What Does BBA Approved Stand For?
All You Need to Know on British Board of Agrement
When buying any material, especially construction and insulation materials that we have spent a lot of money on, we only expect high quality, durability and functionality. We want to be sure that the material we have purchased will be able to provide all the stability and security that we need. Thus, the question arises, how can we make sure that we have bought just that? We often encounter with different kinds of certification marks that we usually do not know what they stand for and what they imply. For example, if you have ever undertaken any reconstruction work within your home, you have probably wondered what does BBA approved stand for. Well, we will try to clarify some of your dilemmas right here.
What is BBA?
BBA actually stands for British Board of Agrément, originally established by the British Government in 1966, but now presents a non-profit, independent certification body which offers certification and inspection services in regard to the construction work and materials in the UK. Its services include not only certifying construction materials and procedures but also inspecting and making sure that the recognized and BBA approved techniques and schemes are implemented. The entire organisation and approvals are recognized by the building control, local authorities and departments, insurance companies, architect and designers, which means that you can rest assure that a BBA approved product really meets the standards set in the given certificate, since all the manufacturers are subject to organized surveillance and review just as the installation processes are under constant inspection (such as BBA Approved Installer Scheme for injected Cavity Wall Insulation).
BBA Scope of Work
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Product Approval
As upper mentioned, we believe that it is extremely important to purchase and use only accredited and approved construction and insulation products. Well, BBA makes sure that the accreditation is only given to the products that pass strict series of laboratory testing, on-site evaluations, production inspections and proper audits that will make sure that adequate quality management system is applied. The product undergoes regular monitoring twice a year and an overall reassessment every three years, all in order of making sure that the good practice is also followed in the years to come.
An interesting scheme developed by the BBA includes assessing and monitoring condensation risk and U value calculations within a building. The scheme was developed in association with the Thermal Insulation Manufacturers and Suppliers Association, but is also opened for individuals and companies that are not members of the association. The scheme makes sure that the U values and condensation risks calculations given in regard to a specific products or systems are made by certificated companies and that the outputs are thus credible. The scheme includes a few stages such as screening, inspection, validation and ongoing surveillance.
Another important aspect in the construction industry nowadays is the one regarding the environmental impact of a construction or insulation material. The British Agrément Certificates now offer an option for the certificates to withhold the information on the product’s environmental impact including carbon balance, recycled content, responsibilities of the manufacture etc.
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Installation Approval
Since the installation of a product is just as important as it characteristics and accreditation, the British Board of Agrément also offers installation process validation and inspection, regardless of whether we are talking about BBA approved installers, individual client management schemes or government endorsed surveillance visits. The scope of work in regard to the installation process includes not only general building works but also external wall insulation, cavity wall and loft insulation. Namely, the BBA Cavity Wall Approved Installer Scheme has been operational for more than 30 years and ensures that the insulation systems and the very installation process is in accordance with the applicable Building Regulations and other prescribed requirements. This also goes for external wall insulation systems and proper loft insulation in order of making sure that the installed systems are not only certified but can also contribute to CO2 reductions and energy efficiency.
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Test Services
BBA has also developed test departments in order of carrying out all sorts of testing, beyond the BBA accreditation testing. It is good to know that most testing techniques are developed in accordance with the UKAS accreditation which offers additional security and validity. Some testing is completely innovative since it refers to some new products and systems where there are no established testing methods already developed.
The available test services also include durability testing of various materials, systems and areas including windows and doors, roof structures, cladding, thermal insulation, pipes, coatings etc. The basic idea is to determine how will the subject material or product react to extreme conditions it is exposed to such as heat or cold, UV rays, alkalis, extreme temperatures etc.
Finally, the BBA Testing services also include testing the thermal performance and energy efficiency of various construction and insulation materials, testing of developed building membrane systems such as breather membranes or damp-proofing courses, and windows and doors testing.
For more info about BBA approved insulation products for your home or commercial insulation projects take a look at our offer and products descriptions.