• New Building Regulations

The new Building Regulations have been published in the last couple of weeks and I have been looking to see how they have changed and how it is going to affect the fabricator/installer.

One of the big debates about the proposed regulations was that it would have made the soul route of compliance the BFRC effectively creating a monopoly. This however hasn’t happened; it has opened it up so others, like Certass, can have a thermal ratings register of their own. They would have to use the same formula as the BFRC for calculating the ratings because it has been government approved, and they also have to have the same rainbow A-G ratings label.

• Think Local

As the market expands and product lines increase in size and complexity, keeping installers happy is becoming more of a challenge. We are functioning in a sector that is often (but not always) sensitive to price, quality and service, so companies have much work to do to hit all three. You often hear big nationals proclaim to have “local support� but have you ever built a relationship with a regional fabricator to see just what true “local support� is?

In the current climate it is easy to get lost in a price war and lose sight of the bigger picture. As for many, complete and flexible service is easy to offer at the moment, but how do you know that the quality and attentiveness of the service will continue once the market picks up?

Dealing with a regional fabricator brings with it many advantages. As with most regional manufacturers, Window Designs Ltd has spent many years developing its product range to be able to answer the demands of any order and provide relevant accreditations. The knowledge, that this alone is not enough and the continual innovation and development of the service sees regional manufacturers embrace their customer base. This possibly enables them to anticipate change and be more flexible. It is easy to spot the companies that have developed this ethos as they are currently standing strong, while their piers are either bowing out or pheonixing.

The subject of pheonixing is becoming even more important as we see the rebirth of companies that yesterday were suffering, especially for the regional manufacturer. It is a difficult market where the target audience of a “national� is blurring with a “regional� manufacturer and it makes it harder when companies are pricing so low that they cannot be competed with, let alone are set at a level that can be sustained.

It is a practice that is seeing the “Good Guys� which are paying for their products, subsidising the “Bad Guys� that have adopted poor pricing practices which leaves them unable to take responsibility of their debt. This new trend is seeing the erosion of; the bottom line, reflective pricing and fair pricing for quality products. It has witnessed regional manufacturers to be even more inventive with their services and how they develop as a company, which has seen many of the savvier ones thrive, demonstrating their survival instincts.

Some of the personal aftercare services that Window Designs Ltd prides itself on are, fabrication* of products where an error has occurred, replacement bay cills and sealed units*, within hours, no matter who is at fault. The ability to deal with issues on site quickly efficiently, for the installer, is critical to build the trust of the customer and develop a good strong reputation. The faster the response time from the fabricator, the better.

One aspect of a regional manufacturer that Window Designs Ltd is addressing along with 9 others is economies of scale. The introduction of the Alliance of Professional Window and Door Fabricators has offered the opportunity for regional manufacturers to have strength in numbers through a co-operative.

Relationships with a local company are built on a more personal level where you can get site visits for help and advice and where you often build relationships with the people on the ground floor, not just the person on the telephone. Supporting your local community is a value that many people hold dear and look for in a company. Deliveries are local so there are less vehicles on the road and we can all reduce our carbon footprint.

Most regional manufacturers are strengthening in this current market and if they play the game right, will continue to do so when the market turns.

• Window Scrappage Scheme Update

The Window Scrappage Scheme petition has now draw to a close and no more signatures are being accepted. At the final count there were 4468 signatures which is surprisingly few compared to the numbers involved in our industry.

This scheme would allow householders and landlords to scrap their old poorly insulated windows for a cash incentive of £1,000 to be used against the purchase of new professionally installed energy efficient windows.

The Scheme would allow for an improvement to the existing housing stock to reduce Carbon and CO2 emissions and cut household energy bills. The Scheme to be open only to companies who professionally install windows with a C Window Energy Rating or above and who responsibility recycle the existing windows that are removed.

The pre election budget has been announced and now is in debate as it has upset most people, doubling car tax, increasing duty on petrol, national insurance increases, the usual song and dance. The hot topic at the moment between the parties, is how quickly, we, the tax payer, should be paying back the monies that have been; lets face it, misappropriated by the government. So it is no surprise that there has not been a peep about the petitioned Windows Scrappage Scheme.

The PVCu window industry often (or so it seems) gets over looked as an important aspect of insulating the home and lowering carbon emissions and fuel bills, in favour of cavity wall insulation and boilers. I would have thought that the logical step after grants for cavity wall insulation would have been to finish insulating the structure of the property before offering grants for installations that are to heat said property.

• Marc Tate’s marathon finish for Cancer Research UK

Marc Tate, son of Rodney Tate, Managing Director of Window Designs Ltd (member of the APWF) completed the first marathon hosted in the eclectic city of Brighton. Taking place the week before the London Marathon, this event was set as an alternative due to the huge numbers applying to take part in the London event.

There was a massive turn out for this event for both participants and spectators who were able to bask in the glorious (but not too hot) sunshine. Marc ran this 26 mile race in support of Cancer Research UK in 4 hours and 40 minutes and managed to raise an impressive £1140 so far for this cause and donations are still coming in.

Marc gained a fantastic amount of support from his friends, family, Window Designs Ltd including some of its customers, fellow members of the APWF; Chester Windows, Vulcan Windows and Trade Frames (South West) Ltd and systems company Eurocell.

Marc comments;
“I’m very happy that I finished and I would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations. I am disappointed with my time and encountered a few problems which I can hopefully learn from for next time�

• Window Scrappage Scheme

The rumours have been confirmed, the GGF has approached the government to introduce a scrappage scheme similar to the automotive market. I would like to stress at this point that it has only been proposed and has not yet been accepted, no matter what the Anglian adverts are advertising.
It has been proposed that Householders would be encouraged to scrap their old and often poorly insulated windows in return for a 1000 grant towards the installation of new, energy efficient ones. This sounds great, but it is my opinion that there will probably be certain criteria that has to be taken in to consideration for the amount of grant given, e.g. number, age and material of existing windows.

• WER is it all about?

As with most of us, Window Designs Ltd has been following the development of WERs and building regulations closely and it seems that the WER system is throwing up more questions than it is answers. After reading many articles and blogs on the subject, the industry seems to be split, not so much in the validity or benefits of it, but in the direction that it is being taken. With the new proposals from the government on the horizon it is a topic that is increasing in importance and could easily come underfire.

Until the establishment of the BFRC, energy efficiency ratings had been produced on products that had tangible, measurable inputs and outputs in the form of electricity, that didnt vary from household to household depending, on position and installation, giving the consumer an accurate idea of performance. The BFRC was launched to provide the home owner with a comparison tool, a more effective measurement of the thermal efficiency of windows. For those of us in the industry we know that a window is not just a window, not now with all the technological advancements that have been made. The introduction of the WER is a good way to demonstrate to the home owner the amount of work that has gone into advancing the technologies and as a comparison tool for the different product variations.

We have seen from the weather that was experienced over the Christmas period, that it varies from the North to the South. A lot of windows that are installed are not the size that are tested for the WER, and are often installed with frame extenders and due to building regulations, have trickle vents. Normally there is at least one window in the property that is glazed with obscure glass. What about the orientation or any shading of the window? How does all this affect the performance of the window and its WER?

If these measurements are treated as an absolute and not a comparison, are we as an industry going to get our wrists slapped by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for misleading the home owner? Is the stigma of the double glazing salesman going to return? Are we going to open ourselves up to litigation if the homeowner can prove through energy bill comparison, that their windows are not performing to the details on the certificate, due to the issues mentioned above?

Mr Ed Milliband, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has announced steps aimed at helping the UK householder to cut their energy bills and emissions. The government will be piloting their 4 million Pay As You Save scheme in Birmingham, Sutherland, London Borough of Sutton and Stroud enabling homeowners to invest in energy efficient home improvements with no initial outlay. Homeowners will make repayments spread over a long enough period so that repayments are less than predicted energy bill savings.

The subject of energy efficiency is becoming an integral part of our lives and in a few years time, will affect every aspect of owning a home. Whether it is defined as a method of comparison or an absolute measurement is becoming even more important, not just for the amended building regulations, but when the energy rating of homes affect council tax rates, stamp duty or whether or not a property will be eligible to be sold.

• Rods son, AKA Marc Tate to run Brighton Marathon for Cancer Research UK

This year is the first time that the Marathon has come to Brighton. The London Marathon has become so popular that they have decided to run a second event on the sunny South East coast.

Marc signed up for the Marathon six months ago and has been training ever since. As part of his training, he has also run the Poppy Appeal Half Marathon that took place in Bexhill, November last year.

Marc comments;
"When I heard that there was going to be a marathon in 2010 in my own home town I figured that I really should sign up. I have spent enough time trying to get myself in shape over the years and this gives me something to work towards."

I chose to run for Cancer Research UK as I have lost family to Cancer and it is a horrible nasty illness which I have seen cause drawn out pain and suffering.

Window Designs are proudly sponsoring Marc in this event.

• Window Designs Ltd mark 20 years of innovation with the introduction of manufacturing the Composite door.

Window Designs Ltd is celebrating its 20 year anniversary this year. To mark this occasion the composite door will be added in the next couple of months, to compliment its already extensive range of doors.

Since its beginning in 1990, Window Designs Ltd has always prided itself in its ability to adapt and move with innovation. As a company that established itself in the last recession it is well aware of the pitfalls. Although some tumbles are unavoidable, Window Designs Ltd believe that a companys ability to adapt to the ever changing market will help it through times like these. As a company that has been intelligently growing over the last 20 years and moves forward with innovation, it finds itself in a strong position to be able to stand and fight.

Over the last 20 years Window Designs Ltd has been developing and expanding its range. The company has been supplying composite doors for years but in recent months Rodney Tate, Managing Director, has decided to make the move to manufacturing them onsite, providing more support to the customers.

Rodney Tate comments,
"I like to have as much control as possible over our products and buying them in just doesnt enable that. We are reliant on the supplier getting it right and if you have a faulty lock then time passes before you receive a replacement. We have a good relationship with our suppliers and receive good products and service; however producing the product ourselves will allow quicker response time and give us more control over customer service."

The trends in the door market have changed and although composite and bi-fold doors have been around for years (and Window Designs have been supplying them for years) their popularity has increased. Homeowners seem to be on the hunt for a classical appearance for their front door which the traditionally used, white PVCu residential doors cannot deliver.

The charm of the classic wooden door returned in the form of the composite door, it allows the homeowner the chance to escape from the swell of wooden doors in the winter rain, which brings with it the daily wrestle leaving the house. The modern composite door which has a woodgrain finish, is available in a range of colours, has modern security, is easy to maintain and has the ability to open in the winter without the struggle. It is no small wonder why they are becoming so popular and this is why Window Designs Ltd made the decision to produce them itself. It will allow its customers more choice in glazing options and the company a faster response time.

Bi-fold doors have also increased in popularity. Window Designs Ltd made its first Bi-fold door back in 2004 and now manufactures them in a wide range of colour options, from both Aluminium and PVCu. It seems to have become the sliced bread of the door world, being incorporated into structures as a design element rather than an essential functional feature to enable passage between rooms. It allows conservatories to be another part of the home, not just something that is just tacked on as an afterthought. They also offer the possibility to open the home to the garden and invite the outside in.

These are not the only developments that Window Designs Ltd has been making in its door range. Recently it has changed the door locking mechanism from a 2 hook, 2 roller lock, to the Excalibur lock which has 3 hooks, 2 steel anti lift bolts and 3 rollers which has been manufacture to Secured By Design standard as set out by the Association of Chief Police Officers and has the backing of the Home Office. It has not yet been decided which hardware will feature on its composite doors, but with the rise in domestic burglary this year, it has increased the importance of keeping pace with door hardware advancement and producing doors with locks that exceed the requirements of insurance companies.

• Window Designs Ltd supplies Swain Bros Ltd for Rok development

At Roks latest project at Park Gates, Eastbourne, they needed the supply and installation of replacement coloured PVCU panels and associated framework to form part of an extensive exterior refurbishment to the building. These panels were an important design element in the original build, so the replacements had to be an exact match to satisfy the demands of Eastbourne Borough Council. Rok called upon the skills of Swain Bros Ltd to tender for the project.

Swain Bros Ltd has a well established relationship with Window Designs Ltd and has been working with them for over 10 years. Due to the wide range of products that are available from them, Swain Bros Ltd was able to tender successfully for this project along a number of others.

Chris Doswell, Maintenance Team Leader for Rok Eastbourne, said: "We are very happy with the quality of the product; we have received a number of comments already from residents saying
It is fantastic to see the building being returned to its former glory."

"I am confident the people of Eastbourne will see a real improvement in the appearance of this important local landmark."

• Proposed Revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) in 2010

The new revisions to Part L of Building Regulations have grabbed our attention for quite sometime and rightly so, they are going to impact the way that we operate. For suppliers and fabricators, if they are not already embracing the changes and are either taking or have taken the steps towards preparing for them, then there is a danger that they are going to get left behind. With the state of the financial climate and the cost of the developments, it might make a hard situation, impossible. For installers it is likely that it will increase the amount of paperwork involved in each installation.

The route of compliance, at this point, lies with the BFRC and FENSA so one interesting question is; what is going to happen to CERTASS? Surely the GGF cannot control it all through the BFRC and FENSA? As we all know its likely to change, as monopolies are illegal in this country.

• Significant reductions in target carbon dioxide emissions for all new buildings (compared with 2006),
• WER to be the main standard for replacement windows in dwellings,
• There will not be a U value compliance route for replacement windows in dwellings,
• Conservatories less than 30m² are introduced into Part L,
• Increased focus on the risk of overheating in summer, particularly in non dwellings.

• Windows, roof windows or roof lights are to be a WER Band C or above,
• Doors with a glazed area less that 50% are to have a U value of 1.8W/m²K,
• Other doors are to have a U value of 1.8W/m²K.

New Build
The CO emissions associated with energy consumption of the whole building remains the sole criteria to demonstrate compliance. This means that the predicted rate of emissions from the building (the Dwelling Emission Rate) must not exceed the Target Emissions Rate. In 2010 a target has been set for a 25% reduction in CO emissions compared to 2006.

This means that there isnt a specific requirement for windows, to comply, the overall components of the build need to meet the requirements of the government software (SAP) which provides the means for determining compliance. However, having said this, the limiting U value for windows, roof windows, glazed roof lights, doors etc, remain at 2.2W/m²K.

Conservatories
Under the new proposals conservatories with a floor area less than 30m², have been included in Part L. They would be included in the list of building work, but not notifiable to Building Control.

Under these new proposals a new definition is given. As before, it needs to be separated with independently-controlled heating (if applicable). The separation between dwelling and conservatory must be to a standard comparable to the rest of the external envelope. However, the glazed area in the external envelope must be more than 150% of the floor area. There must also be reasonable provision for ventilation.

The glazed elements need to meet the same standards as existing dwellings (please refer to the bullet points under the existing dwellings). For vertical and roof glazed elements, a minimum Window Energy Rating of C is required.

Although they are not notifiable, the local authority may decide to undertake checks on installation. Installers will be expected to provide the owner with details as evidence of compliance, including thermal separation, performance standards of elements (e.g. glazing), heating systems and controls, ventilation intended to limit summer overheating and advice on how different patterns of use influence energy consumption and running cost. At the moment I am unaware as to whether there will be any guidelines or skeleton packs issued.

For new builds, the structure excluding the conservatory is assessed as if the conservatory is not there. If there isnt a thermal separation between what is considered a highly glazed area and the rest of the dwelling then the area is assessed as a whole for both new builds and for extensions to existing buildings.

It has been indicated that this will be the first step to bring conservatories into the fold of building regulations.

Historic and Traditional Buildings
The current exemption for listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas is removed. Specific guidance is provided as to where special considerations apply and how to arrive at an appropriate balance between heritage and energy conservation.

Non Dwellings  New Build
The only means of achieving compliance is on the basis of total carbon dioxide emissions of the building, using the government approved software SBEM. A target reduction of 25% has been set.
As new builds, the whole build is considered and there are not any specific elemental requirements for windows other than long stops which remain unchanged at 2.2 W/m²K. Limits have not been set for ground floor display windows and similar glazing.

• Windows, roof windows or rooflights¹ are to be 1.5 W/m²K or above,
• Windows in buildings domestic in character² are to be a WER Band C or above,
• Doors with a glazed area less that 50% are to have a U value of 1.8W/m²K,
  ¹excluding display windows
  ²e.g. student accommodation, care homes etc.
  

• Window Designs Ltd wins development contract in Seaford, East Sussex

Window Designs Ltd has won the contract to supply the windows and doors for the development of twelve houses in Seaford, East Sussex.

Triumphant against stiff competition, Window Designs Ltd will be supplying the development with its British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) certified A-Rated, and now BBA approved Thermalogik ovolo rosewood windows, as well as Eurologik ovolo rosewood doors.

Mr Fowler (the developer) recognises the importance of giving the property every advantage in this current climate. With the growing importance of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), increasing energy prices and the suppressed market, choosing A-Rated windows over standard windows is an inexpensive way of achieving a slight advantage in the marketplace.

This decision is going to become even more critical to developers if the chatter about EPC linked Council Tax and Stamp duty becomes reality.

• Window Designs Ltd is one of the first members to join the APWF

There has been a new and interesting development in the industry, set apart from all the talk about WERs and changes in building regulations, which is going to be interesting to watch and be a part of as it grows next year.

The Alliance of Professional Window Fabricators (APWF) has been born with the aid of business consultants Pro-actions. Its main purpose is to create strength of voice for the fabricator and to introduce professional standards to their industry in both the fabrication of products and business practices.

It debuted with nine confirmed members; Window Designs Ltd, Pioneer Trading, Chester Windows, SGM Window Manufacturing, Trade Frames South West, Window Warehouse, 1ST Class Window Systems, Vulcan Windows and Tudor Glass. This number has now grown to twelve and is expected to increase in the New Year.

The aim is to establish a 30-40 strong membership of like-minded professional trade fabricators that would provide national coverage, with fabrication levels reaching around 20,000-25,000 per week, which would represent a substantial part of the fabrication for the UK domestic market. Membership is selective and based on recommendations to maintain standards; it is not just based on production size, ensuring quality over quantity.

The selected members are poised to challenge some of the issues within the industry and all members, through a growing interdependent coming together, are likely to see substantial growth over the coming years.

The APWF was set up to benefit the whole supply chain from supplier, fabricator and installer to consumer. In the current climate where the pressure is on the fabricator to remain competitive, not only on price but on quality of product and service alike, at the same time as developing and certifying their products, to stay ahead of consumer needs and the proposed building regulations, this new Alliance could prove to be a formidable force. They have come together to create a combined strength through marketing and buying, working together to share best practice and to help each other.

This new Alliance has already been welcomed by both suppliers and installers alike.

• First Manufacturer South and South East of London to be BBA approved

Window Designs Ltd has received British Board of Agrment (BBA) approval on all its Eurocell 70 outward opening and tilt and turn windows. It is the first window manufacturer to the South and South East of London who have worked towards achieving this symbol of quality on its windows. The BBA have stringent rules which are based on best practice in the industry, for quality of the product and how it is manufactured and stored. The company is proud to have its efforts recognised and be able to sport the symbol of such quality.

This new development is one of many for Window Designs Ltd and places the company in a great position to meet the changing demands which loom on the horizon for New Build, as well as replacement windows and doors. With the A-Rating certificate that the company gained with the Eurocell 70mm Thermalogik system last year, it is now in a position to supply windows to New Builds which goes beyond the proposed changes to the building regulations which are due to come into effect next year.

• Green Mortgages, Council Tax, Stamp Duty and House Sale Bans

By now we are all familiar with window energy ratings (WERs) and what they are about.  How can we not be, any industry magazine that has been published since the beginning of the year will have at least one or two articles about it and with good reason, it is something that will affect property owners and house sales in the form of government proposals.  This has upset a proportion of the general public, which comes as no surprise to me, as it seems to be the old we are going to tax you more approach from the government without putting forward a fully rounded idea as to how any of it is going to be achieved.  It happened a few years ago with vehicles. 

There is a turn of phrase that is being used in relation to these proposals which is the carrot and stick approach.  Here is a brief summary of what it all means;  

The carrot;
Proposed green mortgages
John Adams, the UK Green Building Councils representative, has put forward a suggestion for a green mortgage plan.  This would be to help homeowners pay for home improvements increasing the thermal efficiency of the home.  This could include replacement double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation, solar panels and wind turbines.  The loans for this work would be made available by high street banks in partnership with local councils.

According to Mr Adams the aim of the green mortgage is to make the monthly repayments so small that they will be outstripped by the savings on the energy bills, therefore saving the householder money.  A typical loan would be between 10,000 and 15,000 over a period of 25years and would stay with the property when sold.

The stick;
Energy linked council tax
A proposal has been made by government advisers to encourage homeowners to increase the thermal efficiency of their home.  Homeowners that refuse to make energy efficient improvements will be penalised with higher council tax bills.  Homes that have not been fully insulated nor have double glazing will be targeted under this proposal.

As far as I am aware this proposal is currently very one sided, using negative reinforcement through raised council tax and does not reward homeowners for making improvements.  As reported by The Daily Mail, homeowners are seeing their council tax bills rise as a result of making home improvements.  The Mail stated; "Householders who have improved their properties with extensions, garages and double glazing are the worst hit by the stealth revaluation with many homes being moved up two bands."

So what does this new proposal mean?  Will it counteract the stealth revaluation so there is basically no change when improvements are made?  Or will they abolish the stealth revaluation so homeowners will see a benefit to making the improvements?  At this point it is unclear.

Rumours have been around since the introduction of the WER and HIPS that eventually the propertys council tax band would be linked to its overall energy rating.  This means that, possibly in the years to come the council tax will be based on the energy ratings rather than property value (or possibly both).
 
Energy linked stamp duty
Another proposal to encourage thermal efficient improvements, is to raise the stamp duty on the properties that have not undergone this transformation when it sold, effectively dampening a possible sale.  Surprisingly (or not) this does not have an incentive counterpart.

Energy linked house sales
The government advisory body on domestic energy has said that owners of poorly insulated homes should not be allowed to sell or rent them, until they have invested in energy efficient measures.  The Energy Savings Trust is advising the government to make it illegal, from 2015, to offer a house for sale which is rated lower than a Band E.  Exceptions would be made for listed buildings, if the owners could prove that energy efficiency measures would damage their historic character.

A bit extra
Mr Adams has said that he does not believe the energy savings initiative will take hold unless incentives are linked with non-compliance.  Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband has said he wants 7 million homes to have undergone energy efficiency upgrades by 2020 and the rest by 2030.  However, while Mr Miliband is expected to back the main green mortgage proposal, it is not known if he is prepared to accept the penalties based on council tax and stamp duty.  This decision is expected to be made in the next couple of months.  I have also heard unconfirmed whispers that the government have been asked to introduce a scrappage scheme for the double glazing industry.

• Window Designs  First in East Sussex to Manufacture certified A-Rated Windows

In October last year, Window Designs Ltd became the first manufacturer in East Sussex to carry the A-Rated window in their product range.

Energy ratings have been around for years, most of us recognise them from comparing white goods. It is not a new thing for windows to have energy ratings but it has only been in recent years that anyone has been able to achieve an A-Rating.

The BFRC are currently embarking on a comprehensive marketing and PR campaign to build awareness of the energy efficient window. TV presenter James Strawbridge is set to head the campaign and encourage householders to look for the label.

• Window Designs Partners with Pilkington energiKare