Colorcoat-Online - Building Regulations

Building Regulations

Building Regulations are the codes by which the health and safety of people using and working in and around buildings is provided for. This is achieved by providing minimum standards and functional requirements for building design and construction. Here we provide an outline of the main Building Regulations in the UK and Ireland, and highlight those that have an impact on the building envelope. Most European countries have their own Building Regulations and it is always important to ensure that any design produced is compliant with relevant local authority standards.

UK Building Regulations

In the UK, Building Regulation standards are defined separately for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The table gives a summary of the current regulations for the four countries, showing the appropriate approved documents, sections and parts.

Impact on the metal envelope

The Building Regulations refer to any ‘building work’. This definition extends beyond new-build to alterations and extensions and any work which affects installations covered by the regulations, such as the installation of extra insulation or drainage systems.