fbpx

Building Regulation Changes 2022

A photograph of property blueprints with the wording Building Regulation Changes June 2022 on it

Building regulation changes come into effect in England today, June 15th 2022. Find out what is changing and how it may affect your home and your home improvments in our latest blog.

Which Buildings Are Affected by the Building Regulation Changes?

The changes are set out under Building Regulation Approved Documents F, L, O and S. These explain what’s required for both new and existing buildings.

View the full updated Approved Documents on the Gov.uk website. These documents are issued by the government, and contain guidance on ways to meet building regulations. The new building regulation changes will affect:

A photograph of blueprints for a house with pencils in the shape of a house

New Build Homes

A photograph of tower blocks being built

New Non-Domestic Buildings

A photograph of a house with keys saying sold

Existing Homes

Changes To Approved Documents

a photograph of a red brick house with a white ventilation cover

Ventilation

Changes to the requirements for ventilation in homes and non-domestic buildings are being made to improve both air quality and safety, with the aim of preventing the spread of airborne viruses such as COVID-19, as well as mould and air pollution.

The changes to Approved Document F will be introducing new measures to ensure properties receive the necessary ventilation. This will include the use of trickle vents on windows to provide background ventilation.

The changes to requirements for ventilation are needed because the updates to Approved Document L will make homes more airtight for energy efficiency purposes. Scroll down to the next section to read the changes to the Conservation of Fuel & Power.

Conservation of Fuel & Power

The energy efficiency requirements for windows, doors and walls will be improved in the updated Approved Document L. Water-based heating systems such as gas-powered central heating, will be brought up to a higher energy standard, with a new maximum flow temperature of 55°C. This means that radiators capable of outputting high heat with a low flow will be needed.

A new performance metric is being introduced to target the efficiency of the building’s heating system. “Primary Energy” is designed to give a more complete picture of the total energy used to power a building. In addition to the energy demand from the building itself, it also considers all of the energy used in upstream activities needed to get power to the property. This might include planting and cultivation of biofuels, extraction, refining and transportation.

Scroll down to the next section to find out more energy efficiency measures being introduced to prevent Overheating.

a photograph of a wooden model house with an energy efficiency rating scale on it
a photograph of a conservatory in sunny weather with the doors open

Overheating

Approved Document O contains updated guidance regarding overheating in properties and reducing reliance on energy-guzzling air conditioning.

The new regulations aim to limit overheating through passive measures such as fitting awnings, shutters or insulated glass, as well as by glazing design in new houses.

The key element in the building regulation changes to Overheating measures is to provide the means to remove excess heat from a building without using powered means to do so – for example, by ensuring good cross-ventilation from openings on opposite walls.

Our signature Staywarm Energy Maxitherm™ insulated glazing is specially designed to prevent solar gain in summer! Find out more about Maxitherm™.

Electric Vehicle Charging

New residential buildings will require the installation of electric vehicle charging points.

This regulation may not apply under certain circumstances, but even if exemptions apply, there still may be the requirement to lay cables so the installation can be done in the future.

Read the full changes to Approved Document S on the Gov.uk website.

a photograph of a person charging an electric car
Customer Testimonials: Transforming Homes with Staywarm

At Staywarm, our customer testimonials speak volumes about the quality of our work, our commitment [...]

Velux Windows Upgrades: When and Why to Replace Your Glass

Velux windows are a fantastic way to bring natural light and fresh air into your [...]

Upgrade Your Home with A-Rated Composite Doors in Preston

Are you looking to enhance your home’s kerb appeal while improving energy efficiency? Staywarm’s A-rated [...]

How to Reduce Energy Bills Amid the Price Cap Increase

With the recent rise in the energy price cap, many homeowners are seeking ways to [...]

Energy Efficient Upgrades for Landlords Amid Renting Ban

With the new regulations announced by Ed Miliband, landlords will soon face stricter energy efficiency [...]

Introducing the Hudson: Rockdoor’s Latest Addition

In a move that’s sure to inspire, the Hudson Rockdoor is the latest addition to [...]

Front Door Colours: 7 Trending Shades in 2024

Choosing the right front door colours is crucial for setting the tone of your home’s [...]

Anthracite Grey Windows: A Stylish Home Upgrade In Preston

At StayWarm Energy, we’re passionate about transforming homes to be both energy-efficient and visually stunning. [...]