Building Regulations

[leaskovski]

Hello all

Is anyone on here knowledgable about building regulations or is able to know where to find them so that I can search through them about the maximum size/area that a glass window can cover?

I am looking to get my windows updated to newer units being that my current ones are older than Jesus and are starting to leak plus don't get me started on the lack of security with them (yes, you can whip the glass out from the outside if you want).

One of the companies I have had in to quote mentioned that I cant do a like for like on my biggest window because of the area. Basically it is too large to be compliant with current building regs. I do believe the guy as he was better than the other two 'big firms' and not at all pushy, but I just want to double check so I can go back to the other firms and mention why they didn't say anything about it.

 

[LeeUK]

Does this apply to just windows or does it include patio doors too?

I have some huuge patio doors that I might want to replace for french doors in the future. And I mean huge, not those piddly little things they put on new build houses.

 

[Maccapacca]

Lies

There's no building regulation regarding size of windows. What you'll find is that the windows structure won't be able to take the glass weight especially if it's openable. Large glass usually means going to aluminium frames and robust hardware.

I expect what they are trying to do is get you to add mullions and transoms to split the glass up.

 

[booyaka]

as above - I'm 99% certain if replacing old for new without any changes there is nothing to worry about at all.

 

[~Divine~Wind~]

Yeah with our windows recently being done I was under the impression that like for like was acceptable but brand new ones had rules n regs.

And it will likely be to do with weight ad support, either move to alu frames or think of splitting up the one large window into smaller sections, 50/50 looks cack tho we went with 70/30 with the 30 being an opener

 

[mattyg]

Chuck up a picture. Lets see

 

[leaskovski]

Ok, I did do some more research last night and found the regs on glass...

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_K_2013.pdf

See section K4.

Pilkington also have some comments on a slide deck of theirs as well which makes it easier to read...

http://www.pilkington.com/~/media/Pilkington/Site Content/UK/Reference/BRImpactSafetyPDF.ashx

Low Level Glazing (excluding guarding) not covered by
1 or 2
Glazing which is wholly or partially within 800mm of the floor
level shall be:
Minimum Class C to BS 6206 and marked according to BS 6206.
There are some exceptions (see box) to these requirements for
safety glass, based on the robustness of annealed glass.
Exceptions
● Panes having the smaller dimension less than 250mm and of
area less than 0.5m2 may be minimum 6mm (nominal) thick
glass not complying with BS 6206.
● Panes forming parts of fronts (but not other locations) to shops,
showrooms, offices, factories and public buildings, supported
on all edges, may be of equivalent robustness not complying
with BS 6206:
8mm must not exceed 1100 x 1100mm
10mm must not exceed 2250 x 2250mm
12mm must not exceed 3000 x 4500mm
15mm (and thicker) – no limit
● Panes protected by a suitably designed barrier

So on the low level piece of glass that the chap is saying is too large, it looks like it falls into the above checks, however reading that text, that mentions that it only applies to Shop windows, public buildings, etc, etc, not a residential building.

Is that what everyone else gets from the legislation?