Conservatories relief at L

The main points to note for the window industry are:

1). Replacement windows: ‘U’ values of 2.0 or less for all frame materials, or Window Energy Rating band ‘E’ or higher.

2). Newbuild windows: ‘U’ values of 1.8 or less. Window Energy Rating ‘D’ or higher.

3). Conservatories with an area no greater than 30 square metres remain exempt from Building Control.

4). Architects have greater flexibility over the entire building envelope.

While the introduction of Window Energy Ratings may eventually bring much-needed stimulus to the industry, there have been huge fears that regulation would damage the conservatory business.

Conservatory roof system manfucturer Synseal even lobbied directly on the matter with Geoff Hoon MP, Leader of the House of Commons.

‘There’s no indication that the standard conservatory is going to be within Building Regulations in the foreseeable future’, said Giles Willson, Technical Officer of the Glass & Glazing Federation.

He also hinted that a voluntary scheme might signal Building Regulations in a few years’ time: ‘The requirements are the easy bit to write – but it’s about having a monitoring system that is practical.’