- 3rd Party Certification
- Window
Accreditations - Door
Accreditations - Energy Rating
- CE Markings
- Building Regs
Third Party Certification
Independent third party certification is the highest form of endorsement a product can achieve and is being increasingly specified by architects, contractors, local authorities, facilities managers and procurement managers.
The benefits of specifying independent third party certification:
- Consistency of product quality at all times
- Independent verification of product quality
- Ensures the product is fit for its intended purpose
- Ensures the product is safe to use
- Mitigates against the risk of product failure
- A commercially sound investment
BM TRADA Q Mark
Why specify BM TRADA Q-Mark certification?
- One of the UK’s leading providers of independent third party certification
- A recognised and widely accepted quality standard
- Independently accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
- Experts in the field of doors, windows, glass and fire resistant products
- Rigorous eligibility and on-going membership criteria
- Audits conducted by full-time customer specific auditors with a manufacturing background
- Consistency in auditing procedures across multiple manufacturing sites
- Regular factory audits conducted to ensure consistency in product manufacture
- Regular sample testing to ensure consistency in product quality
- Continuous review process to ensure scheme operates to highest standards
To attain third party certification, a manufacturer and their product will have to undergo a rigorous audit and testing process, ensuring that they have documented product specifications, installation instructions, and a factory production control system, all of which integrate with an approved Quality Management Scheme such as ISO 9001. The process includes the following steps:
Bereco are the only supplier to have both PAS 23/24 Certified French Doors and Entrance Doors, covered by the high performance Q Mark Licence from BM Trada.
BM Trada BS7950 Window Accreditations
As a member of the Q Mark scheme, only the highest performing and tested windows can comply.
Performance criteria are signifcantly above current accpetable standards and this covers
1. Product Design
All windows undergo a rigorous design appraisal process to ensure the longevity of the window is the best of any product in the fenestration industry.
Extended life spans through reduced 'life time' costs offer signifcant cost savings over the long term. To achieve such longevity, the design appraisal addresses issues such as:
- Water Drainage and absence of water traps
- Preservation
- End Grain Protection
- Protection of the sealed unit
- Adhesives
- Finish
2. Production Control
To ensure consistency of production, an established and documented Quality Management System must be in place for the production of windows. The factories are audited annually by experienced BM Trada auditors whom have an indepth knowledge of windows to ensure complience. To pass audits the manufacturing must comply with:
- Glass and Glazing to BSEN1279
- Timber Selection to BSEN942
- Hardware and fittings to BS644
- Weather Strips to BS644
- Coatings adherence
- Workmanship to BS1186: Part 2
- Traceability
- ISO9001
3. Test Performance
The scheme addresses a wide range of performance criteria at BM Trada's independent accredited UKAS Facility.
Security and Safety
BS7950:1997 - Specification for enhanced security performance of windows for domestic applications. The scheme is the basis for acceptance to Secured by Design.
BS644 - General performance requirements for window assemblies.
Weather
BS6375 Part 1 - Performance of windows - Classification of Windows.The highest classification, severe weather rating must be achieved.
Thermal Performance
BSEN ISO10077-1:2000 - Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters. Each product must achieve a proven U Value of 1.8W/m2k or lower.
Operation, Strength and Durability
BS6375 Part 2 - Performance of windows. Specification for operation and strength of windows. The highest classification, severe weather rating must be achieved.
EN12400 - Mechanical Durability of windows and doors. Samples are tested to 20,000 cycles in order to prove durability.
BM Trada PAS 23/24 Door Scheme
All Bereco Entrance doors are designed and tested to meet the following performance and security standards:
- PAS 23-1:1999 General performance requirements for door assemblies
- PAS 24:2007 Enhance security performance requirements for door assemblies.
This scheme involves incorporating crime prevention measures at the design stage, which are then independently certified by a recognised third party such as BM Trada
The schemes aims are to:
- Raise the on-going standard of door security
- Ensure on-going compliance to tested specifications
- Ensure complance with SBD
BFRC Energy Rating
Windows and Doors have a significant effect
on the thermal performance of any house.
Heat loss costs in terms of money and CO2
emissions. Do your bit, whilst saving on your
energy bills by looking for energy rated windows
that are a simple gauge on what products perform
and those that do not.
The window energy ratings have just recently been incorporated into the latest version of Part L Conservation of Fuel and Power Standard and are to become an increasingly referenced rating in specifications.
Bereco have a range of energy ratings available, supported by BM Trada certifications, which depend on the glass chocie ranging from A-D. (see glazing section for more details.)
BM Trada are approved as an Independent Agency for the BFRC
What is it?
Conventional approaches (such as window u value) simply assess how much energy a window loses and do not take into account how much energy a window can gain.
The total energy flow in a window consists of three major components.
- Thermal Transmittance (u value)
- Solar factor (g-value)
- Air Leakage (L50)
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) have devised a Window Rating equation based on values for these components. The rating is expressed as a number. The rating is converted into a grade between A and G (With A being the most energy efficient.
CE Markings
On February 1st 2010 new rules for window marking were to be introduced for cmpliance to BSEN 14351-1:2006
This self certified standard was introduced to harmonise standards across the EU Marketplace, however in realisty many companies are still not complying with this standard, nor have any CE Certification.
If windows are not manufactured for a specific location nor delivered directly to site then it is likely they would be contravening this standard. However it is easier to be safe and all Bereco windows are covered by CE Marking.
Download more CE Marking Information...
Building Regulations
A number of Building Regulations affect windows and doors. Some of those not covered under the BM Trada Q Mark Scheme include:
Document LDocument L is the part of the Building Regulations which addresses standards of energy efficiency in buildings. Further revisions to this standard have just come into force as of Oct 2010 and in summary relating to windows and doors.
1. Existing Buildings
- Windows - Reduced overall Ug values of 1.6w/m2k or better
- Windows - Energy rating WER Band 'C' or better
- Doors - 50% glass area to achieve Ug values of 1.8w/m2k or better
- Windows and Doors - Reduced overall Ug values of 2.0w/m2k or better
As with any standard there are exceptions on specific buildings particularly in historic and conservation areas. Advice should be sought in these circumstances from your local building control officer.
Document F - Means of Ventilation
With effect from 6th April 2006 Document F which deals with ventilation came into force covering background ventilation in housing.
Bereco use Titon whom are the largest manufacturer and supplier of ventilation products in the UK. All Titon's trickle ventilatiors are designed with optimum performance in mind to comply with various Building Regulations and Standards throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
Whats more, specification is simple, the EA rating is maked on each product for easy reference and all vent and canopy or grill combinations have been tested in accorance with BS EN 13141:2004
