• -Weather tests are designed to evaluate how materials and products resist adverse weather conditions, such as rain or wind.
• -Exlabesa Architecture operates an advanced Testing Lab to test the efficiency and reliability of its window and door systems, ensuring that their products not only meet but also exceed industry standards.

In the specific case of aluminium doors and windows, weather testing is essential to ensure that these products maintain their structural integrity, airtightness and aesthetic appearance over time, even in adverse weather conditions such as those found in the UK. This guarantees that the products meet the quality and safety standards required by Building Regulations and other standards.

These tests are especially important to Exlabesa Architecture, as our systems are exposed to different atmospheric elements throughout their long service life. The differential characteristics of aluminium (strength, durability, low maintenance, safety for humans and the environment) allow us to design and test systems that will remain practically intact for up to 50 years.

The UK standards for weather tests for aluminium windows and doors are primarily outlined in the British Standard BS 6375-1, which covers different aspects of performance.

BS 6375-1. Weathertightness

The BS 6375-1 standard provides guidance on the required performance levels for air permeability, water tightness, and wind pressure specific to the UK market. Even though a product’s performance should match the conditions of its intended location, it’s usually professionals such as architects or building designers who specify this performance level for windows or doors.

This standard contemplates three types of weather tests that are reflected in data scales that will appear in the technical data sheets of each product:

• -Air permeability: measures the amount of air that can pass through the window or door under different pressure levels. It is classified from Class 1 (lowest) to Class 4 (highest performance).
• -Water tightness: evaluates the ability of the window or door to prevent water penetration under different pressure levels. Classified from Class 1A to 9A, with an additional class E for extreme conditions.
• -Wind resistance: assesses the structural performance under wind load. Classes range from 1 to 5, with higher numbers indicating greater resistance.

These standards ensure that aluminium windows and doors are rigorously tested to help manufacturers, builders, and consumers select and specify products that meet the necessary performance criteria for use in the UK.

You can check all our system’s performance data listed on their technical sheets. If you have special requirements for your project and need assistance choosing the most adequate systems, do not hesitate to contact us.

Understanding weather test results on Exlabesa products’ technical sheets

How can you find out about the certification of each of our products? All our systems have been verified by independent companies according to the mandatory British regulation for architectural systems. By checking the technical sheet available for download through our systems’ web catalogue, you will be able to access the results.

There, as well as in each of the technical catalogues (available through Exlabesa 360), you will find a detailed breakdown of these results, so you can check whether the chosen system meets the requirements of your project.

Exlabesa Architecture’s Testing Lab advanced testing facilities

Exlabesa Architecture operates its own laboratory equipped with a series of state-of-the-art test benches designed to test products during their development phase. In this way, Exlabesa continuously improves the efficiency, performance and safety of its systems, beyond regulatory compliance, guaranteeing the best results.

After design, development and testing to the highest standards in our own facilities, all our products are sent to external testing laboratories for official certification to British Standards.