What We DoDefined service

Construction product evidence review for technical project questions.

The Bench reviews construction product evidence and explains what the documents do, and do not, support for a defined project or product question.

We help manufacturers, distributors, contractors, designers and project teams make sense of product data sheets, test reports, classification reports, certificates, drawings, installation details and project comments.

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ScopeEvidence review. Not certification, Building Control or design sign-off.

01When to use it

When the evidence exists, but the answer is still unclear.

  1. Document review

    Review product data sheets, test evidence, certificates, classification reports and supporting technical documents against the question being asked.

  2. Project context check

    Comparison between the available evidence and the proposed use, build-up, substrate, fixing condition or performance requirement.

  3. Evidence gap review

    Identification of missing, unclear or non-matching evidence that may need to be resolved before a confident response can be given.

02What we check

Product evidence has to match the actual construction.

  1. Product identity

    Whether the product, thickness, version, board type, insulation, coating or system name matches the evidence provided.

  2. Evidence type

    Whether the document is a data sheet, test report, classification report, certificate, assessment, installation document or project-specific note.

  3. Application scope

    Whether the evidence relates to the same substrate, fixing method, support condition, exposure, build-up or intended use.

  4. Performance route

    Whether the documents support the performance question being asked, such as fire, thermal, moisture, façade, racking or build-up suitability.

  5. Limitations

    Where the documents contain conditions, exclusions, unsupported assumptions or project gaps that need to be made clear.

  6. Next evidence step

    What information may be needed before a stronger technical response, formal design decision or project submission can be made.

03What you receive

A clear written evidence position.

The output may include a written evidence review, technical clarification note, evidence gap register, project-specific evidence summary or product comparison note, depending on the enquiry.

We quote before any written work starts. No charge to submit an enquiry.

04What it is not

Clear about the limits of the review

The Bench does not provide certification, statutory approval, Building Control approval, fire engineering approval, product approval or design responsibility.

05Related routes

Defined Bench services

Read first

  • Evidence areasThe eight areas product questions usually fall into.
  • Find your routeNot sure what to send? The Navigator builds a summary for your enquiry.
  • Make specialist time countIf the question needs an engineer, fire specialist or laboratory, we can prepare the evidence and a focused brief first. We do not replace the specialist.
Ask The Bench

Holding documents that don't quite answer the question?

Send the question, the product or build-up and the documents you already have. No charge to submit — we quote before any written work starts.

Ask The Bench Ask a quick question

Not sure where your question sits? Find your route ›

What helps us start

  • The question, as it was put to you
  • What the product or build-up is, and where it is going
  • The documents you already have — data sheets, reports, certificates, drawings
  • Any comment from Building Control, the designer or the client
  • When you need an answer

You do not need a complete set to get in touch — send what you have.