The British Board of Agrément (BBA) has strongly rejected criticism of its certification of ‘phenolic’ surface flooring grade board (PFB).

BBA spokesman Alan Thomas said that it “stood firmly” behind its approval of this type of product and had received no reports from users, who include many leading builders and developers, of any problems with the product.

The BBA reaction followed a letter to leading trade magazines from sheet materials supplier Puhos Board UK Ltd (TTJ November 9/16). This criticised advertising claims from “one manufacturer” that its BBA-approved PFB could be left exposed on site for 42 days and did not require waterproof edge tape on joints and perimeter edges.

&#8220We check out every single complaint and in two years we have not had any reports of site failure or other problems with this type of product
”

Alan Thomas, British Board of Agrément

Mr Thomas said that BBA approval of a product is only issued after very searching technical evaluation supported by testing either in its own laboratories near Watford, or by another independent UKAS-accredited body.

“Under our rules, companies also have to submit to a surveillance visit twice a year during which we ensure that the product specification is being maintained and that quality and performance controls are in place,” he said.

Three years after initial approval, he added, BBA requires companies to have a complete Certificate review.

&#8220We still maintain that Weyroc Protect is the most suitable chipboard product for use in an exposed flooring application”

Egger

The BBA also has a complaints procedure for products it has approved. “We check out every single complaint and in two years we have not had any reports of site failure or other problems with this type of product,” said Mr Thomas.