Have Building Regulations made choosing sliding doors more complicated?

The most recent updates to Building Regulations in England & Wales came into force last June and have had a significant impact on the design of projects and particularly the specification of glazed doors and windows.

The headline figure is that newly constructed homes must reduce carbon emissions by at least 31% which means self-builders will have to look closely at the design and performance of their home more than ever before, but have the changes made choosing sliding doors even more complicated?

Thermal efficiency – Document L

Part L of Building Regulations is most often known as the document which covers the thermal performance of building materials, including the U-values required by doors and windows. For sliding doors this means that a number of systems on the market are now obsolete because they no long comply, but there have also been important changes to the way the performance of doors are calculated.

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Mitigation of overheating – Document O

Part O is the brand new standard covering the mitigation of overheating. In terms of glazing specification it possibly has the potential to have a bigger impact on new home design (particularly in London) than even Part L. Part O reduces the amount of glass that can be installed but there are a number of options and clever bits of design that self-builders can take when choosing sliding doors.

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Ventilation – Document F

Often overlooked, the changes to Part F, which covers ventilation, also could have a significant impact on the choice of sliding doors. With stricter requirements meaning trickle vents are required on almost every door and window now so it is hugely important that any sliding door system you choose can include trickle vents – be careful because this isn’t always the case.

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For more information about IDSystems range of premium quality aluminium doors and windows or to discuss how the doors and windows for your project can be designed to comply with Building Regulations, call 01603 408804 or email IDSystems.

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Sliding Doors

An innovative of sliding doors that includes theEDGE2.0, an ultra-slim system with incredibly slim 20mm intermediate sightlines.

Bifold Doors

Award-winning SUNFLEX bifold doors that are made in Germany, with the SF75eco featuring incredibly low U-values from just 0.8 W/m²K.

Slide & Turn Doors

IDSystems exclusive vistaline slide & turn doors combine narrow frames with the ability to create completely unobstructed openings.

Heritage Doors

Art-Deco inspired doors with sleek frames, ideal for traditional style properties or for adding character to more contemporary designs.

Aluminium Windows

A hugely versatile range of aluminium windows with contemporary square edge frames that includes the ultra-narrow Vision53.

Front Doors

Choose from one of 23 stylish aluminium front doors and then personalise it with a range of trim, handle and hardware options.