Building Regulations

In 2022, new Building Regulations came into effect in the UK. All windows and doors fall under these requirements, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations and what they mean.

Here at Chigwell Window Centre, our expert team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you to understand how the windows and doors we install meet the required Building Regulations standards.

The guidance varies slightly between England, Wales and Scotland too, so it can be a little tricky to understand which parts are applicable and how they relate to you and your property specifically.

Energy Ratings

Energy ratings are a ‘hot’ topic, particularly given rising energy prices and the cost of living. This new guidance is helpful, therefore, to understand how your windows and doors need to perform in order to achieve the correct ratings to keep your property comfortable and reduce excessive heating bills and energy consumption.

England, new builds: U-value of 1.6 or better required.*

If the U-value is between 1.3 and 1.6, which is higher than new builds’ targeted 1.2, then the dwelling’s overall energy performance will need to be achieved by another element in the property.

England, Existing Property: B Energy Rating or U-value of 1.4 required for windows. C Energy Rating or U-value of 1.4 required for doors.

Window Fire Escapes

For the more security and safety conscious homeowner, or the more stringent regulatory bodies, you’ll want to be aware if regulations dictate your window needs a fire escape or not.

Ground floor windows, in rooms with access to a hallway with an exit door: Not required

Ground floor windows, in rooms without access to a hallway with an exit door: Yes, window fire escape required

Upper floor windows, up to 4.5m from ground level: Yes, for windows in habitable rooms without direct access to a protected stairway.

PAS 24

PAS 24 Security Standard is the measure of windows and doors with regards to their ability to resist forced entry attempts. Safety and security are understandably a high priority for more homeowners. PAS 24: 2022 is the latest performance guide.

Ground floor or basement level windows, installed into a new build: Yes, PAS 24 Security Standards must be met.

Ground floor or basement level windows, installed into an existing property: Yes, PAS 24 Security Standards must be met, if the windows and doors being replaced were installed on or after 1st October 2015.

Upper floor windows have slightly more specific criteria. You can use this calculator to learn more.

Trickle Vents

Trickle vents are small openings in windows or doors that allow improved ventilation when the actual feature is closed. These help to keep homes fresh and clean, as well as helping with issues with condensation or high humidity. Guidance around these changed in 2022 as part of the same Building Regulations updates mentioned earlier.

Trickle vents regulations only apply to windows and doors being fitted into your main home.

If the room already has dedicated mechanical background ventilation: Trickle vents are not needed.

If the room does not already have dedicated mechanical background ventilation: Trickle vents are needed. Specifications vary slightly depending on room type, such as kitchen or bathroom.

Ask Our Team

For any questions around Building Regulations or any aspect of your home improvement plans – either creative or technical – we welcome you to get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to help!