The Part L grace period just ended on
June 15th – what you need to be doing now
Last year, Part L of Building Regulations, which covers the conservation of fuel and power, was significantly amended. It was the first step towards the Future Homes Standard, which aims to make sure all new homes built from 2025 produce around 75% less carbon emissions, and, ultimately, support the commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.
The new Part L of Building Regulations came into force on 15 June 2022. However, to give the industry time to adapt to the changes, the regulations had a twelve-month grace period. The changes did not apply in relation to building work where a building notice or an initial notice had been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 15 June 2022. However, this only applied if the building work started before 15 June 2023.
Now that 15 June 2023 has passed, all building work will need to comply with the new regulations without exception or exemption.
What do the new Part L regulations say?
There are different requirements depending on whether it’s a new building or an existing one. New buildings have more demanding requirements because builders have more control over more of the elements of the building. On existing dwellings, the regulations are slightly less demanding.
In brief, the new regulations are as follows:
In new dwellings, windows and glazed doors (defined as where more than 60% of the door is glazed), must meet a notional U value of 1.2 W/(m²K). You can think of ‘notional’ as being a ‘recipe’ approach that means if all other standards are also met, the building will comply.
In existing dwellings, replacement windows or glazed doors must have a U value of 1.4 W/(m²K).
What do you need to watch out for now the Part L grace period has ended?
It is important to note that not all window and door systems were able to comply with the new regulations when they changed on 15 June 2022. Several systems have only been upgraded in recent months. Therefore, it is essential to check with your systems supplier that your system complies with the new Part L regulations.
Rest assured that here at Mercury Glazing we only manufacture systems that comply with the new Part L.
A reminder of the updated reporting requirements for Part L
The way you need to show evidence of compliance to Part L has changed as part of the updates.
For dwellings, a Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report is needed, along with photographs taken at each build stage to prove that the building work meets regulatory standards.
For buildings other than dwellings, two Building Regulations UK Part L (BRUKL) reports are now required, one for the ‘design’ and one covering ‘as built’.1
Note the requirement for photographic evidence – if you aren’t already doing this, you will need start taking photographs of installations at every stage. The regulations say.
Photographs should be digital and of sufficient quality and high enough resolution to allow a qualitative audit of the subject detail. Close-up photographs may be needed where a long shot image provides insufficient detail. More than one image of each detail may be needed. Geo-location should be enabled to confirm the location, date and time of each image. Each image file name should include a plot number and detail reference according to the numbers used in paragraph B7. For example, Plot 1 eaves detail would be P1/3b.2
Where to go for advice about Part L
If you have questions about the new Part L requirements around thermal efficiency, here at Mercury Glazing we are happy to help. We can provide as much or as little technical support as you need with all your installations. From consultation to installation, our team will be with you every step of the way – it’s the Mercury difference!
Cliff House, Felixstowe
VIEW PROJECT
Foxhill House, Chester
VIEW PROJECT
University of Sussex, Brighton
VIEW PROJECT
Varndean College, Brighton
VIEW PROJECTFrom sash windows to aluminium bifold doors, our high-quality products are engineered and manufactured right here in Britain. We work with fellow UK-operated companies, Spectus Window Systems, Smart Systems, and Jack Aluminium Systems, to deliver only the very best to our trade, commercial and residential customers.
How much do French doors cost to install in the UK?
The cost of installing French doors in the UK varies depending on the size, material, and design. At Mercury Glazing, we offer competitive pricing tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us for a personalised quote.
How to fit door handles?
Fitting door handles can be a straightforward process. First, measure and mark the position on the door, drill the necessary holes, then attach the handle with screws. For detailed instructions or professional fitting services, feel free to reach out to us.
What are composite doors made of?
Composite doors are crafted from a combination of materials, including PVC, wood, insulating foam, and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This blend ensures strength, durability, and thermal efficiency.
What are composite doors?
Composite doors are high-quality doors known for their robustness, energy efficiency, and security. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Do composite doors fade in the sun?
Our composite doors are designed to resist fading, even under prolonged sun exposure, thanks to their high-quality materials and construction.
How to adjust composite doors?
Adjusting a composite door usually involves aligning the hinges and lock mechanism. If you're experiencing issues, we recommend contacting a professional for assistance to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.
How to replace patio doors?
Replacing patio doors involves removing the old doors, preparing the opening, and installing the new doors. It's a task best handled by professionals to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.
How much do patio doors cost?
The cost of patio doors varies based on size, material, and design. Contact us at Mercury Glazing for a bespoke quote that matches your specific requirements.
How much are French doors?
The price of French doors depends on the material, size, and design details. We offer a range of options to suit various budgets. Please get in touch for a tailored quote.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
