Testing & Sustainability: Ensuring Performance and Responsibility
At Fusion Facades Limited, we are dedicated to delivering facade systems that meet the highest standards of performance and sustainability. Rigorous testing, including CWCT and fire classification assessments, ensures our products can withstand extreme conditions and meet critical safety standards. Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in every step of our process, from material selection to environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. With Fusion Facades, you can be assured of durable, high-performance facades built with environmental responsibility in mind.
CWCT Testing
CWCT testing is a crucial component of facade performance validation, encompassing key aspects such as air permeability, water penetration, wind resistance, and impact testing. While performance of a rainscreen system can be theoretically assessed within set parameters, the actual CWCT test provides real-world accuracy by simulating extreme conditions a building might encounter. For bespoke rainscreen systems, an independent CWCT test offers an additional level of assurance, ensuring the facade system’s resilience and reliability.
Air Permeability
Air permeability testing evaluates a rainscreen system’s ability to prevent air from passing through the facade under pressure. This assessment is vital to ensure energy efficiency within the building, as air leakage can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements. By thoroughly testing for air permeability, Fusion Facades can confidently deliver a system that helps maintain the interior climate, supporting overall energy efficiency and comfort.
Water Penetration
Water penetration testing assesses a facade’s ability to prevent water ingress under pressure, replicating intense weather conditions. Water-tightness is essential for any building, protecting interiors from potential damage and ensuring the rainscreen system functions as intended. CWCT’s stringent water penetration testing replicates these conditions, assuring clients of the system’s durability and resilience in adverse weather.
Wind Resistance (Serviceability & Safety)
Wind resistance tests, covering both serviceability and safety, are essential to ensuring the facade can withstand high wind pressures. Serviceability testing examines the facade’s deflection under wind load, while safety testing ensures it remains intact under extreme conditions. These tests are particularly important for tall buildings, where wind pressure is more intense, providing reassurance that the facade will remain stable, safe, and secure.
Soft & Hard Body Impact Testing
Impact testing assesses a facade’s resilience to both minor and substantial impacts. Soft body impact testing simulates everyday occurrences like human contact, while hard body impact testing examines the facade’s response to more forceful collisions, such as debris impact during storms. This testing is critical for ensuring the facade can withstand both minor and major impacts without compromising its integrity or safety.
In-House CWCT Testing
In collaboration with leading industry testing institutes, Fusion Facades offers in-house CWCT testing services to streamline the testing process. Our facilities enable CWCT tests to be conducted efficiently, providing clients with timely results. We also facilitate NHBC (National House Building Council) witness testing, ensuring independent verification of test outcomes. By offering these in-house testing options, Fusion Facades helps clients confidently meet project timelines without compromising on quality or compliance.
Fire Classification Standard
Our facade systems are rigorously tested to meet the stringent BS8414 standards, attaining the A2 cladding BR135 classification. This classification confirms that our cladding solutions are designed to resist fire spread, ensuring enhanced safety in high-rise and public buildings. For projects requiring an even higher level of fire resistance, we offer A1 cladding build-ups, delivering the highest level of non-combustibility available. These classifications underscore our dedication to providing safe, compliant facade solutions, prioritising the safety and security of all occupants.
BS8414 Testing
BS8414 testing is a rigorous process involving the exposure of cladding systems to controlled fire scenarios to assess their performance. This test measures the spread of fire across the cladding system, evaluating its resistance and containment capabilities. Passing this test assures clients that our systems provide robust protection against fire spread, meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements for facade safety.
A2 & A1 Classification
Achieving an A2 cladding BR135 classification demonstrates that our systems meet the highest fire safety standards, while our A1 cladding build-up offers complete non-combustibility. These options cater to projects where fire safety is paramount, providing flexibility in material selection while maintaining full compliance with stringent fire safety regulations.
Sustainability & Responsibile Manufacturing
Fusion Facades is deeply committed to minimising our environmental impact through sustainable practices, backed by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accreditations. These certifications reflect our dedication to both quality management and environmental stewardship, ensuring that each product we manufacture meets the highest standards of excellence and sustainability. From selecting materials with low environmental footprints to implementing responsible manufacturing processes, we strive to reduce our carbon footprint at every step.
Our dedication to sustainability extends to partnerships with suppliers who share our environmental values, fostering a collaborative approach to responsible sourcing. By choosing Fusion Facades, you’re choosing a partner committed to both high performance and environmental responsibility, supporting a future that benefits both buildings and the planet.