The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is a UK body that provides certification services for products and systems across the construction industry. Founded in 1966, the BBA is recognised as an authoritative body that offers rigorous assessment, certification, approval, and inspection services to manufacturers and installers supplying the construction industry. For us at EWI Store, the BBA examines and tests our EWI systems. If they perform well, they become BBA Approved Systems and receive their dedicated certificates.
BBA’s role
The main role of the BBA is to develop quality and performance standards for products and systems. The BBA also provides independent assurance that these are met by the manufacturers and installers. They do this by thoroughly testing and evaluating products and systems to ensure they are fit for purpose and also meet the required quality and safety standards. This can involve laboratory testing, on-site evaluations, quality management checks, and inspections of production processes.
After a product or system has been certified by the BBA, it is periodically reassessed and monitored. Therefore, ongoing compliance with the set standards is ensured. This continuous evaluation process gives manufacturers, installers, designers, architects, and consumers confidence in the quality, durability, safety, and performance of the certified products and systems.
As such, BBA certificates are highly valued in the construction industry. They are used by architects, designers, and construction professionals to aid in product selection. They also assure clients that the chosen products are reliable and have been independently assessed for their intended use. The BBA also works closely with building control, local authorities, specifiers, and insurers to provide additional confidence and assurance in the use of certified products.
UKCA body
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is a product marking that came into effect in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2021, following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The mark is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
The UKCA marking signals that a product complies with the UK’s relevant statutory regulations and safety standards, demonstrating conformity with UK legislation. It is used for a broad range of goods, such as toys, machinery, medical devices, explosives for civil uses, and civil explosives, among others.
Manufacturers are responsible for affixing the UKCA marking to their products. But how they do this can vary depending on the specific regulations that apply to their product.
BBA Construction Product Testing
- Durability – We use state-of-the-art equipment to test product durability, making sure they each conform to the highest standards.
- Mechanical, Physical and Structural – When undertaking structural component or system testing, it is essential that the product(s) performs to the designed specification and desired lifespan.
- Weather Resistance and Wind – Nothing works in isolation. We use Weather Resistance and Wind Testing analyses to understand the performance of a product against variable weather conditions
- Security and Manipulation – Testing products for Security and Manipulation identifies product resistance to attacks and resilience over time.
- Conformance and Fit-For-Purpose – Product, material, and system conformity is crucial in the modern construction landscape. Ensuring your product is fit for purpose is fundamental to its design and function.
- Thermal Performance – Did you know Thermal Performance testing helps establish a product’s energy performance and efficiency?
- On-Site Testing and Trials – Early detection of product failures can be the difference between a project’s success or failure.
- Bespoke Testing – Our highly skilled Test Team is available to discuss the options and assist in the creation of a tailored test programme that will meet all requirements.
Our BBA Approved Systems
In partnership with EWI Pro, we hold three BBA Approved Systems Certificates. The systems represent our three most popular build-ups with an EPS, Mineral Wool, and Render Carrier Board system represented. The factors that are assessed tend to vary depending on the style of system that is tested. However, factors such as strength & stability and behaviour in relation to fire stay the same. These are integral to any ETICS or EWI systems.
| Factors Assessed | EPS System – Certificate 18/5503 | MW System – Certificate 18/5503 | RCB System – Certificate 22/6324 |
| Thermal performance | The systems can be used to improve the thermal performance of external walls and can contribute to satisfying the requirements of the national Building Regulations | The systems can be used to improve the thermal performance of external walls and can contribute to satisfying the requirements of the national Building Regulations | N/A |
| Strength & stability | The systems can adequately resist wind loads and have sufficient resistance to impact damage. The impact resistance is dependent on the finish chosen | The systems can adequately resist wind loads and have sufficient resistance to impact damage. The impact resistance is dependent on the finish chosen | The systems can adequately resist the wind loads and impact damage likely to be met in service. |
| Behaviour in Relation to Fire | The systems have a reaction to fire classification of B-s2, d0 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2007 | The systems have an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2007 | The systems have an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification depending on the finish coat chosen and may be restricted. |
| Risk of condensation | The systems can contribute to limiting the risk of interstitial and surface condensation | The systems can contribute to limiting the risk of interstitial and surface condensation | N/A |
| Durability | When installed and maintained in accordance with the Certificate holder’s recommendations and the terms of the Certificate, the systems will remain effective for at least 30 years | When installed and maintained in accordance with the Certificate holder’s recommendations and the terms of the Certificate, the systems will remain effective for at least 30 years | Under normal service conditions, the systems will have a service life in excess of 30 years. |
| Weather resistance | N/A | N/A | The systems tend to shed water and will considerably reduce the amount of water penetrating through the substrate. |
The certificates can be accessed on the BBA website, or directly on EWI Pro.
The build-ups
The build-ups can also be viewed on the EWI Pro website but contain all of our products.
Our standard classic system is comprised of EPS insulation on a brick/block substrate; this system is cost-effective, easy to install and suitable for a wide range of properties. Using our EPS Adhesives and Plastic Pin Fixings achieves an advanced insulation system with minimised thermal bridging and a prolonged lifespan. A choice of decorative thin coat renders is available to seal the system and achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish. When installed on a solid brick wall, 90mm of EPS can achieve a U-value of 0.30(W/m2k). This brings the building fabric in line with modern-day efficiency standards, effectively reducing energy bills and improving the thermal comfort of the property. Not only does the system create a more comfortable internal environment, but it also hugely updates the exterior look of the building, creating a fresh, modern finish.
Rockwool insulation features as part of our classic Mineral Wool system for standard brick and blockwork. Due to its excellent fire resistance, breathability and insulating capabilities, Mineral Wool insulation systems are a premium choice for all-around performance. Fix the insulation using our Premium Basecoat adhesive and Metal Pin Fixings for a secure structure, then finish the system with a breathable, decorative thin coat render. When installed onto a solid wall, 110mm of Mineral Wool can achieve a U-value of 0.30(W/m2k). The open-pore structure of stone wool means that it is highly efficient against noise pollution, as well as being an excellent insulator.
