VEKA plc has strengthened its research and development capabilities with the introduction of a dedicated in-house weathering facility at its workshop. Supplied by ift MessTec, part of ift Rosenheim, the advanced rig allows VEKA to conduct controlled environmental evaluations of window systems, enhancing its technical support services for customers.

Supporting Early-Stage Performance Evaluation

The facility enables indicative performance testing, helping VEKA collaborate with customers to assess window system behaviour under simulated wind, rain, and pressure conditions before formal certification. For fabricators, this early evaluation provides practical commercial advantages: recorded performance data allows review of system configurations, alignment with market requirements, and preparation for projects with specific performance standards.

Simulating Demanding Weather Conditions

The weathering rig replicates challenging environmental conditions in a consistent, measurable way. A fog system highlights potential air leakage paths, while air permeability testing measures airflow under pressure in line with recognised standards. Water tightness tests simulate wind-driven rain with increasing pressure, while wind deflection and pressure pulse testing monitor structural responses of frames and glazing. Collectively, these assessments give insight into overall system performance under controlled conditions.

Reducing Risk Before Formal Certification

Internal testing does not replace third-party certification but helps identify potential issues early in the development cycle. This allows customers to make adjustments before attending a UKAS-accredited facility, reducing the risk of unexpected results, delays, or additional costs.

Collaborative Development for Target Markets

VEKA’s Technical Team works closely with customers to optimise hardware selection, system configuration, and production efficiency. Recently, VEKA partnered with a long-standing fabricator to evaluate a window system under defined conditions. Air permeability, water tightness, and structural responses were recorded, providing valuable performance data ahead of formal external certification.

Phil Gregory, Design & Development Manager at VEKA, stated:

The weathering facility enables us to collaborate closely with customers during product development. By carrying out indicative testing under controlled conditions, we can generate recorded data that supports informed technical decisions before systems move forward to accredited certification testing.

VEKA’s workshop facility exemplifies the company’s ongoing investment in technical infrastructure and customer partnership, providing controlled environmental evaluation and collaborative development expertise to support preparation for formal validation routes.