Building Regulations
All of our windows are supplied with low energy glass, normally we use Pilkingtons K glass or equivalent.
The main thrust of the April 2002 building regulations was to ensure that the thermal efficiency was standardised at a U value of 1.8 this is know as part L of the building Regulations. From October 2010 all windows started to come with an energy rating certificate.
When you order your new windows it’s important to be aware of the building regulations and how they may affect your property and what to order from us - see below for the latest regulations.
Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings
All Replacement Windows Shall Achieve:
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Whole window U-value of at least 1.6 (W/m2K)
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Window energy rating of band C or better
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Note: No longer an you generally comply with IGU’s with a centre pane U-value of 1.2 (W/m2K). Special circumstances apply.
All Replacement Doors:
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Where a glazed panel within a door is equal to or greater than 50% of the entire door area (including the immediate frame but not adjacent glazed panels)
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Doors within the scope of AD L shall have a U-value not exceeding 1.8 (W/m2K)
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All other doors require a U-value not exceeding 1.8 (W/m2K)
Ventilation
If the window is re-designed (not exactly the same number and type of openers), ventilation could be made worse, therefor, you must check you meet the following requirements for purge ventilation:
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For hinged or pivot window that opens 30 degrees or more, or for sliding sash windows, the area of the opening sash should be at least 1/20th of the floor area of the room.
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For hinged or pivot opens less than 30 degrees, the area of the opening sash should be at least 1/10th of the floor area of the room.
Background Ventilation
Trickle Ventilators:
The guidance has not changed since 2006; the following applies:
- If trickle ventilators are fitted in the window that is being replaced then a trickle ventilator must be fitted to the new window or an appropriately sized air brick fitted. (Two stand locking handles are not acceptable as an alternative to trickle ventilators).
- If no trickle ventilators are fitted and two stage locking handles are fitted in the windows being removed then either;
- Trickle vents can be fitted as an alternative, or
- Two-stage locking handles can be fitted, or
- Appropriate air bricks can be fitted.
- If no ventilation is provided in the windows being removed then a number of options are available to the consumer. Consideration should be given to the fitting of:
- Trickle vents, or
- Two stage locking handles, or
- Air bricks.
- Matters should not be made worse and therefore the customer can in these circumstances opt not to fit ventilators as set out above.
Replacing Vertical Sliding Sashes
When replacing vertical sliding windows it is important that compliance to Approved Document N (Safety) is achieved and that the replacement windows do not make the situation worse in the cases of Approved Document F (Ventilation), and B (Fire Egress). Unless the existing window exceeds current Building Regulations regarding Approved Document F (Ventilation), and B (Fire Egress), in which case both can be reduced to comply with the existing regulation.
Windowforce
Registered Office:
1 Hanford Close Ind Est
Stoney Stanton Road
Coventry, CV6 5TL
T: 024 7666 6991
F: 024 7666 4554
Company Registered in
England No: 03615729