BIS Has Embarked Upon A Major Exercise Of Developing Performance Tests And Performance-Based Specifications For Doors And Windows
In an interview with WFM Media, Mr. Sanjay Pant talked about the need for creating benchmarked specifications, standardisations and certifications for fenestration products, systems and installation methods. He also explains the role played by the National Standards Body of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in the development of performance tests and performance-based specifications for doors and windows.
Q. How Important Is It To Create Benchmark Standardization Of Technical Specifications For Window /Door Products, Considering Manufacturing And Installation?
With the large-scale construction of buildings, particularly the housing stocks, a substantial number of doors and windows are being installed. Further, in view of high rises being the order of the day, quality and performance are receiving more and more importance.
Q. Do We Have Indian Standards For Doors, Windows And Façades In Place?
As the National Standards Body of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formulated a series of standards on various types of doors, windows and door frames, including their test methodologies. Standards have also been formulated on door installation procedure. Also, standards have been brought out, namely IS 16231 (Part 1 to 4):2019 on the use of glass in buildings, including glass façade in buildings covering methodology for selection, energy and light optimization, safety against fire and wind loads, and safety-related to human impact.
Q. Most Of The Products In The Markets Are Imported And Are Certified By Agencies Abroad. How Far Have BIS Progressed In Specifying Standards For Doors And Windows And Façade Materials?
At present, there are around 450 units that have opted for BIS certification against various types of doors and windows. Of course, this number is bound to increase substantially in the time to come. In order to meet the challenges of the future, BIS has embarked upon a major exercise of developing performance tests and performance-based specifications for doors and windows. With that, the BIS certification of these products is sure to grow by leaps and bounds, meeting the aspirations of the users for their current and future demands.
Q. The BIS Standards Will Ensure Quality, Environmental And Safety Concerns As Per The Global Benchmarks To Facilitate Fair Trade And Enable The Availability Of The Right Quality Of Products. It Will Also Hinder The Imports And Use Of Cheap And Sub-Standard Scrap In India. Then, Why Is The Delay In Finalizing The Standards? What Is The Hindrance?
As already mentioned, an ambitious exercise of development of performance-based standards has been taken up by BIS under the aegis of its Doors, Windows and Shutters Sectional Committee, CED 11. The project involves the development of Indian standards for the testing of doors and windows against the performance requirements of wind loads, water tightness, air tightness and sound insulation.
Simultaneously, the standards on aluminium doors and windows are being revised to incorporate the latest profiles and technological developments. At the same time, new standards on uPVC profiles and doors and windows thereof are being drafted. All these involve work of a highly meticulous nature with in-depth study of the practices the world over. Additionally, it is important to take into consideration the interests of MSMEs and build consensus on various provisions of the standards. The work is going on on a war footing, and the draft standards will be released soon for public comments.
Notwithstanding these, it is also worth sharing that BIS has already covered a comprehensive chapter on glass and glazing in the National Building Code of India 2016: Part 6 Structural Design, Section 8 Glass and Glazing.
This chapter covers:
- Structural stability and safety,
- Energy efficiency,
- Visual comfort (light transmittance and reflection),
- Fire protection,
- Sound insulation,
- Air infiltration (wind pressure, stack pressure, fan pressure), and
- Water penetration (covering static, dynamic and cyclic pressures).
Q. Quality Control Of The Fabrication Process Is Important, Considering The Key Factors Including Checking The Thickness Of The Profile, Gasket Selection, Hardware Selection And Fitting, Glass Selection And Fitting, Etc. How Is BIS Planning To Certify The Products Along With Proper Installation Guidelines?
BIS has developed separate standards on glass, hardware, etc., and more such standards are being developed to complement the efforts of the available standards. These are certifiable standards, and in fact, we foresee a spurt in BIS certification of all these products in the near future.
Q. I Understand That The Only Test Done For uPVC Profile In India Is “Determination Of The Resistance To Artificial Weathering”. This Is The Minimal And Basic Test That Can Be Done. Also, There Is Only One Or Two Testing Agencies To Do This In India? Though The Use Of uPVC Windows Is Surging, Why Is The Delay In Implementing Standardised Testing, Specifications, Finalisation Of Standards And Certification?
As already mentioned, the preparation of Indian Standards is going on, on priority, and soon taking along all levels of industry as well as the user segment, draft standards would be issued for public comments, to be duly finalized and notified thereafter, including for uPVC profiles covering tests such as heat reversion, impact, heat aeging, weldability, Charpy Impact apart from the weathering test. The testing facilities are already available in some of the institutions and are going to be further spread to other research and testing institutions with the availability of the standard for the product and its certification.
Q. In The Case Of Window Systems Too, No Standard Is Specified Yet Concerning Wind Load/ Water Tightness/Fire Resistance, Etc. There Are No Specific Standard Tests Or Testing Agencies. Most Of The Available Products Are Following European Standards And Testing Methods. What Is The Way Forward?
As already discussed, while NBC 2016 does cover these tests, with the development of Indian Standards, the entire paraphernalia for the window system would be in place shortly, augmenting the testing, production and supply of quality window systems duly certified by BIS.
Q. In The Process, The Quality Testing And Certification Of Components Of Window/Door/Façade Systems, Including Glass, Hardware, Cladding Material Used, Etc, Are Very Important. How To Bring About An Integrated Certification Of The Final Product?
BIS already has standards on glass for use in building façades. Recently, a new standard on aluminium composite panel sheets has been finalised and will be available shortly. BIS would be too happy to serve the industry as well as consumers through its BIS certification scheme to help provide certified quality products. The certification of façade materials, window profiles, doors and windows, and their hardware would together provide a comprehensive system to fulfil the needs of the industry, consumers, technology and economy in this area.
Q. Most Of The Aluminium Scrap Across The Globe Is Finding Its Way To India. This Is Definitely Affecting The Quality Of Aluminium Products Available In India And Will Go Against The Certification And Standardisation Effort. What Is Your Take On This?
The Indian standards on aluminium raw material for making doors and windows sections require certain quality parameters to be met, and as such, no inferior material that is unable to fulfil requirements will be permitted. Furthermore, the final products would also be tested against performance tests, thus allowing only quality finished products to be certified and used in work.
Q. Please Brief On The Role Played By The Associations Like uPVC Windows And Door Manufacturers Association (UWDMA), Glazing Society Of India, Aluminium Association Of India, Etc. In The Process Of Certification?
There are three specialised Working Groups constituted under the Door, Windows and Shutters Sectional Committee, CED 11 of BIS, dealing with
- Aluminium doors, windows and sliders.
- uPVC Profile and uPVC Windows.
- Performance test methods. UWDMA, Glazing Society of India (GSI), AAI and various other industry representatives are involved in and contributing to the cause of standardisation in these areas quite actively.
I thank WFM Media, Window and Façade Magazine for this opportunity to share my views and development in this topical subject of standardisation in the area of doors and windows.
Related Post
Top Story
