Posted: 16th November 2022
Building Regulations set out the requirements for glazing in all types of buildings. Here is a quick guide to the glazing regulations you will need to meet when working on a commercial building. For further information, you can download all the regulations from the Government’s Planning Portal.
Approved Document A of Building Regulations contains design standards and guidance for the structural stability and safety of all buildings. It also provides direction on how not to affect the structural integrity of other buildings.
Approved Document B of Building Regulations addresses fire safety precautions to ensure the safety of occupants, firefighters and those close to the building in the event of a fire.
The document covers all standards related to this, including means of escape, the ability to internally isolate a blaze to prevent a fire from spreading, external fire spread, and firefighter access to the building and facilities.
Approved Document E of Building Regulations provides guidance on the resistance to the passage of sound in domestic buildings, in schools and flats.
The document provides guidance on sound proofing, including the transmission of sounds between walls, ceilings, windows and floors.
The guidance applies to new buildings, to alterations to pre-existing premises and to buildings being converted to flats.
Approved Document F of Building Regulations provides guidance on building ventilation.
In non-domestic premises, including places of work, priorities include the continuous circulation of clean air.
Approved Document K of Building Regulations includes advice on protection from falling, collision and impact.
It covers factors including the positioning of doors and windows within a property and ensuring large panes of glass are marked to avoid accidental impact with them.
Approved Document L of Building Regulations is split into two volumes. Volume 1 covers dwellings, Volume 2 covers buildings other than dwellings.
Guidance provided includes information about limiting heat gains and losses, air permeability and pressure testing and insulation regulations.
Approved Document M of Building Regulations provides information about access and use buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms.
Approved Document O of Building Regulations covers the overheating improvement requirements, including guidance on providing ways of removing excess heat from residential buildings.
The guidance in this approved document applies to new residential buildings only.
Approved Document Q of Building Regulations contains guidance on security in new dwellings, including measures taken to avoid any unauthorised entrance to dwellings and flats within a building.
Regulation 7 of Building Regulations provides guidance on materials and workmanship, that is, the use of the appropriate materials for a construction and how those who are working on the building must behave in a workmanlike manner.
As all this shows, the regulations around commercial glazing are complex. Working with a commercial glazing specialist gives you invaluable expertise and insight. The team here at Mercury Glazing has a wealth of experience you can draw on at every stage of your project from consultation to installation. To discuss your next project with us, get in touch today.
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