Paul Kennington, Technical Director at VEKA plc, stresses that the fenestration sector is entering one of its biggest periods of change. With the upcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), systems houses, fabricators, and installers will need to work closely together to ensure the industry stays strong and unified as new regulations come into force.
The FHS has been in development since 2019 and is expected to be published soon, though the original autumn 2025 target may slip slightly. Once released, there will be a short implementation period and a 12-month transition before the rules fully apply. One of the most significant updates is the move to area-weighted average calculations for thermal performance. This means performance will be based on the total window area and not on a standard configuration. Exact sizes, layouts, and even ancillaries such as cills and Georgian bars will be required for accurate assessments.
U-values are expected to stay at 1.2 W/m²K for windows and 1.0 W/m²K for doors, with limiting values remaining around 1.6 W/m²K. However, design elements like dummy sashes could affect results, potentially influencing the types of windows used in new builds.
To support the transition, VEKA is helping partners through tools like WinDoPlan, which handles detailed calculations. VEKA’s M70 and OMNIA systems already achieve strong thermal performance, with values as low as 0.79 W/m²K. 
With Scotland and Wales preparing similar updates by 2028 and the UK aiming to build 1.5 million new homes, preparation is essential. Companies that engage with consultations and invest in the right tools will be better placed to adapt. The industry has earned a stronger voice with government, and working together will ensure the new standards benefit everyone.
Source: VEKA plc with additional information added by Glass Balkan
