Investing in any home improvement is a big decision, but when it comes to larger projects, such as home extensions or replacing a houseful of windows and doors, it is particularly important to protect our investment by choosing products that last. Well-manufactured aluminium windows and doors that are installed to a high standard are a popular choice for longevity. But to ensure your home improvements last as long as possible and you receive the best value for money, there are some quality indicators to consider.
Aluminium is a great starting point because the material is inherently robust and durable and requires very little maintenance to remain in excellent condition. But not all aluminium windows and doors are the same. Some simply meet current legislation for thermal performance, while others exceed it. Some are sold having undergone the bare minimum of tests, while others go the extra mile to prove next level performance.
In this article we’ll explain a bit more about current and future legislation affecting new windows and doors, and explore some of the extra measures already being taken by aluminium window and door manufacturers that are helping to proof future new home improvements.
Legislation affecting aluminium windows and doors
Building Regulations are updated on a regular basis. The UK government is particularly focused on tightening the standards that govern thermal efficiency in our homes in its bid to achieve Net Zero by 2050. To this end there have been, and continue to be, a number of amendments to Part L of Building Standards, which is the section that specifically relates to windows and doors.
The next change on the horizon for Building Regulations is the introduction of the Future Homes Standard (FHS). This new legislation will come into force on 24 March 2027. In the first instance the FHS will only apply to newly built homes and non-domestic properties, but homeowners should be aware that extensions that are large enough to require planning permission fall under the definition of ‘new build’ and so will need to comply with this new legislation.
It is also worth noting that standards that are implemented for new build houses often set the precedent for legislation governing the replacement of windows and doors in existing properties further down the line.
The Future Homes Standard – an overview
The Future Homes Standard for new build homes and some extensions is set to change the way we measure the energy efficiency of our homes. It encompasses a move away from what is known as the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and is replacing it with the Home Energy Model (HEM), which is a new government calculation methodology to assess the energy performance of homes. While HEM isn’t coming in immediately, the construction industry is already preparing for the change.
With regards to windows and doors specifically, historically Building Standards have allowed manufacturers and installers to use a window with a standard configuration to represent the energy rating for all windows with that same configuration. The new FHS will demand that each individual window undergo an energy calculation.
This means the calculations will get a lot more complex because there are so many components that are interchangeable. On windows and doors with large expanses of glass, it is simpler, because lower u-values are easier to achieve with a large high specification double glazed unit. But on smaller windows, especially those with additional features such as Georgian bars and dummy sashes, it will be harder to achieve the required thermal efficiency.
Replacing windows and doors with long-lasting aluminium – what you need to know now
There is no confirmation yet as to when or how the Future Homes Standard or Home Energy Model will affect the replacement window and door market, so homeowners that are replacing like for like windows and doors, i.e. not as part of a new extension that requires planning permission, don’t need to worry about any new energy measures yet. However, it’s useful to know what legislative changes are likely to be on their way. And as we said at the start of this article, it would be pertinent to buy new aluminium windows and doors with the very best thermal efficiency and strong indicators that they are built to last, to protect your investment and give your home maximum comfort for many years to come.
Signs that your new aluminium windows and doors are built to last:
- Aluminium frames are inherently stronger and more durable than other materials so are more likely to last longer. They also offer slim sightlines to allow for more glass to improve their thermally efficiency.
- Current Building Regulations for windows and doors being replaced in UK homes demand a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating certification to prove compliance. But if you can find the products you want and they already achieve a better rating, you can future-proof your home with the very best thermal efficiency today. For example, the Reynaers SL 68 Slim Frame aluminium windows can already achieve a window energy rating as of up to an A++ rating, which allows you to enjoy a more energy efficient home straight away.
- Of course, energy efficiency isn’t the only measure of longevity when you are choosing your new windows and doors. Security is also important, as well as the quality of installation. Some additional certifications and security initiatives that also point to long-lasting home improvements include; Secured by Design (SBD), BSI Kitemark, PAS24: 2022 +A1:2024, and FENSA or Certass certification. It’s also worth noting that PAS 24 standard is now a requirement for windows to fit into a newly built property.
- Weatherproofing is another good indicator of how well a window or door has been constructed, how strong the overall product is and therefore how long it is likely to last. This is different to energy efficiency as weather tests cover things like how well the windows and doors can endure high winds, or how much water they can withstand. For quality-focused companies such as Reynaers who push products to their limits as a matter of course, this gives the reassurance that you are purchasing high-performing products that will last when installed correctly in your home.
Choose the right installation partner for step-by-step guidance to compliance
It’s always good to know what to look out for when you are investing in larger home improvement items like windows and doors, but it should also be an enjoyable process. You don’t want to lose sight of the aesthetics that will make your home stand out, or the details that will make your new windows and doors a pleasure to use every day. Our carefully selected Reynaers at Home partners are ready to support you with trustworthy advice on how to meet current legislation and the extra steps you can take to ensure your home improvements last the distance. To start future-proofing your home, contact your local installer today.
Need professional advice on design, specification or installation?
We have a network of carefully selected local installers who will help guide you through your home transformation process.
