What does the Kitemark mean?

Reassurance
The Kitemark is one of the most well known and respected product certification marks in the world and is your reassurance that BSI has checked that your window complies with the latest British Standards.

Product Quality
Kitemark certification is voluntary and companies are not obliged to join. However those that do are making a public commitment to the quality of their products.

Confidence
Companies who have the Kitemark have confidence in their product. They are required to give BSI unrestricted access to their offices and factories and allow random samples to be selected for resting on a regular basis.

 

Kitemarks Schemes for PVC-U Windows

There are a large number of British Standards applicable to PVC-U windows and related components. However not every standard has an associated Kitemark scheme.

If you are buying PVC-U windows the Kitemark to look for are:

BS-7412 – This is the primary standard for PVC-U Windows and covers weather performance and durability along with a basic level of burglar resistance.

And

BS-7950 – This standard covers a higher level of burglar resistance.

Other Kitemarks you may see are listed below:

BS-6206 – This applies to Safety Glass, which must be used in areas vulnerable to accidental breakage (your supplier should be able to provide guidance on the use of safety glass).

BS-5713 – This applies to Insulating Glass units (double glazed units) and is soon to be replaced by the new European standard. EN1279

BS-7413 – This is the standard for PVC-U Profiles (the framing material for PVC-U windows).

It’s worth noting that both BS-7413 and BS-5713 are required within BS-7412, so if you are purchasing Kitemarked windows you should not need to specify these standards separately.

What to look for

Kitemark certified windows display the Kitemark and the Standard Number in close proximity. This is usually on the inside of the frame (ie not visible when the window is closed).

You may also see the Kitemark used in advertising. Where the company is not Licensee but purchases from a Licensee they must use the Licence number (this is prefixed with ‘KM’) in addition to the standard number as shown left. The Licence number is unique to the Licence holder and allows the window to be traced to the manufacturer.