Rehau Windows has launched a new campaign to help commercial window specifiers better navigate changing building regulations, technical specifications and issues concerning sustainability. The campaign, called ‘In the Frame’, follows a significant increase in demand for Rehau’s commercial technical support, the business has reported, particularly around the Future Homes Standard and updates to parts L and F of the building regulations.
The polymer manufacturer is working closely with its supply chain partners – commercial fabricators and installers, architects, developers and local authorities – to help alleviate pressures around compliance since building regulation changes officially came into force on 15 June 2022. But Rehau’s technical experts have aired concern that following several years of differing information and debate, architects and specifiers could be left with multiple sources of conflicting advice.
Mark Gajda, the systems company’s head of technical services and certification, has been leading a project to ensure that Rehau’s high-performance PVC-U continues to exceed all relevant building regulations. He said: “The Future Homes Standard has been high on the news agenda for a number of years now. This level of content and debate around it could risk people being served the wrong information.”
In response, Mark and his team have developed a series of four fact sheets aimed at those working with architects, specifiers and surveyors. The sheets aim to provide a brief introduction to the changes, projected timeline and targets. Two of the sheets cover energy efficiency requirements under Part L for new-build and refurbishment projects. The other two address ventilation standards through Part F.
The wider ‘In The Frame’ initiative aims to shine the spotlight on other commercial technical issues throughout the rest of the year, including Passivhaus standards, the sustainability of materials and overheating in buildings. All content is set to be hosted within a dedicated online hub for specifiers working across large multi-residential and commercial projects, whether that be in housebuilding, public, local authority or private commercial sectors.
Steve Tonkiss, head of sales south for Rehau Windows, said: “We are seeing more and more technical queries coming through from the commercial end of the market and therefore identified a need for a dedicated space where they can find what they need quickly. For more complicated matters, our dedicated commercial sales team are on hand to advise on certain specifications.
“With regards to Future Homes in particular, it’s important to realise that just because you change one thing in line with regulations, it may impact another – such as acoustics, weather performance and the like. This is an area we are getting a lot of questions on so would encourage anyone who is unsure to get in touch and we will be happy to help advise.”
