Cut The Errors Says ERA

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ERA the home security and fenestration component provider is working with the GGF, fabricators and installers to stop the mistakes being made in complying with building regulations.

The updated guidance to Approved Document F was published on 15 December 2021 and came into effect on 15 June 2022 – over a year ago.

Some installers are still unaware of the changes as it made clear by the number of FENSA inspections being failed.

Document F concerns itself with background ventilation and in many instances, requires 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, claims ERA.

GGF view

Kevin Jones, senior technical officer at the Glass and Glazing Federation, says: “With better performing windows and doors comes an increase in airtightness to buildings and so may require better background ventilation 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, says: “We supply hardware and thus 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 the building regulations Part F1:2010 to achieve the highest standards of compliance and ventilation for domestic properties.”

Picture: ERA and the GGF are calling for industry collaboration to ensure Part F compliance.

www.eraeverywhere.com

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
13th July 2023

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