DOCUMENT 'L' INFORMATION

A Simple Guide to the New Building Regulations . . .

There is a lot of conflicting information in the market place with regard to new
Building Regulations. This simple guide will answer your questions and enable you
to purchase your new PVC-U windows, doors & conservatories, with total peace of mind.

ALL PVC-U PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED WITH REHAU and ELITE 70 PVC-U PROFILE
WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF DOCUMENT L, WHEN USED WITH EITHER A SOFT
OR HARD COATED LOW EMISSIVITY GLASS, COMBINED WITH A MINIMUM 16MM AIR GAP.

The information contained on this web page is provided in good faith.
Building regulations and standards are frequently changed. It is important to ensure
the requirements of the most recent regulations and standards are met. June 2002.

Do Building Regulations Only Apply To New Buildings ? No !
There are new regulations which effect replacement products as well as
those in new dwellings.

What Are The Regulations ?
New Approved Document L of the Building Regulations of England and Wales, or
Part J of the Technical Standards for Scotland, contain rules for the performance
and assessment of glazing in new/existing housing and new/existing non housing.

When Did The New Regulations Come Into Effect ?
All contracts signed on or after 01st April 2002 must comply with Part 'L'
All contracts signed on or after 4th March 2002 must comply with Part 'J'

What Do The New Regulations Mean ?
These rules are based on U Values; ie the measure by which insulation performance
of any building material is assessed. A U Value for the whole window or door will be
used; a 'U' Value of 2.0 W/m2K or less must be achieved. Notification of every installation,
even a single replacement window, now has to go to Local Authority Building Control.

Is Compliance Mandatory ?
Yes. Compliance is mandatory for all replacement windows, regardless of material
type, although there are limited exemptions, such as listed buildings. Compliance is
mandatory on all windows, whether a single replacement, or a full refurbishment.

How Do I Know My Window/s Comply ?
All PVC-U products manufactured with REHAU and ELITE 70 profile will meet the
requirements of Approved Document L when used with either a soft or hard coated low
emissivity glass, (eg Pilkington K), combined with a minimum 16mm air gap.
Your best assurance is to use a FENSA registered installer, using Rehau & K2 products.

What is FENSA ?
FENSA is a non-profit making organization set up in conjunction with the Government.
FENSA is regularly inspected to ensure they comply with all regulations.
FENSA automatically reports all installations to Local Authority Building Control, and
issues a certificate of compliance to the house holder via the installer, to verify that
the installation meets the requirements of Building Regulations.
A FENSA member will also be able to offer you an Insurance backed Guarantee,
approved by the DTLR, to give you additional peace of mind.

Do I Have to Use A FENSA Installer ? No !
You can even install the window yourself, but you should ensure, when making your
purchase, that you specify the window has a U Value of 2.0 W/m2K to meet the
requirements of Approved Document 'L'. You will also need to make an application
to Local Authority Building Control so that your installation can be inspected and
appropriate documentation obtained. Lack of documentation may cause you
problems, when you come to sell your property.

I Had New Windows Installed In March 2002 Will These Be Affected ? No !
In fact, contracts signed before 1 April 2002, with installations completed before
the 1st July 2002 do not have to comply with the new regulations.

What If We Are Only Replacing A Sealed Unit Or A Sash ?
The requirement does not apply to repair works on parts of the elements, such as replacing
broken glass or sealed double glazing units, or replacing rotten framing members.

Are Conservatories Included In The Provision Of Part L ?
Conservatories are excluded if they are less than 30m2, and if they are unheated and are
separated from the host building, i.e. there is an adjoining door between the living area
and the conservatory. However, if the conservatory opens out into the building, without
separation, it is effectively an extension, in which case the new regulations will apply.

Does This Effect Any Other Building Regulations ?
Compliance with Part L necessitates compliance with Part N glazing safety.
With regard to other regulations, for replacement windows Part 'L' only requires that the
situation, such as fire egress and ventilation, is not made any worse by refurbishment.

Is There Always A Tint On Coated Glass ? Yes !
The degree of tint varies between manufacturers, but all coated glasses are
manufactured to an agreed British Standard, and the 'tints' are in line with the
parameters laid down for the production of this kind of product.