In April 2002, following legislation changes in the building sector concerning the standardisation of double glazing to meet new environmental laws, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) created FENSA (the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme). The aim of the government authorised scheme is to professionalise the window installation industry and those who work within it, as well as to protect homeowners from shoddy work. FENSA was the first Competent Person Scheme for the industry in England and Wales and is now the most widely known.
If one of your external doors, windows or rooflights has been replaced or restored by a FENSA approved supplier, you will receive a FENSA certificate, which can be used to verify the quality of the work which has been carried out. By obtaining this certification, you can prove that the windows and doors that have been fitted comply with building regulations and are suitably energy efficient. It will also show that the work has been registered with your local council. When it comes to selling your property, having a FENSA certificate is absolutely essential. Over thirteen million certificates have now been issued by the organisation, covering around 50% of all UK residential properties.
In order to qualify for a certificate, the work must not alter the size or use of any rooms affected and the property must be sited on its original footprint. Unfortunately, FENSA certification does not cover replacement doors and windows in extensions, new build properties, commercial properties and existing conservatories and porches.
By choosing a registered installer, you can save a great deal of time and effort after your windows have been installed, as you do not have to make arrangements yourself for an inspection from your Local Building Control Officer. This is handled for you by your installer, who will notify your local council on your behalf.
The building regulations in question apply to the thermal performance of your doors and windows, as well as the ventilation, safety and escape routes they provide. All properties must now meet minimum energy efficiency standards; one of the best ways to improve this efficiency is to fit double glazed windows. To remain compliant, these windows must not exceed a certain ‘U-Value’, about which you can find out more here. Safety glazing must also be fitted under certain circumstances.
Furthermore, a certain level of ventilation must be provided, dependent on the size and type of room. Unsurprisingly, bathrooms and kitchens require better ventilation as steam will be produced in these rooms. When a new window is fitted, it must also meet certain size criteria, allowing for escape in case of an emergency.
Please be aware that in the case of a Listed Building, the same regulations may not be in place.
All work carried out by yoursashwindows.com is registered with FENSA and guaranteed for five years with the option to insurance back. All new joinery is compliant with current building regulations, FENSA registered and guaranteed for ten years. We are assessed regularly to ensure the scheme’s standards are continually maintained and that we are compliant with the relevant building regulations. Once we have fitted your double glazed sash windows, you should notice that your heating bills are lower and your property warmer (and more beautiful!).
Even if you live in a period property with sash windows, double glazing is still an option. Please request a FREE survey to find out how we can help.
