Door and window manufacturers are to receive more support on building regulations compliance, thanks to a new technical guide on Part Q published this month by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).
Part Q of the building regulations for England was introduced to improve the security standards of windows and doors that are fitted into new dwellings. One of the crucial elements in the requirements is that doors and windows should, as a minimum, be capable of meeting the security requirements of PAS 24. Products meeting Secured By Design scheme requirements, and those of certification schemes for security products, are also deemed to comply.
The new security requirements do not affect manufacturers’ responsibilities under the Construction Products Regulations.
Kevin Underwood, technical director at the BWF, said: “For the woodworking sector, Part Q presents us with new challenges on the security rating of doors and windows in new build homes, including new homes created by a change of use, such as barn conversions.
“The regulations were introduced last October, but the implications are only just being felt now with the latest wave of new home registrations. It will be imposed on all sites by October this year at the latest.
“As part of the building regulations in England, the new Part Q falls within the jurisdiction of the Building Control Officer. As a consequence, we think it is set to be rigorously enforced.”
The BWF’s publication provides a brief overview of the requirements for window and door manufacturers, and details what companies should do to avoid being caught out by the new rules. It gives answers to many of the frequently asked questions, including how it impacts on product manufacture, what type of building work it relates to, what’s required to satisfy the new regulations, and how it will all be policed.
The guide is free to BWF members.
Download ‘Building Regulations Part Q: Security Regulations for accessible windows and doors in new homes’ at: http://bwf.org.uk/publications/windows.
