The clock is ticking and the newly updated building regulations are about to begin.
If you’re a designer, builder, installer or architect – you’ll need to understand the new regulations to ensure your projects are fully compliant, and you’re prepared for the future.
We’ve compiled all you need to know here and some solutions ahead of time.
We will cover all of the following:
- What Is an Approved Document?
- What Are Part L Regulations?
- When Will the Changes Affect Me and What Are the Transitional Arrangements?
- How Can FrameX Help?
What is an Approved Document?
The approved documents are supplied by the Secretary of State and give practical guidance on common building situations and how to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 for England.
Each approved document covers the requirements of the building regulations relating to different aspects of building work and applicable legislation.
As well as handy guidance and tips, some of the approved documents also include provisions that must be followed. These are sometimes regulations, methods of test or calculations that are approved by the Secretary of State.
What Are Part L Regulations?
With so much information circulating in the industry, it can be difficult to know what’s important and what isn’t. We’ve covered some of the key points below.
- Part L of the new building regulations for England covers the ‘conservation of fuel and power’. These place emphasis on the heat loss through walls, lintels, floors and roofs.
- The Part L of the regulations sets the new standards for the energy performance and carbon emissions for new build dwellings or commercial buildings. The regulations are divided into four documents, each covering the different and newly updated legislations.
- The new changes are part of the project to deliver zero carbon homes. This is in support of the UK’s bid to deliver net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Buildings currently contribute to 40% of the UK’s total energy usage. So, new building regulations will reduce percentages and make great steps forward to carbon zero goals.
- All new homes must produce 31% less CO2 emissions. This is less than what is currently outlined in the present Part L regulations.
- New non-domestic builds will need to produce at least 27% fewer CO2 emissions.
- Domestic and non-domestic builds must have a max flow temperature of 55°C.
- Updated windows and doors in property extensions or existing homes can’t have lower performance than the products they are replacing.
- ‘Primary energy’ will be used to measure the efficiency of a building’s heating. All new dwellings must have an Energy Assessment (SAP) completed to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations.
- The expected U-value for new domestic builds will be a U-value for walls of 0.18W/m², 1.4 (Window Energy Rating Band B) for windows and roof lights, and 1.4. for doors.
- Non-domestic builds should have a U-value of 0.26W/m² K for walls, and the majority of new windows and curtain walls must achieve 1.6.
- And more…
For more information, check out the published Approved Document L.
When Will the Changes Affect Me and What Are the Transitional Arrangements?
Key points to consider:
Compliance will be different from the standards required in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If a building notice, initial notice, or full building plans have been submitted to a local authority before 15th June 2022, and the building doesn’t commence until the following year, the previous legislation is permitted.
Anything after this date should adhere to the new standards and legislation.
“In some cases, applications will be in respect of a number of buildings on a site, for example, a number of houses. In such cases, it is only those individual buildings for which work is commenced which can take advantage of the transitional provisions.” – Gov.uk
How Can FrameX Help?
Cost-Effective and Compliant Designs
We’re committed to providing the most cost-effective and compliant designs on the market.
We always ensure our designs and products meet current and future building regulations without compromising quality or performance. All of these factors go hand in hand and never get overlooked at FrameX.
Some of our products also offer thermal enhancement. As an example, our revolutionary suite of PURe® FOLD doors offers incredible thermal efficiency. They have an additional thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane (PUR), allowing ultra-low U values to be achieved (as low as 1.1 W/m2K).
Our products provide unbeatable thermal performance and comply with the new regulations and futureproof projects and buildings. To find out more, explore our product ranges on our website, get in touch with our expert team or visit our showroom in the heart of Rossendale Valley.
A Dedicated and Experienced Specialist Team
Deadlines are just as important to us as they are to you. We understand the pressure of the new regulations and the preparation it takes to ensure everything is in alignment with the new changes. With the help of FrameX, you’ll be one step ahead and ready for the ongoing changes within the building and fenestration sector.
We are ahead of the game, and we’ve been helping specifiers, builders, and architects prepare for the new regulations. We offer an array of support from our specialist team from specification, design and technical advice.
Although the changes can be daunting, they’ll offer long-term value for those selling and developing new properties.
Buildings that are compliant with the new building regulations will be more attractive to your clients and give them the peace of mind they need, knowing their homes have been designed with the energy efficiency standards in mind and not those that were in place ten or more years ago.
Be prepared for the Part L Regulations with FrameX
Get in touch with FrameX to discuss your project requirements, receive a FREE no-obligation quotation and get on track for the new changes. We’re here to help, answer queries and provide solutions.
