UK Building Regulations are now different and the part Part L 2022 changes are now in force since mid-June. These new requirements are intended to ensure windows and doors have even lower U-Values or improved Energy Ratings. They apply to existing buildings, new build properties and even commercial buildings. Here’s what you need to know and how our products comply.
Why the Part L 2022 changes matter
These Part L changes now form part of the Approved Documents, specifically for glazing, Part L (‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’).
The reduction in window and door Energy Ratings and reducing the U-Values even more, are all part of the wider plan on ensuring the reduction of property emissions and better energy efficiency, with the obvious reduction in heating bills as a result. These changes are particularly focused on new buildings and are set to get even lower in the years to come.
You should always consult a professional for all Building Regulations matters and our article here is intended as general advice only. With Part L 2022 changes effective, from 15th June 2022, here are the headline requirements.
Part L 2022 changes for doors and windows
The U-Value on new build properties for both windows and doors is now 1.6 W/m2k.
If you’re replacing old doors and windows in existing dwellings, the U-value is now 1.4 W/m2k maximum for windows and doors. Do remember that, for doors with more than 60% glass, these also need to be the same U-Value.
Overall, every ‘new’ door and window now needs to be more thermally efficient than before the Part L 2022 changes.
Glazing in commercial buildings
What about commercial buildings? The Part L 2022 changes for these require U-Values of 1.6 W/m2k for windows. Facade glazing, also known as curtain walling and entrance or exit doors should meet 1.6 W/m2k.
U-Values and Energy Ratings you need to know.
For replacements and extensions to existing dwellings:
Windows, U-Value of 1.4Wm2K or B WER.
Doors with more than 60% internal face glazed, 1.4Wm2K or C DER.
Doors, 1.4Wm2K or B DER.
External Fire Doors, 1.8Wm2K, no DER.
You must not provide new windows with a higher U-Value or Energy rating than the old windows being replaced.
New Homes
Windows, U-Value of 1.2Wm2K.
Doors with more than 60% internal face glazed, 1.2Wm2K.
Doors less than 30% glass, 1.0Wm2K.
Doors with 30-60% glass area, 1.0Wm2K.
How different are Part L 2022 changes compared with 2021?
The key takeaway for glazing in new or existing buildings is that the U-Values are now required to be lower. SAP 10, also known as the Standard Assessment Procedure is used on new building projects. Overall it’s making sure your glazing meets these new better Energy Efficiency and lower U-Values.
With glass being a significant component in any new doors or windows, you should ensure you use units with low overall U-Values.
What glass should you use to comply?
Choosing glass with a Ug-value of 1.0 should ensure your products comply with Part L 2022 changes. Our Alutech folding sliding system complies with suitable glass.
Using the Alutech bifolding door system provides DER C for existing properties & 1.6 W/(m2k), using centre pane values of 1.1 glass for new build.
Origin products mostly require triple glazing to bifolding and sliding doors or again, suitable low U-Value glass.
Our trade customers often source their own glass. Where we are not providing the glass, again ensure a Ug-value of 1.0.
The latest generation of the Alutech bifold comes with even slimmer profiles and more glass as a result. This new profile on the BF73 system provides a C rating. Alutech single doors also comply because we use the same profiles.
You can find the full Approved Document here