CE MARKING AND THE NEW EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR WINDOWS, DOORS, AND CURTAIN WALLING
When CE Marking for windows and curtain walling is introduced, fabricators will be responsible for compliance, in line with the relevant European standards. This document looks at the implications of the new legislation, how Technal can help, and the timescales involved.
When did the new EN standard for windows become mandatory?
The new European standard for windows has been cited in The Official Journal for the European Union and EN 14351-1 Window Product Standard became compulsory in February 2007, replacing BS 4873 2004.
What does the standard cover?
The document sets out the requirements for fabricating window and external pedestrian door sets, and includes classifications, acoustics, ventilation, test methods, production control and performance characteristics such as weather tightness, giving guidance for both the systems company and the fabricator in the design, fabrication and installation of windows to approved standards.
When will CE Marking be mandatory?
Previously February 2010, this has been revised so that CE Marking for windows and door sets is now mandatory in the majority of member states, but excluding the United Kingdom amongst others.
For the UK, there are another two years of co-existence for CE approval and the existing British Standards, awaiting the new Construction Products Regulations to come into force, making it a legal requirement for the window and door fabricator to apply for and retain CE approval, and provide the required certification to the building owner.
This delay gives Technal the opportunity to work with its fabricators to put in place all the systems and procedures required to meet the new European standards in advance of the 2012 deadline.
Why is CE Marking being introduced?
This is a completely new approach, which is intended to ensure that all windows and doors are fabricated and installed in line with the system supplier’s instructions, to defined standards and by fully trained and approved fabricators.
The new initiative is a significant and welcome step in giving end users and specifiers the assurance of a high quality finished product.
What are the implications for fabricators?
What are the ITT Tests?
It is the responsibility of the systems company to provide all fabricators with the required test results for every window type it offers – for example, open-out, tilt/turn and side hung. The fabricator then has to incorporate the relevant results in the CE package that is handed over to the building owner on completion of each project.
The Initial Type Tests (ITT) have to be carried out by an accredited and independent body which will ensure the window systems have been designed to fulfill all EN Standard requirements. The rigorous tests assess each product for:
How can Technal help fabricators achieve CE compliance?
Technal will work with its fabricators to ensure their production methods for Technal products comply with the new legislation. This support includes:
What is the next step?
Technal has prepared all the required documentation. Alongside this, Technal has undertaken all the required ITT tests for every door and window configuration it offers, to be able to provide fabricators with the necessary test reports.
How do fabricators get started?
It is critical that fabricators begin work on putting in place any new systems and procedures to meet the requirements for Factory Production Control (FPC). Technal is happy to advise and to carry out an audit of each fabricator’s factory and give its recommendations for compliance for its products.
As a market-leading systems supplier, Technal’s objective is to make the transfer over to CE Marking and the new standards as easy as possible for its national network of fabricators.
What production systems and procedures will have to change?
How much each fabricator will need to change will depend on their current procedures but the sooner each is working to the new standards, the easier it will be to comply and the greater competitive edge each will have in the lead up to the 2012 deadline. Technal’s aim is to be CE compliant well before it is mandatory.
When will CE Marking be introduced for curtain walling?
The situation with the introduction of CE Marking for curtain walling is less clear. The European standards for curtain walling – EN 13830 – issued in 2004 are under revision but the requirement for CE Marking may be another two to three years away – even though it became mandatory in Germany in December 2005 and in France, November 2006.
Why has CE Marking for curtain walling been delayed in the UK?
It is more difficult to define curtain walling as a ‘finished product’ compared to a window, when, for example, so much of the curtain walling system is assembled on site. In the UK it is common for installation to be subcontracted which makes it less easy for the quality of installation to be controlled and for the responsibility for CE Marking to be clearly defined. This is the reason for the delayed introduction in the UK.
When will Technal’s curtain walling be CE compliant?
Because Technal is a pan-European brand, its leading MX curtain walling suite is fully CE compliant well in advance of the deadline. This means Technal is very well placed to help fabricators meet the new requirements, giving its customers further competitive advantage.
Further updates will be issued by Technal as soon as the deadline for CE compliance for curtain walling in the UK is announced.
For further information on the new European standards for windows, doors or curtain walling, the introduction of CE Marking and how Technal can assist, please contact Technal on +353 (0)1 4105766.
Website is free and open to all professionals. To beneficiate from Technal services and solutions.
