BFRC urges industry to act as scrutiny on performance standards intensifies

The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has highlighted the Government’s publication of the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus: Consultation Document, issued in December. The proposals set out significant changes for the construction sector to ensure products are genuinely fit for purpose and meet the performance levels claimed when built and supplied.

As the consultation deadline is upon us, it is increasingly clear that the fenestration sector must prepare. Richard Sellman, Managing Director of BFRC, explains: “Our aim is not to alarm or scaremonger. We want to raise awareness of an emerging issue that could create challenges for businesses who may not realise that their products are not fully meeting the required standards.

Best of intentions

“Most companies affected are reputable manufacturers following recognised production, testing and certification procedures. However, our Onsite Testing team continues to identify products that are underperforming in real‑world conditions. Their field measurements – taken across both newly installed and long‑serviced Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) and façade systems – show recurring performance issues that many manufacturers and installers are unaware of.

“As scrutiny from builders and site managers increases, we’re receiving a growing number of requests to verify the performance of installed products before project completion. A significant proportion of these checks reveal underfilled IGUs. This is far from ideal, particularly for manufacturers who expect gas retention levels to be correct at the point of installation.  Encouragingly, we also encounter IGUs in service for more than 20 years that still retain over 90% argon, demonstrating that long‑term performance is entirely achievable when manufacturing processes ensure gas‑tight construction and correct filling.

“To support energy‑efficiency targets and building‑control requirements, we believe greater focus is needed at the end of the manufacturing line to ensure every unit produced meets the necessary standards, across every shift.

Supporting better production assurance

“The most effective way to confirm production quality is to assess units at the point of manufacture. Our team can provide accurate, independent measurement and analysis, giving manufacturers a clear picture of product performance. Where processes are functioning correctly, our findings will validate this; where issues exist, they can be addressed before products reach the market. These assessments reflect everyday production – not specially prepared units – helping ensure that products installed in buildings perform as promised.

“Our intention is to support the industry, not to identify fault. By acting early, manufacturers can avoid facing more serious issues later if underperforming products are discovered in situ. Our testing and reporting help businesses prevent costly mistakes and maintain confidence in product performance. We recognise the pressures manufacturers face, and we understand that the need to revise production methods can feel daunting. However, BFRC fully supports measures that drive improved performance and safety across our industry.

“Our commitment to the BFRC Difference means that through our measurements we’re able to provide the necessary data and information that manufacturers need to ensure their products meet regulatory requirements.”

For more information about the analytical and testing services from BFRC call 0207 403 9200