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Free quoteExternal windows and doors have been classed as ‘controlled fittings’ under Building Regulations since the 1st of April 2002, which means they have to meet certain standards whenever they are installed or replaced. These standards include safety, thermal performance, ventilation and more. Listed below is all the information you will need on Building Regulations for doors. Whenever you buy doors from TWS Leeds, they will always either meet or exceed the minimum standards stipulated by Building Regulations too, ensuring your home will benefit from leading performance levels.
In order to comply with Building Regulations, dwellings must meet a minimum standard of energy efficiency, and one way to do this is to reduce the amount of heat being lost through the windows and doors.
The amount of heat passing through a window or door is measured as a U-value, and the lower the U-value, the less heat is lost. The maximum U-value for new or replacement doors is 1.8 W/m2k, although doors that are fitted into an existing door frame are exempt from this regulation.
Get in touchIf any glazing is located in an area that is at risk of accidental human impact, safety glazing must be used instead of standard glass. Generally, safety glazing is required for:
Any glazed door up to 1500mm from floor level. Therefore, this applies to bifold doors, patio doors and French doors.
Any door side panels that are within 300mm of either side of a door edge and which is between the finished floor level and a height of 1500mm above floor level.
Get in touchIf you live in a block of flats, the external door to your property will need to offer fire resistance and be fitted with a self-closing device. This is important for preventing the spread of fire.
For most dwellings, however, It is not essential for the doors to offer a certain level of fire resistance. If there is a risk of fire spreading to another property via an ‘unprotected area’, however, a door that offers a level of fire resistance will need to be considered.
Get in touchSince 1999, Building Regulations have required that, when replacing the main entrance door of a dwelling, the threshold must remain the same. This is to ensure that no difficulties will arise to those trying to access the dwelling, including people with disabilities.
Get in touchIn order to ensure any replacement windows and doors you buy are compliant with Building Regulations, you can use an installer who is registered with a relevant competent person scheme like CERTASS. We are a member of this scheme, which means that you will not need to worry about the hassle of contacting local authority building control to verify that the installation work is compliant with the relevant Building Regulations.
We’ll provide you with a certificate, demonstrating that the work was completed by a registered installer.
Get in touchFully accredited companies are subjected to ongoing assessments of their credentials, to see if they continue to meet the highest industry standards for service and product quality. This means you can always buy from us with confidence.
Get in touchYou can always buy from us with complete confidence because we’re a certified member of Assured, a Competent Person’s Scheme for the glazing industry.
As we’re a member of DGCOS, you will have access to an independent ombudsman in the unlikely event of a dispute.