Bullfix, known for its heavy-duty plasterboard fixings, has applied its innovative technology to develop a Window Guard to help housebuilders comply with the requirements of 2021 amendments to Building Regulations Part O 3.8 Protection of Falling.  

 

The amendment, which applies to all new dwellings where building began after 15 June 2023, is concerned with windows that might pose a risk of someone falling from height, and requires appropriate guarding to be installed to mitigate the risk.

 

Bullfix was featured in housebuilder Vistry’s Innovation Centre to hang various heavy appliances and items around the home, including infrared heaters, waste water heat recovery (WWHR) systems, cupboards and larger radiators.  This also included working with Vistry to develop a new Window Guard solution.  

 

The issue faced is that when installing a window bar onto plasterboard, there may not be a wooden stud or suitable masonry substrate behind the plasterboard to fix it to.  The challenge was to develop a window bar solution that could also be fixed to plasterboard with a cavity behind it.

 

Bullfix plasterboard fixings have ingenious, patented, smart wings, which, when fully deployed, spread the weight away from the drilled hole, making it incredibly strong. 

 

Bullfix Window Guard has been independently tested and complies with BS 6180:2011 Barriers In and About Buildings – Code of Practice. Working with Vistry Group to gain the necessary approvals with NHBC, Bullfix Window Guard helps to bring a unique solution to a challenging problem (particularly for timber frame construction homes)

 

 

Simon Jones, Group Technical Innovation Manager at Vistry, explains: “After seeing how the Bullfix fixings worked in our innovation house in so many different scenarios, we approached the team about tackling the issue of installing safety bars on windows where the walls are plasterboard.

 

“We are delighted with the outcome of our collaboration with Bullfix and now intend to take this forward as a solution to address the Part O window guard requirement to comply with the Building Regulations.”

 

Matthew Statham of Bullfix says: “We already knew that our plasterboard fixings would be strong enough to secure the window bars – it was just a question of working out the best way of attaching the bar and then submitting the whole kit for testing.  

 

“The fittings passed with flying colours, both for weight distributed along the length of the bar and for point load testing, where all the weight is concentrated in one area.  

 

“For the team here at Bullfix it has been great working together with Vistry to provide a robust, high-quality solution to meet their requirements,” he concludes.

 

Bullfix Window Guard can be fitted to plasterboard walls using the universal fixings into a cavity, or into wood stud or masonry walls using alternative fixings that are all supplied with the kit.

 

The universal fixings’ smart design means that if the wings aren’t completely deployed, the screw-hole isn’t lined up to take the screw.  This means it can only be used if properly inserted, making it extremely strong and reliable.

 

For more information, please contact matthew.statham@bullfix.co.uk

 

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