APA Systems have carried out stringent tests on all the systems in compliance with home and international standards.
Façade testing
When specifying a façade or curtain wall system the specifier needs to know if it will be capable of withstanding severe climatic conditions. With the expected growth in storms and extreme weather conditions over the next number of years it is necessary to specify a proven system, and the only way of proving a façade type is suitable is by examining the amount of rigorous testing the system has been put through.
Results from tests carried out on small window rigs ie 3.0mts x 3.0mts are non- conclusive due to the rigs inability to produce or mimic extreme weather conditions. The façade sample that this type of rig can accommodate is too small to carry out meaningful tests and the result will be an inaccurate measurement of the façade’s performance.
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All testing should be carried out in an independent UKAS (UK Accreditation Service) registered test centre, that has the expertise and equipment to carry out the testing to a required standard.
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The size of the sample being tested should be minimum of 6.0mts high x 6.0mts wide.
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The sample façade should be tested to the new EN and CWCT standards and should comply with all relevant codes of practice.
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The façade being tested should have as many different features in its design so as to illustrate that all the different versions of the system can integrate together without compromising the system’s integrity.
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Items like protruding brise soleil connection brackets, insert sashes, panels, along with different transom and mullion joints should all be included in the design of the sample.
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The combination of tests should include the standard air and water infiltration tests using positive and negative pressures of 600pa, two dynamic tests using an aeroplane engine, safety testing using positive and negative pressures of 3.60 Kn/m2, impact testing to BS12600.
When a façade system has passed all stages of this rigorous test procedure the specifier will know it is a reliable system. Most systems that pass these test procedures are allowed use the new CE mark, which indicates that the particular system has been tested to the highest standards.
All of APA’s façade systems are tested to this standard.
