New Document L of Building Regulations - effective 1st April 2002
Effective 1st April 2002 - all replacement window installations in England & Wales will be subject to BUILDING REGULATIONS. This new regulation in particular affects the minimum levels of insulation that replacement windows must have when fitted in your home. Levels of insulation are measured as U values. The lower the U value, the better the insulation level. In future what we may have in the past have referred to as "normal" double-glazing - i.e. two pieces of glass separated by a spacer bar is very unlikely to conform to building regulations. To get the required level of insulation it's almost certain some sort of LOW E glass (typically Pilkington K in the UK - although there are other brands) will have to be used. It may also be necessary for the sealed double glazed units to be Gas Filled.
- PVCu or timber replacement windows should not have a U value higher than 2.0 W/m 2K
- Metal windows (Aluminium) replacement windows should not have a U value higher than 2.2 W/m 2K
- All orders placed after 1st April 2002 needs to comply with the new regulations.
- Orders signed before 1st April 2002 will not fall under the regulations provided that the installation is carried out before 1st July 2002.
- Anti drill cylinders.
Exceptions to new Doc L
- Conservatories will not be included when the standard commences provided they are separated from the rest of the building (for example by doors) or they are unheated.
- Historic buildings are expected to "achieve the best they can".
- Also when replacing a broken sealed unit, it can be replaced "like for like". The regulations apply to the entire window replacement.
With so many replacement windows being installed its been agreed that the industry could adopt a "self assessment" method for administering the many thousands of window installations occurring weekly that will now be subject to building regulations. Basically this means that it will not always be necessary for a building control officer to inspect each installation or for companies to make separate Building Regulations applications.
The Self-Assessment Scheme is referred to as F.E.N.S.A. - Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme. If your contractor is registered with the FENSA self-certification scheme, that contractor may certify that the work complies with the relevant regulations and you will not need to notify the council.
If the retailer is not a member of a Self-Assessment Scheme or the householder is carrying out the work (DIY?) then they will be required to pay for the building regulations application - check with your local council for costs. The time taken to obtain approval will depend on the local authority concerned.
Its very important that all householders recognise the importance
of conforming with these new regulations - its very likely that on any future
sale of your property you will need to provide proof that you conformed with
Doc L.
What about Scotland, Northern Ireland & the
Republic of Ireland?
Scotland
Scotland has its own Building Regulations. As far as conservation and fuel & power is concerned, the Scottish equivalent to Part L is Part J. New Part J regulations came into force in Scotland on March 4th 2002. You should take advice locally as the application of these new regulations is different to England & Wales - placing more responsibility on the building owner.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own Building Regulations. Although broadly similar, they do differ in some important ways. In so far as Conservation of Fuel & Power is concerned, the Northern Ireland equivalent to Part L is Part F. For more information click here.
The Republic of Ireland
The Irish Republic's equivalent to our Part L is also called Part L.
Recently the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., has announced the launch of a public consultation
process concerning his proposals to amend Part L (Conservation of Fuel and
Energy) of the Building Regulations.
This amendment proposes to amend Part L2 of the national Building Regulations
relating to buildings (other than dwellings). This follows on the introduction
of improved thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings
introduced by the Minister on 1 January 2003, and for replacement external
doors, windows and roof lights in existing dwellings from 1 July 2003.
At Window Price Beater.com we ensure all
our companies offer the latest security measures as standard, please feel
free to get in touch or
to obtain a quote.
