Testing and certifications

The ift Institute, Rosenheim, Germany, is an internationally active scientific service provider for manufacturers of windows, facades, glass, doors, gates and all accessories (fittings, seals, building materials, etc.). The ift tests the useability of building construction elements and carries out tests on windows, glazing, facades, building construction materials and soundproofing.
As a research and development institute and a certified testing station, the ift is authorised to issue the CE symbol or certifications for building construction materials, and publish the associated test results.

The testing of windows and facades extends to cover compliance with standardised characteristics; for example, as the basis for issuing the CE designation through to the ascertainment of the useability of products, in consideration of their employment purposes, stress and strain impingements and the anticipated useful service life.

CE Symbol

The CE symbol evidences the conformity of a product with European directives and enables trading in a product on a pan-European basis. The detailed description of the requirements and evidences is enshrined in the relevant European product standards. The product standards represent the implementation of European building constructional material directives as per the details contained in the ZA Annexe for the CE symbol.

Pursuant to European Standard EN 10077 (1 and 2), the calculated Uw parameters take into consideration the gross surface area; i.e. including the total of the framework.  
This parameter is, for example, to be taken for MINERGIE® evidencing and in the European Union.