THE FIT SHOW’S BEEN GREAT. SO

from Glass News June 2023

DEKKO APPOINTS NEW SALES AND MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR

It’s all happening! Yes, the FIT Show has now been….and gone.

That’s it for two years with the next FIT Show scheduled for 2025. Although being held every two years was the expected schedule so that Fensterbau and FIT didn’t clash, with Covid playing its part, we’ve become used to having FIT every year. No longer! Let’s hope we’ve all made the best of this year’s show as, of now, 2025 seems a long way away.

Every time that interest rates are increased by the Bank of England I wonder if it will influence the buying habits of the general public and of homeowners, specifically. Will it mean less free cash for home improvements and especially for doors, windows, lanterns and the like? Up to now it doesn’t seem to have caused our industry significant damage. Perhaps there are still savings stashed away to fund fenestration upgrades or, bearing in mind how low interest rates are compared to back in the ‘70s, loans are still affordable. We keep hearing how the peak has been reached and how inflation and the cost of living will start to recede – let’s hope they are actually correct this time as there has to be a limit as to how much in savings can be shelled out or how much in additional loans can be absorbed by the homeowner. The answer? Target the homeowner who works for any public service – they’re the ones with the cash to splash!

What else is happening? Well 15 June is an important date as a new Part L comes into force. There’s been a ‘stay of execution’ since 15 June 2022 for new build but now the changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) of Building Regulations came into force in the form of two new Approved Documents. There are higher performance targets – CO2 emissions are reduced by 31% for dwellings and 27% for other buildings – and a new emphasis on low carbon heating systems. These are an interim step towards the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard that will arrive in 2025.

Part L has been slimmed down from four parts into two volumes: Volume 1: Dwellings and Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings. As far as fenestration is concerned the U values for windows and doors reduces from 1.4 w/m2/k to 1.2 w/m2/k. RIBA says that the increase in window U-values to 1.2 W/(m2k) in the notional building means that tripleglazed/high performance windows will become the norm, limiting the choice of manufacturers. They also warn that increased weight may also limit the size of openings, and limit usability in the case of fully-reversible windows.

Interestingly, Danny Williams of Pioneer Trading in Chelmsford talks about this very subject in his Cold Calling column this month and it is well worth a read. The bringing in of the new build sector to the regulations highlights some interesting issues and ones that need to be addressed. I refer to how one home could have to be treated in two different ways when replacing windows and fitting windows to a new extension. Yes, the refurb is governed by one set of standards and the extension is treated as a new build with different U values applying to each. Danny refers to his work with the NHS and he probably has it right – just fit the best possible windows with best values for insulation and sound, not forgetting security, too. We have long talked about triple glazing, the extra weight when fitting and transporting, and the cost. Danny advocates using the best performing materials and embracing the changes that the Future Homes Standard will bring in in 2025. After all, we’re all interested in preserving the planet, providing the best living conditions for all and keeping the heating bills down!

With the FIT Show over I find myself searching my diary for future events and visits, knowing full well that having had three days of social interaction it will seem strange returning to the isolation of my office and the peace and quiet! Fortunately, the diary is filling up nicely and there are plenty of visits, functions, product launches and premise openings to look forward to and then, of course, there’s our next big industry event, the Glazing Summit taking place on 12th October at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Suite, Birmingham. It’s set to be attended by around 500 industry leaders from across the whole supply chain including installers, fabricators, glass companies and suppliers. I can’t wait! Chris