Overview
ISO 7361:1986 defines how to present performance levels for building facades made from prefabricated, same‑source components. It does not set numerical performance requirements; instead it specifies the types of performance, their modes of expression (units and classes) and the information that suppliers should give in product catalogues so designers can select a facade assembly that meets the project’s overall performance needs.
This International Standard applies to complete façades formed by components supplied as a system by one supplier. It excludes components supplied by different manufacturers, internal decorative finishes and specific door/window opening mechanisms.
Key topics
ISO 7361 lays out the principal performance categories and how they should be presented:
- Structural stability
- Self‑supporting height, ability to carry suspended loads, resistance to wind pressure (Pascals), permitted deformation (millimetres).
- Fire safety
- Reaction to fire (classes), and fire resistance expressed as time intervals (hours / submultiples), with reference to ISO 834 test criteria.
- Resistance to intrusion and impact
- Impact energy thresholds (joules) and intrusion resistance classes.
- Resistance to humidity
- Watertightness (pressure limits), propensity for interstitial condensation, vapour permeability categories and test/ calculation methods.
- Thermal performance
- Air permeability (air leakage per unit area at reference pressure), thermal resistance (m²·K·W⁻¹), and solar transmission/solar factor for glazed parts.
- Air purity and emissions
- Emission of odours, vapours, aerosols and particulate sources from materials.
- Acoustics
- Airborne sound insulation, flanking transmission, and rainfall/ hail noise levels (decibels) with reference to ISO 14013 / ISO 140/5 / ISO 354.
- Durability, appearance, tactile qualities, equipment and erection/handling
- Information on expected durability, maintenance loads and installation handling.
Where appropriate ISO 7361 references existing or developing test methods (e.g., ISO 7895 wind tests, ISO 7897 impact tests, ISO 834 fire tests). Many determinations are by calculation or laboratory/field test; the standard emphasizes clear presentation rather than prescribing values.
Applications and users
ISO 7361 is useful for:
- Facade system manufacturers preparing product catalogues and performance declarations.
- Architects and building designers selecting prefabricated façade systems to meet project performance objectives.
- Specifiers and procurement teams comparing same‑source façade options.
- Contractors and façade installers who need clear performance data for design compliance and installation planning.
- Regulators and building authorities seeking consistent presentation of façade performance (note: local regulations may set required values).
Related standards
- ISO 7895 - Facades: resistance to static air pressure (wind)
- ISO 7897 - Facades: impact resistance
- ISO 834 - Fire‑resistance tests
- ISO 14013 / ISO 140/5 / ISO 354 - Acoustic measurement standards
- ISO 4356 - Time interval expression (referenced for fire resistance timings)
Keywords: ISO 7361, facade performance, prefabricated components, watertightness, thermal resistance, air permeability, acoustic insulation, fire resistance, façade specifications.