From complicated to compliant: Navigating for the CodeMark certification process

“Without CodeMark certification,” says Antoni Rajwer, “new building products are basically dead in the water.” Even if it has been used in North America, Australia, or Europe for a hundred years, if there isn’t a local standard that covers it, most Councils won’t look at it.

Navigating the certification process without an expert guide is painful. But finding the right one is hard—few have the combination of technical chops and knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the Australian and New Zealand building codes, and even fewer back themselves enough to put their names on the line. This is where Antoni comes in, a trusted technical expert with a proven track record and established relationships with certification bodies like Bureau Veritas and GlobalMark.

The Building Agency knew this, which is why they engaged Antoni to help them navigate the CodeMark certification process for their existing roof tileproduct. They needed evidence to show the durability of their product, but after two years through the certification process, they were at a frustrating stand-still.

Antoni broke down what was needed. Drawing on his standing with the certifying bodies, he got a steer on what it would take to get this across the line. When it became clear that in-history use data would unlock the project, he personally inspected a number of sites looking for durability and exposure. Having done the hard yards and gone into the science behind the tech, Antoni, as a Chartered Engineer, was confident the product was up to scratch.

With his report to the certifiers, the Building Agency could tick off that last issue and get their product to market. All done and dusted within 2-3 months, including initial inspections and reports. Once the CodeMark was given, he even went on to develop the design tables for the technical literature for an existing façade product range, involving wind pressure testing.

“Yes the certification process is complicated,” says Antoni, “but it doesn’t need to be.”  With a strategic approach, pragmatism, and unique blend of experience and connections, it’s easy.

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