BWF
OFFERS GUIDANCE TO NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has published a guide to the
effects on the design and installation of windows and doors resulting
from the revision of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Part L deals with the conservation of fuel and power and has been revised
to reflect the growing need to reduce heat loss from buildings. This effectively
means a tightening up of insulation values, but Approved Document L -
outlining how the new provisions can be met - allows three methods of
determining 'U'-values with the revised regulation.
BWF's new guide explains the three ways in which the new 'U' value requirement
for windows and doors can be satisfied and makes a number of helpful observations
about how the new regulation will affect timber doors and windows. Among
the most significant changes is the new requirement that for new build
all external timber windows and doors must achieve an average whole window
'U' value of 2.0 W/M2K or less. Another important change is that replacement
doors and windows are now also covered by Part L.
BWF technical manager John Hedgecock points out that double glazed units
with a 6 mm gap are unlikely to satisfy the new regulation. 'I think we'll
see at least 12 mm, and possible 16 mm become the norm', he says. He also
points out that low emissivity glass, such as K-Glass, will be needed
to ensure compliance, and that argon gas will also be required to improve
values.
However, the revision is unlikely to cause significant problems for door
and window manufacturers, and could even work to the advantage of the
timber sector. Natural timber has good thermal properties compared with
other commonly used materials, says John Hedgecock.
But he considers that the main benefits will accrue from a move towards
more factory-finishing of timber doors and windows. 'Manufacturers are
already moving towards more factory-finishing, and I think that Part L
will simply accelerate that move', he says. 'Builders will want to ensure
compliance with the new regulations and the installation of factory-glazed
and finished windows will provide them with greater reliability.'
The new BWF guide points out that there is no simple, inexpensive way
of confirming the presence of argon gas and that it therefore recommends
that only argon-filled units from known manufacturers are used.
'The only possible problem posed by the new regulations is that the demand
for low-emissivity glass might exceed the supply in the short term', says
John Hedgecock.
'Changes affecting the thermal requirements of windows and doors - A guide
to Approved Document Part L changes' is available, price £2, from
BWF, 56 - 64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4JX.
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:bwf@bwf.org .uk.
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Part
L already exceeded say Velux
Velux
claims that its roof windows already meet and exceed forthcoming Part
L requirements.
A
standard Velux roof window enjoys a U value of 1.0 compared with the new
regulation average requirement of 2.0.
Low emissivity glass is now a standard so more heat is reflected back
into a room.
In addition, 'Warm Edge' technology is being introduced as standard, with
stainless steel replacing aluminium on the spacers.
A spokesperson for Velux commented, 'Changes to Part L have meant that
specifiers need to be sure that they are buying a compliant product. Our
commitment to product development is such that we aim to pre-empt legislation
and standards by continually offering high specification products. We
see this as our obligation as a market leader. Our products offer reassurance
in compliance and improving the energy efficiency of the roof.'
For a full product brochure detailing all new U values please call 0800
316 8822
Contact Mat Lopez, The Velux Company Ltd
Tel: 01592 778235
Fax: 01592 771839
Web: www.velux.com
Part L from a door perspective
The
implications of the forthcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations
in April have received much press recently. John Adams, Director of Sales
at Portal Products gives his views from a door perspective.
Until now, most of the focus on this subject has concentrated on PVCu
windows and how various products will either comply, or not as the case
may be.
As a leading manufacturer of PVCu door panels, most Portal panels are
destined for the domestic refurbishment sector, rather than for newbuild
applications.
Usually building regulations apply to newbuild or extension work, however
Part L also applies to the refurbishment of existing homes where no building
work has taken place. So how will the changes affect the likes of us,
and our customers?
There seems to be little doubt that some of the industry will find Part
L difficult to digest, let alone apply in practice, and the jargon in
the document will simply confuse many people.
However, the importance of the new regulations and the possible impact
on our industry is not to be underestimated. Having looked closely at
the requirements of Document L, there is some very good news for fabricators
and installers of PVCu or aluminium doors in the refurbishment sector.
To quote the extract from Approved Document L (Section 1.63, which takes
some finding): 'The provision or extension of a controlled service or
fitting (being a service or fitting in relation to which Part L1, and
no other Part of Schedule 1, imposes a requirement) in or in connection
with an existing building shall not be deemed to be building work unless
that work consists of the provision or extension of a window, roof light,
roof window, door (being a door which put together with its frame has
more than 50 per cent of its internal face area glazed) or a space heating
or hot water service boiler.'
In plain English, this can be interpreted that if a replacement door is
less than 50 per cent glass, then it is not building work and therefore
need not meet the requirements of Part L.
However, our infill panel with the biggest glass area has just over 0.5
square metres of glass, so providing your finished door is bigger than
1.0 sq metres (which it will be) and you use a PVCu or thermoplastic Portal
panel, you don't have to concern yourself with Part L.
The chances are though, that a standard door with midrail will have more
than 50 per cent glass and you will need to consider meeting the requirements
of Part L. This can be achieved by the use of more efficient and often
more expensive glass, such as low'E' and argon filled units.
Contact: John Adams, Portal Products
Tel: 01242 267000
Fax: 01242 262518
Email: sales@portal-products.co.uk
VEKA
MATRIX WINDOWS MEET PART L WITH NO MODIFICATION
With the Revised Part L of the Building Regulations coming into force
on April 1st 2002 as part of the government's commitment to reduce energy
efficiency, VEKA has advised fabricators and installers of its windows
that windows produced with its Matrix system have achieved the new requirements
without changing current fabrication or glazing methods.
The revisions are particularly significant for the home improvement market
as for the first time, replacement windows and doors will come under the
Building Regulations and required to meet specific thermal performance
standards, in addition to those for new buildings. In the case of PVC-U,
windows must meet a U value - a measure of the insulating efficiency of
any building element - of 2.0W/m2K, measured as an average reading across
the whole of the window.
In
order to assess the performance of its products windows were submitted
to the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), formally approved under the
Building regulations to carry out such assessment. Thermal performance
testing was carried out in accordance with BS ISO EN -12567 - 1 to meet
the requirements.
VEKA's approach was to provide the most cost effective route to compliance
for both fabricators and installers. All windows submitted for test complied
with the requirements of the Glass & Glazing Federation's Data Sheet
2.2 with appropriate glazing to achieve the required 'U'value.
VEKA is also investing in software and training in respect of 'Finite
element analysis', which allows windows other than the standard designs
specified by the GGF data sheet to be authentically modelled for their
thermal performance. This allows greater design flexibility for specifiers
who can be re-assured that windows can meet the desired 'U' value without
the need for expensive 'Hot box' testing.
VEKA's Colin Davidson commented: 'I believe that many fabricators and
installers are concerned that their products will not meet the new regulations.
Whilst it is likely that all windows systems can be made to comply using
a suitable glazing specification it may add considerable cost to the finished
window. The independent tests show that users of VEKA Matrix systems have
nothing to worry about and need to make no changes, other than ensuring
they use sealed units that incorporate low E glass.'
www.vekauk.com
Document
L Compliance for Reynaers
Reynaers Aluminium has recently launched Concept System 68, a three-chamber
thermally improved system for windows and doors. This product claims an
optimum combination of high insulation and security levels. Furthermore,
the system is available in a variety of aesthetic shapes to match current
architectural styles whilst offering all types of both inward- and outward-opening
windows and doors.
Reynaers Aluminium has been developing thermally efficient systems in
architectural aluminium for many years. All products within the Reynaers
Concept Series are designed to comply with Document L requirements and
this includes the CS 68 system.
Contact: Reynaers Aluminium.
Tel: 0121 421 1999
Fax: 0121 421 9797
Email: reynaersltd@ reynaers.com
Web: www.reynaers.com
SEMINAR WARNS
OF SNOWBALL
'Many people in the windows industry still don't know the full extent
of how they're going to be affected by this Part L snowball vvhich is
coming down the hill towards them very fast.'
That was the view of Ian Spokes, a technical manager with Pilkington,
when
he made the keynote presentation at a special seminar organised by Kommerling
fabricator Bayfield uPVC Trade Ltd., to highlight the implications of
Part L.
Bayfield director John Walmsley says: 'We held the seminar because many
of our trade customers weren't fully aware of what they had to do to comply.
As some of our customers buy unglazed frames we felt it was essential
to explain what glass configuration they should be using.'
John Walmsley (left) with Bayfield md Brendan Breen
Around 50 delegates attended, including window installers, builders, surveyors,
architects, specifiers, local authorities and housing associations.
Delegates heard that the emphasis for compliance after 1 April is being
put
firmly on to the glazing and not the frames. They were told by Ian Spokes
that installers are ultimately responsible for ensuring windows meet the
part L requirements, even though they could be buying in a manufactured
frame and double glazed unit - and fitting the complete package without
playing any part in the manufacturing process. So fabricators and glass
manufacturers must be able to supply installers with proof that their
products comply.
He said: 'Pilkington has carried out a testing programme with Kommerling,
so they'll know the window system has passed. In most cases, installers
need to upgrade the glass to improve the thermal performance of the window
sufficiently to meet Part L.'
Delegates were told that a standard Pilkington K glass unit with a Kommerling
frame gives a U-value of 2.0 or less. And further improvements are achievable
with other types of Pilkington glass. Mitchell Dennis, Kommerling's specification
manager, said: 'Fabricators and installers need to ensure they've got
a good supplier of low emissivity glass, because there's going to be a
huge demand for it in the coming months - and those who aren't prepared
for the massive changes Part L will bring are going to be caught very
short indeed.'
Contact: Chris Breeze, Kommerling International Ltd
Tel: 01784 464000
Fax: 01784 455764
Email: enquiries@kommerling.com
Web: http://www.kommerling.com
Part L Compliance Guidelines for Doors fitted with Panels
Nick Lake, Director of Communications, DP Plastics Ltd poses the question
'Where can I find information relating to Part L compliance guidelines
for infill Panels (glazed and solid) and Composite doors (glazed and solid,
timber subframe, poly core PVCU skinned)?
'Rumour has it that 50 per cent of an overall door area needs to be glass
before Part L will apply. As a company we need to make sure that our products
comply with Part L. Unfortunately I have not seen any published material
aimed at Infill Panels that makes the position clear.
'Perhaps Brian Anderson, the man who wrote the new Part L regulations
could clarify this issue?
'Dr Robin Kent, Project Co-ordinator for the British Fenestration Rating
Council, was kind enough to give his interpretation and views. He stated
however that whilst the BFRC endeavour to provide accurate information,
they cannot accept any liability for damages (direct or consequential)
as a result of using information supplied by them.'
His response was as follows: For New Build:
a. A door is treated as per any other glazed area and must achieve a whole
window (in this case a whole door) U-value of 2.0 (PVCU or timber) or
2.2 (metal). In reality the new Regulations look at the whole building
and consider the glazing of the building as a whole and the real requirement
relates to the glazing area rather than to specific component.
For replacement work:
a. If the door has more than 50 per cent of the area (including frame)
glazed then it falls within the Building Regulations and must meet the
requirements of new build (see above).
b. If the door has less than 50 per cent of the area (including frame)
glazed then it does not fall within the Building Regulations. Doors with
infill panels where the glazing fraction is less than 50 per cent should
not therefore be covered by the new requirements.
The debate rages on, all sectors of industry are seeking answers. It appears
no-one will have a definitive answer as to what will have an impact on
their business before April 2002.'
Tel: 01708 630 045
Fax: 01708 630 172
Website: www.panelsplus.co.uk
E mail: sales@panelsplus.co.uk
How
to underestimate the impact of Document L on Sealed Unit Manufacturers
John Gold, MD of JoTiKa, UK software writer and consultancy for the
glass processing industry, considers the hidden impact of Document L on
sealed unit manufacturing.
‘Those who attended the recent GGF sponsored FENSA conference at
Villa Park could be forgiven for believing that the major impact of Document
L will be on window installers. Nothing could be further from the truth.’
said John
‘When Everest Double Glazing introduced Low-E glass as a standard
product more than a decade ago, JoTiKa were heavily involved in the materials
handling problems that this created. At the time, matters were compounded
by toughened glass being soft-coated on a piece by piece basis, rather
than by stock sheet, but the major issues of careful handling and pairing
of different materials in bulk remain today.’ he explained.
‘Because of this work, our Gtrak software has always been Document
L ready, and it was of great concern to me to listen to speakers at the
FENSA conference dismiss manufacturing difficulties as simply a sorting
problem. At JoTiKa we have been promoting methods to alleviate the problem
to our clients for some years, and these methods will now be more essential
than ever.’
‘Pairing of glass has become more of a problem in recent years, as
the required product mix has become more complex. Already, up to 35%of
sealed units are not standard 4mm clear. With Document L, almost all units
will have different leaves.’
Document L Increases Glass Waste:
Pressure on delivery lead times has led many manufacturers to run with
small batch sizes. Fig 1 shows 4mm Clear Waste results for 3210x2150 stock
sheets from a typical sealed unit manufacturer over a 3-month period.
As can be seen, small batches generate much higher gross waste. Gross
waste is defined as where all glass not used for cutting is waste (i.e.
no usable offcuts). The curve drops steeply up to 300 pieces, then levels
out. Previously this would mean only 150 units, now doubles to 300 units
to achieve the same waste level.
Most waste occurs on the last stock sheet, and the smaller and more frequent
the batches, the more last sheets occur. This did not used to be a problem
when cutting standard clear units because there were always the single
pieces of patterned units to use the offcuts. This is no longer the case.
4mm clear float, which represents about 85% of glass used, now becomes,
in effect - a pattern, and Low-E becomes the largest glass by area in
use. This means that 4mm Low-E will represent about 50% of all glass used,
with 4mm clear reducing to 35%.
This will place many companies into substantially increased effective
waste, unless larger, more integrated batching is employed.
JoTIKa estimates that glass waste will effectively increase by 2-5% depending
on batch size, unless systems such as Gtrak software are used.
Extended Cutting Time:
Most sealed unit manufacturers are short on shop floor space, and usually
of A-frame racks. Often the cutting table is placed in such a way as to
prevent more than one type of stock sheet being cut at the same time,
or space is limited to move A-frames around.
Handling of Low-E glass is more time consuming. There are dangers of marking,
and more care must be taken when stacking on A-frames. Only the most expensive
slot racks avoid marking on slotting. A factor of 10% is estimated.
Adding the increased wastage, which also increases cutting time, probably
increases overall cutting time by 13%. Improved handling and stacking
strategies will reduce this figure substantially, and JoTiKa consultants
are already heavily booked for training in the next few months.
Problems With Toughening:
Most tougheners will have already experienced problems with toughening
Low-E. Apart from the technical considerations, most older furnaces will
add 20-30% to the toughening cycle. New furnaces have substantially improved
times, but this extended time has to be factored in.
Whilst JoTIKa use their Gtrak Furnace Optimiser to improve bed loading
of 4mm clear by up to 30%, for Low-E this may overload some furnaces,
by extracting too much heat over a given time period.
Sorting Without Slotting:
Whilst JoTIKa systems can use slot racks for sophisticated glass sequencing,
many companies simply do not have the space that is required. They have
therefore developed hybrid systems, where standard products are on A-frames,
with some products slotted, but all in the same batch.
There will be particular difficulties for tougheners as both leaves of
a unit will not be routinely toughened together.
Without an appropriate handling strategy, we anticipate a 10% increase
in handling, as a result of the increase in Low-E glass usage.How You
Can Improve
Hand cutting is frequently the bottleneck at cutting. The problem has
been increasing over the years. Frequently, automated cutting tables are
only used for basic product cutting. The argument is that there is insufficient
volume of other materials.
‘Our large users have been investing in multiple stock automated
loaders. These loaders can store a wide range of stock, allowing more
glass to be automatically optimised and cut. Special racks can be put
together for each batch with a mix of stock sheets, sequenced to make
the optimisation.’ says John
‘Batch sizes are usually too small. This stems from a lack of confidence
in production being able to meet customer demands. Those of our clients
who have overcome this hurdle have found that with far less resource,
they can produce more, and be on time. This usually means losing a couple
of customers who want a ‘same-day’ service without having to
pay for it, but they are usually small customers and do not impact on
overall sales.’ he adds.
‘Our Gtrak software allows for sophisticated sub-batching of orders
to optimise workflow. We make extensive use of part processing, where
a single order can be broken down by element, with different order items
being processed on different days, in different batches, all arriving
at the right time at despatch.’
‘Document L will sort out those efficient producers from the inefficient.
Many small processors will be unable to compete on price, delivery and
quality. Those that survive will not be able to continue with old practices,
such as small batch production that have served them well in the past.’
Tel: 01386 793415
Fax: 01386 793407
Website: www.Jotika.com
Email:sales@Jotika.com
FENSA: the launch and the future, a GGF Report
We knew that Document L and the launch of the Fenestration Self Assessment
Scheme (FENSA) would be popular, but the numbers applying to attend the
launch of the FENSA Scheme last month at Arton Villa Football Ground exceeded
all expectations. In all we had 650 delegates crammed into the main hall
with a waiting list of nearly 200 people wanting to attend.
650 delegates crammed into the main hall
The programme began with an introduction from GGF President Greg O'Donoghue
explaining the purpose of the day's events and highlighting the dates
when the regulations would affect contracts ie:
Orders signed before 1 April 2002 will NOT come under the new Regulations
as long as installation takes place before 1 july 2002 and Orders signed
after 1 April 2002 would have to incorporate the new Regulations.
He also highlighted the fact that WISA had become FENSA because of a last
minute conflict of interest with a Scandinavian construction company who
owned the world rights to the trade name of WISA.
Greg concluded his introduction with the fact that by applying the new
Regulations to single-glazed homes carbon emissions would be reduced by
around 70%.
This led smoothly into Anthony Maude's (Head of Branch, Buiiding Regulations
Division, DTLR) and Ken Blount's (Chair of the original Document L Working
Party) presentations.
They gave the Govemment's perspective on why the Regulations had been
developed in the way they had. Anthony highlighted the wider perspective
of Sir Michael Latham's report on 'Constructing the Team', Sir John Egan's
report 'Rethinking Construction' and the Government's 'Cowboy Builders'
initiatives. He then went onto look at the specifics of self-certification
and ahe fact that the GGF had engaged with the Govemment and other relevant
trade bodies in order to develop the FENSA Scheme.
Companies not signing up to this scheme would have no altemative but to
take the Building Control route. Ken looked at Document L in more detail,
showing the link between the changes and the Govemment's commitment to
the Climate Change programme and Sustainable Development & Construction.
Steve Sutherland (British Plastics Federation)
Rick Wilberforce then spoke about all the changes from a glass manufacturer's view and after lunch was followed by Stephen Barratt (GGF), Kevin Cubbage (British Woodworking Federation), Steve Sutherland (British Plastics Federation), Justin Ratcliffe (Council for Aluminiun in Building) and Peter Clements (Steel Window Association). Each of these speaken tackled the effect of Document L on specific products. Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive rounded off proceedings by looking at the dynamics ofthe Scheme itself.
Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive
FENSA Registration - To register with FENSA you will need to:
• Commit to comply with all statutory and Building Regulations
• Commit your business to fair trading (using an approved contract,
and having a customer complaints procedure)
• Offer the customer and third party warranty or guarantee covering
the cost of rectification work and major damage in the case that the company
has ceased to trade
• Comply with statutory health and safety, and waste disposal requirements
• Maintain adequate employer's liability and public liability insurance
• Agree to a sample of their installations being inspected by FENSA
inspectors, and to rectify any faults revealed by such inspections
• Provide information to FENSA on the addresses and installation
details of all installations
• Reimburse FENSA for the costs of inspections and of processing
of installation details
• Continue to comply with all of the above. In the event of failure
to comply, and/or in the event of a record of failed inspections, they
accept that their membership may be suspended or revoked. In the event
of such suspension of revocation, they would have the right of appeal.
Benefits of registration with FENSA:
• Able to self-certify that installations of windows and doors conform
to Building Regulations
• No need to advise Local Aurthority Building Control of each installation,
as FENSA will do this
• Lower cost of compliance
• Have updated information on Building Regulations
• Demonstrate to your customers that you are committed to comply
with Building Regulations
Registration Costs:
• Registration - £100
• Vetting - £200
Annual Costs:
• Annual Membenhip Fee - £50
• If re-vetting required - £100
Database transaction costs:
Less than £1 per inrtallation if advised electronically
lnspection costs:
These will be charged at cost and are likely to be less than £100
per inspection
Database:
The Database will be used for:
• Advising Local Authorities that the work has been completed
• Production of Certificates for the consumer
• Secure public access by lawyers, etc.
• Management of the lnspection system
lnspection Regime:
1% of installations completed (minimum 2 - maximum 100) The inspection
is concemed to establish that:
• The requirements of Approved Document L have been met
• The requirements of Approved Document N have been met
• Other Approved documents of the Building Regulations have not been
compromised. In the main we are meeting such documents as B (means of
escape), F (ventilation), J (heat producing appliances) and M (means of
access).
What Options do you have?
• FENSA
• Local Acrthority Building Control
• Break the Law
'FENSA - the only option'
FENSA: Frequently Asked Questions
What is FENSA?
FENSA (the new name for WISA) stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment
scheme. It is being set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF),
with Govemment encouragement, in response to new Building Regulations.
What are the new regulations?
The Govemment's Approved Document L was issued on 31 October. It extends
Building Regulations to cover replacement window installation from April
2002, when all installers and buyers of replacement windows and doors
will be expected to comply. One of the main drivers is the need to reduce
heat loss in order to conform to more stringent energy efficiency targets.
Glass products will be expected to have lower heat loss, measured by their
"U" rating.
How will the regulations affect installers?
They will involve more stringent specifications for the products used.
In addition, all installations will be subject to inspection by Local
Authority Building Control, unless arrangements for self-assessment have
been made. With the annual rate of replacement installations running at
approximately 1.2 million, inspection of each installation would cause
a major bottleneck if channelled through the nomal Building Control route.
How can FENSA help?
By joining FENSA, companies can self-certify their installations. They
can therefore avoid the costs and potential delays of Building Control
procedures. A small sample of installations will be inspected by FENSA-appointed
inspectors to ensure standards are being maintained. FENSA will also inform
local authorities of all completed FENSA installations, and issue certificates
to householders confirming compliance.
Who can join?
Membership is not confined to existing memben ofthe GGF - indeed, all
responsible members ofthe replacement window indurtry are invited to join.
Companies will have to commit to comply with Building Regulations, and
show evidence of general competence and willingness to offer insurance-backed
guarantees.
What are the benefits?
For companies, registration with FENSA confirms their commitment to meeting
the new regulations. As stated above, they will also save time and money
on inspection. For consumers, the FENSA scheme will provide a certificate
confirming that their windows comply with the new regulations.
How will the scheme work?
Once registered, companies will be required to inform a central database
whenever they carry out an installation. The database can then be used
as the source for producing certificates for homeowners, informing Local
authorities of installations, and for subsequent reference.
When can I join?
FENSA will accept preliminary registration from 4 December 2001 onwards,
and formal applications following legal and ministerial clearance from
January 2002.
DURAFLEX BEATS THE HOT BOX TEST
Duraflex has already ensured its PVC-U systems exceed strict new energy
efficiency standards which are due to come into force in April 2002. Proposed
revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations have far reaching implications
for the window industry, covering not only new buildings, but also replacement
windows installed as home improvements.
To comply with the planned amendments, the frame and glass must meet a
certain thermal performance or U-value, which is measured in watts per
square metre (W/m2K). Target values for PVC-U and Timber windows are 2.0
W/m2K.This means that double glazed units will have to incorporate low-E
rather than standard glass in order to comply.
Duraflex
window undergoing the Hot Box
test for Part L
In advance of these new regulations, Duraflex has tested a series of PVC-U
framed window samples from its Diamond Suite using a BBA guarded hot-box,
specifically designed to measure thermal transmittance values. Tests were
carried out on products from the company’s 65mm and 70mm range, which
were reinforced to simulate on site specification and glazed with low-E
glass (hard coat, not gas filled).
The test resuits, authorised by the BBA, show that both Systems achieved
U-values significantly lower than the required standard: 1.76 W/m2K for
the 65mm, and 1.77 W/m2K for the 70mm. Whilst all Duraflex products are
designed to provide excellent thermal insulation, the larger 70mm outer
frame, preferred by many public sector specifiers, features an innovative
5-chamber construction in keeping with the European-wide trend for improved
thermal values.
‘Energy efficiency is an important consideration for both the public
and private sectors, to benefit the end user and to meet increasingly
stringent building regulations. By choosing a Duraflex system, specifiers
can be confident that they are complying not only with existing standards,
but also the forthcoming revisions to Document L,’ comments Dean
Cossey, Duraflex’s Technical Director.
Making
the Grade with Hot Melt
The GGF has called for all sealed unit manufacturers to be prepared to
comply with forthcoming regulations relating to thermal efficiency. Part
L, which stipulates a minimum U-Value for windows and doors, will come
into force in April 2002 (Copies are now available from the DTLR website:
http://www.safety.dtlr.gov.uk/bregs/brpub/ria/ria-01/04.htm
Sealed Unit manufacturers will also have to prepare for EN 1279, the more
stringent European Standard which will replace the Kitemark BS 5713. This
will also be on the statute books from April 2002, but there will then
be a lead-in period of 18 months for companies to comply. Part L and EN
1279 are both mandatory which means they can be legally enforced, with
fines and even prison sentences.
According to The Thermoseal Group, the UK’s largest supplier of sealed
unit accessories and machinery, it is important for i.g. manufacturers
to look beyond the first stages of the new regulations.
The DTLR (the government body now in charge of Building Regulations) says
this about Part L: ‘Three further stages of amendments are envisaged
up to 2008 that would raise standards even higher and effect existing
stock even more’.‘So far, most people have concentrated on the
glass, correctly stating that low emissivity products such as Pilkington
K-Glass will achieve the required energy rating of 2.0 W/m2K’, explains
sales director Mark Hickox. ‘However, what is also generally accepted
is that future legislation - or even a voluntary industry code of practice
- will see this figure reduce. In France, Germany and Scandinavia, for
example, the U-Values for double glazing have gone down to at least 1.3
W/m2K, with some manufacturers now claiming 1.1 W/m2K or even 1.0 W/m2K’.
Thermoseal is the exclusive distributor in the UK for Kömmerling
sealants, which means that it has at its disposal the vast R&D facilities
of one of the world’s leading providers of sealing technology for
insulating glass. Kömmerling has had many years experience in helping
German sealed unit manufacturers reach lower and lower U-Value.
'The best way of achieving these lower values, continues Mark, is to combine
a low emissivity glass with argon gas filling. However, this presents
a potential problem for the thousands of small to medium companies using
hot melt to produce single seal units. Unless great care is taken when
pumping the gas into the unit to make sure that the corner seals are closed
properly, gas can - and often does - leak out, causing deflection problems
and decreasing U Values.
Thermoseal has devised several alternative methods which it can supply
to customers wishing to ensure their production complies with the new
regulations.The first of these is to inject the gas through a specially
designed lance into a pre-inserted sleeve in the side of the unit. This
means that only one hole is made in the unit, but more importantly, the
hole is on the side, not in the corner, the weakest point. It also means
that the process is much faster, so the sealant does not have time to
cool down.
The other alternative which Thermoseal suggests is dual sealing hot melt
units. This way the primary sealed unit is gas filled through sleeves
or corner keys vertically on the out rack of a roller or plate press (
as many as three holes can be used for extremely fast filling). If the
unit is then secondary sealed on rotary tables, a continuous band of hot
melt is applied, which means no joins at the corners, and a completely
gas-tight product. It is also much quicker than using traditional clamp
tables.
Thermoseal has committed itself to a full training programme for existing
and future customers to help all hot melt users to gas fill without slowing
down production, and to ensure that they can meet all quality standards
which will become mandatory in the next few months.
Contact Mark Hickox for details (0121-772 8382) or look up the FAQ section
of the Thermoseal website: http://www.thermosealgroup.com/pages/MACHINERY/GASFILL/FAQ.htm
The spring of 2002 will see important changes affecting all installers and buyers of replacement windows and doors. The Government's Building Regulations, in the shape of Approved Document L, will be extended to cover the products that are used in replacement work. One of the main drivers is the need to reduce heat loss in order to conform to more stringent energy efficiency targets.
Glass products
will be expected to have lower heat loss, measured by their "U"
rating.
Necessary as these developments are, they pose challenges for consumers,
glass manufacturers and installers. Also, there is a potential nightmare
for inspectors. With the annual rate of replacement installations running
at approximately 1.2 million, inspection of each installation would cause
a major bottleneck if channelled through the normal Building Control route.
The solution to these potential problems is self-assessment by the industry.
Working closely with DTLR, the Department responsible for Building Regulations,
the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is setting up WISA, the Window
Industry Self-Assessment scheme. This will be managed as a separate entity
within GGF, with a management board drawn from industry, government, consumer
and regulatory bodies.
Membership is not confined to existing members of the GGF - indeed, all
responsible members of the replacement window industry are invited to
join. What are the benefits? For companies, registration with WISA confirms
their commitment to meeting the new regulations. It also means that they
will be able to avoid the time-consuming and costly process of inspection
for each installation; only a small proportion of their installations
will be inspected, on a sample basis.
For consumers, the WISA scheme will provide a certificate confirming that their windows comply with the new regulations. As these regulations become more widely recognised, those involved in house valuations and conveyancing searches will increasingly refer to them.
How will the scheme work? Plans are still under development, but companies
can only register by meeting satisfactory standards of commercial and
technical performance. Once registered, they will be required to inform
a central database whenever they carry out an installation. The database
can then be used as the source for the sample to be inspected, for producing
certificates for homeowners, and for subsequent reference.
How much will it cost? The details are not finalised, but charges will
be made for initial registration, and then for the recording of installations.
WISA's intention is that the charges will be set at a level that recovers
its own costs, so that the overall cost burden to companies will be far
less than the alternative of a standard inspection.
At the time of going to press, Document L is about to be published. WISA
has held its initial Steering Group meeting to confirm policy, and has
appointed a number of working parties to address various areas of its
operation. The GGF has also appointed a WISA Project Manager, David Dryer,
who is co-ordinating these developments, working closely with GGF Chief
Executive, Nigel Rees.
The message to companies in the replacement window industry is that now
is the time to find out more and to get involved. These changes are significant.
They are going to happen very soon, and will not go away. Some of the
ground rules for selling, manufacturing and installing windows will be
different from next spring, and they require some planning now.
To help companies to plan for the new situation, the GGF is launching
the WISA programme at a special event on 4th December at the home of Aston
Villa Football Club. The venue has been selected not only for its facilities,
but also for its accessibility, in Birmingham. The day will include presentations
by representatives of the Building Regulations Division of DTLR, manufacturers,
specialist groups from the window industry, and the GGF.
This is the opportunity to find out about the new challenges ahead, and
how WISA can help to meet them. There will be opportunities for questions
and for networking over lunch. Companies will also be able to register
their interest in joining the WISA scheme, and a take-away information
pack will be available.
This essential event costs £75 plus VAT.
To book your place, please call Janet Arnold at the GGF on 020 7207 5860 or e-mail jarnold@ggf.org.uk
