ALUMINIUM Extra
Adjusting to New Building Regulations
BEN BROCKLESBY , DIRECTOR AT ORIGIN
A
lot has changed since the Part L changes were initially proposed back in 2019 . Although , it ’ s only been three years , the world has gone through a lot of change , including a pandemic . The new regulations officially came into effect 15 June 2022 , meaning that all new homes built from now on must produce 31 percent less carbon emissions . To achieve this , there are new standards for U-values that are aimed at improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy usage throughout a property .
Initially , the announcement sent many in the fenestration industry into panic mode . There was a lot of noise about how manufacturers would adapt their product lines to reach these new targets and , more importantly for their businesses , if they could reach these new targets ahead of the deadline .
Prior to the rules changing , U-Values had to meet a notional target of 1.4 W / m 2 K for windows and glazed doors in new homes , and 1.0 W / m 2 K for panelled doors . Under the Part L 2022 changes , these notional targets have been reduced to 1.2 W / m 2 K for windows and glazed doors , which is a considerable drop . Limiting values , the maximum U-Values allowable , have also been significantly reduced from 2.0 W / m 2 K down to 1.6 W / m 2 K .
For most manufacturers , focus was placed on improving the performance of existing products as this is an easier approach than designing an entire new line of products .
A shortcut to achieve the lower U-values standards would be to only offer triple glazed units . However , this isn ’ t the most practical solution because triple glazing not only makes the product more expensive for homeowners , but also significantly heavier , potentially making them more difficult to transport and install .
At Origin , our dedicated in-house R & D department focussed on finding a solution that benefits both installers and homeowners , without changing the famous look and functionality of our products all while minimising cost . To do this , we focused on modifying our products from the inside . For our bi-fold and residential doors , this meant improving the efficiency of our thermal breaks and insulating critical chambers which were not as thermally efficient .
Plus , we managed to achieve all this without passing on a large price increase to our Partners , despite the rapid inflation
in the price of raw materials during the project .
In many cases , our products already met the new standards . In fact , our OW-80 Premium Window achieves an ultra-low U-value of 0.8 W /( m 2 K ) when combining triple glazing and the industry-leading Aerogel inside the thermal break . But that doesn ’ t mean we are going to rest on our laurels .
The Part L changes are the first step towards the Future Homes Standard which comes into effect in 2025 , when new homes will have to be carbon neutral . As this change approaches , Origin ’ s R & D department will continue to innovate our product line-up to ensure we use the best manufacturing processes and materials available to meet and exceed the standards to ensure we deliver the best for our Partners .
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36 AUGUST 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM