Azobuild.com reported that Part F of the Building Regulations for N Ireland will come into effect in June 2006. It means that for the first time low-e glass will effectively be mandatory for all new & replacement windows. Although final details have not been published yet, Part F is likely to include some radical changes that will have a significant impact on glazing specifications in N Ireland. While the changes will be far-reaching, the use of Pilkington K Glass should ensure all windows satisfy the requirements. An additional benefit is that as a hard coated product it is tough,durable & easy to process. The introduction of the new requirements will bring with them some fundamental changes for both new & replacement windows. Primarily, for new buildings, compliance will be achieved on the basis of the total CO2 performance of the whole building. However there will be worst-case U values that individual elements have to achieve. For windows this will be 2.2. This maximum window U value means that ordinary double-glazing will no longer be permissible in new buildings. The most radical change however will be the requirement that all replacement windows installed in existing buildings must achieve a minimum performance level. In housing the replacement window U value will have to be no greater than 2.0. However, the introduction of a new system, the Window Energy Ratings (WERs), creates an alternative route to compliance. A replacement window achieving a band E will be acceptable. Again this can be accomplished by windows containing Pilkington K Glass.
