Certification-associated classification: a simple and reliable way to choose a product
Looking for an economical thermostatic mixer valve suitable for apartment buildings? Use the ECAU classification. Unsure about the best floor covering for a nursery or entrance hall? You can trust the UPEC (Wear, Puncturing, Water Resistance, Chemicals) classification. Need a roof underlayment in direct contact with insulation? EST classification gives you all the information you need to choose the right product.
Certification attests to the performance attained by a product, regardless of its use, whereas classification takes into account the different uses in a building, which can depend on its function: public buildings, sports facilities, private residences, apartment buildings, and so on. The idea is to adapt to the type of building, operating conditions and needs expressed by the project owner. The use of ceramic tile flooring, carpet or laminate products does not require the same level of performance when used in a nursery, an office building or apartment living room. The usage conditions take into account, for example, wear from footfall, and stain and chemical resistance. The CSTB created usage classifications to facilitate selection and specification of products suited for specific purposes in buildings.
“The usage classification therefore has a dual benefit,” says Charles Baloche, deputy CEO in charge of Technological Activities at the CSTB. “First, it is a guarantee of product quality because it reliably considers product performance levels. Products are monitored as part of QB or NF third-party certification, which validates the quality of production processes. Second, usage classifications enable you to choose the right level of performance required for the given use, resulting in material savings while ensuring achievement of the desired results.”
Advantage: simplicity
“We now offer a dozen classifications in four product families: floors and coverings, envelopes, windows and glazing, water systems and sanitary equipment,” says Yannick Lemoigne, head of the Certification unit. So, how do you find what you’re looking for? “There is a manual of uses on the CSTB website on the page devoted to each classification. It makes it easy to locate a performance type by letter and match it with a level of performance. The performance is described and creates a link between the product and its use: what are the required product characteristics based on its installation configuration and stress conditions?”
“For example, for the UPEC classification appearing in the reference document Notice on the U.P.E.C. Classification of Premises provided by the CSTB for floor coverings, there is a dual frame of reference,” explains Christine Gilliot, head of the Coverings, Waterproofing, Rendering and Mortars Division. “The project owner can determine the classification that corresponds to the room where the floor covering will be installed based on the specific stress conditions, classified according to four specifications: wear (U), puncturing (P), water resistance (E) and chemical resistance (C). The information can then be used in the project specifications. Using the room classification, the architect can choose from among the certified products on the market the one that correspond to the minimum room classification, or higher.” To facilitate the choice, the CSTB makes the UPEC database available for free on its website.
10 classifications
In 2017, the CSTB strengthened its offering of classifications to facilitate the selection of QB- and NF-certified products. The CSTB now offers 10 classifications. In collaboration with project owners, project managers, consulting firms and insurers, the priority is to meet the needs identified in the market. The CSTB is continuously developing its offerings in 2018 so that most of the product families have dedicated classifications
Developing this decision support strengthens quality on the market at a time when certification has become an essential criterion of trust.
