Replacing Windows?

Replacing windows and doors now needs to meet certain standards in the Building Regulations to reduce energy loss.  This means that you need to comply with the Building Regulations when installing replacement windows, doors, or rooflights in both domestic and non-domestic buildings.  The Building Regulations have controlled glazing in new buildings for many years but it is now a requirement to improve the performance of existing buildings so as to achieve national energy saving targets.

When selling property, surveyors will ask for evidence that replacement glazing installed after April 2002 complies with the new Building Regulations.  There are two ways to prove compliance:-

1. a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered under a FENSA, CERTASS Limited or the British Standards Institution self-certification scheme
   
   or
   
   
2. a certificate from the local authority saying that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

The FENSA Scheme

To ensure that the work is done properly the FENSA scheme has been developed which enables installation companies meeting certain standards to self-certify that work complies with the Building Regulations.  The scheme is known as FENSA, which stands for Fenestration Self-Assessment.  The Glass & Glazing Federation have set up the scheme with all interested parties and this meets government approval.  Every installer has his work inspected by FENSA inspectors to ensure standards are maintained.  FENSA also inform the Council of all FENSA installations and issue certificates to householders confirming compliance.

Alternatively, DIY projects or installations by non-registered firms need Council approval under the Building Regulations and ultimately this may be your responsibility.  Therefore be sure to ask whether an installer is able to self-certify.  If not, either they, or you, will need to make an application to the Council for approval under the Building Regulations which has a £69.00 charge.

To apply online click here.

For Commercial window replacement you must make 'Full Building Regulation' application, incorporating plans of window locations, specifications of the replacement window and any affects on existing means of escape protection or provisions e.g. fire rated glass protecting escape routes or stairs / panic facilities to escape doors / clear opening widths for escaping populations etc.

Charges for Non-Domestic Replacement Windows and Doors.

For FENSA Scheme information visit the website at www.ggf.org.uk or telephone 020 7207 5874.

Planning Consent

Please not that unless you live in Mottram Conservation Area, you do not need planning consent to install replacement windows. However, if you live in a listed building, you would require listed building consent.

Notes on replacement windows, doors and rooflights

Insulated Glazing

New glazing needs to have a maximum U-value of 2.0 w/m 2 k for window frames or 2.2 w/m 2 k for doors. Double-glazing with a 16mm air gap and a coating like Pilkington K glass usually meets this standard.

Safety Glazing

Glazing shown in the diagram below should be safety glass to BS6206 Pt.1.

Ventilation

You must not worsen the existing rooms ventilation provisions. If your original windows have background trickle ventilation, then the replacements should also be fitted with them. In addition all habitable rooms and rooms containing a w.c. should have opening lights of at least 1/20th of the floor area of the room which they serve. Where no ventilation opening existed, opening lights must be provided as follows: Habitable rooms - 5000mm² equivalent area; Kitchens / utility rooms /bathrooms (with or without w.c.) - 2500mm² equivalent area.

For kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms an extract fan is also normally required, so if you are removing window fans these must also be reinstated.

Means of escape in case of fire

The means of escape in case of fire should not be made worse by new glazing particularly for any up stairs rooms and any rooms only accessible through other rooms. Opening windows should be at least 0.33m² in area with a minimum dimension width or height of at least 450m (for example a 450mm wide opening will need to be at least 735mm high) and they must not be more than 1100mm off the floor.

Note! Certain pivot type windows do not have an unobstructed openable area suitable for escape purposes.

Combustion air to fires and heating appliance

Certain fires and heating appliances may possibly have relied on ventilation through ill-fitting windows and doors. You need to have any of these appliances inspected by a qualified person like a CORGI installer to ensure that there is no danger and we need you to sign a declaration about this.

Structure

Check that the window opening is properly supported. New windows are not strong enough to support the walls above and a suitable lintel may need to be provided.

Protection from falling

Windows with openings within 800mm of the floor need a device to prevent a child falling through but this must not prevent means of escape in case of fire or other emergency.; Your installer can advise.

Retention of accessible thresholds

Some door openings are designed for wheel chair access. Your new doors must not affect this.