Below is a very brief introduction to Part L, as we don’t profess to be experts in its full implications.

So what is it?

Over the next two years, all windows and doors must comply to this Part L document, which is all about the thermal retention of the glass and its casing, Builders, developers and window manufacturers are asking questions and requesting information regards the Part L Document, for PVCU windows. As PVCU will account for over 80% of the market share of windows and French doors, Part L will become an important specification to adhere to, as it is mandatory.

What’s it about technically:

It’s all about measuring the rate of heat loss through a material (glass) measured in Watts per square metres Kelvin. (W/m2 K) otherwise known as the ‘U’ value.
In phase 1, which has to be completed by mid 2003, the ‘U’ value has to be below 2.2 W/m2K.

And in Phase 2, which will follow on by about 18 months, it should be no more than 1.8W/m2K.

How do doors and windows achieve Part L?

Various ways maybe used to conform, such as:

• Use frame materials that give better thermal properties
• Alter the design fundamentals
• Change the type of glass
• Amend the cavity fill
• Alter the air space
• Modify the spacer bar and perimeter seal.

But in general terms, to comply with the first phase would only require the use of low-coated ‘E’ glass to the inner pane as standard and by increasing the air space to 16mm

How does affect this me?

It may affect you if you have or use a glass washing machine . As most brush rollers in the machines are covered with a 0.4-mm nylon filament, this filament is quite stiff and rigid when used on the Low coated ‘E’ glass, and can partially erase the coating. Affecting its ‘U’ value etc. Therefore the machines cleaning brushes may need recovering with a softer nylon, approximately 0.25-mm.

How, and where do I get my cleaning brushes to comply?

Our company (Widdop de Courcy) not only manufacturers new rollers but can offer to re-cover them with the 0.25mm nylon, the price depends on the length of the rollers, the quantity and location which dictates delivery cost.