Feature


“A retrofit must be completed consciously and professionally, with reliable replacements. Failing to do so could be a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order6


. Whether an


environmental or safety conscious choice, the first step of any retrofit installation is to ensure the selected hardware replacement is suitable for application, and decision makers must understand the reasons behind their choices or seek professional guidance.


“For door hardware specifically, retrofit projects must also be compliant under UKCA and CE certifications and be fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions, in accordance with BS EN 11547


product information - in line with the Building Safety Bill’s9 regulatory framework known as the Golden Thread of Information10


“In terms of cost savings, the process of adding better functioning components to our buildings will benefit many. Retrofitting is an attractive proposition for most large or ageing structures as it provides decision makers the ability to improve upon key problem areas without having to consider large- scale reconstruction or demolition - saving on time, resources and costs. Modern housebuilders and homeowners can look towards retrofitting, too, improving their own footprints and putting money back in their pockets, as they seek to combat the significant rise in energy costs.”


.


Decision makers can refer to the Code for Construction Product Information8


(CCPI) for clear, accurate, up-to-date and accessible .


“While the benefits are clear, all retrofit projects must be compliant with the doors testing certification. Consequences often result from retrofits that are not properly thought out, especially when the selection of appropriate alternatives is flawed. Generally, to improve understanding of what is required, education on the subject must be developed further. Because with a long-term, large-scale strategy, retrofit projects could provide wide-reaching returns for all involved.”


Understanding Retrofit


Investment in retrofit projects could have a seismic effect on the construction industry, acting as a catalyst to the economy and improving various areas of our building network. And while it’s true retrofit can play an important role, consequences can arise when a project isn’t approached correctly. Karen Trigg continues:


“Naturally, modern technology developments and legislation changes will continue to drive product enhancements. Take door hardware, for example, a crucial component of a building’s fire safety, security and everyday operation. There will always be a responsibility to ensure the hardware in older buildings remains up to standards and that we are meeting the latest in safety and sustainability regulations.


“As time passes, hardware experiences wear and damage and the replacement of aged components becomes necessary. And in some cases, new products will emerge as an improvement on previous applications. With that, an effective retrofit could significantly enhance the functionality of a door and the fire safety and security of a building - not to mention the environmental benefits associated with installing better, long-serving products.


“Effective retrofit projects can safeguard the quality of our buildings cost,


in the future, making crucial improvements to


safety and functionality. Although, without a proper understanding on the subject, mistakes will readily undo the good work that many are aiming towards. A poorly specified or incorrectly installed retrofit could prove costly - in terms of money and time - and even present a danger to the integrity of a building’s fire safety.


1: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/cities-pollution 2: https://www.iea.org/topics/buildings 3: https://www.ukgbc.org/climate-change-2/


4: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/energy-news/decarbonising-construction-2/100961/ 5: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement 6: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made


7: https://laidlaw.co.uk/architectural-ironmongery/standards-legislation/ 03-door-closers-bs-en-1154-1155/


8: https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/news/code- for-construction-product-information-ccpi-published/ 9: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act


10: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building- safety-bill-factsheets/golden-thread-factsheet


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