New Regulations Challenge the Industry
Yale is proud to sponsor Clearview ’ s Industry Issues Guide
PART F IS HERE : ARE YOU COMPLIANT ?
In what has been the biggest update to the regulations in a number of years , any installation that now takes place is expected to comply with the new rules , regardless of when the customer might have signed the contract .
Changes to Part F set the new standards for improving ventilation in new and existing buildings . These have been updated to accommodate changes to Part L , which covers conservation of fuel and power . In practice this means while U-values of doors and windows have lowered , controversial trickle vents are here to stay .
“ It is installers who are ultimately responsible for making sure their work complies with the new regulations – and they will be required to provide proof of compliance ,” says Quickslide ’ s Managing Director Ben Weber . “ But good , reputable fabricators will realise their role in understanding the changes and ensuring installers are informed , while providing the right high-quality products and paperwork .
“ We see it as our job at Quickslide to provide our Trade Partners with products that comply and to help installers with the requirements . That ’ s why we ’ ve invested in a new digital tool to help our Trade Partners stipulate the specification required to comply . It covers the requirements for fire escapes , trickle vents , enhanced security ( Document Q ) and energy ratings and U-values .”
TALK ABOUT TRICKLE VENTS
Across the industry there ’ s no doubt that the requirement for trickle vents is the most contentious of the new changes . The GGF reported that they believe the majority of homeowners don ’ t want them , and unfortunately there will always be disreputable traders in the industry who will give buyers what they want , even undercutting costs in the process .
“ That ’ s why it is so important to talk to your customers and explain the need for compliance ,” says Ben .
“ Trickle vents are hugely important in improving airflow , reducing condensation
and preventing mould without compromising on security by leaving windows open . But they have suffered from a bad reputation , so you need to be very clear that trickle vents are much improved since those your customers are remembering .
“ At Quickslide we ’ ve teamed up with Glazpart to provide our Trade Partners not only with new , updated vent solutions but also with consumer messages that will help homeowners understand the changes and overcome the unfavourable perceptions of vents .”
WOODGRAIN COLOUR-MATCHED SOLUTIONS
The key is to remember trickle vents can be sold just like any other hardware , by offering appealing woodgrain and colour-matched solutions .
“ With the introduction of Glazpart ’ s Link Vent Mk2 , we ’ re able to offer a compact vent on our casement windows , with a canopy that extends just 25mm . The vent is available in a comprehensive range of colours to blend in with our popular window finishes ,” says Ben .
“ And as you ’ d expect , we continue to lead the way for vertical sliders by introducing a bespoke modular vent solution on our sash windows that is unique to Quickslide . This new woodgrain and colour-matched vent offers compliance with the new building regs without compromising on our all-important heritage aesthetic .”
For installers , there is also the issue of supply to consider too , as with any new products .
“ At a time when the industry is still recovering from supply chain disruption and rising material costs , installers need to make sure they are working with a fabricator who has hit the ground running like we have ,” Ben says .
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD
Regardless of any personal feelings about trickle vents , the hard truth of the matter is that these latest changes to the building regulations are here to stay – and may be just the start .
The industry can expect more changes aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings as the country moves towards its target of net zero by 2050 . These latest improvements to U-values and ventilation are just interim steps before the Government ’ s Future Homes and Building Standards comes into force in 2025 , just three short years away .
For Ben , this raises the question : “ If your fabricator isn ’ t up to speed now , offering you advice and solutions that make it easy for you to comply like we do at Quickslide , ask yourself how that bodes for the future , and how your business will look then ?”
www . quickslide . co . uk
12 JULY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM