ERA calls for collaboration on Part F

ERA is working with the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) to encourage collaboration between fabricators and installers to ensure compliance with the updated Building Regulations Part F1:2010.

The updated guidance to Approved Document F of the Building Regulations was published on 15 December 2021 and came into effect on 15 June 2022. According to ERA, some installers may still be unaware of the changes, and as a result, could be fitting non-compliant systems in homes throughout England.

The updates to Approved Document F – Background Ventilation require replacement windows to be fitted with trickle vents, regardless of whether or not they currently have a trickle vent fitted. The minimum ventilation requirement for a replacement window is 8000 EQA in habitable rooms and kitchens, and 4000 EQA in a bathroom, meaning the older 2000/3000/4000 vents are now redundant.

All vents are also required to have the EA performance stamped on the internal section of the trickle vent to establish what vent is currently being used and if it complies with the new requirements.

Kevin Jones, senior technical officer at the GGF, said: “The amendment to Approved Document F that was introduced in June 2022 is vital to the Government’s drive toward improving the energy efficiency of both new and existing housing in England and Wales.

“With better performing windows and doors comes an increase in airtightness to buildings. The changes within Approved Document F to increase the provision of background ventilation will ensure the homes we live in can continue to provide the fresh air we need to live a healthy lifestyle as well as protect our homes from damp and mould.”

The GGF and ERA are encouraging fabricators to work closely with installers to ensure trickle vents such as 2500, 4000 or 5000 link vents are installed as part of retrofit or new build residential projects to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Graham Colls, head of technical product at ERA, said: “As one of the industry’s leading hardware suppliers, we are in regular contact with our extensive customer base of window manufacturers and are working collaboratively with them to educate installers who may not be aware of the latest updates.

“We are encouraging all areas of the industry to work closely together to ensure that all installations are meeting the minimum requirements of Building Regulations Part F1:2010 to achieve the highest standards of compliance and ventilation for domestic properties.”