This will allow whole door sets, including outer frame, to be independantly assessed for U value and air leakage, and then rated against a performance scale for energy efficiency. Accredited manufacturers will then be able to apply well recognised the A, B, C tag, similar to that used on white goods, to state the level of performance appropriate to their products.
Grouphomesafe welcomes this approach as it sets out a clear, consistent and third party audited approach for declaring product performance, and whilst the scheme is voluntary, it will provide discerning consumers a method for selecting high performance products from responsible manufacturers.
The performance bar has been set at a high level, illustrated by the fact that a Document L compliant window is a band C, whereas a compliant door, with a U value of 1.8W/m2k will likely fall into band E. Therefore, to reach the higher bands, many door manufacturers are going to have to invest in new technologies. However, with our market leading range of truely UK manufactured high specification composite door products, grouphomesafe customers can be assured that they will have access to highly energy efficient doors with a host of unique features.
Over the coming weeks, the BFRC will be training simulators to ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure to begin rating doors and, with our in house approved simulator, we can assure customers that we will be well placed to offer rated products throughout our range.
For further information on our door products, or the door energy rating scheme, please contact your account manager, or use our ask the experts link.