Partners set new standard for fire-safe facades 

Fire-resistant plastic frames and doors with CE certification

As a result of the deadly facade fires in London and Valencia, for example, more and more clients are demanding demonstrably fire-safe facades. By doing so, they not only comply with the Bbl, but also with the increasingly strict requirements of property insurers. Capitalizing on this development, Smits Kozijnen, in close cooperation with profile supplier Kömmerling Nederland, has developed CE-certified fire-resistant plastic window frames and doors. This makes the companies leaders in the market.

With this special milestone, Smits Kozijnen and Kömmerling Nederland set a new (high) standard in the field of fire safety in construction. Contractors, developers and architects now have the opportunity to develop projects that are fully sustainable and fire-resistant, without any aesthetic difference between standard and fire-resistant plastic window frames and doors.

Approved and tested according to European standards

Smits Kozijnen has been a partner of Kömmerling for over forty years and uses the K-VISION profile series, developed especially for the Dutch market, for the production of its plastic window frames and doors. "As organizations, we have been at the forefront of aesthetic possibilities, durability and fire resistance for years," says Rob van der Heijden, General Director Smits Kozijnen & Smits Isolatieglas. "We fully comply with the standards applicable in the Netherlands, such as the Bbl. Now that CE is becoming the standard, we have also energetically taken up this gauntlet."

At least 30 minutes of fire resistance

CE certification is based on the European NEN-EN 16034 standard, which guarantees that K-VISION fire-resistant plastic frames and doors from Smits Kozijnen meet the highest fire safety requirements, Van der Heijden said. 

"Our fire-resistant plastic window frames and doors have been tested in full construction, under the supervision of renowned laboratories, such as Peutz and Efectis in the Netherlands. During these tests it was shown that our plastic window frames and doors - in various designs - meet at least 30 minutes of flameproofing and resistance to heat radiation (EW30) and 30 minutes of flameproofing in relation to insulating capacity (EI30). Together with Kömmerling Netherlands, we are the first European party to achieve this on this scale in plastic."

Quality assurance

"By obtaining CE certification on our K-VISION fire-resistant plastic frames and doors, we offer the assurance that our fire-resistant products meet ALL current legal requirements. Both national and European," Van der Heijden emphasizes. "But also that this quality is constant. We supply our products in particular to other K-VISION processors in the Netherlands, who thus also remain leaders in the market for fire-resistant plastic frames and doors. Indeed, as a Kömmerling family, we are taking a clear lead into the future, in which not only the application of fire-resistant facades, but also their enforcement will become increasingly important."

Uniform appearance

Meanwhile, Smits Kozijnen can produce the CE-certified fire-resistant plastic window frames and doors in various versions. "Thanks to the clever engineering behind the fire-resistant execution of the window frames, they are aesthetically identical to their non-fire-resistant counterparts," says Remco van Overdijk, Country Manager at Kömmerling Netherlands. "We are also working on Cube window frames, straight corner joints and bio-attributed PVC in fire-resistant versions, among others. This increases the possibilities for contractors, developers and architects to design their projects in a uniform shape and color." Van der Heijden: "By also applying high-quality, fire-resistant insulation glass from Smits Insulation Glass in the window frames, we complete the fire-resistant quality."

Continuous process

"To achieve CE certification, we worked intensively for about eight months in a project group, in which experts from Smits Kozijnen and Kömmerling were represented," says Van der Heijden. "This involved, for example, gathering information, optimizing production processes and establishing various procedures and guidelines." In February, these efforts were rewarded with CE certification, but the efforts don't stop there, says Van Overdijk. "CE certification is a continuous process. After all, requirements and wishes in the market are constantly evolving. For example, with regard to building heights and glass dimensions." 

Sophisticated test plan

A total of six tests are planned for this year, of which three have now been carried out. "Together with Kömmerling Nederland, we have drawn up a test plan, which specifies exactly which elements can be fireproofed and tested when. Here we look carefully at the element combinations and dimensions. After all, according to CE regulations we are allowed to reduce elements, but not enlarge them. In addition, we keep in constant contact with the Kömmerling K-VISION processors, so that we continue to make smart choices as well as keep in touch with the market." Van Overdijk: "If required, we can even test project-specific elements."

Successful tests have already been conducted for fixed frame elements, tilt-and-turn windows and a combination of these. But also for sash overlapping front doors and front doors with an inset panel and/or sidelight, balcony doors and tilt-and-turn windows on a parapet. "With this, over 80% of the building can now be CE-certified," says van Overdijk, who emphasizes that plastic window frames and doors are becoming increasingly popular. From renovation to new construction and from ground-level homes to high-rise buildings. "With these new developments, we expect this trend to take off even more."

Exclusive product on the European market

With the CE-certified fire-resistant K-VISION plastic frames and doors, Smits Kozijnen distinguishes itself in the construction industry. No other manufacturer in Europe offers this unique combination of fire safety, innovation and durability. This makes Smits Kozijnen's products an essential choice for building projects where fire safety is a top priority.