Chiltern Dynamics is expecting a surge of manufacturers will want to use its new weather-testing rig to test their products to European standards.
The first part of prEN 14351-1, the product standard for windows and doors without resistance to fire, will be published later this year.
But meanwhile, the British Standard for weather testing BS 6375 Part 1: 1989 has been superseded by the European test methods under BSEN 6375 Part 1: 2004.
Significant differences between the test methods mean it is not possible to assess the performance of a window or door to the new EN standards, based on historical test evidence from the now obsolete British Standards.
However, weather test evidence from windows and doors tested to the new EN will be valid when the product standard is published, enabling products to be CE marked. And other standards, such as PAS 23, will be amended to incorporate the new EN weather test standards.
Chiltern Dynamics, which is accredited by accreditation service UKAS to test to the new EN standards, said window and door manufacturers will need to move quickly on testing when prEN 14351-1 is published as they will have limited time to provide evidence that their products comply with the Construction Products Directive. They will also need to supply evidence from a notified body that their products conform to the relevant performance criteria listed in annex ZA of the product standard.
