A U-value calculation service has been launched to help members of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) comply with the revision to Part L of the Building Regulations.
The revision, which takes effect in October, requires window manufacturers to declare their products’ U-value, which the BWF says can be a prohibitively expensive process for smaller companies. Declaring the centre pane U-value provided by the glass manufacturer will no longer be sufficient.
The BWF’s service, using the ECWINS software tool, will cost £95 plus VAT and is based on BS EN ISO 10077-1:2006 Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters.
Certificates will be issued to manufacturers, which can be used as formal support when window U-value information is supplied to potential customers or Building Control bodies.
“Architects and specifiers are asking increasingly for the thermal transmittance values of windows, so that they can calculate the SAP ratings of the buildings into which the windows are to be fitted,” said the BWF. “ If you cannot provide U-values, then they may opt to use the windows of a competitor who does have the information to hand.
However, the BWF said the U-value calculated was not as precise as full U-value simulation so could not be used as a basis for obtaining a full BFRC window energy rating.
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