BSRIA Cert has launched a new certification scheme designed to benefit manufacturers and specifiers of weather louvres.
It said: 'This is the first ever louvre certification scheme that combines independent performance testing with factory production control (FPC) auditing. This enables manufacturers to demonstrate the true performance of their louvres and provide confidence in their consistent production.'

Chris Marney, Certification Manager at BSRIA Cert, added: 'Simply type testing weather louvres no longer provides adequate protection to customers, who can be disappointed as a result of misrepresented test results or inconsistent production. This scheme is all about knowing for sure how a product will perform, with clearly stated performance ratings and regular audits of factory production processes.'

The first weather louvre certified under the scheme is by Gilberts (Blackpool) . The BSRIA Cert mark will be used to promote the certified status of the Gilberts through use in sales literature and product labelling.

Roy Jones, senior technical manager at Gilberts, said:'The BSRIA Cert scheme allows Gilberts to give customers independent assurance of the performance of the WH-75 series louvre and of its controlled production. It provides a cost-effective way to set these products apart from others which do not meet these standards and provides a level playing field for those manufacturers looking to raise the bar in terms of quality.'

In addition to the scheme, BSRIA has published guidance on how to specify weather louvres. The document helps specifiers and designers to understand and communicate weather louvre performance requirements to help optimise system design and ensure that the eventual procured product is fit for purpose. Together the scheme and guidance enable designers, specifiers and suppliers to speak the same language from design through to final procurement.