Q Marking for Construction

Get independent, third-party assurance that your construction products meet rigorous quality, safety, and performance standards. Element, through our group company BM TRADA, offers industry-leading Q Marking for Construction. Q Mark certification helps manufacturers, contractors, and developers demonstrate compliance with British, European, and international regulations, reducing risk and ensuring market acceptance.

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What is Q Marking for Construction Testing at Element

Q Mark is a comprehensive product certification scheme that verifies the quality, performance, and compliance of construction materials and products. At Element, we deliver Q Mark certification specialized to the construction industry through our certification body, BM TRADA, ensuring that construction products meet required industry standards. Our certification process involves rigorous testing, factory production control audits, and continuous compliance monitoring.

Element building products testing engineer wearing safety equipment and hard hat

What can Element offer you for Construction Q Marking?

Components And Materials We Certify

We certify a broad range of construction materials and components, including:

  • Timber and composite windows & doors 
  • Aluminium, PVC-U, and steel window systems 
  • Engineered and solid wood products (trussed rafters, tiling battens, panels) 
  • Insulating glass and flat glass safety systems 
  • Prefabricated structural elements (walls, floors, roofs) 

Key Tests Offered

We conduct extensive testing to assess product durability, safety, and performance:

  • Weather tightness and strength testing (BS 6375 series) 
  • Enhanced security testing for doors & windows (Secured by Design) 
  • Acoustic performance assessments 
  • Visual & machine strength grading for timber 
  • Fire resistance and load-bearing tests 

Methods And Solutions Offered

BM TRADA employs a robust certification process:

  • Initial type testing to verify compliance 
  • Factory production control (FPC) audits 
  • Periodic product surveillance and audit testing 
  • Independent third-party verification for regulatory acceptance 

Standards we test to and products we certify

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Windows & Doors:

  • BS 644, BS 7412, BS 4873, BS 6510 (Material Standards)
  • BS 6375-1, 2 & 3 (Performance Criteria)
  • Secured by Design Standards

Timber & Structural Components:

  • BS EN 14250 (Trussed Rafters)
  • BS 5534 (Tiling Battens)
  • EN 14081-1-4 (Machine Strength Grading)

Glass & Cladding:

  • EN 1279 (Insulating Glass)
  • EN 12150 (Toughened Safety Glass)
  • EN 13162 – EN 13171 (Building Insulation)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Navigating Complex Regulations

We ensure compliance with key British, European, and international standards, providing clarity and reducing regulatory burdens.

Reducing Certification Costs & Delays

With efficient testing and factory production control audits, we help streamline certification, saving time and resources.

Ensuring Product Performance & Market Acceptance

Q Marking provides independent assurance that your products meet the highest standards, boosting customer confidence and industry recognition.

Managing Risk & Liability

Our third-party certification minimizes compliance risks and liability, ensuring consistent product quality and safety.

Why Choose Element

Element building products testing engineer wearing safety helmet and protective eyewear in industrial facility

Industry-Leading Expertise

BM TRADA, part of Element, has over 50 years of certification experience in construction products.

20 Types of Products Certified

We cover a broad range of construction materials, from windows to insulation, ensuring compliance across multiple sectors.

Trusted by Regulators & Insurers

Our certification is widely recognized, helping products gain market acceptance and meet insurance requirements.

Continuous Compliance Monitoring

Ongoing audits and testing maintain certification validity, ensuring long-term quality assurance.

50+
years

of certification experience

30+
years

holding UKAS accreditation

20+
Q Mark

certification schemes available
Element structural testing engineer with safety equipment conducting building materials inspection

Frequently asked questions

How does Q Marking differ from other certifications?

Q Marking is a third-party certification scheme ensuring construction products meet stringent British, European, and international standards. It includes initial type testing, factory production control audits, and ongoing surveillance.

Is Q Marking mandatory for my products?

While not legally required, Q Mark certification provides strong independent assurance, helping products gain regulatory acceptance and boosting customer confidence.

How long does the certification process take?

The duration varies depending on product complexity and testing requirements, but our efficient process helps minimize delays. 

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Speak to our team of experts

AMERICAS

Toll free from US lines

+1 888 786 7555

EUROPE

Contact our Central Team
UK

Freephone from UK

+44 808 234 1667

Germany

Freephone from Germany 

+49 800 000 5137

MIDDLE EAST

Toll free from UAE

+971 800 353 6368