Document L Compliance Update

8 Apr, 2022, No comments

From 15th June 2022 onwards updated regulations apply to Window and Door installations in England and Wales

To ensure Document L Compliance

For Replacement Windows and Doors within an Existing Dwelling

Windows - 1.4u / WER Band B or above

Doors with >60% Internal Face Glazed - 1.4u / WER Band C or above

For New Windows and Doors within an New Dwelling or New Fabric Elements and Air Permeability

Windows - 1.6u

Doors (Solid, Part or Fully Glazed) - 1.6u

For all installed products, we ensure compliance and can provide certification evidence on request

New Steel-look Internal Pocket Door from Aluco launched

3 Mar, 2022, No comments

New Steel-look Slimline Pocket Sliding Internal Door

The amazing new Steel-look internal-use Pocket Sliding Door emphasises high-end, high-spec good looks and minimalistic design. The perfect divide for any room in your home

This super slim, ultra-sleek system, new from Aluco and Heronhurst is already been requested by homeowners at launch

See more of the exclusive Aluco Steel-look range at https://www.heronhurst.co.uk/aluminium/aluco-steel-look-windows-and-doors/

New Regulations for Windows and Doors in England Summer 2022

18 Feb, 2022, No comments

New Building Regulations Announced for Windows and Doors in England coming into force Summer 2022

June 15th 2022 is the planned introduction date for these updates
Wales is currently excluded from these plans, but may introduce the same or similar restrictions in the near future. We will of course update this article when any changes are announced

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

The full document can be access here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045918/ADF1.pdf

In-Studio and At-Home Visit Restrictions

11 Nov, 2021, No comments

In-Studio

We have no returned to by-Appointment only visits to our Abergavenny Window and Door Studio due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 positive results within the area

This helps keep our team and our customers safer than our usual open-door policy

Our Abergavenny Window and Door Studio will keep in place our Mask Wearing Protection Policy, where every visitor must (unless for health reasons) continue to wear suitable face mask protection

Bring your own, or disposal masks are provided on entry

You can reserve your In-Studio visit here

Also our At-Home service has also reverted to being either external only or un-assisted internal measures (where necessary) from today

You can reserve your At-Home-visit here

January and February 2022 Installations

19 Oct, 2021, No comments

2021 has been another hectic year, with difficult supply issues across most business, Windows and Doors included

We are no reserving installations for January and February 2022 onwards across our range of Windows and Doors, with all current 2021 availability already reserved

Get in touch to start the conversation on your 2022 project

FREE Rainwater Goods Installed until end of June 2021

1 Apr, 2021, No comments

Until the end of June 2021 our standard range of Rainwater Goods - that's your Guttering and Downpipes, come absolutely free - including installation - on any house elevation that you are having Fascia Boards and Soffits replaced with us on

Available in a range of finishes, with Flat White, Anthracite Grey, Classic Black, Caramel and Chocolate all included, and a range of styles including Round, Square-line and Ogee available, with options for Deep Flow and Cast-Iron Style as optional extras

Find out more at https://www.heronhurst.co.uk/roofs-and-rooms/roofline/

In-Studio Visits return

12 Mar, 2021, No comments

In-Studio is back from Monday 12th April 2021

Inline with Welsh Government Regulations, we are pleased to be able to re-open our Abergavenny Window and Door Studio from Monday 12th April 2021 for by-Appointment Viewings, Quotes and Consultations. Reserve your visit today - it will be good to see you again!

Book your visit here

WindowCAD 7 with Realvue launching Winter 2021

22 Feb, 2021, No comments

Coming Winter 2021

We've been working hard to bring you an even better version of our WindowCAD instant Window and Design Software with Realvue on-home technology

Launching during Winter 2021 this new ground-up version of WindowCAD brings improved 3D Visuals, enhanced user-friendly interface, and even clearer reports

We're super-excited for WindowCAD 7 - are you?

COVID-19 Status Updated

9 Feb, 2021, No comments

We have resumed At-Home Drive-By (external only) home visits for Quotations, inline with current FENSA guidelines, where remote or digital quotation services are not possible

Installations and Technical Surveys following order are currently unaffected subject to compliance with the regulations regarding safety, PPE and other regulations. Our team will be in touch with every client to confirm their installation

Read our full COVID-19 Statement here

COVID-19 UPDATE for In-Studio Payments

26 Jan, 2021, No comments

COVID-19 UPDATE for In-Studio Payments

In line with guidance given by the Welsh Government regarding the Covid-19 lockdown, our showroom is closed to the public.

As such, we cannot allow anyone into our showroom until we are instructed we can do this

We kindly ask if you could consider payment of any balances due by either bank transfer, using our on-line card payment facility or calling our office to make a card payment over the telephone. This ensures we remain fully compliant and preserves the safety of both our customers and staff, which is of course our top priority

For payment options please click to

Online Payments http://www.heronhurst.co.uk/home/pay-account/
Telephone Payments 01873 858428
Bank Transfer (BACS) Payments http://www.heronhurst.co.uk/help/banktransfer/
Cheque Payments http://www.heronhurst.co.uk/help/cheque/
Business Account Payments http://www.heronhurst.co.uk/help/businessaccount/

Covid-19 Status Updated

19 Dec, 2020, No comments

Update 19th December 2020

Only online and remote quotes are currently possible until further notice, when it is safe and advised to do so.

You can still book a remote online quotation, design or upload plans, sketches or photos online, or talk with us

Installation in clients homes is still permitted, subject to safe practise and other criteria

Read our full COVID-19 Update here

Condensation on the outer panes of windows

28 Oct, 2020, No comments

FENSA - the UK's leading authority on Window and Door Installations, have just released their latest "Harry Explains..." document

Covering the topic most popular this time of year, Condensation on the outer panes of a window

Click here to download your PDF or read below to learn the reasons why sometimes we all can get external condensation on modern, energy efficient windows

Or read the GGF Guide here

My windows are all misted up on the outside. What’s wrong with them?

The simple answer is nothing is wrong with them! In fact, external condensation can be proof that energy efficient windows are performing well (see below).

If nothing is wrong, why is there condensation?

The longer answer is that the modern windows that FENSA Approved Installers fit these days are so much more thermally efficient than those installed in decades past. As a result, the heat used to warm homes doesn’t escape through to the outer pane

The outer pane of glass is therefore cooler and when its temperature falls below dew point, moisture in the air condenses on it

Why does condensation only form at certain times of year?

The reason window condensation can be worse during Autumn

(and Spring) mornings is that at these times of year the temperature of the glass can really drop overnight, yet the dew point remains relatively high

Some windows can be affected more than others and slight changes in orientation or shelter can mean that windows or even panes next to each other can react differently

What can I do to stop external condensation forming?

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop this phenomenon. It usually doesn’t last long and shows that the heat being used to warm your home is being saved rather than lost through your windows - thus potentially lowering your heating bills and reducing your home’s carbon emissions

Reproduced from the public document by FENSA.org.uk

The New Green Deal and Wales

13 Oct, 2020, No comments

Updated 13.10.2020

Whilst we are already registered and able to offer the Green Homes Grant, we have today decided, after weeks of deliberation, not to work with this scheme, as we do not believe it is transparent, open to the vast majority of our existing and potential clients, or of great value to most

Updated 19.08.2020

Registration with TrustMark confirmed as a requirement for the Green Homes Grant (Heronhurst is a registered member of the TrustMark Scheme)

As per our recent communications, we are very pleased to confirm that, in line with government guidance, home energy-saving improvements carried out under the new Green Homes Grant scheme must be completed by a TrustMark Registered Business.

This represents a significant opportunity for businesses that complete the following works:

Solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation
Air source or ground source heat pump
Solar thermal

In addition, households can use their voucher for further energy-saving measures. These include one or more of the following, providing more opportunities:

Double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when replacing single glazing
Upgrading to energy-efficient doors
Hot water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating controls

----

The government is today setting out further details of the range of measures included and how consumers in England will be able to claim the new vouchers, which are worth up to £5,000 for homeowners. Households on low income can receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000.

Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said:

Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.

Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.

TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out on their home. Households will be able to choose from approved tradespeople in their areas to carry out the work, but only approved and accredited installers will be able to be commissioned, ensuring high standards and consumer protection.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said:

The Green Homes Grant is a vital part of our plan for jobs as we secure the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus. This is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart.

It will help to protect and create jobs, while also saving people money and cutting carbon.

The Green Homes Grants will give homeowners, including owner occupiers and social/private landlords, vouchers to install one or more of the following:

solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation

air source or ground source heat pump

solar thermal

In addition, households can use their voucher for further energy saving measures. These include one or more of the following:

double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when replacing single glazing

upgrading to energy efficient doors

hot water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating controls

Later this month, homeowners across England will be able to access advice and support on improving the energy efficiency of their homes from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service. SEA will suggest appropriate home improvements that homeowners may be able to apply for support in funding.

Households will be offered a list of approved TrustMark and MCS registered tradespeople in their local area to carry out the work. Once the works are agreed, vouchers will start to be issued from the end of September so work can commence.

For example, if a homeowner of a semi-detached or end-terrace installed cavity wall and floor insulation, costing around £4,000, the homeowner would pay just £1,320 – with the government paying £2,680. Doing so could save the owner over £200 annually on their bills and reduce their carbon footprint by cutting 700 kg of CO2 a year from their home alone.

Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, Mike Thornton, said:

The Green Homes Grant is a significant investment by the government in energy efficiency which will provide long term benefits to householders and the environment by cutting fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions. It will particularly help low-income households access much-needed funds to make their homes warmer. I would really encourage homeowners to apply for the scheme.

The funding will mean warmer homes for 600,000 households, with those on low income who are owner occupiers and in receipt of income-based or disability benefits, getting 100% subsidy up to a maximum government contribution of £10,000. As part of this package, £500 million will be earmarked specifically to support low-income, fuel poor households, including those living in rented accommodation.

Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, Brian Berry, said:

The Green Homes Grant is a really welcome boost for the building industry as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19. The vouchers will be a significant benefit to households wanting to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their energy bills, whilst providing much needed work for accredited installers at this difficult time.

Chief Executive of TrustMark, Simon Ayers, said:

Consumer confidence is not only essential to the recovery of the UK’s economy, but also to the protection and creation of key jobs that will support the long-term delivery of quality green home improvements.

That’s why having TrustMark accredited tradespeople will provide households with the confidence they need that those working on their homes have been thoroughly vetted for technical competence, customer service and trading practices.

Heating buildings accounts for almost a fifth of UK greenhouse gas emissions and reducing carbon dioxide from homes will be essential to reaching net zero by 2050.

The government’s wider green package, announced earlier this month by the Chancellor, also includes an additional £1 billion programme to make public buildings, including schools and hospitals across the UK more energy efficient. An additional £50 million will pilot innovative approaches to retrofitting social housing at scale.

Facts from this document

Wales is not included in this deal
Double or Triple Glazing can only be added to another higher priority home improvement
Double or triple Glazing must be upgrading from single Glazing not old double glazing
Heronhurst are established members of Trade Mark and can help providing you are located in an area of England we cover and meet all other requirements

Unfortunately for most people this means this deal is out of their reach

Face Masks become compulsory

11 Sep, 2020, No comments

From Monday 14th September 2020 Face Masks become compulsory for all visitors and staff to our Abergavenny Window and Door Studio, in line with Welsh Government requirements

The only exception is on genuine health reasons

Disposable masks are available in-store for visitors should they not have them

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding

A Window and Door of many colours

25 Aug, 2020, No comments

Our ColourReader technology lets you bring in something painted and we can colour match our Windows and Doors to it - across many of our PVCu, Composite, Aluminium and Timber collections
This allows us to create bespoke coloured windows and doors that are a perfect match for your home
Not every home is the same, and neither are our colour choices

Arrange your visit to our studio today, at https://www.heronhurst.co.uk/instore or talk with us on 01873 877670

Blinds in Glass - the Blinds you never need to dust

22 Jul, 2020, No comments

Fed up of constantly dusting your blinds?

Blinds always blowing about in the window when your windows or doors open?

Blinds constantly getting the your way?

Take a look at our Blinds in Glass solution for our Windows and Doors - sealed between two toughened glass units, you get life-long performance without the pain!

Find out more

New Solidor Colours for Summer 2020

22 Jul, 2020, No comments

We're delighted to announce the launch of the new 2020 Bold Colours from Solidor

Available now in a new vibrant and rich Ruby Red, an on trend Midnight Grey and - our favourite - Tangerine

We've made our Window and Door Showroom COVID-SAFE

15 Jun, 2020, No comments

We're COVID-Safe here at Heronhurst Window and Door Studio Abergavenny

With full social distancing in operation throughout the company, from Sales, Service through to Installation - our showrooms, offices and in your home

In addition to improved regular sanitising of ourselves, our products and our equipment, we have full PPE available to our staff and visitors including masks, gloves, wipes and of course sanitiser gel!

We work behind screens when preparing quotations and visuals for you, and made our showrooms by appointment only - so only allow one family in at any one time, and allowing us a clean-down time inbetween

We've made it as safe as possible to improve your home, so why not now visit ours? Book online at https://www.heronhurst.co.uk/quote/ or call us on 01873 877670

Heronhurst return to work after COVID-19 Outbreak

30 May, 2020, No comments

Due to Covid-19 Virus our services are a little different

Our Survey, Installation and Aftersales Service re-start Monday 1st June 2020, with some limitations and strict social distancing and improved hygiene practices in place across our business

Showrooms visits are now strictly by appointment only - you can book online here

The easiest way to contact us is still online - Get A Quote Online, request Aftersales Service Online or Pay your Account Online

You can also call us or chat online (please be patient as limited availability as we are working from home)
We offer ZOOM and MEET online Quotations, Design and Advice sessions, which you can pre-book here
Drive-by Quotations will resume mid to late June 2020 - you can pre-book here
Read our latest COVID-19 and Heronhurst Information here

Services Resume at Heronhurst Window and Door Studio following COVID-19 Restrictions

21 May, 2020, No comments

Selected services begin to resume

In addition to our Online Chat, Email and Telephone service which has been operational throughout, we are now resuming selected additional services in a safe way

Drive-by Appointments - BOOK NOW, available from 1st June 2020

In-Store Appointments - BOOK NOW, available from 2nd June 2020

Survey Appointments - If you have an order with us which hasn't been surveyed we will call you week commencing 1st June 2020 and book a date and time convenient to you

Installation Appointments - If you have an order with us which hasn't been installed or a date not already confirmed, we will call you week commencing 1st June 2020 and book a date convenient to you

Aftersales Service Appointments - If you have an a problem with one of our windows or doors, and a return visit has not already confirmed, we will call you week commencing 1st June 2020 and book a date convenient to you

As COVID-19 restrictions are on-going, this schedule is subject to change at short or no notice as advised and if any safety issues arise

Read the full COVID-19 Information on how it affects Heronhurst and our customers here

New Steel-look Slimline Pocket Sliding Internal Door

What does this mean for homeowners?

In-Studio

In-Studio is back from Monday 12th April 2021

Coming Winter 2021

We have resumed At-Home Drive-By (external only) home visits for Quotations, inline with current FENSA guidelines, where remote or digital quotation services are not possible

Installations and Technical Surveys following order are currently unaffected subject to compliance with the regulations regarding safety, PPE and other regulations. Our team will be in touch with every client to confirm their installation

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