Overview
ISO 6927:2021 - Building and civil engineering sealants - Vocabulary is the international vocabulary for sealants used in above-ground exposed structures. The third edition (2021) defines technical terms for self‑levelling and gun‑grade (gunnable) sealants and related materials, procedures and properties. It standardizes language for manufacturers, specifiers, test laboratories and contractors to ensure consistent interpretation of product data, test reports and specifications.
Key topics
The standard organizes and defines terminology across these practical areas:
- Sealant classification
- Types: sealant, elastic vs plastic, one‑component vs multi‑component, solvent‑release, water‑borne, low‑modulus and high‑modulus (secant tensile modulus thresholds are specified at +23 °C and −20 °C).
- Application forms: self‑levelling, gun‑grade, non‑sag.
- Ancillary materials
- Definitions for primer, back‑up material, substrate, masking tape, cleaning agent, casting spacer, etc.
- Rheology and application
- Terms such as extrusion rate, extrudability, resistance to flow (non‑sag) and self‑levelling.
- Application/process terms: conditioning, pot life (working life), tooling, surface cure time, skin over time, cure, cure depth.
- Physical properties
- Movement capability, compatibility, elastic recovery, secant tensile modulus, elongation, shrinkage, indentation hardness, storage life, stringiness, etc.
- Failure and durability
- Failure modes: adhesive, cohesive, thin‑film cohesive (boundary).
- Durability and aesthetics terms including sealant durability and service life.
Normative and reference documents cited include ISO 11600 (classification and requirements for sealants) and measurement guidance such as ISO 7389 for elastic recovery.
Applications and users
ISO 6927:2021 is essential for:
- Manufacturers preparing product datasheets and performance claims
- Specifiers and architects writing consistent jointing requirements
- Contractors and applicators for correct product selection and instruction interpretation
- Test laboratories and certification bodies producing unambiguous reports
- Procurement, quality assurance and regulatory bodies ensuring compliance
Using standardized vocabulary improves clarity in contracts, testing, R&D, and cross‑border trade of building and civil engineering sealants.
Related standards
- ISO 11600 - Jointing products: classification and requirements for sealants (normative reference)
- ISO 7389 - referenced for elastic recovery measurement
- ISO/IEC Directives - procedures for standard development and maintenance
Keywords: ISO 6927:2021, building and civil engineering sealants, vocabulary, sealant terminology, self‑levelling sealant, gun‑grade sealant, sealant properties, movement capability, ISO 11600.