Why test evidence must lead the way in social housing window and fire door upgrades

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, has worked closely with local authorities for many years, explains why full-system testing and demonstrable test evidence are now essential for local-authority refurbishments.

As local authorities and housing associations continue to navigate one of the most tightly regulated eras our sector has ever seen, one principle is becoming non-negotiable; products going into people’s homes must be proven to perform, not assumed to perform.

Whether that means fire doors in high-rise blocks or windows being replaced under urgent damp-and-mould remediation, compliance cannot be inferred, and documentation cannot be vague. You either have the complete test evidence for the full system you are installing, or you don’t.

At Shelforce, this is not new thinking, it’s the foundation of how we operate. But today, more than ever, I want to put a spotlight on why full-system testing matters, what we have learned from the journey of fire-door regulation, and why Awaab’s Law is set to reshape expectations for window performance and proof of compliance.

A complete change
If there is one product that has undergone a complete regulatory transformation in recent years, it’s the fire door.

For too long, the industry relied on partial tests. The Grenfell Inquiry exposed these shortcomings, and the subsequent regulatory overhaul has been rightly uncompromising: only a fully tested, fully evidenced, fully traceable fire-door set is acceptable. If you cannot prove how the complete system performs in real conditions, then you cannot claim that system is compliant.
Every fire door that leaves our Birmingham factory is manufactured to the same high standards, with no corners cut and full test evidence available. For our local authority partners, that means peace of mind, audit-readiness and a fire-door product aligned with the super-regulator’s expectations.

What many do not realise is that the same principle of whole-product testing now applies to our windows too, especially those going into high-rise or multi-occupancy buildings.

Why testing the whole window system matters
Many in the fenestration sector still test windows the same way they have for decades, testing the frame alone and not including the cill and expansion joints despite both being integral to the way a window performs once installed.

In high-rise buildings, this matters enormously. The cill is the first defence against water ingress. The expansion joint absorbs structural movement. If either fails, the problem is not just an inconvenience, it can lead directly to damp penetrating the building fabric, mould forming and, ultimately, tenant health issues.

That’s why at Shelforce we test the entire window product, frame, cill, expansion joint included, as it will be installed in a high-rise environment. If the cill has not been tested, then no one can prove it will withstand wind-driven rain or directional water under pressure. If the expansion joint has not been tested, no one can guarantee it has the capacity to manage movement without opening a path for water. And if neither is tested, the entire system is vulnerable.

Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law has changed the landscape for every landlord, local authority and housing association. It puts them under pressure as they now have strict timescales for diagnosing and resolving damp and mould issues, and every decision will now be scrutinised through the lens of resident health and legal accountability.

While poor ventilation, insulation and structural issues all play their part, the truth is poorly fitted, poorly performing or insufficiently tested windows are one of the leading causes of damp penetration in social housing. And now, with landlords under legal pressure to act fast, the performance of windows is no longer a secondary concern – it is a frontline compliance issue.

When a local authority replaces windows in a block plagued by damp, the question they must ask is not if the window is compliant but is there test evidence to prove this entire system performs as required, including the cill and expansion joints that keep moisture out?

Unfortunately, too many suppliers will still hand over a certificate that looks impressive but tells only half the story. Awaab’s Law demands more, residents deserve more and regulators will expect more. And this is where full-system test evidence becomes essential.

The Building Safety Regulator is moving firmly in this direction. The sector is already experiencing increased scrutiny for Gateway 2 submissions, damp and mould investigations, and post-installation performance checks. And the expectation is only going to rise.

Evidence you can rely on
At Shelforce, our commitment to testing is part of our code of ethics. We don’t cut corners. For local authorities this means products designed for high-rise performance that have full transparency and traceability and audit-ready test evidence for every component.

Our fire doors and windows are manufactured by a team with exceptional skill, integrity and dedication, many of whom overcome significant barriers to work, something we are very proud of as a social-value employer. But it is our technical discipline, our relentless focus on safety, and our commitment to full-system testing that set us apart and mean our products provide reliability, durability and proven safety for tenants.

As the regulatory and legal environment continues to tighten, one message stands out above all others, if you cannot prove it performs, you cannot install it.

Testing the whole product is now the only acceptable standard. Fire doors taught us that, Awaab’s Law reinforces it, and the Building Safety Regulator will enforce it.

For local authorities and housing associations responsible for the safety of thousands of residents, choosing the right supplier is no longer just a procurement decision. It is a safeguarding decision, and they should support through the regulatory and documentation processes.

Every supplier should be able to provide the evidence to prove their products are fully tested and at Shelforce, we stand ready to support our customers with fully tested, fully evidenced, high-performance windows and fire doors they can depend on.