Veka launches Building Regs support package

Veka has launched a package of support to help its customers navigate the upcoming changes to Building Regulations, which includes access to digital workshops as well as its free online calculations tool ‘Windoplan’. 

The update, which will come into effect from 15 June, focuses on the existing energy efficiency standards for homes, and marks a steppingstone towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

To support customers, Veka technical director, Paul Kennington, has created a ‘quick guide’, summarising what fabricators need to know ahead of the changes.

This has been followed up with virtual sessions, explaining in more detail the changes relevant to each customer and giving them chance to ask any questions.

Veka fabricators and Independent Network installers also have free access to the business’ exclusive specification software ‘Windoplan’ which is designed to assist them in a number of ways.

As the new regulations demand windows and doors meet lower U Values, it will help to have product specific calculations rather than a guideline example. Windoplan is designed to accurately calculate the value of the exact size and configuration of a window or door allowing the user to tweak the specification in the software to achieve a result that meets the new performance requirements.

Under the new regulations, Veka says that fabricators will also no longer be able to use BS EN 14351 either, the Harmonised European Norm that drives the CE / UKCA marking for windows as an accepted proof of the U-Value in England. Windoplan can be used to download acceptable proof of U-Value calculations for Veka, Halo and Imagine products.

Windoplan also calculates the glass area to meet ventilation and overheating requirements, rather than the user having to do this manually.

In relation to part A of the regulations, windows must be capable of withstanding direct wind load against the face and meet the maximum allowable deflection. Windoplan is set to calculate against a wind load of 1200Pa, suitable for most two storey domestic properties, and is also able to calculate the exact wind load for a specific location.

Paul Kennington said: “As a trustworthy supplier, we won’t just tell you that our products are compliant, we will show you how we achieved it

“When navigating these changes, we knew exactly what we needed to do. Our very clear specifications – which are written down for you to see – result in products that meet all our kitemarks, pass all our testing, and are fully re-enforced in dark colours. These aren’t bold claims, these are facts.”