AluK is continuing its efforts to help customers comply with the new Part L rules as simply and cost effectively as possible.
It is launching a Part L compliant version of its popular 58BD residential door system, with new foam inserts to deliver the 1.4 U-Values required for new or existing buildings other than dwellings and replacement homes.
There will be new pre-rolled foam in the sash, and additional insulating foams underneath the glazing cavity. There will also be centre seal gaskets to improve the thermal performance. In addition to that though, there will also be a brand-new material used for the low lamda thermal break which will deliver enhanced thermal performance.
Product Manager Peter Willard explained: “All of our product development around Part L has centred around achieving compliance through U values, but always with the needs of the fabricator firmly paramount.
“That’s why we are minimising the additional processes required for the new 58BD HI door and delivering a solution which achieves real innovation with a new thermal break. The material we’re using is new to the doors and windows market but widely proven in other sectors so it’s a no risk option.”
Alongside the launch of the 58BD HI, AluK is also delivering another enhancement to its Part L compliant 58BW HI window system, with a new bracket for the cruciform joint which fits more easily into the cavity created by the new thermal breaks.
Peter Willard added: “We’re on this Part L journey with our customers, so when they told us the cruciform bracket was taking longer to fit because of the upgraded polyamide in the system cavity, we responded straightaway.
“We’ve run a pilot with a number of customers to make sure this new bracket minimises any additional time on fitting and does everything they need, and the feedback has been very good.”
AluK’s fabricator-focused approach to Part L helped it to win the G-22 Customer Care Initiative of the Year award. Prior to redesigning the bracket, we had already responded to the changes to the tolerances allowed in the U-Value assessment methodology and introduced a value engineered solution for the thermal foams in the 58BW.
At the start of 2023, we replaced the two thermal foams which were originally required between the sash and frame in its 58BW HI and 58BW ST HI window systems to achieve a U-Value of 1.4 with one single length of thermal seal. This change reduces costs and stockholding and saves time on fabrication because the new seal is inserted in the non-locking side of the window meaning there is no need to cut around hardware.
Peter Willard again: “Feedback from the industry shows an increase in the number of installations being turned down by FENSA because installers couldn’t prove compliance; Part L remains high on the agenda for many. We’re doing our bit to make sure that anyone fabricating or fitting AluK products can achieve and crucially demonstrate compliance with ease.”
Wayne Heath, AluK’s Sales Director added: “We’re now seeing how Part L is playing out in the real world and listening to our customers all the time. We’ll continue to support them with these kinds of technical innovations, but also of course with communication updates and sales and marketing support to help them sell even more Part L compliant products.”
