The new and approved Part L Building Regulations, October 2010, affecting replacement windows and doors has significant impact on the fenestration industry. So much so that windows and doors that do not comply with the thermal insulation performance stipulated in the new legislation can no longer be specified. The notable exception being those required in Listed properties and those of significant architectural importance.

“In short unless, as in our case, timber products are factory-glazed and fully finished prior to glazing, they simply won’t comply with the thermal performance required of the new Part L – and they will be rejected as unfit for purpose,” says Roy Wakeman, CEO, the Performance Timber Products Group Limited whose member companies include the market-leading brand of Mumford & Wood.

“We have been preparing our businesses to provide the new energy conserving products for some time and all our Group’s products are now rated.”

Replacement windows in the new legislation demand an energy rating of at least C, from the previous E rating, which equates to a combined U-value of 1.6W/m²K.

The code for sustainable homes prescribes levels of energy ratings from 1 to 6 and a stepped programme to 2016 for the industry to respond. Windows and doors will need to have their energy ratings under the BFRC label ratified in accordance with these strict rules. Code level 3, for example, means products will have energy ratings to a minimum of C rating.

“Even the standard Conservation™ casement by Mumford & Wood has an energy rating of B while our ECO spec A rated casements and sashes already satisfy the 2016 targets so we’re ahead of the game, which is what the market demands,” continues Roy Wakeman.

Way back in the 1970s the British Woodworking Federation began to promote fully factory finished timber windows and their stringent standards and audit processes have led to today’s Timber Window Accreditation Scheme which sets a benchmark for new and existing members in meeting legal building requirements. Mumford and Wood are leading members of the scheme.

“During the current and adverse economic conditions some would expect that a compromise in standards is acceptable,” says Roy, “but never has it been more important to aspire even higher. Demand for our products is remarkably high because they satisfy real-performance criteria; this is paramount in making the energy and carbon reduction targets we are all charged with.” Following the Part L regulations of 2006, a 44% reduction in carbon emissions was set and 100% reduction by 2016. The new revision further enforces the strict regulations.

“All of our timber windows and doors will meet the needs and comply with the Building Regulations Part L 2010 and beyond. The materials and processes we use ensure we are always ahead of our time and our customers know we can satisfy the most demanding of specifications.”