16th May 2022

Changes To The Building Regulations 2022

In December last year, the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC) announced changes to the Building Regulations in England, which aim to reduce new build carbon emissions by 30%.

In a statement, Housing Secretary, Eddie Hughes, said:

“The government is doing everything it can to deliver net-zero, and slashing CO2 emissions from homes and buildings is vital to achieving this commitment.”

“The changes will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live, work and spend our free time and are an important step on our country’s journey towards a cleaner, greener built environment.”

From 15th June 2022, all new and replacement windows for all new residential buildings, offices, and shops will have to meet the new rules and requirements set out in Part F and Part L in the Building Regulations. This comes alongside a £6.6bn investment into improving the energy efficiency of buildings during this parliamentary term.

trickle vents stourbridge

What are Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations?

Ventilation

Part F is a building regulation concerned with ventilation. The new changes require all new and replacement windows to be fitted with trickle vents, encouraging airflow and purification and preventing moisture build-up within your home. This applies to new and existing homes, including extensions.

Conservation of fuel and power

Part F is closely linked with Part L, which is concerned with energy efficiency (conservation of fuel and power). One way of improving your home’s energy efficiency is to prevent heat loss by making your windows airtight. However, this can lead to poor ventilation, which is why Part F has been amended to improve ventilation whilst keeping air permeability as low as possible.

Why Are The Changes Happening?

Part F of the Building Regulations has not changed since 2010, and they are now, frankly, out-of-date. With a growing concern about the rate of climate change, it is about time that the regulations are revised. In 2020, guidance from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggested improving ventilation is the most effective way to reduce indoor pollutants.

The latest figures show that 46% of homes in England have an energy performance rating of C or higher, compared to only 14% in 2010. As of June 2022, all new and replacement windows must achieve a U-Value of 1.4 W/m²K or less.

What Are Trickle Vents?

Trickle vents are adjustable vents fixed to the top of the window on the inside of the profile. They feature a small hole through to the outside with trickle vents clipped to the routed area, which allows fresh air to pass through, promoting purification and effective ventilation.

As well as filtering out impurities and ventilating your home, trickle vents also prevent the build-up of moisture inside, protecting your home against dampness and mould, which can lead to serious health issues.

ventilation stourbridge

Find Out More

Should you have any further questions about the changes to the Building Regulations in June, or you would like to get advice from our fenestration experts, please get in touch with Carera Windows Ltd today by either calling us directly on 01384 442490 or by filling out our online contact form.

If you are looking for new or replacement windows that comply with the new regulations, we have a stunning selection that you can choose from. Browse our range of windows online or visit us at our showroom in Stourbridge, where there will be a member of staff on-site to show you around and answer any questions that you may still have.

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