The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) has further extended the scope of its Testing division with the introduction of CWCT onsite testing. CWCT Testing, developed by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT), is an effective way to check that the building envelope is performing as expected.
Lee Dearman, Development Officer at BFRC explains: “We’re delighted to announce that BFRC is now a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 20057) to conduct onsite CWCT Testing in line with the CWCT Standards for systemised Building Envelopes, TN41, BS EN 13051:2001 and the NHBC Chapter 6.9 S17 and S18 standards.
“Onsite CWCT testing evaluates the ability of cladding, curtain walls and window systems to resist water penetration, under simulated weather conditions. The onsite CWCT standards are recognised across the UK and are becoming a regular requirement for warranty providers. The testing can assist with identifying any construction or design issues at an early stage of the build and can also assist when a live building is having water ingress issues.”
The BFRC, as a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 20057), is able to carry out the following testing standards:
- CWCT section 9 testing – 2005
- CWCT section 10 testing – 2005
- Technical note 41 – 2004
- BS EN 13051:2001
- NHBC (current version) Chapter 6.9 Section 17 and Section 18
Lee continues: “CWCT testing standards are vital for ensuring the materials used in facades can withstand environmental pressures, giving developers confidence that their facade systems will perform as intended.
Richard Sellman, Managing Director concludes: “We’re fortunate at BFRC to have a very experienced team with long standing knowledge of the standards and test procedures, along with hands-on, on-site testing of fenestration products. We know that this testing can be daunting, but, as with everything we do here, we are client-focused and committed to making the process as easy as possible.
“I am extremely pleased with enthusiasm and efficiency with which Lee and the rest of the team have brought this new service to market. It is testament to the in-house experience we have here at the BRFC and we’re delighted to be able to support the construction industry with this important testing standard.”
