Windows

Changes to Part L have significant ramifications for new build – but also replacement programmes. We report...

The Government is expected to unveil its interim update to Part L next month [Oct]. Stopping short of the far more comprehensive changes to follow in 2025 ,with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, they nonetheless have significant ramifications for new build and refurbishment programmes – including windows and doors.

John Duckworth, Head of Sales, Commercial, Deceuninck, explains: “The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is expected to publish its revision of Part L in this October, coming into effect in England and Wales from July next year.

“While it doesn’t go anywhere near as far as the Future Homes Standard, its ramifications are significant for new build and refurbishment projects, pushing up minimum standards at a time when COVID-related supply chain disruption is already pushing up costs and disrupting delivery.

“Planning now to take out the guess work is critical.”

Leading PVCu and aluminium window and door supplier to the social housing sector, Nova Group, has invested in new technology and supply chain partnerships to offer customers even greater product quality and performance.
The Altrincham based company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, provides a wide range of PVCu and aluminium solutions to social housing providers, the commercial sector and retail customers, including conservatories and secondary window systems. As a provider of both frames and sealed units, Nova Group has full control over supply which means it can apply strict quality control and put continuous improvement at the heart of its strategy.

Orbit Housing’s Fordham House in Stratford-upon-Avon aims to raise the bar for rented accommodation. Although initially a social housing provider, Orbit now refers to itself as a “developing housing association”, and Fordham House was designed for private rental by key workers in the town.

Queen’s Award-winning window restrictor manufacturer, Jackloc, has launched a new product, the Pro 2 by Jackloc, designed with Housing Associations in mind.

Carl F Groupco, the major stockist of Yale hardware, has added the affordable and stylish new Quartus Espag handle to its catalogue. Featuring the leading lock manufacturer’s coveted push to unlatch mechanism, the Yale Quartus is available in a new colour range including champagne gold, satin black and enhanced silver for improved consistency in colour matching. The comprehensive colour range also includes chrome and white finishes ensuring that this new addition will look elegant in every setting.

Orbit Housing’s Fordham House development in Stratford-upon-Avon is an 82 apartment block designed to shield its residents from noise, many of whom are local workers in restaurants and bars so have to work shifts outside the usual working day.

This is achieved with special acoustic ceilings added to deep hollow concrete floor slabs. Fitted blinds within the window reveals also provide an additional noise cushion.

Specifications designed to deliver windows and doors that stand the test of time with little or no maintenance are being routinely undermined because fasteners are being overlooked or simply left to chance, according to fenestration fastener specialist Rapierstar.