New Part L Approved Documents published by DCLG

Following the governments response to the Part L consultation earlier this year, DCLG has announced changes to Part L and has published new 2013 versions of Approved Document L1A and L2A.

The new documents are available to download at www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partl/changes The changes are due to come into effect from 6 April 2014, almost 2 years after the original consultation on Part L closed and six months later than the intended timescales.

In appendix R of SAP 2009 windows, glazed doors and opaque doors have a reference U-value of 2.0 W/m2K, but now in table 4 of AD L1A 2013 and appendix R of SAP 2012 the reference U-values for an opaque door is 1.0 W/m2K and for glazed doors and windows the reference U-value is 1.4 W/m2K. There is also, now, a new category of semi-glazed door which has a reference U-value of 1.2 W/m2K.

It should be noted, however, that meeting the reference values may not produce the most cost effective route to compliance. It will be down to the building designer to determine the best choice but they will need to consider the minimum U-values given above.

The changes to existing buildings (L1B and L2B) could now be available by the end of the week (You can now find information on this here).

Our technical team are looking through the documentation and we will be bringing you a summary of the changes and how they will affect your products. BWF members can also use our technical helpline (0844 209 2610) if you need advice on achieving the required U-values for your products, which are also a legal requirement for windows and external doorsets as a result of CE Marking.