Building Regulations are the rules that control how buildings are constructed and maintained in the UK. They have been created to work towards the government’s objective for the UK to be carbon neutral by 2050 and stand as necessary requirements for private homes, businesses, and public buildings. For the window industry, the regulations are important measures to follow. Here at The Window Outlet, we want our customers to feel confident and well-informed in their understanding of how we provide both quality and regulated service.
Why do we need building regulations?
Though they appear similar to the requirements of planning permission, building regulations are far less concerned with the cosmetic and aesthetic appeal of a new build or extension project. They solely concentrate on the construction of the building itself. They are designed to ensure the property is committed to being a safe space of accessibility and sustainability through a detailed approach. The regulations cover topics including fire protections, accessibility, energy performance, gas safety, electrical safety, structural integrity, and an array of other areas. For our customers, it’s important to understand the changes related to ventilation and thermal performance as these all offer a variety of benefits for the homeowner.
Greener Homes
In order to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, the government has introduced the Future Homes Standard initiative that ensures homes built from 2025 onwards will proved 75% less carbon emissions than ones built to current standards. As such, building regulations are changing in order to support this. Whilst some installers might be concerned about the update, the two key changes that effect windows are easy to understand and apply in practice.
Part L of the Building Regulations
Approved Document L – also known as Part L – deals with energy efficiency. It ensures that new and replacement windows meet the same thermal efficiency and performance levels. A lower U-value affords better efficiency, and the updated Part L requires UPVC windows to have a U value of 1.6 W/m2.K and WER Band C. This allows homeowners to reduce both their carbon footprints and energy bills. It also means that triple-glazed/high performance windows will become far more popular.
Part F of the Building Regulations
Approved Document F – also known as Part F – focuses on ventilation. It serves to ensure the improvement of air quality and avoid any growth of mold – balancing any lack of natural, mechanical, and/or background ventilation. With this update, existing trickle vents must be replaced as well as new windows needing to install trickle vents (or at least demonstrate that sufficient background ventilation is provided by other means). Regulations also state that hinged or pivot windows should have a certain size of opening depending on the size of the room to allow for purge ventilation.
Support from The Window Outlet
Building regulations are not the easiest things to understand, and whether you’re buying new or restoring your current windows, it’s important that customers take advice from a registered supplier who is able to understand and respond to the updated principles.
At Window Outlet, not only do we ensure that all rules are followed, but we also advise and provide certified service from a registered supplier that meets all Building Regulation requirements. To find out more, please call us at 0117 332 5002 or email sales@thewindowoutlet.info.
The information above is provided as a guide only and correct at the time of publication: April 2023.
All data above is taken from here.
Building Regulations are subject to change. Always seek approval from your local planning authority before starting any building work.
