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Selecta Systems Technical Manager Cliff Prosser and Marketing Manager Mark Walker, look in to the details regarding the recent building regulation changes to Part L and the marketing opportunities that this brings to fabricators and installers.
The technical performance and specification of window and door systems has evolved dramatically over the last few years, as window and door solutions have developed on the back of media pressure in regards to climate control. The introduction of greater industry statutory and regulatory requirements, combined with consumer demand in relation to the ever-increasing costs of energy supply, have been defining factors in driving window and door system innovation and design. With the recent and future changes to Part L, coupled with further calls for action on climate control and sustainability, pressure remains on further product energy efficiency innovation and sustainability.
Cliff comments, “These changes to Part L of the building regulations have seen Selecta provide further investment in our research and development programme. Our existing five chambered ADVANCE 70 system already meets the 1.2W/m²k U value requirements with either 24mm or 28mm double glazing and 1.0W/m²k with a 40mm triple glazed unit. Our R&D programme is looking at product, ancillary and glazing solutions and capabilities to improve this further.”
“For instance, I have recently completed a training course to become a WER / U Value approved simulator, one of only around 40 in the country. Selecta are able to provide a comprehensive technical, WER and U Value support service to our customer base, whilst enabling us to accelerate the energy efficiency product development and innovation process.”
“This in-turn supports us further in working towards the proposed 2025 Document L changes as we invest more resources in to developing our range of window and door solutions. The final intended 0.8 U value requirement will pose a challenge for many in our industry. With these planned tighter regulations, this may mean that some products on the market may have already or be close to reaching their design limits as companies look at future proofing their product range. However, our company ethos will remain the same. Any new developments and enhancements shall continue to be fabricator and installer friendly, whilst also being as cost effective as is possible.” says Cliff.
These recent and future changes to Part L paired with the ever-increasing cost of energy, do nevertheless provide fabricators and installers with a marketing opportunity, as Mark explains.
“At the moment we have an ever-growing problem. Rising energy costs. With many looking at ways of reducing their energy consumption and improving their homes energy efficiency levels, we have a range of products that provide a long-term solution to their problem – increasing their necessity to the consumer. Windows and doors are often seen as a ‘distress purchase’. A purchase made out of necessity rather than pleasure.”
“When you consider that replacing windows and doors within a home is amongst one of the largest investment renovations that a consumer will undertake on their property, energy efficiency will now very likely feature top of their requirements when choosing replacement windows and doors, closely followed by security and aesthetics.”
“What this means is that window and door companies have the ideal opportunity to promote the energy efficiency of their products as one of the main USP’s. Replacing ageing and tired windows and doors with new are a necessity to improve their homes thermal efficiency and reduce their energy bills. The latest and future revisions to Part L also provides companies with a legislative platform for promoting the thermal performance of windows and doors within the home.” Mark concludes, “Having touched on the regulation changes and marketing opportunities, it’s vitally important that fabricators and installers partner with the right window and door system and supplier. One that can provide future proofed window and door solutions. One that is looking at long-term innovation and development of its products and services. One that can provide that range of support tools and services. Selecta are that window and door system supplier and the ADVANCE 70 System is that window and door profile system.”
