Rehau’s technical expert has called on commercial window specifiers to review recent updates to the building regulations, and for suppliers to provide product clarity to fitters. The call follows a report from Citizens Advice, which warned that families could still see up to 30% of the heat they pay for escape through walls, windows and roofs, despite the government freezing domestic energy prices.
Mark Gadja, Rehau’s head of technical services and certification, said: “The cost of living crisis continues to impact householders and property owners. As Citizens Advice’s latest report shows, windows are a key factor behind rising bills. Though we may hope that rising fuel costs are a short-term concern, it throws the need for energy-efficient properties into stark relief.
“It is therefore more important than ever that fabricators and installers are aware of the Future Homes Standard and how Part L updates affect window specification, and that they can impart this information to customers and end users. However, the level of debate that has ensued around this legislation means these stakeholders may receive conflicting or even incorrect information. With energy costs continuing to skyrocket, the long-term effects of not engaging expertise could be drastic for both building occupants and developers.”
To address what they see as a lack of clarity around the topic, Rehau’s representatives have launched a series of fact sheets to assist architects and specifiers across local authority and house building projects. Two documents cover Part L requirements for new builds and retrofits respectively. The remaining two address uplifts to Part F of the building regulations, concerning ventilation.
Steve Tonkiss, Rehau Windows’ head of sales south, said: “The number of technical queries we are receiving from commercial specifiers have skyrocketed since the introduction of the Future Homes Standard. This is undoubtedly encouraging as it shows the sector is getting to grips with the new requirements.
“Yet the publication of this Citizens Active report demonstrates that more needs to be done, especially in the wake of the energy crisis. Windows are a key area through which heat can be lost, so it is vital that suppliers provide clarity on how these changes can affect installers portfolios.
“Also, fitters should contact frame providers for assistance on how to best navigate the shifting landscape and pass this information on to householders and commercial project stakeholders. The cost of not doing so is only too real for affected building occupants, so reaching out and looking into further information resources, such as our own ‘In the Frame’ hub, is highly advisable.”
