Document L of Building Regulations

Document L of building regulations relates to windows building regulations. If you are replacing windows in England and Wales properties then your replacement windows are subject to building regulations detailed below.

Please note that as with all guides on the Top Tradespeople handy DIY guides, including building regulations guides, all information is given for guidance only and you should always seek advice from your local building control office to ensure that your building works are compliant with building regulations and planning permissions.

The Part L Building Regulations with regards to windows is particularly relevant with reference to the required levels of insulation given by your replacement windows, which are measured in something called U values. U values have a reverse index which means that the lower the value of the U value on your windows, the better the level of insulation provides by the window.

Ensuring Compliance With Building Regulations - Windows

There are essentially two options to ensure that when fitting replacement windows, you remain compliant with the current building regulations for windows - Part L of Building Regulations. These two options are detailed below - again, for guidance only.

Employ Fensa Registered Contractors To Fit Windows

Fensa registered contractors will already have been approved as window installation tradesmen or tradespeople so you will not have to inform building control when your window installation is completed as part of the requirements of being a Fensa Registered Company is the need to notify building control about all installations carried out by yourselves for customers.

Ensure That Replacement Windows Are Compliant With Building Regulations Yourself

Whilst it is achievable to comply with building regulations without hiring a Fensa Registed Contractor you need to consider the level of compliance required and the tasks you need to carry out to ensure that your replacement windows pass the grade. Here is a short checklist of the tasks you need to cover in order to achieve compliance for replacement windows and new windows.

• Ensure that safety glass is fitted to lower window areas, glass doors and patio doors.
• New windows or replacement windows much be fitted so that adequate levels regarding means of escape to their respective rooms are maintained.
• If required, a window or door which is being fitted must have a means of support, for example, a window lintel or beam may need fitting to provide support for the new window and its opening.
• If there are any open flue appliances in the affected area then adequate provision must be made for ventilation to the room.
• If there is a requirement for a raised door threshold then this should and must be maintained if there already or installed if the raised door threshold is required.
• The U value of the glazing to the new windows must be a minimum of 2.0W/m2k if you are fitting upvc windows or timber window frames and 2.2 W/m2K if metal frames are being installed.

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