Certified for Safety & Performance: Understanding UK Roller Shutter Testing & Certification

Roller shutters are critical components for safety, fire protection, and weather resistance. Proper testing and certification ensure:

• Safety: Shutters are safe to operate, with appropriate safety features (like obstacle detection and manual override systems).
• Durability: Shutters can withstand environmental factors like wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
• Compliance: Installations meet UK building regulations and insurance requirements.

In the UK, the primary standards and regulations governing roller shutters are derived from European Norms (EN standards) and are implemented through UK law.

CE Marking: Your Gateway to Compliance

The CE marking is a mandatory requirement for most roller shutter products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA), including the UK. It signifies that the manufacturer has declared that the product meets all applicable European directives and regulations, including safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

For roller shutters, the main harmonized standards are:

• BS EN 13241-1:2003+A2:2016 Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates. Products without fire resistance characteristics. Performance requirements and safety.
• BS EN 16034:2014 Pedestrian door sets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and openable windows - Product standard, performance characteristics - Fire resisting and/or smoke control characteristics. (For fire-rated shutters)

A valid CE marking on a roller shutter indicates that it has undergone appropriate testing and assessment for:

• Safety of operation: Including features like anti-crush safety edges, obstacle detection, emergency stop mechanisms, and manual override systems.
• Wind resistance: Tested according to BS EN 12424, with a declared performance class.
• Water tightness: (If applicable) Tested to BS EN 12425.
• Thermal transmittance (U-value): (If applicable) For insulated shutters.
• Acoustic performance: (If applicable) For noise-reducing shutters.

Declaration of Performance (DoP)

In addition to the CE marking, manufacturers must provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for their roller shutter products. The DoP is a standardized document that details the essential characteristics of the product, including its performance in relation to the relevant harmonized standards.

The DoP will typically include information on:

• Manufacturer details
• Product identification
• Intended use (e.g., industrial door, commercial shutter, garage door)
• System of assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) – This indicates the level of third-party involvement in the certification process.
• Declared performance – This is where the specific performance characteristics are listed, such as: 
  • Wind resistance class
  • Water tightness class
  • Thermal transmittance (U-value)
  • Acoustic performance
  • Safety of operation (reference to relevant clauses in EN 13241-1)
  • Fire resistance (if applicable, with reference to EN 16034)

Deflection Testing: A Key Performance Indicator

Deflection refers to the amount a roller shutter curtain bends or bows under pressure, particularly wind load. Excessive deflection can lead to:

• Shutter jamming or failing to operate smoothly.
• Increased stress on the shutter guides and fixings.
• Aesthetically unappealing appearance.

Deflection testing forms a crucial part of the wind resistance testing process. During testing, the shutter curtain is subjected to increasing air pressure, and the amount of deflection is measured. The results help determine the shutter's wind resistance class and ensure it meets acceptable performance limits.

Choosing Certified Quality for Your Peace of Mind

When selecting roller shutters in the UK, always prioritize products with valid CE marking and a comprehensive Declaration of Performance.

A reputable UK roller shutter manufacturer and installer will be transparent about the testing and certification of their products, providing you with the necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance and performance. This ensures you're investing in a shutter system that is safe, durable, and fit for its intended purpose.