27/08/2010 - BFRC AR Scheme

At the end of September it will be mandatory under building regulations to install windows that are C rated or better. There are two methods of compliance with one being the BFRC WER scheme and the other by providing a certified U value of the individual product. As you will probably be aware there can be a marketing edge to offering A,B or C rated products which is why this method is likely to be the most popular choice.

In order to offer you the best choice we have over the course of the last year invested in a management scheme achieving ISO 9001 and then WER rating the Halo product. This has involved full energy simulations and applications per product, with up until now another full simulation for just a change of bead.

Currently we have two WER certificates for Halo, one A rated and one B rated. In fact if you have been purchasing glazed frames from us we have been B rating them as standard if they meet the specification.

You have two options with regard to the BFRC.

One is to order glazed rated products from us, which will be supplied with an A4 laminated A or B certificate and all windows individually permanently labelled. The glass will be to the correct specification for either A or B.

If you choose the above method you have to do nothing other than change to using our WER order form which is downloadable from the trade area of this web site.

The second option is to join the BFRC authorised retailer scheme (AR) this will allow you to have your own name on the A or B certificate and allows you to purchase unglazed frames from us. There are annual fees involved in this scheme (£199.00 or £399.00) and you will be responsible for accurate record keeping for when you are audited. If you choose to utilise this method of compliance you will need to complete the BFRC AR approval form which we have semi completed for downloading from our website. In doing this I would draw your attention to the sealed unit specification which must be met by your chosen unit supplier.

It normally takes two weeks to become an AR and then you will need to run off the A or B labels to use as you wish.

Doors are not covered in either scheme which means that you will need a U value certificate for any doors installed. This will then be accepted by FENSA, CERTASS or a building control officer.
Policing of the regulations will be undertaken by building control officers and FENSA during their inspections.

We have tried to make a very complicated scheme as simple as we can; it has been a particularly frustrating period dealing with the BFRC and WER’s. As late as the last few days of August some major changes have been implemented which will mean more work here simply to allow bead choices which are currently not allowed.

Following either of the above steps will allow you to be installing Window Energy Rated products on October 1st.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or need paperwork posting.