication of an identical 3 Definition 3
text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 1997, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at 4 Requirements 3
the latest by June 1997. 5 Supplementary properties 3
This standard is one of a series of standards specifying 6 Verification of compliance 4
requirements for plywood. The other parts of this
7 Marking, identification and
series are listed in annex B.
documentation 4
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations,
the national standards organizations of the following Annex A (informative) Supplementary
countries are bound to implement this European properties 5
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Annex B (informative) Bibliography 6
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 BSI 1997
 Page 3
EN 636-3 : 1996

1 Scope 3 Definition
This European Standard specifies basic requirements For the purposes of this standard the following
for plywood for use in exterior conditions. definition applies.
Additional information on supplementary properties for plywood for use in exterior conditions
certain applications is also given. Plywood used in unprotected external applications, as
defined in hazard class 3 of EN 335-3. It is capable of
2 Normative references withstanding exposure to weathering conditions and
liquid water or water vapour in a damp but ventilated
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or location, where it can have a moisture content
undated reference, provisions from other publications. frequently above 20 %.
These normative references are cited at the
appropriate places in the text and the publications are
listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent 4 Requirements
amendments to or revisions of any of these
publications apply to this European Standard only 4.1 Tolerances on dimensions
when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For The tolerances on dimensions shall be as specified
undated references, the latest edition of the publication in EN 315.
referred to applies. 4.2 Bonding quality
EN 310 Wood-based panels Ð Determination The bonding quality shall comply with the
of modulus of elasticity in bending requirements of bonding class 3 of EN 314-2.
and of bending strength 4.3 Biological durability
EN 314-1 Plywood Ð Bonding quality Ð Plywood shall be appropriate for prevailing climatic
Part 1: Test methods conditions. The risk of attack is outlined in hazard
EN 314-2 Plywood Ð Bonding quality Ð class 3 of EN 335-3. Guidance on factors affecting
Part 2: Requirements durability and on precautionary measures which may
be considered necessary can be found in prENV 1099
EN 315 Plywood Ð Tolerances for dimensions and in EN 335-3.
EN 323 Wood-based panels Ð Determination
4.4 Mechanical characteristics
of density
EN 324-1 Wood-based panels Ð Determination 4.4.1 General
of dimensions of boards Ð The mechanical properties of plywood for use in
Part 1: Determination of thickness, exterior conditions shall be determined according to
width and length their application.
EN 324-2 Wood-based panels Ð Determination For structural application, refer to 4.4.2, and for
of dimensions of boards Ð non-structural application, refer to 4.4.3.
Part 2: Determination of squareness 4.4.2 Structural application
and edge straightness
The characteristic values of the mechanical properties
EN 335-3 Durability of wood and wood-based shall either be taken from prEN 12369 or shall be
products Ð Definition of hazard determined according to EN 1058.
classes of biological attack Ð
Part 3: Application to wood-based The bending properties shall be used to identify the
panels plywood in accordance with EN 1072.
EN 717-2 Wood-based panels Ð Determination 4.4.3 Non-structural application
of formaldehyde release Ð Bending properties may be determined on small test
Part 2: Formaldehyde release by the pieces in accordance with EN 310.
gas analysis method
4.5 Formaldehyde release
EN 1058 Wood-based panels Ð Determination
The formaldehyde release class, A, B or C, shall be
of characteristic values of mechanical
expressed as specified in EN 1084.
properties and density
EN 1072 Plywood Ð Description of bending
properties for structural plywood 5 Supplementary properties
EN 1084 Plywood Ð Formaldehyde release For certain applications, information on some
classes determined by the gas supplementary properties can be required. Some of
analysis method these supplementary properties are listed in table A.1.
On request, this information should be provided by the
prEN 12369 Wood-based panels Ð Characteristic supplier.
values for established products

 BSI 1997
Page 4
EN 636-3 : 1996

These properties shall be determined according to the 6.3 Internal control

European Standards listed in table A.1. If there is no Internal control shall be carried out according to a
European Standard available, the method used shall be statistical basis.1)
fully described in the test report.
The properties listed in table 1 shall be controlled
using at least the frequencies of testing given in table 1.
6 Verification of compliance Sampling shall be carried out at random. Alternative
test methods and/or unconditioned test pieces may be
6.1 General used if a valid correlation to the specified test methods
Verification of compliance with this European Standard can be proven (see prEN 326-21)). The frequencies of
shall be carried out using the test methods listed testing given in table 1 are related to production under
in table 1. statistical control.
6.2 External control If a given property does not meet the requirements,
External control of the factory, if any, shall be carried frequency shall be increased in accordance with
out according to a statistical basis.1) internal procedures in the mill or those specified by an
external inspection agency, if any.
Inspection of consignments, if any, shall be carried out
acording to a statistical basis.1)
In the case of formaldehyde release, however, for both 7 Marking, identification and
external control and inspection of a consignment of documentation
panels, the respective requirement set out in EN 1084 Panels which comply with this standard shall be
shall be met by the average value of at least three marked to provide the following information:
boards controlled. Additionally, no individual board is ± the name (or logo) or code of the manufacturer;
allowed to exceed an upper deviation of +10 %.
± the number of this European Standard, EN 636-3;
For bonding quality and initial inspection (see
prEN 326-2) in the factory, the size of the inspection lot ± the type of panel (trade mark);
shall be between 501 and 1200 panels with production ± the nominal thickness in millimetres;
dates (see NOTE). The size of the sample for test ± the formaldehyde release class;
purposes shall be 32 panels.
± the quality label and the certification body, if any.
NOTE. If a high level of reliability is proved by the internal
inspection records, the size of the initial sampling may be reduced NOTE 1. Further documents, if requested, will be provided by the
in agreement with the inspection agency. manufacturer.
NOTE 2. In the case of cut-size panels, where the first purchaser
is the user of the product and where he agrees that marking
(other than on the package) is unnecessary, the marking of such
individual panels in the package need not be undertaken.

Table 1. Minimum frequencies of testing for each factory

Property Test method Minimum frequency of testing
Dimensional tolerances EN 324-1, EN 324-2 One panel per 8 h or per shift
Bending properties EN 310
± non-structural panels Two panels per month, whatever the lay-up
± structural panels One panel per 1000 panels produced, but not more
than one per shift
Density EN 323 One panel per 1000 panels produced, but not more
± structural panels than one per shift
Bonding quality EN 314-1 One pair of glue-lines per every 2 000 pairs of
glue-lines produced, whatever the lay-up of the
panel, but not more than one per shift
Formaldehyde release EN 717-2 One panel per week1)
1) Where it can be proven that certain types of plywood have very little or no formaldehyde release, with respect to the limits specified
in EN 1084, then it is not necessary to carry out quality control tests for formaldehyde release with this frequency.

1) It is intended to apply prEN 326-2 and prEN 326-3 (which are currently in preparation) as a statistical basis, when they are
implemented.

 BSI 1997
 Page 5
EN 636-3 : 1996

Annex A (informative)
Supplementary properties
Table A.1 lists the main supplementary properties, together with the appropriate references.

Table A.1 Supplementary properties

Physical properties Test method Reference document
Dimensional changes EN 318

Classification by surface appearance EN 635-1

EN 635-2
EN 635-3

Ability for finishing ENV 635-4

Mechanical properties Test method Reference document
Tension properties EN 789 prEN 12369

Shear properties EN 789 prEN 12369

Compression properties EN 789 prEN 12369

Resistance to withdrawal of screws EN 320

Performance properties Test method Reference document (see annex B)
Flooring prEN 1195 [1] and [2]

Walling EN 594 and EN 596 [3] and [4]

Roofing [7] [5] and [6]

NOTE. For certain applications, information on additional properties not specified in table A.1 can be required. For instance, for the
determination of thermal conductivity and water vapour transmission properties, work is in progress in CEN/TC 89. Until this work is
completed, users should refer to national publications. These should also be consulted for information on the fire behaviour of
plywood.

 BSI 1997
Page 6
EN 636-3 : 1996

Annex B (informative) EN 636-1 Plywood Ð Specifications Ð

Part 1: Requirements for plywood for
Bibliography use in dry conditions
EN 318 Fibreboards Ð Determination of EN 636-2 Plywood Ð Specifications Ð
dimensional changes associated with Part 2: Requirements for plywood for
changes in relative humidity use in humid conditions
EN 320 Fibreboards Ð Determination of EN 789 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð
resistance to axial withdrawal of screws Determination of mechanical properties
of wood-based panels
EN 326-1 Wood-based panels Ð Sampling, cutting
and inspection Ð prENV 1099 Plywood Ð Guidance for the assessment
Part 1: Sampling and cutting of test of natural biological durability in
pieces and expression of test results different hazard classes2)
prEN 326-2 Wood-based panels Ð Sampling, cutting prEN 1195 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð
and inspection Ð The performance of structural floor
Part 2: Quality control in the factory2) decking2)
prEN 326-3 Wood-based panels Ð Sampling, cutting [1] Wood-based panels Ð Structural floor decking on
and inspection Ð joists Ð
Part 3: Inspection of a consignment of Part 1: Performance specifications (WI 112.019)2)
panels2) [2] Wood-based panels Ð Structural floor decking on
EN 594 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð joists Ð
Racking strength and stiffness of timber Part 2: Performance requirements (WI 112.038)2)
frame wall panels [3] Wood-based panels Ð Structural wall sheathing
EN 596 Timber structures Ð Test methods Ð on studs Ð
Soft body impact test of timber framed Part 1: Performance specifications (WI 112.020)2)
walls [4] Wood-based panels Ð Structural wall sheathing
EN 635-1 Plywood Ð Classification by surface on studs Ð
appearance Ð Part 2: Performance requirements (WI 112.039)2)
Part 1: General [5] Wood-based panels Ð Structural roof decking on
EN 635-2 Plywood Ð Classification by surface joists Ð
appearance Ð Part 1: Performance specifications (WI 112.021)2)
Part 2: Hardwood [6] Wood-based panels Ð Structural roof decking on
EN 635-3 Plywood Ð Classification by surface joists Ð
appearance Ð Part 2: Performance requirements (WI 112.040)2)
Part 3: Softwood [7] Wood-based panels Ð Structural roof decking on
ENV 635-4 Plywood Ð Classification by surface joists Ð
appearance Ð Part 3: Performance test method (WI 112.067)2)
Part 4: Parameters of ability for
finishing, guideline

2) At present at the draft stage.

 BSI 1997
 BS EN 636-3 : 1997

List of references

See national foreword.

 BSI 1997
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