Part L is applicable to any new build, including remodels and extensions, so whether you’re a commercial developer or you’re working on your own home you must be aware of and take steps to comply with these regulations. Once you understand how they apply to you, you can take steps to ensure that your building falls within the requirements – one of the structural features you can look at is your roof.

What is Part L?

Part L of the Building Regulations sets out the energy efficiency requirements of new or modified buildings. The aim is to create buildings that are more energy efficient, with the eventual goal being to create only zero-carbon homes from 2016. Baselines for the insulation properties of the building and the efficiency of the hot water storage, heating appliances and lighting are all covered. The legislation covers both dwellings and all other types of buildings in separate sections.

This legislation specifically relates to England – in Wales, there is equivalent legislation to Part L with similar objectives.

Am I exempt?

Any building project that either started or was submitted for planning approval after the 6^th April 2014 has to comply with Part L Building Regulations in England. So unless your building works, or planning process, began before this date then you must comply with the regulations.

Insulation Parameters

Part L also sets out the exact parameters that buildings must comply with. All parameters were lowered in April 2014 by 25% from the 2006 standard – so for example, the allowance on air permeability has been lowered from 10m³/hr to 7.5m³/hr. You can find further information about the exact compliance guidelines online.

Roofing Choices

With an estimated 25% of warmth being lost through the roof, the obvious way to meet the reduction targets is to choose appropriate roofing that will lock in heat and air – you’ll not only meet your reduction targets this way, but enjoy the benefits of a reduced energy bill. You’ll need a strong, airtight roof that, together with adequate insulation, will increase the airtight properties of your building and increase the efficiency of your heating system.

Insulation

Your main concern is ensuring that your roof space has room for adequate insulation. If you have an existing flat roof, or are planning to build one, then there is unlikely to be much room in your loft space for a good amount of insulating material. If you’re unwilling or for some reason unable to dramatically change the shape of your roof, choosing low pitch roof tiles could go a long way towards improving the energy efficiency of your home. The slim-line profile of our tiles means that there will always be room for insulation without compromising on the aesthetics. You’re also less likely to develop the problems associated with flat roofing in the future.

Compliance

Unfortunately, Building Control can’t take your word for it that you’ve take steps to reduce your carbon emissions – you must have appropriate testing carried out on your building to prove that you’ve met the parameters. SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) testing is the government approved testing method for measuring the energy rating of a dwelling, while SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is the test for all other types of build. In order to pass, your emissions rate must beat the targets set out in Part L. If you don’t pass then you must make amendments and have a re-test.

Any amendments and retesting that result from a failed SAP/SBEM test are likely to cost you more time and money than ensuring your building meets, or ideally exceeds, regulations in the first place. Ideally you should put some extra time into the planning of your build and the careful selection of materials. Choosing a strong roof that allows for adequate insulation should be high on your list of priorities.

Quality roofing and insulation goes a long way towards ensuring you’ll meet the required energy efficiency rating, so if you want to discuss our range of tile profiles, contact us on 01249 658 514 or request a free quote online.