FIT’s a hit

With the dust still settling from the FIT Show, much of the news this week is dedicated to the numerous success stories from the event.

That includes the unveiling of Graf’s new Synergy machine – and the subsequent launch of Dekko’s Infinity fully seamless window – the debut of Gerda doors and Kömmerling’s 125-year anniversary celebrations to name just a few.

FIT Show is predominantly about product but this year’s exhibition also presented the opportunity to discuss the new Building Regulations that are due to come into force in just a few weeks’ time.

The most contentious of these is Part F and trickle vents. For many, making holes in windows for vents is at odds with new rules on Part L for energy efficiency, but others have also argued that homeowners will resist ‘ugly’ vents because they will ruin the aesthetic of their shiny – and expensive – new casements.

In this week’s lead story Sternfenster’s Mike Parczuk adds fuel to the Part F debate by predicting that ‘law abiding’ window companies are going to lose out on sales to those that are prepared to dodge the rules.

If a homeowner is offered a more attractive solution for their new windows, says Mike – one that ticks boxes for aesthetics and price – then they are going to choose that over Part F compliant products.

What are your thoughts on Part F? Please feel free to email me with your opinions at luke@glasstimes.co.uk