Passive, Background Ventilation for Homeowners in England changed 14th June 2022 and in Wales on 22nd November 2022 and you must ensure any new windows and doors installed in your home after this date complies
New Building Regulations changed for Windows and Doors
- June 15th 2022 was the introduction date for these updates in England, and November 22nd 2022 in Wales
- The regulations do not provide a grace period for orders placed prior to these dates
What does this mean for homeowners?
Background Ventilation
Covered under Part F - Ventilation
This basically means that new windows in both existing and new homes will require the inclusion of trickle (passive) ventilation, and the amount of ventilation required will depend on the room status
Basically, all rooms with walls require background ventilation
| Multi-Storey Homes | Single-Storey Homes | |
| Habitable Rooms | 8,000mm2 | 10,000mm2 |
| Kitchen (not open plan) | 8,000mm2 | 10,000mm2 |
| Kitchen (open plan) | 24,000mm2 | 30,000mm2 |
| Utility Room | Not required | Not required |
| Bathroom | 4,000mm2 | 4,000mm2 |
| Ensuite / Enclosed | Add +4,000mm2 to another room | Add +4,000mm2 to another room |
| Sanitary Room | Not required | Not required |
Exception, if the total number of ventilators installed in a home's habitable rooms and kitchen are fewer than 5, then 5 must be the minimum except in single bedroom properties where there is a minimum of 4 background ventilators within the property
What if we have continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation installed already?
If you already have a Mechanical Extract Ventilation system installed then a reduction or removal in the need or performance of the background ventilators may be permitted
| Continuous Mechanical | Continuous Mechanical with Heat Exchange | |
| Wet Rooms | Not required | Should not be installed |
| Habitable Rooms | 4,000mm2 | Should not be installed |
However, the Mechanical or Mechanical with Heat Exchange system needs to comply with the minimum air exchange requirements indicated within the official document linked to - and professional advice may be required to confirm this
Covered under Part L - Air-tightness
Windows and doors must connect to the main (primary) air barrier and the windows and/or doors taped to the surrounding structural openings using an Air Sealing Tape, with the option of using supplemental taping by use of gun sealants or compressible seals if required
Your window and door installer should incorporate this method of fixing and sealing into the project as standard,
The requirements for Windows and Doors will be
| U-Value | BFRC Energy Rating | |
| Windows | 1.4u | Band B or above |
| Doors with 60% or more glazing | 1.4u | Band C or above |
| Doors with less than 60% glazing | 1.4u | Band B or above |
Of course, when you order your installed Windows and Doors through Heronhurst, and installation is by us and within a domestic home and within the dates of these new regulations, we will ensure every requirement is met, and certification to back this up, for your peace of mind
Note that these regulations are in addition to the Purge (full room air exchange) ventilation and Fire Safety regulations that must also be met in almost every home
The full document can be access here