New changes are coming for new build and replacement window regulations
The changes to Approved Document F – Background Ventilation require the majority of new build and replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents. These changes come into effect from the 15th June 2022.
It is the responsibility of the installation company to specify the product to the new regulations, FENSA have compiled a guide to assist the considerations required by the installation company - click here
APPROVED DOCUMENT F (VENTILATION) - EFFECTIVE 15/6/2022
Replacing windows When building work is carried out on an existing dwelling that will affect ventilation for example replacing a window or door, the ventilation of the dwelling should either meet the standards detailed in Approved Document ADF 1 or be not less satisfactory than before the work was carried out.
Note. Ventilation through infiltration (draughty windows/doors) should be considered to be part of the ventilation system of a dwelling. Reducing infiltration might reduce the indoor air quality of the dwelling.
Existing windows with background ventilators If the existing windows have background ventilators, the replacement windows should include background ventilators. The new background ventilators should comply with both of the following conditions. a. Not be smaller than the background ventilators in the original window. b. Be controllable either automatically or by the occupant. If the size of the background ventilators in the existing window is not known, the ventilator sizes (See below)
Existing windows without background ventilators Replacing the windows is likely to increase the airtightness of the dwelling. If ventilation is not provided via a mechanical ventilation heat with heat recovery system, then increasing the airtightness of the building may reduce beneficial ventilation in the building. In these circumstances, it is necessary to ensure that the ventilation provision in the dwelling is no worse than it was before the work was carried out. This may be demonstrated in any of the following ways.
A. Incorporating background ventilators on the replacement windows equivalent to the following. I. Habitable rooms – minimum 8000mm2 equivalent area. II. Kitchen – minimum 8000mm2 equivalent area. III. Bathroom (with or without a toilet) – 4000mm2 equivalent area.
B. If the dwelling will have continuous mechanical extract ventilation, installing background ventilators in any replacement windows which are not in wet rooms, with a minimum equivalent area of 4000mm2 in each habitable room. C. Other ventilation provisions, if it can be demonstrated to a building control body that they comply with 3.2.
Note: A window with a night latch position is not adequate for background ventilation, due to the following. a. The risk of draughts. b. Security issues. c. The difficulty of measuring the equivalent area.
THE BUILDING REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2021
NEW APPROVED DOCUMENT O, (OVERHEATING)
NEW APPROVED DOCUMENT F, VOLUMES 1 AND 2
NEW APPROVED DOCUMENT L, VOLUMES 1 AND 2
The Amendment Regulations and new Approved Documents do not apply in relation to building work on a particular building, where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans have been deposited with, a local authority, in respect of that building, before 15th June 2022, provided that the building work on that building is started before 15th June 2023. 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.
Changes to Approved Document L (Conservation of fuel and power) - Effective 15/06/2022
The full consultation papers can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-regulations-approved-documents-l-f-and-overheating-consultation-version