BM Trada makes first award under new conservatory installation scheme
BM TRADA, part of the Exova Group, has awarded the first certificate under its newly launched Q-Mark Conservatory Installation Scheme.
The new scheme, which aims to improve the quality and consistency of installed conservatories and orangeries, enables installers to demonstrate their competency, providing the end user with confidence that their conservatory will be installed in a controlled and professional manner.
The scheme requires installers to have processes in place to ensure that their conservatories are built consistently to an appropriate standard. It also sets out a range of specific technical requirements for the specification of the conservatory, designed to ensure that the finished product is both useable and durable and that wherever possible, follows the guidance in the Building Regulations.
Awarding the first certificate to R&M Windows & Conservatories Ltd of Bracknell, Berkshire, BM TRADA Business Development Manager Simon Beer said:
“In many cases, work on conservatories is not covered by Building Regulations, which means that that there is no requirement for any external approval of the work undertaken. This has resulted in a huge variation in the quality of conservatory installation work.
“This scheme was developed following extensive consultation with manufacturers, system suppliers, installers, building control bodies and other relevant bodies within the industry. It has generated strong interest, and we are pleased to be able to award this initial certificate.
“As more installers join, we hope it will drive improvement in the quality and consistency of installed conservatories and provide a clear distinction between those that have been installed by third party certified installers and the rest of the market.”
Mark Page of R&M Windows & Conservatories added:
“There are currently no regulations that need to be met for the majority of conservatories, and therefore anyone can fit one. Because of this, there is a wide variation in specification, quality and cost that may be offered to someone obtaining quotes, and the end product may not be fit for purpose or even structurally sound.
“We have joined this scheme, because it covers the complete installation from the foundations upwards, differentiating a quality installer from the rest of the market and taking into account ground works, walling products and the roof as a complete structure.”
BM TRADA’s Q-Mark Conservatory Installation Scheme covers new build installation, replacement and refurbished products manufactured from PVC-U, timber, aluminium, steel and composite. It requires the installer to have processes in place for the initial sale/contract, purchasing of components, survey of the site, as well as the actual installation.
It also sets out technical specifications for features such as the footings, damp proof membranes, glass specification and insulation. Although often hidden from view, these features are critical to performance and if correctly installed will help to ensure that problems such as damp, loss of heat and subsidence are avoided.
In order to become certified under the scheme, applying companies are subject to an initial office audit to ensure that satisfactory documented procedures exist. An annual audit of office procedures and a minimum of two live site audits a year or 1% of all installations completed in any one year will also be undertaken to monitor the continued competence of installers and ensure on-going compliance with specific technical requirements.
By joining the scheme, installers can prove that their products are designed as a complete solution that will maximise the product’s service life. The scheme provides peace of mind to the homeowner that the installer is suitably qualified since their work is regularly assessed by an independent body.
For further information on the BM TRADA Q-Mark Conservatory Installation Scheme, visit www.bmtrada.com, email: sbeer@bmtrada.com; or call: 01494 569821.