TradeMark
Takes on FENSA
Wokingham-based TradeMark Windows is offering consumers independent testing
to ensure that every one of its installations meets the requirements of
the new Part L of the Building Regulations plus other regulations such
Documents A, B, J, M and N.
Working
with an independent Government accreditation expert - one of only 14 assessors
in the UK qualified to do so - TradeMark will certify that every one of
its installations meets the standards required by Part L and, at the same
time, ensure that the installation has not compromised any of the other
regulations which relate to issues such as structure, means of escape
in case of fire, the use of safety glass and ventilation.
The decision to offer certification on all of its installations is part
of TradeMark's on-going efforts to clean up the image of the glazing industry
and overcome its poor reputation amongst consumers.
Says Mark Ashwell, TradeMark's Managing Director (pictured above): 'We
have been promoting the idea of quality products and services to customers
within our local market through a number of initiatives during the last
few years. We appreciate that the industry, through the Glass and Glazing
Federation and FENSA, is trying to do its bit to ensure Part L compliance.
However, we strongly believe that the current target, which requires just
one in one hundred installations to be inspected,is just not good enough.
Consequently, every installation carried out by a TradeMark approved installer
will be independently certified by the independent Government approved
inspector. Unlike the FENSA scheme this leaves absolutely no margin for
error and will ensure compliance with all the relevant regulations governing
window installation - not Part L in isolation.'
BWF
Keeps to the Facts About Part L
Latest offering from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Timber Window
Accreditation Scheme is Fact Card No 1, a comprehensive explanation of
Approved Document L (popularly known as Part L). This is concerned with
the conservation of fuel and power in buildings, both domestic and non-domestic,
in which new build timber windows must achieve an average whole window
'U' value of 2.00W/M2K or less.
Fact Card No 1 keeps to the facts, giving clear answers to the core questions
that will affect specifiers, buyers and installers now Part L is in effect.
The four core questions addressed are : What is Part L?, Do you have to
comply?, What are the New Requirements? and How are 'U' values produced?
The BWF is at pains to make clear to manufacturers, installers and building
owners (with whom ultimate responsibility rests) that Part L not only
applies to new, but - for the first time - to replacement windows and
doors as well.
Copies of Fact Card No 1 are available from the British Woodworking Federation
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:bwf@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Document
L and FENSA: how many intend to comply?
D-Day for Document L has come and gone. Installers have a choice as to
how they comply, but no choice about whether they comply. But there are
dissenting voices. Are they all cowboys?
For good or ill, the options have been imposed on the industry but what
do most installers think about FENSA and Document L, and who benefits
from it? How do they intend to comply? How many plan to go beyond the
minimum requirements and use Soft Coat Low E glass?
Visitors to Michael Rigby Associates' website, can make their views known
in an online survey on FENSA, Document L and the benefits. Results are
immediately online and will also be released to the trade press.
Call Kirsten Storgaard on 01453 521621 for further information or go to
http://www.521621.com
to take part.
NO
PART L WORRIES WITH STATUS BRICKMATE CAVITY CLOSER
The Brickmate cavity closer from Status Systems has been designed to comply
with the stringent new thermal efficiency requirements set by the newly
revised Part L building regulations. In conjunction with Brickmate's 3
in 1 system, incorporating former, closer and acceptor, the company claims
that house builders can be sure of a fast, easy, cost efficient installation
which also fulfils their environmental targets.
Brickmate
acts as a template for brickwork, eliminating the need for additional
formers. As it is mechanically jointed, there is no need to mitre or weld.
The clip in retaining bead incorporates plaster board holders, and there
is no requirement for any further special fixings.
The cavity closer suits any cavity from 50mm to 100mm. It enables the
frames to be fitted from the inside in compliance with safety regulations,
and subsequently eliminates the need for any scaffolding adjustments.
A vented head section is available, and clearance all round allows for
the free expansion of the frames.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
KBE
PRODUCTS GET DOCUMENT 'L' CLEARANCE
Following detailed and thorough investigations, KBE Window Systems has
advised its customers that all of its products comply with Document 'L'
of the Building Regulations where a maximum 'U' value of 2.0 W/m2K is
stated. Document 'L' is being introduced in England and Wales from 1st
April 2002 to improve the energy efficiency of buildings following the
Kyoto Agreement for a reduction of C02 emissions.
KBE
Window Systems' technical manager, Colin White (pictured left) said, 'We
have evaluated our entire range against the requirements of BS EN ISO
10077:2000. Using criteria specified for compliance, we have been able
to reassure our customers that KBE products fitted with appropriate low
'E' glass sealed units offering a 'U' value of 1.7 W/m2K, will surpass
the requirements of Document L.'
The KBE patio door achieves a value of 2.0 W/m2K with the use of sealed
units with a 'U' value of 1.5 W/m2K.
Founded in 1980, KBE Window Systems was brought under the HT Troplast
umbrella in 1999. Together, HT Troplast and KBE claim to have an approximate
20 per cent share of the European PVCu profile market with annual production
in excess of 220,000 tonnes.
SCHÜCO
SPEAKS FOR THE INDUSTRY ON ‘PART L’
The arrival of the new building regulations in April is clearly an important
issue that will affect all systems suppliers. Yet the onset of the new
regulations is by no means an insurmountable challenge to the glass and
glazing industry according to window, door and façade systems supplier,
SCHÜCO International.
Criticism has been levelled against suppliers, contractors and fabricators
for burying their heads in the sand over the issue. However, the majority
of the industry has been working hard over the past year to educate and
prepare not only themselves but also their customers about the impending
changes and the impact on their products.
Lobbying from the industry and its trade bodies led to Government consultation
and revision of the proposed amendments last year: the level of commitment
and preparation from industry is clear.
The suggestion that most window systems currently on the market will be
obsolete in less than a year is also an exaggeration. SCHÜCO products
are made for use on the continent and, as such, already comply with the
tougher regulations that exist there. Whereas current UK regulations specify
a U-value of 3.3 for windows, European requirements are generally much
lower, ranging from approximately 1.5 to 3.
Therefore, the challenge, as SCHÜCO sees it, is not one of reacting
to the threat of obsolete products but of being proactive in creating
awareness throughout the supply chain of how to select the correct glazing
products and systems in order to meet the reduced U-values. The companies
architectural advisors and technical team have spent the past year communicating
the impact of the changes to its customers and sharing their expert knowledge
on the appropriate choice of glazing products and systems for a project.
As part of this aim, SCHÜCO has developed a user-friendly “SCHÜCO
Guide to Document L”, presenting customers with comprehensive details
of the new regulations and how to select SCHÜCO products that comply
with them. This is available as an electronic document in pdf format from
SCHÜCO Area Sales Managers and Architect Advisors.
For further information, please contact SCHÜCO International on Tel:
01908 282111
Email: mailto:ibromhall@schueco.com
Web: http://www.schueco.com
