Many of our customers frequently ask about building regulations and energy efficiency standards, seeking clarity on the requirements and how our products align with them. In this blog, we’ll dive into these topics to provide a better understanding of both.
What are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations protect the health and safety of people in and around buildings. They also cover energy and water conservation, as well as access to and use of buildings. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government publishes guidance called ‘Approved Documents’ on ways to meet Building Regulations. These Approved Documents contain:
- general guidance on the performance that is expected of materials and building work in order to comply with the Building Regulations
- practical examples and solutions on how to achieve compliance for some of the more common building situations.
Regulations differ for new build properties and existing properties and for buildings other than homes. Generally speaking, the regulations are more strict for new build properties because builders have more control over more of the elements of the building.
There are 19 Approved Documents and they cover every aspect of building. There are three main Approved Documents that apply to windows and doors.
Approved Document F: Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is important to reduce the risk of damp and mould. This feature is particularly important in modern airtight homes where natural ventilation may be limited. The most cost-effective way to achieve adequate ventilation is typically to have trickle vents in windows.
Approved Document L: Conservation of fuel and power
Approved Document L sets standards for the energy performance of buildings, including their insulation, heating and lighting. This Approved Document is increasing in importance as the UK continues on its journey to become Net Zero, because so many of our carbon emissions come from our homes. This Document covers the thermal (or energy) efficiency of your aluminium windows and doors.
Approved Document Q: Security in dwellings
Windows must comply with safety standards, particularly when installed on upper floors. This includes ensuring that windows are accessible in the event of a fire, that there are suitable escape routes and that they can be safely cleaned from inside where possible. For security, windows should meet PAS 24 standards so are designed to withstand attempted break-ins.
Complying with building regulations
It is a legal requirement for the products we supply to comply with Building Regulations when they are installed.
To give you peace of mind the windows and doors we install in your home comply, we are FENSA-registered. FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that monitors Building Regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. Every FENSA Approved Installer is assessed regularly to ensure its standards are continually maintained.
When you choose a FENSA-registered installer, you’ll receive a FENSA certificate when your new windows and doors have been installed.
A FENSA certificate is proof that your installation:
- complies with Building Regulations
- is registered with the local council
- has an insurance-backed guarantee.
Meeting energy efficiency standards with your aluminium windows
To understand how thermally efficient your windows are, look at their British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The BFRC uses an energy rating system that ranges from A++ to E, similar to the energy ratings you see on electric appliances, where A++ is the most efficient.
As we’ve already seen, your new aluminium windows will have to meet minimum requirements for thermal or energy efficiency. However, you may want to have windows that exceed the minimum requirements. Aluminium windows that are more thermally efficient have many benefits. They will help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They will also shut out more outside noise, helping to make your home a peaceful haven.
There are many ways to increase the thermal efficiency of your aluminium windows and doors. These include high-performance double or triple glazing, thermal breaks in the frame and low-E glass. We can talk you through the options that are right for you and your home.
Talk to Capital Windows
Here at Capital Windows we have over 40 years’ experience installing energy efficient and Building Regulation-compliant aluminium windows for our customers. To find out more about aluminium windows for your home, contact us today.