Long overdue changes are afoot in the UK building regulations, which will impact windows and doors for both new builds and refurbishment projects.
The UK Government will introduce the new Future Buildings Standard by 2025. This standard aims to future-proof new homes by increasing energy efficiency standards.
In the meantime, in an attempt to transition to the Future Buildings Standard, some interim changes are to be introduced on 15th June 2022.
The changes affecting windows and doors for refurbishment projects are focused on Building Regulations Approved Document F: Ventilation and Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power.
Approved Document F: Ventilation
The construction industry is starting to realise that ventilation, along with airtightness, is much more important for building health and performance, and therefore, more consideration should be given to ventilation.
Building regulations, administered via our Fensa certification, previously required that we replace trickle ventilators like for like. In other words, if we are replacing a window with a trickle vent, the new window should also have a trickle vent. Fairly simple. The client also had the option to ‘opt out’ of trickle vents. The new requirements go a bit further and require a bit more thought.
The new requirements specify an equivalent area for trickle vents, depending on the room type:
For habitable rooms and kitchens, the equivalent area is 8,000mm2.
For bathrooms, the equivalent area is 4,000mm2.
Each trickle vent in our systems typically achieves 2,500mm2, so in a habitable room, we would need four trickle vents and two trickle vents in a bathroom. This is generally achievable, depending on the size and design of the windows/doors being replaced.
Things are slightly different if your property has a continuous mechanical extract ventilation system. In that case, we are only required to have trickle vents with an equivalent area of 4,000mm2 in windows not in wet rooms (i.e., kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms).
It is worth noting that if adopting the minimum equivalent areas set out is not technically feasible, trickle vents with the closest possible equivalent area can be used. Additionally, other ventilation strategies can be employed if they meet the requirements.
Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power
The changes to building regulations Part L are where things will get interesting for the replacement window industry. The minimum thermal performance of windows and doors is increasing, pushing refurbishment windows and doors ahead of new-build windows and doors.
Previously, to comply with building regulations for thermal performance, replacement windows and doors needed to achieve a whole window/door U value of 1.6W/m2K. Our blog post 'Weighing up double versus triple glazing' outlines the importance of understanding relative U values when comparing window and door products. Basically, the lower the U value, the less energy is escaping from the building, and therefore, the better the window/door's performance.
The changes, effective 15 June 2022, will require that windows and doors achieve a whole window/door U value of 1.4W/m2K. Interestingly, replacement timber windows will only need to achieve 1.6W/m2K, a move that we believe will allow traditional timber sliding sash windows to be replaced close to like for like.
Many aluminium, UPVC, and even aluminium/timber composite window and door systems will struggle to achieve 1.4W/m2K. At the time of writing, it seems that much of the industry has its heads buried deep underground, and many system manufacturers don’t seem to have products that will genuinely be able to keep up with the changes. Some parts of the industry are actively campaigning to delay the changes.
For our products, we will no longer be able to use the Velfac V200 double-glazed system for refurbishment projects, except in exceptional circumstances. For example, the windows are very simple and large, with a bespoke, project-specific U value calculation.
Our Rationel and FT-Vilstal systems have no problems meeting the improved thermal performance requirements with double glazing, so they should start to become a more attractive value proposition for more of our customers.
Given the UK housing stock is widely reported to be the worst-performing in Europe, it’s right that the immediate focus is on improving standards for refurbishment projects. This will at least quickly stop the continued low-performance renovation practice, thereby avoiding worsening the problem. And we believe it’s right, long overdue, that the government should legislate to push the construction industry to improve performance.
Only by raising the already very low bar set will consumers be protected from making poor choices in a significant investment in their property.
Building Regulation Changes FAQs
What are building regulations?
Building regulations are the legal minimum standards that all building projects must adhere to. From a windows and doors perspective, we are generally concerned with building regulations around security, safety, thermal performance, and overheating.
Do I need building regs?
Yes, all building projects must comply with building regulations. They provide important guidance to make sure buildings achieve a safe and healthy environment.
Are replacement windows exempt from building regulations?
No; like all building works, replacement window projects must meet building regulations. okoHaus are Fensa registered, which means we are trusted to 'self certify' for building regulations compliance. For most simple replacement window projects, this means you would not need to arrange a building control inspection.
Comentarios