ACDM Technical Group discuss proposed changes.
The recent technical meeting organised by the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM) brought together industry members to address pivotal concerns. The agenda covered crucial subjects, including proposed amendments to National Standards, their impact on the Composite Door Industry, discussions on domestic security, regulatory standards, and forthcoming government policies. Additionally, the gathering provided a valuable networking opportunity for members to connect, fostering collaboration within the industry.
Central to the discussions was domestic security, with Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer of the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, elucidating proposed amendments to PAS 24:2022. Anticipated for publication in Summer 2024, these amendments were a focal point, including a noteworthy proposal from ACDM members for revising the cutting test methodology. This proposed future revision aims to replace the current manual test with a repeatable mechanical test method, ensuring independence from technician-specific factors such as size, weight, and skill level.
The Government’s consultation on the Future Homes Standard (FHS) for England occupied a substantial portion of the discussions. A primary concern was the proposed methodology for calculating the performance of a dwelling concerning fenestration products. While the proposal maintains the current U-values for fenestration products to calculate the target energy performance of dwellings, the discrepancy in notional values between pedestrian doorsets and windows raised questions. A major point of contention was the change in the way in which the actual performance of fenestration products are to be calculated. This onerous requirement for manufacturers and installers to calculate U-values for each individual door and window based on size and configuration, introducing potential additional costs and complexity for developers, in particular smaller developers and one off builders and the manufacturers/installers of fenestration products.
The meeting also delved into various pertinent issues affecting the composite door industry. These included the status of the Fire Resistance and Smoke Control Extended Application (ExAp) standard for composite doors, the revision of BS 8214 incorporating doorsets and composite doors, together with updates on Approved Documents and Construction Products Regulations. Additionally, considerations were made regarding potential changes to the Construction Products Regulations in Europe and their effects on current harmonised Product Standards (hENs) on which the UK’s Designated Standards are based. It is not yet clear whether the UK Government will implement these changes into UK legislation and what their implication on the UK fenestration industry will be.
In conclusion, the ACDM meeting emphasised the industry’s dedication to excellence and accountability. Deliberations on security, revisions to Approved Documents L and Q, the consultation on Future Homes Standards, and updates on Construction Products Regulations underscored the imperative for staying informed and actively engaging in shaping the trajectory of the construction and door manufacturing sector. With ACDM serving as a collaborative platform, its members are adeptly positioned to navigate upcoming changes, actively contribute to a safer built environment, and exert their influence through representation to the UK’s Government.
