Testing Services from the BBA

Since 1966 the BBA's Test Services Staff have developed an unparalleled reputation and expertise in the testing of construction products and materials - either linked to Agrément Certificate assessments or as tests in their own right.

All tests are carried out in accordance with EN 45001 and a wide range of tests is accredited by UKAS.

Products tested include: Materials tested include:
  • Bridge deck waterproofings
  • Plastics
  • Damp-proof courses and membranes
  • Polymer resins
  • External wall insulation
  • Rubbers
  • Roof slates (including fibre cement)
  • Man-made mineral fibres
  • Insulation
  • Bitumen and modified bitumen
  • Pipes and fittings
  • Gypsum plaster
  • Flooring (PVC)
  • Cementitious materials
  • Roof waterproofing membranes
  • Windows and doors (PVC-U)

Testing PVC-U Windows and Doors

The BBA has evaluated more than 60 different PVC-U window and door systems and has gained invaluable experience in the process.

All tests are carried out in accordance with EN 45001 and several are accredited under the UKAS scheme.

Tests include:

  • Durability
  • Air permeability
  • Watertightness
  • Wind resistance
  • Endurance (window and door furniture)
  • Thermal insulation
  • Enhanced resistance to intrusion

BBA Test Services can carry out complete packages of tests, groups of tests or individual tests to look at particular areas of performance.

Thermal Performance Testing

The testing of insulating products has occupied a significant part of the BBA's workload in recent years and Test Services staff are able to offer unique expertise and facilities in this rapidly developing area.

Measurements of complex room-sized test panels (up to 2.3 m by 2.8 m) can be carried out in UKAS accredited Guarded Hot-Box apparatus. Smaller insulation samples are tested to British, European and International Standards on UKAS accredited Heat Flow Meter.

Computer analysis of potential cold-bridging problems can also be conducted using the BBA's modelling packages.

Wind Uplift Resistance Tests

The BBA is the UK's leading authority on the testing and assessment of new roofing materials, including testing for resistance to wind uplift.

The BBA TEMPEST rig can test roof mock-ups of up to 3 m by 3 m, so large insulation boards or widely spaced mechanical fixings can be placed at centres reflecting use in the real world.

Most tests are described in BBA MOAT No 55 : 1991 UEAtc Supplementary guide for the assessment of mechanically fastened roof waterproofing and in BBA MOAT No 50 : 1992 Technical guidelines for the assessment of thermal insulation systems intended for supporting waterproofing coverings on flat and sloping roofs. Both documents require a series of stylised windstorms to be applied. Each of these incorporates 1415 gusts and lasts approximately three hours. Testing begins with a peak load of 300 N per fastener or 1.0 kPa for bonded systems and is then increased in 100 N or 0.5 kPa increments, respectively.

Contact Seamus Stones

Telephone: 01923 665441

E-mail: sstones@bba.star.co.uk