Specifying products is seemingly becoming more difficult for designers due to the lack of reliable test evidence and wider data in relation to the performance of the products. The frustration is such among some designers that they are even proposing to undertake tests themselves so that they can find a solution for a project which is currently stalling due to not having a compliant product.

The issue mainly relates to the fire performance of products and is compounded by manufacturers not having test evidence available for some construction types or details, the withdrawal of previously published technical literature by manufacturers and the change in approved document B in relation to the replacement of BS476 with the European Standard.

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