Issues Affecting Specification

For many specifiers, clients, contractors and tenants, understanding PVC-U window and door specifications can be a difficult process. Conflicting and contradictory information, changes to legislation and building regulations, and supplier opinions can lead to specifications becoming unwieldly and unmanageable.

 

Below is a very brief overview of the essentials of any specification, an explanation of each of the major British Standards relating to PVC-U window and door products, and a reference point to the Building Regulations, each of which can be viewed and downloaded from the library in this section.

 

Upcoming Changes to Building Regulations 2005

There are proposals out at the minute in relation to changes to Part E – Passage of Sound which will have an impact on specifications, and to Part L, and in particular the measurement of ‘Window Energy Ratings’. Details of all of these changes will appear here when they are formally announced.

 

Overview of the main British Standards relating to the PVC-U Window and Door industry

BSEN 1206: 2003 (formerly BS7413: 1991) Specification for White PVC-U Extruded Hollow Profiles
This standard relates to the methods and test criteria for the manufacture of finished PVC-U profiles. In order for the profiles to achieve a kitemark accreditation from BSI, compliance with this standard is mandatory.

Included in the specification are the requirements for the following:-
Raw materials, their properties, and performance.

BS7412: 1991 Specification for Plastic Windows made from PVC-U Extruded Hollow Profiles

This specification covers the construction of the window, security, safety, operation, weather performance, and strength performance.

The requirements of BS6375 for weather performance are now incorporated within this British Standard.

When people refer to a window having the kitemark, it is this standard which they are talking about.

BS7950 Enhanced Security (formerly PAS011).
This standard covers the security testing and performance of Casement Windows both Internally and Externally Beaded, and Tilt and Turns.

It must be noted that before one can hold the accreditation for BS7950 you must be in possession of formal accreditation to BS7412.

This standard does not cover any other products, and the certificate is granted only on the basis that the PVC-U profiles, screw fixings, and hardware collectively meet the requirements of the standard, and the windows are fabricated in accordance with the systems companies fabrication manuals.

PAS023/024. Enhanced Security for Doors.
This standard covers the security testing and performance of Residential and French Doors. As with the windows the certificate is granted only on the basis that the PVC-U profiles, screw fixings, and hardware collectively meet the requirements of the standard, and the doors are fabricated in accordance with the systems companies fabrication manuals.

It is envisaged that as with PAS 011 now BS7950, PAS 023/024 will eventually become a British Standard. We will keep you posted on this site as to its progress.

BS5713:1979 Specification for Hermetically Sealed Flat Double Glazing Units.
This specification covers the sealing and fabrication of factory made double glazed sealed units. The standard does not include any detailed designs ie leaded units/ georgian units but only refers to standard flat units.

As with BS7412 above, when people refer to the kitemark for sealed units, it is this standard to which they are referring.

BS6262:1982 Code of Practice for Glazing in Buildings.
This code of practice gives the recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of vertically glazed glass and plastic sheets in buildings.

This code of practice deals with the material types of glazing ie Laminated, Toughened, and other forms of applicable materials.

BS6206: 1981 Specification for Impact Performance for Flat Safety Glass and Safety Plastics in Buildings.

This specification covers the performance and test methods in respect of energy, absorption, impact for safety glass and safety plastics.

The standard also dictates where safety glass ie Toughened or Laminated must be used in buildings to avoid injuries.

For example low level glazing in windows and especially the glazing of Residential Doors and areas immediately adjacent thereto.

Overview of the main Building Regulations relating to the PVC-U Window and Door industry

In England and Wales

Part A – Structure (for Bay Windows)

Part B – Fire Egress

Part E – Resistance to Passage of Sound

Part F – Ventilation

Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power

Part M – Disabled Access

Part N – Safety Glazing

 

In Scotland

Part E – Means of escape from Fire

Part H – Resistance to Transmission of Sound

Part J – Conservation of Fuel and Power

Part K – Ventilation of Buildings