Government Doesn’t Give An F About L Or An L About F

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The GGF has expressed its concern that two government guidance documents, due to come into effect in June 2022, contradict each other and will increase the cost of heating to homeowners at a time when energy bills are already at an all-time high.

The changes, which require the majority of replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents, contradict regulations which will come into force at the same time that require such products to be more energy efficient, says the Glass and Glazing Federation.

 “From 15 June 2022, Approved Document L requires the majority of replacement windows and doors to be more energy efficient, which will help keep people warm by ensuring less heat escapes their home.”

– Chris Beedel 

Head of government advocacy, Glass and Glazing Federation

A hole in the plan

“But in a cruel twist, Approved Document F, will require that holes are punched into the new windows and doors in order for them to provide sufficient additional ventilation to meet the government’s new standards,” continues the GGF’s Beedel. “Whilst there are many occasions where better ventilation in homes will be good for the health of the occupants, we must trust in homeowners to open windows to ventilate their properties. After all, that was the guidance issued by the government during the Covid pandemic.”

Unwanted

The window and door industry is in an impossible position where the new regulations will not have homeowner support. In a FENSA survey undertaken in 2021, 94% of responses said that homeowners will not want trickle vents in their windows.

GGF Group MD John Agnew MD says: “This is an overwhelming majority and whilst we have shared this information with the policy makers, the government are resolute that the changes will come into force regardless. For many years consumers have taken steps to reduce drafts in their homes and make them easier to heat, this change to the building regulations is a complete U turn!

Other concerns passed to the government about these changes include:

• Increased fuel costs for those in fuel poverty.

• Trickle vents are often taped up or closed by occupants to reduce drafts, rendering them pointless.

• An increase in noise from outside the home.

• Vehicle emissions and particulates may enter people’s homes.

John Agnew adds: “Clearly we would like to see the introduction of Approved Document F deferred until such time as these issues have been properly addressed. Once again it will be the average working family that will be affected through additional heating costs, which could cost up to £500 extra per year…and even more if energy costs continue to escalate.”

Picture: A typical trickle vent like the ones causing consternation at the GGF.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
17th March 2022

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