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 .

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 .

“ 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 colourmatched 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 .”

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