When choosing plastic windows for your home, it’s important to ensure that they comply with the necessary norms and requirements. This can help to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that meets the necessary safety and performance standards. In this article, we’ll explore the main standards and certificates that exist for plastic windows, and how to choose windows that comply with these norms and requirements.
EN 12608
EN 12608 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for the quality of plastic windows. It covers aspects such as dimensional stability, strength, and durability, and ensures that the windows meet the necessary safety and performance standards. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that comply with the EN 12608 standard, as this can provide added assurance of quality and performance.
CE Marking
CE Marking is a mandatory certification that indicates that the product meets the necessary safety, health, and environmental requirements for the European Union. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that have the CE Marking, as this indicates that the windows have undergone rigorous testing and meet the necessary standards for safety and performance.
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary certification program that is designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that are ENERGY STAR certified, as this can help to ensure that the windows are energy-efficient and can provide long-term energy savings.
British Standards Institution (BSI)
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is an independent organization that provides standards and certifications for a wide range of products, including plastic windows. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that are certified by BSI, as this can provide added assurance of quality and performance.
British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC)
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) is an independent organization that provides energy ratings for windows and doors. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that have been rated by BFRC, as this can help to ensure that the windows are energy-efficient and can provide long-term energy savings.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent organization that develops and publishes international standards for a wide range of products and services. When choosing plastic windows, look for products that comply with ISO standards, as this can provide added assurance of quality and performance.
In conclusion, when choosing plastic windows for your home, it’s important to ensure that they comply with the necessary norms and requirements. By looking for products that comply with standards such as EN 12608, CE Marking, ENERGY STAR, BSI, BFRC, and ISO, homeowners can select a high-quality product that meets the necessary safety and performance standards. Additionally, working with a reputable installer who is experienced in the installation of plastic windows can help to ensure that the windows are properly installed and provide long-term performance and durability for your home.
When choosing plastic windows, it’s also important to consider the local building codes and regulations in your area. Some regions may have specific requirements for the energy efficiency and safety of windows, and it’s important to ensure that your windows comply with these regulations.
Additionally, homeowners should be wary of counterfeit or low-quality products that may not meet the necessary safety and performance standards. These products may be cheaper, but they can pose a safety risk and may not provide the long-term durability and performance that homeowners need for their home.
To ensure that you are getting a high-quality product, work with a reputable window supplier and installer who can provide references and testimonials from previous customers. They should also be able to provide a detailed estimate and timeline for the installation, as well as information on the quality of the products they use. Read more about the quality of plastic windows and their choice in this article.
By taking the time to consider the necessary standards and regulations, and working with a reputable supplier and installer, homeowners can select a high-quality product that meets the necessary safety and performance standards, and provides the energy efficiency, comfort, and durability that they need for their home.