Veka has enhanced its research and development capabilities with the installation of a dedicated in-house weathering rig at its workshop facility. Supplied by ift MessTec, part of ift Rosenheim, the new equipment allows controlled environmental evaluation of window systems as part of Veka’s technical support services, helping customers assess product performance before moving to accredited certification testing.

The facility is designed to support early-stage performance evaluation, enabling Veka to work closely with fabricators and system partners to test how products behave under simulated wind, rain, and pressure conditions. By generating recorded data during indicative testing, customers can review system configurations, align products with market requirements, and better prepare for projects where specific performance standards are required.

The rig replicates demanding weather scenarios in a consistent and measurable way. A fog system helps identify potential air leakage paths, while air permeability testing measures airflow under pressure. Water tightness testing simulates wind-driven rain with increasing pressure levels, measured in Pascals, to evaluate resistance to water ingress. Wind deflection and pressure pulse testing further assess how frames and glazing respond to sustained loads and repeated gust conditions.

Although internal testing does not replace formal third-party certification, it allows potential issues to be identified earlier in the development cycle, reducing risk before attending UKAS-accredited test facilities. Through collaborative development, Veka’s technical team works with customers to refine hardware choices and system configurations, supporting informed decisions and efficient preparation for formal validation while maintaining practical manufacturing requirements.