EN 14351-1 and EN 16034 Certifications for Fire-Rated Glazing and Framing Systems: Why They Are Essential

Understand the role of EN 14351-1 and EN 16034 standards, CE Marking, and mandatory documentation in the certification of fire-rated glazing and framing systems, ensuring safety, legal compliance, and fire performance.

In the construction sector, fire safety is an unquestionable priority, and glazing and framing systems play a critical role in building compartmentation and evacuation. For architects, engineers, and contractors, the selection of fire-rated glazing and framing systems is not limited to their fire resistance alone, but also to ensuring compliance with stringent European standards. EN 14351-1 and EN 16034 certifications are fundamental pillars in this context, ensuring that installed products deliver the declared performance and the necessary legal compliance.

EN 14351-1: The Foundation Standard for Windows and Doors

EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 (or its latest version) is the harmonised European standard that establishes performance characteristics for external pedestrian doors and windows without fire resistance and/or smoke control characteristics. It covers aspects such as air permeability, watertightness, wind resistance, thermal insulation (Uw value), acoustic insulation (Rw value), durability, and safety in use.

This standard forms the basis for CE Marking of all external windows and doors, ensuring that products meet a minimum set of safety and performance requirements to be marketed within the European Economic Area (EEA).

EN 16034: The Essential Standard for Fire-Rated Systems

EN 16034:2014 is the harmonised European standard specifying performance characteristics for pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial and garage doors, as well as openable windows with fire resistance and/or smoke control characteristics. It is important to emphasise that EN 16034 must always be used in conjunction with EN 14351-1 for external doors and windows, or with EN 14351-2 for internal doors.

This combination of standards is essential because EN 16034 focuses exclusively on fire performance (integrity “E”, insulation “I”, radiation “W”, smoke control “S”), while EN 14351-1 addresses all other essential performance characteristics of a window or door system. Together, they ensure that a fire-rated system not only resists fire and smoke but also complies with the general requirements of a functional glazing and framing solution.

CE Marking: The Passport to the European Market

CE Marking is a mandatory indicator of conformity for construction products marketed within the EEA. For glazing and framing systems, particularly fire-rated products, the CE Marking signifies that the manufacturer has declared compliance with all essential requirements of the applicable European directives and regulations, including EN 14351-1 and EN 16034.

For fire-rated systems, CE Marking became mandatory on 1 November 2019, following the end of the coexistence period. Without it, products cannot be legally placed on the European market.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTATION FOR FIRE-RATED GLAZING AND FRAMING SYSTEMS

The compliance of a fire-rated system is demonstrated through a set of documents that must be provided by the manufacturer. Understanding these documents is essential for any construction professional.

1. Declaration of Performance (DoP)

The Declaration of Performance (DoP) is the most important document issued by the manufacturer, certifying the performance of a construction product in relation to its essential characteristics.

For fire-rated systems, the DoP must include:

• Unique Product Identification: Product code or type, ensuring traceability.
• Intended Use: Clear description of the product’s function (e.g., external fire-resistant and smoke-control window).
• Manufacturer: Name and address of the manufacturer.
• Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System: Indicates the quality control system applied (typically System 1 for critical safety products such as fire-rated systems, requiring the involvement of a notified body).
• Notified Body: Identification of the body responsible for assessing and certifying Factory Production Control (FPC) and Initial Type Testing.
• Declared Essential Characteristics: The most critical section, presenting product performance according to harmonised standards. For fire-rated systems, this includes:
  • Fire Resistance (EN 13501-2): Classification as E (Integrity), EW (Integrity and Radiation) ou EI (Integrity and Insulation), followed by the time in minutes (e.g., EI30, EW60).
    How to interpret: EI30 means the system maintains integrity and thermal insulation for 30 minutes during a fire. EW60 means the system maintains integrity and limits thermal radiation for 60 minutes.
  • Smoke Control (EN 13501-2): Classification S (Smoke Leakage Control)
    How to interpret: S indicates that the system limits smoke passage.
  • Other Characteristics (EN 14351-1):  Performance regarding air permeability, watertightness, wind resistance, thermal insulation (Uw) and acoustic insulation (Rw)
    How to interpret: Construction professionals must verify that the declared characteristics meet project requirements and the applicable fire safety regulations. Any discrepancy may compromise both safety and legal compliance.

2. CE Marking Label

The CE Marking label must be affixed to the product or its packaging and must contain at least:

• CE symbol
• Manufacturer’s name or identification mark
• Last two digits of the year in which the CE Marking was affixed
• Identification number of the notified body (where applicable)
• Reference to the harmonised standards (EN 14351-1 and EN 16034)
• Reference to the Declaration of Performance (DoP)
• Declared performance for essential characteristics (e.g., EI30, S, Uw, Rw)

How to interpret: The label provides visual confirmation of compliance. Professionals should ensure that the information corresponds to the DoP and that the product specified is appropriate for the intended fire-rated application.

3. Maintenance Manual

The maintenance manual is a vital document supplied by the manufacturer. It contains essential information to ensure that the product maintains its performance throughout its service life.

It should include a preventive maintenance plan covering:

• Inspection intervals
• Cleaning procedures
• Hardware lubrication
• Seal inspection

For fire-rated systems, regular maintenance is legally required and essential to ensure that self-closing mechanisms and material integrity remain fully operational in the event of a fire.

How to interpret: Maintenance activities should be recorded and carried out by qualified technicians.

Why Can Only a Certified Company Guarantee Documentary Compliance?

Only a properly certified company with an implemented and audited Factory Production Control (FPC) system can guarantee both documentary compliance and the actual performance of fire-rated glazing and framing systems.

The reasons include:

1. Initial Type Testing: Certified companies submit their products to rigorous testing in accredited laboratories to determine fire performance according to EN 1634-1. These tests form the basis for fire resistance classification and the Declaration of Performance.
2. Factory Production Control (FPC): A robust FPC system ensures manufacturing consistency and guarantees that every product maintains the same performance characteristics as those originally tested. This system is audited annually by a notified body.
3. Traceability and Accountability: Certified manufacturers maintain detailed records of components, processes, and tests, ensuring complete product traceability. In the event of failure, accountability is clearly established.
4. Technical Expertise and Continuous Updating: Certified companies invest in ongoing staff training and continuously update their processes to comply with the latest standards and industry best practices.
5. Legal Assurance: The issuance of the DoP and the application of the CE Marking by a certified company provide the legal basis required for the use of these products in buildings, protecting designers and contractors from liability arising from non-compliance.

The use of fire-rated systems without the appropriate certification and documentation can lead to serious consequences, ranging from fines and project shutdowns to, more critically, system failure during a fire, placing lives at risk and potentially resulting in civil and criminal liability.

EN 14351-1 and EN 16034 certifications are far more than simple quality labels; they are guarantees of safety and legal compliance for fire-rated glazing and framing systems.

Understanding the Declaration of Performance, CE Marking, and maintenance manuals is essential for all construction professionals. By selecting certified suppliers and products, architects, engineers, and contractors not only fulfil their legal obligations but also actively contribute to the safety and resilience of buildings, protecting both lives and property.

Metallik is certified in accordance with EN 14351 and EN 16034 standards, within the CE Marking framework for doors, windows, and fire- and smoke-resistant systems.

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