Fabricator Focus
Supporting the changes
June 2023 marks the twelve-month anniversary of the update to the Building Regulations . But with the rise in FENSA assessment failures , there still appears to be confusion about where and how the new regulations apply .
This is the view of Phil Parry , Business Development Director at Epwin Window Systems , who commented : “ The year-on-year increase in FENSA assessment failures is striking . In January to March 2023 , 39 % of FENSA assessments failed . In the same period last year , it was just 13 %. What is more troubling is all 39 % of this year ’ s failures were because they didn ’ t meet the evidence requirements of thermal efficiency of the new Part L of Building Regulations as well as other failures relating to Part F and Part C .
“ It ’ s fair to assume that following an update of Building Regulations , we ’ d naturally expect an uptick in the failure rate . However , the jump is unexpectedly large , given the extensive industry coverage .”
As documented , windows and doors on a new dwelling must meet a ‘ notional ’
U value of 1.2 W /( m 2 K ) or a ‘ limiting ’ U value of 1.6 W /( m 2 K ) for England and 1.4 W / m ² K for Scotland and Wales . The ‘ notional building specification ’ is a recipe approach that ensures compliance if all standards are met . ‘ Limiting U values ’ are the worst acceptable level of performance , but designing to these values is unlikely to result in compliance .
Windows and doors installed in an existing dwelling need to meet a ‘ limiting ’ U value of 1.4 W /( m 2 K ) ( or a minimum Window Energy Rating of B / DSER Band C ).
Phil said : “ The first confusion is over the definition of ‘ new dwelling ’ and ‘ existing dwelling ’. A new dwelling covers everything from a large-scale property development to a new extension on an existing dwelling . The figures for an existing dwelling only apply when windows and doors are being replaced .”
He continued : “ The second confusion is over how the U values are calculated . U values must be calculated as set out in the GGF ’ s Glazing Manual Data Sheet 2.3 , which means the BS EN 14351 sample size of 1230w x 1480h must be an opening light next to a fixed light with a central divider , ie . not a single opener .”
To help customers navigate the changes , Epwin Window Systems set out a series of Building Regulation downloads available from their Connect digital portal . And with over 1000 views , they have proven to be an essential source of reliable information .
epwinwindowsystems . co . uk
30 JULY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM