Waterproof Test

Sometimes, as a consumer, you may be confused about the water-resistant and waterproof features of your apparel and footwear. Simply say, waterproof is a higher level of water-resistant performance that blocks water from wetting your skin under the protection of the clothing while water-resistant is the ability to resist the penetration of water to some extent but it is not entirely waterproof.

In the demanding active sportswear market, waterproof breathable textiles are becoming more popular. According to Grand View Research, the Global Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market will reach US$2.31 billion by 2024.  Various active sportswear applications, government support for research on waterproof breathable textiles, and high commercial standards are opening a gateway of opportunities in the global textile market.

 

How can you add value to your products by providing evidence of good waterproof features?

  

• Provide evidence for the waterproofing feature that differentiates the quality level from water resistance
• Demonstrate comfort and protective wearing experience preventing wetting out in cold weather
• Demonstrate the durability enhancement of product

 

 

Intertek Hong Kong supports waterproof testing in hydrostatic pressure tests for clients with various requirements using different methods. The methods for Hydrostatic Pressure Test are:

 

• AATCC 127/ISO 811/ JIS L1092 Method A

• ASTM D751 procedure A (Mullen type tester)

• AS 1066 method 2(replaced by AS 2001.2.16 -18)

• BS 3424 part 26, method 29A - static pressure

• BS EN ISO 20811

• JIS L1092 Method A

• JIS L1092 Method B

• CAN/CGSB-4.2 NO./N° 26.3-M88

• CNS 10460 L3201

• GB/T 4744

• ISO 1420

• KS K 0591

• KS K ISO 0811

 

 

   

What is the difference between waterproof, water resistance and water repellency of textiles and footwear?

   

• Water-repellent feature means the product is not easily penetrated by water, which is usually treated with a surface coating making it hydrophobic.
• Water-resistant feature is the ability to resist the penetration of water to some extent but it is not entirely waterproof. It is the capability of product to withstand the average hand-washing or light rain shower.
• Waterproof feature means the product is capable to be impervious to water even under heavy rain so that no water gets inside.