Our guide to the Building Regulations for Window & Door installations (2022)

April 29, 2022

In December 2021, the government announced that Building Regulations requirements were changing. The new changes to Building Regulations are part of the roadmap towards the 2025 Future Homes Standard. They are set to take effect from 15th June 2022 and will focus on reducing carbon emissions so that all new-build homes meet the 2050 net zero target.

How will Building Regulations changes affect the fenestration industry?

Some of the new Building Regulations changes will directly affect the glazing industry. Focusing on ventilation, improving energy efficiency performance, and regulating temperature, the changes will apply to all domestic new-build properties and replacement windows in existing homes.

Building Regulations are separated into different parts. Each part refers to different aspects of a property’s construction. The coming changes that relate to windows and trade doors can be found in Approved Documents Part F, Part L and Part O. Let’s take a closer look at how the changes will affect each specification.

Building Regulations Part F 2022 changes

Building Regulations Part F refers to ventilation. From 15th June 2022, Part F will change to incorporate more rigorous requirements for new build properties and improvements made to existing homes.

The new legislation states that all rooms with external walls should have background ventilators. Mechanical ventilation systems or extractor fans can be installed to ensure the new regulations are met. This, however, is not always possible. In many cases, installing windows with trickle vents is the most effective way to meet the new standard for internal ventilation.

Building Regulations Part L 2022 changes

Building Regulations Part L refers to the u-values of new windows and doors. For new windows installed in existing properties, the current acceptable u-value is 1.6 W/m²K. From 15th June 2022, this will be lowered to 1.4 W/m²K to comply with the enhanced energy efficiency requirements of new build homes.

Both replacement windows and windows in new build properties will be subject to the change in acceptable u-values. This will play an important factor in meeting the 31% reduction in CO2 emissions required for all new homes.

Building Regulations Part O 2022 implementation

Building Regulations Part O is a new guideline which seeks to reduce overheating in residential properties. Part O states that any residential dwellings should limit unwanted solar gain in summer and be able to remove any excess heat from the internal environment.

Removing excess heat from a residential property can be achieved through the use of a mechanical cooling system. These systems, however, are not always necessary and in many cases, it is far more effective to install new windows fitted with trickle vents for ventilation and specialist low-e glass to control solar gain.

The implications of Approved Document S for new-build properties

Although unrelated to the glazing industry, it is important for contractors to understand all the upcoming Building Regulations changes and additional legislation. From 15th June 2022, all residential new build properties must have all preparatory work completed for the future installation of an electric vehicle charging point.

This will be referred to as Approved Document S and will prepare the country’s residential properties for the gradual switch from petrol vehicles to electric and hybrid alternatives.

Building Regulations 2022 for glazing installers

All the information above was correct at the time of publishing. To ensure that you are fully compliant with Building Regulations for your next glazing installation project, visit the government website for more detailed information.

If you’d like to find out how choosing Dekko as your dedicated window and door supplier can help you to meet the required standards, get in touch today. For more information about any of our products or services call 0161 406 0055 or contact us online.