From the 1 October 2010 the the revisions to Document L of the Building Regulations in England & Wales, will be implemented. This means that from 1 October 2010 you will need to comply with the new legislation.

What this means for you:

There are two methods of compliance:

• Window Energy Ratings (WERs) Band C or above
• Whole Window U Value of 1.6 W/m²k or better for replacement windows and 1.8 W/m²k for replacement doors. 

WER Licence – this is when a fabricator has a simulation of their windows carried out, with a Competent person scheme/WER scheme run by CERTASS, BFRC, BSI, BM Trada, Network Veka etc.

Whole Window U Value – if you have a timber or PVC-u frame you can use an IGU comprising

Soft Coat Low E glass

90% Argon gas filled

Warm Edge Spacer

And you will achieve a 1.6 U value with this combination.

FENSA members have the facility of utilising their ‘online calculator tool’ for an annual fee. The FENSA Calculator will be able to cope with PVC-u, timber, aluminium and steel frame materials.

ECOGLASS are pleased to launch three new IGU products which will assist in achieving your compliance:

ECOSAVEELITE – WER BAND A*

ECOSAVEEXCEL – WER BAND B*

ECOSAVEEXTRA – WER BAND C*

*The composition of these IGUs should achieve the band stated in most framing situations. If in doubt detailed simulations should be carried out or adhered to in accordance with the new legislation.