.gif)
.gif)
.jpg)
.gif)
.gif)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Truth About Bi-Folds And The Building Regulations
Fabricators have less than six months to make sure that the aluminium systems they manufacture meet new requirements for building regulations, which come...
Read Full Article
End Of Days
Anyone supplying windows and doors into new build – including home extensions – has only days to meet tougher standards of thermal performance.
The warning comes from Nigel Headford, a director at Deceuninck Aluminium who points out that he Part L new-build transition period comes to an end on 15 June 2023.
Unless a project breaks ground before the transition period ends, all windows and doors supplied to site need to meet the higher standards of performance introduced in last year’s update to Part L.
Coming into force almost exactly a year ago (June 2022) revised Part L building regs introduced a new notional U-value requirement for new build windows and doors of 1.2W/m2K – but with a 12-month stay of execution.
End of days
Headford says come the end of the transition period, manufacturers aluminium systems that don’t meet the rules could be forced out of new build.
He says: “There are a frightening number of older aluminium systems which can’t get down to U-values of 1.2W/m2K without using triple-glazed units, which comes with increased cost and weight and the resultant impact on handling and hardware.
“It also has ramifications for home improvement because under the regulations, extensions are classed as new build, so the implications are significant.”
Decalu88
Deceuninck Aluminium continued with the rapid expansion of its product offer, with the launch of the new ultra-energy efficient Decalu88 flush casement window in March.
Flush inside and out, it achieves headline U-values (triple glazed) of as low as 0.8W/m2k which is a Passivhaus equivalent level of performance and 1.2W/m2k with a standard double-glazed unit.
Designed by a UK team, the system is built around a patented thermal break which helps to deliver the advanced thermal performance.
In common with the Decalu88 bi-folding door, it also features a knock-in glazing bead with a flush finish pre-inserted gasket, saving time in fabrication and on site.
Installers are responsible
Headford says: “The installer is responsible for compliance. Fabricators don’t know where ‘trade’ windows and doors end-up. You could have a single job which includes a houseful of windows which are going into a pre-existing part of a single property and two or three going into an extension as part of the same project. Cross the threshold between the ‘old’ and new part of the building and the U-value will need to be 1.2W/m2K. LABC or your competent person scheme supplier will not be impressed if you get it wrong.”
Picturer: Tougher Part L requirements will come into force for new build within days.
www.deceuninckaluminium.co.uk/products/windows/decalu88-flush-casement
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
10th May 2023