Thursday 27 June 2013

New Regulations for Double-Glazed Doors and Windows: CE Marking.

We’ve all seen the CE mark on various products over the years, e.g. toys and drinking glasses. From 1st July 2013, the CE mark applies to construction products, including glazed external doors and windows.

The performance standard differentiates between replacement doors and doors for new buildings including extensions. New-build doors must achieve an overall rating of 2 watts per square whereas replacement doors have to achieve a U-value of 1.8 overall.

Manufacturers of glazed external doors will be required to draw up a Declaration of Performance (DoP) that accepts responsibility to ensure that the door or window conforms to the declared performance. A DoP must list all the ‘Essential Requirements’ which includes the U-value and conformance to relevant Building Regulations.

The DoP must also contain other information, including the intended use or uses for the windows or doors, e.g. whether for pedestrian use, external, domestic or commercial locations. EU manufacturers must add a CE mark to all glazed doors and windows and imports must have a DoP - the Trading Standards Authority is charged with ensuring conformity with the new directive.

All double-glazed SunSeeker Doors have been tested for compliance and have all achieved the required 1.8 U-value necessary for replacement doors, giving home-owners a choice of chic Frameless or UltraSlim slide-and-turn doors or Slimline aluminium bi folds in place of old patio doors. All our double-glazed units are Kite-marked, too.

SunSeeker Slimline Bi folding Doors have been rated at 2, which also makes them the ideal choice for new extensions and new homes.