What are the regulations for windows and doors in the U.K.?
It is important when selecting a supplier for your new windows and doors that you take the time to understand how the building regulations affect the product you are purchasing.
Here at Morgan Bespoke Joinery we are committed to manufacturing all of our products to comply with the U.K. regulations for energy and security performance and are equipped with all testing certification to ensure our customers are getting the correct windows and doors for the project that are complaint with the PAS24 standard achieving the Document Q and Document L stamp of approval.
To read into this further we can break down the regulatory requirements into two different sections:
New Build Developments:
In the U.K. all buildings of a new construction such as complete new build homes, extensions and garage conversions that are undergoing a new window installation process must adhere to the strands set out by the local authorities building regulations.
PAS24:
PAS 24 is a British standard that sets the benchmark for the enhanced security performance of windows and doors. Committed to ensuring the safety of residential properties, PAS 24 certification signifies that a product has undergone rigorous testing against various intrusion methods. Meeting these stringent requirements demonstrates a high level of resistance to forced entry, providing homeowners with confidence in the security of their dwellings. When you see PAS 24 compliance, you can trust that the windows and doors in question adhere to industry-leading security standards, promoting peace of mind and safeguarding against unauthorised access.
Document Q:
Document Q refers to a set of building regulations in the United Kingdom that focuses on the security of doors and windows in new residential properties. Specifically, Document Q addresses the importance of designing and installing doors and windows that meet specified security standards to enhance the safety of occupants. It outlines requirements for resistance to physical attack and unlawful entry, ensuring that the built environment contributes to the overall security of residential spaces. Adhering to Document Q is crucial for developers, architects, and builders to create homes that not only meet aesthetic and functional needs but also prioritise the safety and security of those who reside within them.
Document L:
Document L, within the UK building regulations, focuses on energy conservation and the efficiency of buildings. It sets standards for the conservation of fuel and power, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of new constructions. Document L addresses various aspects, including insulation, heating systems, lighting, and overall energy performance. Compliance with Document L is essential for architects, builders, and developers to ensure that new buildings meet the required energy efficiency standards, contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.
So what about replacement windows in existing properties?
Regulations for the replacement of existing windows and doors in sort carries less red tape than new build regulations.
Typically the approved replacement standards for exiting windows are much simpler and can summarised as following:
Current openings must not be made any smaller than what is already there
For timber windows, replacement windows and doors must confirm to the acceptable energy u value of 1.4u as set out the building regulations department
Each habitable room must adhere to airflow standards to ensure adequate trickle ventilation
Rooms not leading out to a hallway or corridor with an external exit to the property must comprise an adequate minimum size for fire escape
All replacement window installations must be signed off in accordance with local building control approval or by an installer who can provide a self certification document from an approved body such as FENSA or CERTAS.
Morgan Bespoke is an approved member of the FENSA self certification scheme and adheres to the installation standards set out to ensure all of our customers are able to pass on documentation in the future sale of their property.
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