Chris Cook of The Window Shop with his iPad

Chris correctly identified three of the services Build Check provide for the Fenestration industry. Mr Giles Willson, GGF Director for Technical Affairs, independently selected the winning submission.

The Oracle enables subscribers to calculate U-values of their windows and doors to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. A 12 month subscription costs just £199 plus VAT and gives unlimited access to the calculator, useful downloads and regular industry updates.

For more information on The Oracle visit www.buildcheckpublications.co.uk
For other Build Check services visit www.buildcheck.co.uk

This time last year WERs were big news. Every trade magazine was awash with WER stories and as far as the industry was concerned, if all new and replacement windows didn’t have a minimum ‘C’ rating when the new Building Regulations came into force on October 1st, the company that fitted the window would be breaking the law.

From Build Check’s perspective, we were busy guiding fabricators through the WER process and in turn helping their installer customers become Authorised Retailers in time for the October deadline.

But with the big date looming, FENSA issued a bombshell. In a letter to members, FENSA introduced the simplified method of conformance. Stating that its inspectors would require no formal evidence of compliance if timber (70mm depth min) or PVC windows were constructed using soft coat low-e glass, warm edge spacer (16mm min), and 90% argon gas, FENSA explained these components would enable the window to achieve a U-value of 1.6W/m2K or lower and no further proof would be needed.

Unsurprisingly there was uproar from certain corners. Fabricators who had taken the time to invest in WERs felt they were being punished for acting responsibly and future proofing their business while their competitors were rewarded for burying their heads in the sand.

At Build Check, we understood these concerns but felt the unhappy fabricators were missing the point. WERs are a fantastic marketing tool and if used correctly can give retail companies a huge advantage over the competition. With little or no difference between one window and another, an energy rating gives the sales person a powerful tool and enables them to better communicate the thermal performance of their product to the homeowner. Furthermore, the ‘simple method’ of compliance can actually cost more in the long run because manufacturers have to spend an extra 15%-20% on sealed units – an unnecessary cost that could be avoided taking the WER route.

So why am I revisiting this story? Because I am concerned it has left fabricators with a false sense of security. By ignoring the WER scheme and facing no consequences, what if these same companies ignore future changes in legislation? And with another deadline looming on the horizon, this is a very real threat.

CE Marking becomes mandatory on July 1st 2013

On July 1st 2013, it will be mandatory for companies to follow the relevant CPD on all products they manufacture. Unlike the WER scheme, there will be no ‘simple method’ of compliance and companies that  do not follow the CPD may have to stop trading until they gain the relevant documentation or face the possibility of fines and legal action.

For those who are unfamiliar with the standard, the CE Mark stands for European Conformity and is the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with all essential requirements.

To achieve CE Marking, window and door fabricators, sealed unit manufacturers and toughened glass processors need to ensure their products comply with legislation such as EN1279, EN 12150, EN 12600 and EN14351.Once these have been achieved they will be able to trade with European nations who endorse the standard, resulting in a free flowing European market.

Following on from what happened with WERs, will every manufacturer in the UK get accredited in time? If 90% of fabricators ignored the WER deadline and got away with it the likely answer is no. This could be extremely damaging to the industry and is something we at Build Check are passionate about preventing.

As one of the UK’s leading independent testing, consultancy and product certification organisations, our hugely experienced consultants can guide companies through the entire CE Marking process from start to finish. We understand our clients focus is making and installing windows and doors, which is why we ensure the accreditation process is completed as quickly and painlessly as possible. Our advice is don’t put it off, you will need to achieve a CE Marking soon so why wait until it is too late?

For more information call Build Check on 01494 452713 or visit www.buildcheck.co.uk

“Our UKAS accredited testing service is capable of testing to BS EN 1026 (Air permeability), BS EN1027 (Watertightness) and BS EN 12211 (Resistance to wind load) and has certainly been kept busy by window companies since it was installed last year. The test methods are applicable for CE Marking and are referenced in the product standards such as EN 14351-1 while the results of the testing will allow classification to BS6375 Part 1 in the UK.”

As part of a major new initiative, Liniar has launched a bespoke version of the Oracle – Build Check’s online U-Value calculator – which can accurately calculate the U-Values of windows and doors manufactured using the Liniar system. Liniar fabricators can now simply log-on to the Oracle and input their product specifications before printing off a Declaration of Compliance document – a process which takes a matter of minutes.

Liniar’s design director Adrian Redshaw comments: “Teaming up with Build Check is a major benefit for out customers. Subscribing to the Oracle is a fast and cost effective route of compliance and means our fabricators have the option of avoiding the more expensive WER option when getting their windows accredited. I have been very impressed with the easy to use nature of the calculator and the feedback from our customers has been extremely positive.”

But as Richard Bate, technical director of Build Check explains, you don’t have to be a Liniar fabricator to enjoy the benefits of the Oracle: “The Oracle is ideally suited for any fabricator, installer, systems company or sealed unit manufacturer looking for a fast and cost effective method of Part L compliance.  What’s more, the Oracle is an online programme which means the vast library of technical information is continually updated and only contains the very latest product information The programme also contains templates for factory production control (FPC) systems, a requirement for many product certification schemes, and is recognised by FENSA and in most cases, Building Control as proof of compliance.”

For more information please visit www.buildcheckpublications.co.uk

The Oracle can now calculate the U-Values of the Nan Ya door blank and glazing cassette as well as Distinction’s own range of decorative triple glazed units, making the compliance procedure easier and more cost effective for Distinction customers.

Chris Champion, marketing manager of Distinction Doors discusses this new development. “The Oracle from Build Check is the perfect method for our customers to gain Part L compliance. Not only can the Oracle calculate the U-Value for all popular door sets in a variety of specifications – including PVC-u, timber and metal outer frames; low metailic thresholds and a variety of glazing options – it is quick and easy to use and in all cases the customer can print off a Declaration of Compliance document in a matter of minutes.”

Richard Bate, technical director of Build Check concludes. “Not only is the Oracle ideally suited to Distinction customers, it is also being used by fabricators, installers, systems companies and sealed unit manufacturers to calculate the U-Value of their or their customer’s windows and doors. And because the Oracle is online, the vast library of technical information is continually updated so our customers only have access to the very latest product information.”

For more information please visit www.buildcheckpublications.co.uk

The dawn of a new year seems like a suitable vantage point to look forward at the possibilities Part L can bring to us all. Maybe the fresh perspective of January and a resolution or two will enable even the more cynical amongst us to view it more as a sales opportunity and less as a controversial waste of time and money. During the implementation period it was hard for many companies to keep pace with all the developments and changes. As an Independent agency approved by the BFRC, Build Check is ideally placed to offer objective advice on the best route to ensure compliance.

Our customers cover the entire cross section of the supply chain from extrusion through fabrication of all frame materials to installation; sealed unit manufacture and even trade organisations.  With such diversity of customers, it is hardly surprising that we have developed a comprehensive range of solutions to guide our clients through the process. We have consulted on the design of profile systems, installed factory production control systems (FPCS) for fabricators, carried out thermal performance simulations for installers and component suppliers to gain their Window Energy Ratings (WERS) and even worked with trade bodies to provide simulation tools for their members.

WERs are the most widely publicised  (not to mention controversial) method of demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations and everyone should, by now, know what is required to achieve an A, B or C rating. By way of a quick refresher, if you are a fabricator, you have to demonstrate a factory production control system is in place and have your products simulated by an independent assessor. If you are an installer, you can either piggy back off your supplier’s license as an authorised retailer or rely on your supplier’s own WER label – but accept your name will not be on the product. Either way it is the whole window that is rated, not just the frame or sealed unit in isolation.

In our capacity as an Independent Agency, we can carry out factory production control and product quality audits and guide companies through the process required to become BFRC Approved License Holders. Build Check also offers a host of other testing and accreditation services including BFRC approved energy rating reports via our team of certified simulators.

We have helped hundreds of fabricators and installers to achieve WERs and, over the last few months, we have seen a sustained increase in the number of ‘A’ ratings achieved. There is now twice the number of ‘A’s compared to ‘B’s on the BFRC website.

Meanwhile many companies see U-Values as a quick and cost effective way to demonstrate compliance, albeit without the marketing advantages of the WER label. Doors are, by definition, excluded from Window Energy Ratings so it is no surprise that the demand for U-Value calculations has rapidly expanded. The simple method of compliance states that if you have a timber or PVC-U frame (as long as it has five chambers) and you use an IGU comprising: soft coat low-e glass, 90% gas filled and warm edge spacer bar; you will achieve the target 1.6 W/m²K U-Value. However this may not be the most economical solution, so how do you match the variables to generate the best value? Many suppliers offer their customers U-Value calculations as a service, but we believe there is nothing quite like controlling the process yourself. This is why we have developed The Oracle.

Designed to make the process of U-Value calculation simple, quick and cost effective, The Oracle includes a vast library of technical information and specifications that can be used by fabricators, installers, systems companies or sealed unit manufacturers. You can calculate the U-Value of your chosen frame and sealed unit combination and compare it to the target of 1.6 W/m2K for windows and 1.8 W/m2K for doors. PVC-U, timber or aluminium framed windows and doors are all included in the software, the results of which are recognised by FENSA, CERTASS and, in most cases, building control as proof of compliance.

The Oracle is an on-line resource which means it can be constantly upgraded with the latest product information, something that is impossible with disk-based systems. Since its launch in the autumn, we have seen a rapid rise in subscribers and fully expect user numbers to increase as the benefits become apparent. 

The key to the current market is adaptability. Companies that can provide householders with products that demonstrably save them money without swallowing profits through over specifying the constituent parts will be the ones that prosper into the new year and beyond.

Charlie runs a sizeable business, with four fitting teams. He buys in his frames and glass from the same fabricator he’s been buying from for several years. He has become an Authorised Retailer and has his own name on his WER labels. Meanwhile Sid and his mate buy from several different fabricators and trade counters, depending on how his credit rating is that particular week.

I asked Charlie what he thought about the changes to Part L and how they would affect him. “Great news. Absolutely brilliant. Now I can prove to my customers that they will actually save money by choosing the higher grade sealed units and frames. I went to the Journey to C seminars and also the FENSA workshops which have really helped me to focus on selling the benefits. OK, it’s not every pitch where I can get an “A” rated window, but when I do I am making reasonable money on the deal.”

Sid, however, told a different story. “What changes to the Building Regs?” The ones that have dominated the headlines in all of the trade magazines for the last 12 months, I explained. “I don’t have time to read the magazines. Anyway I’ve never registered with FENSA and I’ve never had a problem, so why start now?”
You’re not going to use WERs? “Nope.” U-values? “You what values? So what exactly do you intend to do? “I’m going to carry on exactly as before. Until I’m asked for a WER rated window, I’m going to continue to sell what I have always have done.”

So Charlie, what do you think of Sid’s attitude? “Well if it works for him, fine. Good luck with that! There may well be a demand for that for that approach, but I’m serving a different market. If I find a potential customer is only interested in the lowest possible price, then I won’t spend too much time trying to sell them the benefits. I will offer them my “C” rated window option, give them a quote and leave them to it. Then there are the customers who want to know the energy efficiency of every type of product, including doors, which are not covered by WERs. For these buyers, I know my suppliers can use simulation tools to calculate U-values, so I’m covered either way.”

I asked Sid how he felt about breaking the law. “As far as I am concerned, I am providing a service that people want at a price they can afford. Before everyone judges what I do, what about the national companies that have been in the news lately charging tens of thousands of pounds for a window installation that should have cost just a few hundred? Surely that’s worse than me providing my customers with a value-for-money product that gives them what they want?”

But what happens if you get caught out? If the building control officers discover that you are not FENSA registered and haven’t applied for planning permission, what will you do? “Like I said before. It hasn’t happened yet and I am sure there are bigger fish to fry. I do actually take a pride in what I do and it’s not in my interest to have to go back to old jobs to repair or rework them. I need to be out selling and installing. From what I hear, now there’s something called the simple method of compliance. As long as my sealed units are of a certain specification – which my sources tell me they are – I’m in the clear.”

So Charlie, will you be tempted to short cut the system? “No chance. It’s taken long years of hard work to build up a reputation in my local area. Well over half of my business comes from recommends and I’m even starting to see some of my original customers ring me to replace their replacements. They have seen their fuel bills rising and, now there’s independent evidence to prove the insulation benefits from high performance windows, they are willing to invest a little bit more to gain benefits in the long term.”

I’m sure we all know a Charlie or a Sid. We know what goes on in this industry and how it has always worked. Some companies will be the early adopters, applying to attain WERs or using simulation tools like The Oracle to calculate U-values to create competitive advantage and prove compliance for products such as doors not currently covered under the WER scheme. Meanwhile others will follow the trend, content to pick up the pieces. This is the way it has always been and will continue to be, regardless of the best efforts of the BFRC.