Selecta Systems technical manager, Cliff Prosser, and marketing manager, Mark Walker, discuss the recent Building Regulation changes to Part L and the marketing opportunities that this brings to fabricators and installers.

The technical performance and specification of window and door systems has evolved dramatically over the last few years.

The recent introduction of stricter regulatory requirements, combined with consumer demand in relation to the ever-increasing costs of energy supply, have been defining factors in driving window and door system innovation and design.

With the recent and future changes to Part L, coupled with further calls for action on climate control and sustainability, pressure remains on product energy efficiency innovation and sustainability.

Cliff comments: “Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations have seen Selecta provide further investment in our R&D programme. Our existing five chambered Advance 70 system already meets the 1.2W/m²k U value requirements with either 24mm or 28mm double glazing and 1.0W/m²k with a 40mm triple glazed unit.

“We’re looking at product, ancillary and glazing solutions and capabilities to improve this further.”

“For instance, I have recently completed a training course to become a WER / U Value approved simulator, one of only around 40 in the country,” he continues. “That has enabled us to provide a comprehensive technical, WER and U Value support service to our customer base, as well as accelerate our energy efficiency product development and innovation process.

“This in-turn supports us further in working towards the proposed 2025 Document L changes as we invest more resources into developing our range of window and door solutions. The final intended 0.8 U value requirement will pose a challenge for many in our industry,” he adds.

“With these planned tighter regulations, some products on the market may already be close to reaching their design limits as companies look at future proofing their product range. However, our company ethos will remain the same. Any new developments and enhancements shall continue to be fabricator and installer friendly, whilst also being as cost effective as is possible,” says Cliff.

These recent and future changes to Part L paired with the ever-increasing cost of energy, do nevertheless provide fabricators and installers with a marketing opportunity, as Mark explains.

“At the moment we have a growing problem. Rising energy costs. With many looking at ways of reducing their energy consumption and improving their home’s energy efficiency levels, we have a range of products that provide a long-term solution.

“When you consider that replacing windows and doors within a home is one of the largest investments that a consumer will undertake on their property, energy efficient products will now very likely feature at the top of their requirements, closely followed by security and aesthetics.

“What this means is that window and door companies have the ideal opportunity to promote the energy efficiency of their products as one of the main USPs,” continues Mark. “Replacing ageing windows and doors with new is a necessity if consumers want to improve their home’s thermal efficiency and reduce their energy bills. The latest and future revisions to Part L also provides companies with a legislative platform for promoting the thermal performance of windows and doors within the home.”

Mark concludes: “Having touched on the regulation changes and marketing opportunities, it’s vitally important that fabricators and installers partner with the right window and door system and supplier. One that can provide future proofed window and door solutions.

“One that is looking at long-term innovation and development of its products and services. One that can provide that range of support tools and services. Selecta is that window and door system supplier and the Advance 70 System is that window and door profile system.”