New Part L Approved Documents and guidance 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 in addition to new 2013 Amendments to Approved Documents L1B and L2B 2010 Editions. The latter document, which you can download here, covers work to existing dwellings and existing buildings other than dwellings.

The government will not be proceeding at this time with a strengthening of the minimum energy efficiency standards for extensions and replacement windows to existing homes. This means that:

– Window, roof window of roof-lights will be required to meet Window Energy Rating (WER) Band C or better, or U-value 1.6W/m²K

– Other doors will be required to meet DSER Band E or better, or U-value 1.8W/m²K

As the BWF had hoped, 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.

The new documents are available to download at www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partl/changes

BWF members can use our technical helpline (0844 209 2610) for 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.