Introducing a new generation in Conservatory Roofs

Following the success of Sheerline’s S2 Conservatory roof at the Fit show in May, we are proud to announce their addition to our suite of products !

The highly innovative design is based on the tried and tested K2 roof but has gone through an extensive remodelling and development to create our most beautiful roof to date.

Combining high thermal efficient qualities with slim structures, it’s a design which will be a perfect fit for every home. Multichambered UPVC top caps further help to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer especially when combined with our range of Solar Control Self Cleaning Glass.

The range of standard components are stronger than ever meaning that bigger spans can be created without the need for bulky reinforced structural bars allowing more light in so that you can enjoy the beauty of your garden from the comfort of your armchairs !

Finally, a range of premium upgrades can be requested which include Aluminium roof caps for an even slimmer design and both internal and external pelmets which are perfect for emulating the design of an orangery.

We are NOW CERTASS CERTIFIED

Up until now, we’ve worked with local councils to issue completion certificates to show that the work is up to scratch as we’ve never felt comfortable self certifying.

With the cost of living rising all the time along with our suppliers costs, we’ve taken the decision to go down the self certification route. Many people will be familiar with the name FENSA but we have chosen to register though the other main company CERTASS. We believe that the safeguarding and monitoring that they offer better protects our customers and we’ve been genuinely impressed with the standards that they expect. On top of this, we now offer an insurance backed warranty for added protection.

By going down the self certification route we are able to offer a more competitively priced service which is essential for people who may be changing one window at a time (local councils normally charge for an inspections in blocks of 3,6, 12 and more than 12 which can work out more costly) or for first time buyers.

We are still able to put work through local councils so if you would prefer and independent inspection let us know and we are able to arrange this on your behalf and will be able to advise you of the costs involved.

Welcome to our new look website

Now we’ve been in business 30 years it seemed like a good time to do some site maintenance so we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to create a fresher and easier to navigate website which I hope you’ll appreciate. You may also notice we’ve got a brand new logo. Hopefully we’ve learnt a few lessons since designing our original website 3 years ago.

If you’ve been to our site before things may have moved around a little but everything should still be there and we’ve even included a handy little search bar at the bottom of every page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for though feel free to drop us an email and we’ll assist in anyway we can.

June 2022 brought in a host of new legislation which all window and door installers should be sticking to. We’ve included some useful information on a brand new part of the site known as the Knowledge Database. As more legislation get’s released we will update this part of the website to keep you informed of what you need to know.

Over the coming days we’ll be adding a lot of new photos of work we’ve completed recently but not had time to upload yet so be sure to check back for that but going forward I want to start using the blog more to document what we do more closely whether that be through case studies of individual jobs or to highlight new products which will really give our visitors some inspiration. The window and door market are packed with so many options that it can sometimes be a little overwhelming but I hope with that touch of inspiration it should hopefully show you what we can achieve in creating your own perfect living spaces.

On a less exciting note, we’ve update our terms and conditions, privacy policies and complaints procedures which can be found at the bottom of every page for easy access.

Finally although this is a brand new look for us, we are still very much the same company offering the same friendly service and attention to detail that we’ve always been known for.

Important changes regarding building regulations June 2022

Guidance for changes to Part L and Part F

The long-awaited update to Building Regulations was announced in December 2021 - a significant update that focuses on the existing energy efficiency standards for homes and marks a steppingstone towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

The new Building Regulations comprise five new documents, with the ones that mainly affect our industry being Part L (heating and energy) and Part F (ventilation). This will come into effect from 15 June 2022, and will have a marked impact, particularly on new, but also on existing homes.

Each country has their own guidance and, for now, we will concentrate on the regulations for England.

Part L

Presently U-Values are 1.4W/(m2K) for windows going into new homes, and 1.0-1.4 W/(m2K) for doors depending on glazing. Under the Part L 2022 changes, these will be 1.2 W/(m2K) for windows and 1.0 W/(m2K) * for doors. For refurbishments in existing buildings, there are higher figures of 1.4 W/(m2K) for windows and doors.

*1.0 Opaque doors (less than 30% glazed area, 1.2 for Glazed doors (more than 60% glazed area)

It’s worth noting that these figures are based on desirable values to be inputted into SAP when Building Regulations calculate the ‘notional building.’ They aren’t used in isolation, and they’re also not absolute, to allow for flexibility in building design.

To put it simply, the notional building is a digital shadow of the exact building and uses fabric values issued by the government through Building Regulations. Several exact values are entered into SAP for things such as thermal properties, space heating and air tightness. These are then compared with the notional building. If a window doesn’t meet a value of 1.2, (if it is a Vertical Slider for example), a limiting value can be applied and other areas of the dwelling can be improved to offset this, such as better insulation. The limiting value is the worst value a product can perform at.

That said, it will be more difficult for specifiers to achieve the desired Energy Efficiency Ratings, as the calculation has also changed, allowing for less ‘wiggle room’.

In summary, it will be more difficult to meet the new U-Values, BUT calculations are NOT based on individual products.

Consideration must also be given in Part L to the fitting of frames to ensure they maintain an air barrier using air sealing tape. Compressible seals or gun sealant may be used to supplement the taping.
It is the responsibility of the installer for compliance to the building regulations.
 
We are working with our suppliers to confirm what changes need to be made to our product range and will keep you updated.

Part F

Approved Document F has caused a lot of controversy in the industry since being published. For new build, the requirements are:

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The new regulations will also require most replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents dependant on the room type, volume of windows/doors fitted and if sufficient proof can be provided that the installation does not make the ventilation situation any worse.


For existing windows with trickle vents already in place there is no discernible difference to the current regulations, that is:

• The replacement vents cannot be smaller than the ones in the window that is being replaced

• If the size of the trickle vent in the windows being replaced is not known then the replacement trickle vent should be sized as such:

1. Habitable Rooms and Kitchens – Equivalent Area of 8000mm²

2. Bathrooms (with or without a toilet) – Equivalent Area 4000mm²

• They must be controllable

When replacing existing windows that do not currently have trickle ventilators, the base position is that Trickle vents should be installed as below:

• Habitable Rooms and Kitchens – *equivalent area of 8000mm²

• Bathrooms (with or without a toilet) – *equivalent area 4000mm²

If the property has “continuous mechanical extract ventilation”

• Trickle ventilators with a minimum *equivalent area of 4000mm² should be installed in any replacement windows which are not in wet rooms (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms)

If it can be demonstrated that they comply with the requirements, “other ventilation provisions” may be used.


*If it is not technically feasible to adopt the minimum equivalent areas set out then trickle vents with the closest possible equivalent area should be used.


This change to Part F will mean approx. 90% of all replacement windows will now require trickles vents compared to the current level for replacement windows which is approx. 30%.

Covid 19 - An update.

We are pleased to announce that all of our supply partners are remaining open during this second lockdown after government advice.

The construction industry as a whole will continue to operate through these difficult times and so will we. Whilst some items may take a little longer we will be continuing to fit our full range of products whilst taking every precaution that we can. We ask that any of our customers get in contact if they are showing symptoms of Covid 19.

Thank you for your understanding. Finally, we hope all our customers past and present are staying safe and well.

Introducing our Coastline Composite Cladding Range

Our new range of Composite exterior cladding forms the basis of our Coastline range. Home owners are looking for the ultimate in style when it comes to creating their ultimate living spaces and this contemporary range of products delivers on performance and contemporary looks.

The unique composite material is not only extremely durable, but it suffers from minimum expansion and contraction meaning the boards will remain looking great for years to come and in most cases will not need an extra membrane underneath. The range comes in a host of five luxurious colours which are sure to compliment any home especially with a range of complimentary powder coated aluminium trims.

The whole range has been rigorously tested over hundreds of hours including to BS13501 to ensure that not only will it look great but you can be assured that your safety is paramount.

COVID 19: A strange couple of months.

COVID 19 has had a significant impact for many homes and businesses throughout the country. Most importantly we hope that all of our customers past and present are keeping safe and well.

It seems strange to not have put an update on our website sooner, but from our end Coronavirus has had its fair share of challenges in being able to run the business. Wherever possible we have continued to provide support to our existing customers while being able to process orders and provide quotes. Our suppliers had all understandably closed down so although we could’ve carried on whilst observing social distancing rules we were unable to get materials.

I’m now pleased to say that all of our suppliers are up and running once again and although some are running with skeleton teams we are starting to see orders coming through. As you can probably imagine resources are stretched right now with our suppliers so any orders coming in may be on an extended lead time - we will be able to advise you further with each order. It also goes without saying that we will be observing government advice and social distancing on all projects for the forseeable future.

I want to thank each and every customer who has been in touch throughout lockdown. We’ve got a busy few months ahead as we work through all of your orders. It’s encouraging that we’ve received so many enquiries and orders throughout the period and your extended support is very much appreciated.

Finally, we are aware lots of people are seeing the benefits of working from home through the period of lockdown. We have all had to adjust to new and exciting ways of working and for many this may be an opportunity for permanent change. As a way of supporting local businesses through this transition we would like to offer free installation on our composite garden rooms for a limited time. These bespoke spaces are the perfect home office, studio or workspace. Please contact us for further details.

Document Q - The legislation you need to know.

In October of 2015 new legislation came in to protect home owners buying new build homes . The legislation was titled Document Q and relates specifically to the security of windows and doors being fitted within the property. Almost five years on and we’re surprised by how many builders are still unaware of the legislation so we thought it was worth going over the key points.

Doors into the property must be PAS24 accredited or higher - it’s worth noting that PAS24 has been revised to include a ‘cut test’ - the door must be able to resist attack for a minimum of three minutes against two chisels and a Stanley knife with the goal of making a 50mm square hole big enough to get your hand through. Many substandard foam core composite doors physically can’t achieve this (and indeed fail in less than 90 seconds). Our timber core Solidor breezed through the violent test with nothing more than superficial damage. In addition, a door must be fitted with upgraded Laminated Glass, front doors must have a spy hole unless another means of viewing visitors is available (clear glass, security camera or window next to the door in question). Letter boxes must have an aperture no bigger than 260 x 40mm and be positioned or designed in a way which will hinder anyone trying to remove keys with a pole or inserting their hand Finally the door should in most cases be fitted with a door chain or limiter.

Windows also need to comply with PAS24 through the use of hinge protectors and appropriate locks and some councils will require you to fit laminated glass in all windows as doors - please speak to your local planning officer if in doubt.

The full document can be viewed, downloaded and printed here

Your emergency exits are here, here & here: Getting Out In A Hurry

Last week I talked about how to prepare your home in case flooding should arise, thankfully this is an issue that troubles few people.

Today, conversely I want to talk about how to get out of your home in a hurry. Again, this will not be something that most people will have to do however, the building regulations and laws are something that all of us need to take into account when installing new windows and doors.

In their simplest form every room above the ground floor MUST have a means of escape with the exception of a bathroom which is exempt from this ruling. In addition any room on the ground floor which doesn’t lead directly to a hallway (which in turn leads to an external exit door) must also have a means of escape.

There are several things to take into account when planning your exit. Firstly, the size of the clear opening must be a minimum area of a third of a square metre AND at least 450mm high or 450 mm wide in addition, the opening should be no more than 1100mm from the internal floor level. In some cases this may mean the fitting of French Windows to enable that opening but in the majority of cases there are ways we can achieve this. In other cases the local planning departments take the view that on an existing property that if the situation isn’t made worse then they will pass the work - we can advise if this is likely to be the case and also if this is an achievable outcome.

One of the ways in which we ensure that the maximum clear opening is achieved is through the use of an egress hinge - this is a hinge which opens up to 90 degrees to allow for easy escape. egress hinges come in two varieties - Easy Clean and Standard. We fit easy clean egress hinges on 99% of our jobs (we’ll advise you if we can’t). This means that you’re able to clean the outside of your new window from the inside. Standard egress hinges open to 90 degrees but are fixed meaning you cant get your hand behind them to clean the outside of the sash so you’ll be forever cleaning your windows from off a ladder.

Our Easy Clean Egress Hinge is the best on the market, it’s highly manufactured to operate perfectly every time and is incredibly simple to use as detailed below.

Start with the sash open at 90 degrees

Close the window to roughly 30 degrees and press down on the purple catch located on the top and bottom hinge, sliding them all the way away from the corner of the window.

The catch will click into place when in the right position.

Finally, it’s a case of pushing the sash across to get your hand behind it. To reset the hinge, close the window and it should return to it’s original position.

Our hinges are manufactured to the highest standards and as long as fitted correctly will stand the test of time. To extend the life of the hinges, further be sure to spray with some silicone spray or apply 3 in 1 oil to the hinges periodically (we recommend every six months) wiping away any excess with kitchen towel. For additional tips for keeping your windows and doors in optimum condition check out our blog post here.

All details remain correct as of 24th February 2020 - please contact us for more up to date information. Additional rules may apply in relation to new build properties including Document Q legislation.

Additional photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

Here's to a new decade

Happy New Year to all of our customers both old and new, we hope you enjoyed the Christmas period and got to relax with those nearest and dearest to you.

For us 2020 will be more of the same as we continue to offer the highest quality products available with excellent after-sales support. We also have some very new and exciting products which we can’t wait to show you in the not too distant future so keep your eyes peeled on this very blog.

In the mean time though, to celebrate the new year, we’ll be offering free fitting on Composite Garden Buildings ordered in January which could be the perfect chance to start working from home, create a studio space or even a home gym setup. For more information, please see https://www.annvicconservatories.com/composite-garden-rooms

Photos by Annie Spratt and Ian Schneider on Unsplash