Are you up to date with the new Building Regulation changes in England?

There are major changes to building regulations which will apply to all window and door installations in England from June 15th 2022. This is on all installations whether they be on new builds, extensions or even replacement windows and doors in existing properties. The good news is that EWE Building Plastics are able to provide compliant solutions on all of our product ranges including Profile 22 Optima PVC windows, doors, composites and Stellar aluminium windows, doors and bifolds!

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Part L: Window & Door U Values

As part of the Government’s effort to meet the Future Homes Standard and improve energy efficiency in all housing, the U Values requirements are being improved with the lowering of All domestic property replacement windows and doors to a maximum U Value of 1.4.

On new builds and extensions the window U Value requirement is down to 1.2 (notional value) and between 1.0 and 1.2 on doors (dependent on the glazed area). This means that it can be higher (up to a maximum U Value of 1.6), however, there has to be a trade off calculation with a lower U value on another part of the property e.g. roof etc. Note that designing to a 1.6 window U value is unlikely to result in compliance.

Profile 22 have created a useful guide which is available below and also we have a link to the full Building Regulations document.

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  Profile 22 Part L Guide

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  Part L Documentation

If you are in any doubt please seek assistance and clarification from your local building regulations officer.

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Part F: Trickle Ventilation:

New Part F building regulations will apply to almost all new windows on both new build properties AND replacement windows. This means that in most instances you will have to install a window with trickle vents.

The main reason for this is that Public Health England’s 2020 guidance highlighted the importance of ventilation in properties to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful pollutants. This has been worsened by properties now being built and renovated with products that improve the airtightness of the property, hence an increased requirement for ventilation.

Essentially the rules have been simplified so that the trickle ventilation required depends on the room type within the property. There are higher ventilation requirements on single storey properties and flats.

There are exceptions to the rules e.g. windows in a utility room or WC for instance don’t need vents and if mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery system is installed you may also not need trickle ventilation in the property at all.

Profile 22 have created a useful guide which is available below and also we have a link to the full Building Regulations document.

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  Profile 22 Part F Guide

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  Part F Documentation

If you are in any doubt please seek assistance and clarification from your local building regulations officer.