11. Replacement Windows

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Technical Guidance Note 11: Replacement Windows

Introduction

Since April 2002, all replacement glazing has come within the scope of the Building Regulations.  This requires anyone who installs replacement windows or doors to comply with strict thermal performance standards.

One of the main reasons for the change is the need to reduce energy loss.  The Building Regulations have controlled glazing in new buildings for many years but that represents only a very small percentage of our total building stock.  It is also essential to improve the performance of the much larger numbers of existing buildings if we are to meet increasingly stringent national and global energy saving targets.

When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser’s surveyors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed after April 2002 complies with the new Building Regulations.  There will be two ways to prove compliance: -

1. a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered under the FENSA Scheme, or
   
   
2.  confirmation from the local authority stating that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

The FENSA Scheme

It is estimated that there are approximately 2 million replacement glazing installations every year.  If they all went through the normal Building Regulations application process it would place an enormous burden on local authorities.  It is essential to have a way to ensure that the work is done properly without an unreasonable increase in the administrative and financial burden on installers and property owners.

The answer is a scheme that allows installation companies that meet certain criteria to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations.  The Fenestration Self-Assessment scheme (FENSA), was created by the Glass & Glazing Federation, in association with all key stakeholders, and meets with central Government approval.  A sample of the work of every installer will be inspected by FENSA appointed inspectors to ensure standards are maintained.  FENSA will also inform local authorities of all completed FENSA installations and issue certificates to householders confirming compliance.

Any installation carried out by a firm that is not registered to self-certify, or carried out as a DIY project by a householder, will need full local authority approval under the Building Regulations.  Local authorities will know of all the approved installers in their areas and will be able to identify unauthorised work very easily.  You should note that you, as the house owner, are ultimately responsible for ensuring the work complies with the Building Regulations.

Before you sign a contract to buy replacement glazing, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify.  If not, either they, or you, will need to make an application to your local authority for approval under the Building Regulations and pay any relevant charges.

Further information is available from the Glass And Glazing Federation web site or contact us:

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