Formerly the Technical Committee, the Windows and Doors Committee is a very active and well-supported part of the Windows Group. Committee members include representatives from the major systems suppliers, raw material suppliers, standards and research bodies and fabrication companies.

The Chairman of the Windows and Doors Committee is Markus Springer (Technical Manage) at Rehau, he also sits on the FENSA Advisory Committee in order to represent the interests of the BPF Windows Group. FENSA is the self-assessment scheme for Building Regulations for the replacement window industry.

It must be stressed that this Committee is not a "talking shop". The output from, not only this Committee, but also the Technical Executive, serves to generate a large range of publications and industry guidelines. It also provides advisory input into British Standards, European Standards and Building Regulations, liaising with the British Board of Agrément, the Building Research Establishment.

British Standards

The revision and maintenance of British Standards is essential in a changing world. For instance, as security became an issue it was necessary to develop and revise specifications for the security of windows and doors, which we now have as BS7950 and PAS024-1 / PAS023. The BPFWG is at the heart of drafting and maintaining these standards and members are able to influence the specifications. In addition, they know what is coming down the road (e.g. a Kitemark for Window Installation - see below) and are able to prepare for any future requirements putting their non-member competitors at a disadvantage.

These standards can be purchased through the BPF Website - CLICK HERE

European Standards

Over the next couple of years, European Standards will be introduced for all aspects of windows and doors. The BPFWG sends a representative to all relevant European standardisation committees. It represents the interests of its members to promote sound standardisation that does not adversely affect the businesses of its members. Similarly, it invests much time and effort in developing and maintaining British Standards and other such specifications such as the now widely recognised PAS023-1 and PAS024-1 for doors. Please click here to view the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) website.

Projects

We are currently involved in a number of projects, including most recently a focus on environmental development and the part that PVC-U fenestration products can play in an energy efficient future.

Members draw many benefits from this group, not least being involved in the early stages of the regulatory development of the Industry. Current topics include Window Energy Ratings (WERs) and CE Marking, which are becoming increasingly important topics both on the Continent and in the UK.

The Windows and Doors Committee meets on a quarterly basis and is a forum for progression, with valuable input provided by the likes of BBA, BSI and the LHC Network on many of the key issues. They are also very active in the production of guidelines for industry, from surveying, through production, to finishing.

Their widely used "Code of Practice for the Survey and Installation of Replacement Plastics Windows and Doorsets" is now a British Standard Code of Practice, BS 8213-4. It covers all frame material types and is the result of collaboration between the Steel Window Association (SWA), the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) and the BPFWG.

Additional projects have included guidelines on the sympathetic design of replacement windows; the further development of the successful CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programme relating to PVC building products for construction professionals and students, and a seminar on the sustainability of PVC-U windows and doors. A monthly review of these and many other important industry issues is contained in LOOK OUT!, a publication by the BPFWG Technical Executive, which is available to all BPFWG members.

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