Door Industry Journal - Summer 2018

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 6 THE door industry journal summer 2018 Industry News Satisfying the market for secure doors and windows in the UK If you design or manufacture doors, doorsets or windows for sale in the UK, it is essential that they meet minimum regulated requirements. In a fiercely competitive market, they must also be tested for certain beneficial performance characteristics to verify your marketing claims. However, not only is compliance with UK Building Regulations far from straightforward, the variety of relevant alternative standards for testing performance characteristics can be confusing, particularly when it comes to security. Fortunately, specialists Exova understand the full picture when it comes to testing the performance of doors and windows. Operating from new facilities in Wednesbury that are accredited to ISO 17025, we have some of the best and largest rigs in the country, capable of testing doors, windows and their hardware for security, durability, and weather and thermal resistance. Our expertise also extends to third-party testing certification. New homes – AD Q Doors’ and windows’ main functions – allowing people or vehicles to enter, and letting in light and air – have the side-effect of compromising security. These are obvious weaknesses that provide an attractive proposition to anyone seeking unauthorised entry. Until 2015, mitigating this risk was not covered by an Approved Document to the Building Regulations. Even now, AD Q’s scope is restricted to new homes only, applying to external ground floor doors, garage doors, and doors to communal spaces. Insurers The fact that doors and windows are vulnerable makes them a prominent focus for insurers who need to have confidence that those belonging to buildings they cover are not just protected, but are adequately secure for the level of threat they face. While a padlock will be fine for a garden shed, a high street shop selling electronic devices requires something a little more sophisticated. Market expectations - Testing In short, buyers need to have confidence that the doors and windows they buy are up to the job and want clear, persuasive evidence that they meet agreed, recognised standards. Even if they don’t, the building’s insurers definitely will. As a reputable door or window manufacturer, there is only one course of action to take if you are serious about selling into the UK market: testing to national or industry standards. PAS 24 The most common test standard is PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 24. It is the standard referred to in AD Q. The latest edition covers many different kinds of domestic doorsets and windows made from most materials. Its testing regime makes certain assumptions about the type of attack the door or window might suffer. For example, it assumes that, to avoid making too much noise, burglars won’t break any glass. It also assumes that only small tools that you can hide about your person will be employed.