It feels like 2022 has barely started and already we are a quarter of the way through and looking towards June , when the much-discussed changes to building regs come into force . These will have a huge impact on windows and doors supply for both new and existing homes , particularly Document F : Ventilation and Document L : Conservation of Fuel and Power .

As always , installers will be required to provide proof of compliance with the updated regulations , so it is crucial to choose a reputable fabricator who understands the standards and can provide the right paperwork . All with the least amount of disruption to the installation process and crucially , without cutting into too much profit margin in the process .

“ Quickslide takes on the responsibility of providing our Trade Partners with products that comply ,” says Managing Director Ben Weber . “ We ’ re ready and compliant but importantly , we also recognise that education is key . That ’ s why we ’ ve invested in a new digital tool to help our Trade Partners stipulate the specification required to comply .”

Tricky trickle vents

Quickslide ’ s new digital tool will cover requirements for fire escapes , trickle vents , enhanced security ( Document Q ) and energy ratings and U-values . The revised Approved Document F on ventilation , with a requirement for trickle vents , is the most contentious change .

Hugely important in improving airflow , reducing

condensation , and preventing mould without compromising on security ( unlike leaving windows open a crack ), trickle vents nonetheless have suffered from a bad reputation .

“ As recently announced , we ’ ve teamed up with glazing accessories and injection mould specialists Glazpart to provide

our Trade Partners not only with a vent solution but also with consumer messages that will help homeowners understand the changes and overcome previous bad perception of vents , which also now includes concerns about potential increased energy costs to heat the cooler air ,” said Ben .

“ Installers must ensure their supplier has a compliant trickle vent solution lined up , as this change to the building regs is the toughest to address and to some suppliers the extent of the building regs updates may have come as a surprise . On casement windows , with the introduction of the Link Vent Mk2 we ’ re

Quickslide ’ s Managing Director , Ben Weber

able to offer a compact vent with a canopy that only extends a mere 25mm . The vent is available in a comprehensive range of colours to blend in with our most popular window finishes .

“ And we continue to lead the way for vertical sliders by introducing a keenly anticipated bespoke vent solution for sash windows that is unique to Quickslide , which we ’ ll be revealing in the coming months in line with the implementation of the changes to the building regs in June .”

Updating U-values At the same time as homeowners might be concerned about trickle vents increasing heating costs , the changes to Document L are all about conserving fuel and power through achieving lower U-values , increasing the thermal efficiency of homes as part of the Government ’ s strategy to reduce carbon emissions .

For existing dwellings , replacement doors and windows will need to be at least 1.4 U-value ( a change from 1.6 U-value for windows and 1.8 U-value for

doors ). It ’ s a substantial increase in performance that could be particularly challenging for products in aluminium , including bi-folding doors , without having to opt for triple glazing . But , says Ben , the message from Quickslide is clear :

“ Don ’ t let the new low U-value of 1.4 alarm you . On existing dwellings , we have the option of showing compliance through either a U-value or an energy rating , which gives us options . Installers should be asking their fabricator how their products comply – it is likely that some products will comply only through U-value and others through the energy rating .”

Regardless of all these upcoming changes to building regs however , one thing does remain the same for installers : Make sure you choose a reputable supplier such as Quickslide who ’ s got the paperwork in order , so you can trust the products you are installing are fit for purpose and you can show evidence of compliance . Remember , inspectors will need proof .

www . quickslide . co . uk