Frequently Asked Questions

For your convenience, please find below a list of questions and answers we frequently get asked

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment scheme. It has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies, with government encouragement www.communities.gov.uk, in response to the Building Regulations.

Where a window or windows is/are completely replaced (as opposed to repaired) in existing dwellings, they must comply with Approved Documents Parts L1B and K4 (England) or N (Wales) (safety in relation to impact). In addition, the building should not end up with a worse level of compliance with respect to other applicable parts of the Building Regulations, which includes Parts A (Structure), B (means of escape in case of fire), C (Moisture Penetration, F (ventilation), J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems), M (access for the disabled) and Regulation 7 (Workmanship and Materials).

The Building Regulations for replacement windows state that “The situation must be made no worse than the outgoing windows”. For example if the outgoing windows contained trickle vents the new placement windows must include them.

Compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 is also essential.

Doors with less than 50% glazing do not require registration.

Windows and doors in critical locations, i.e. windows below 800mm from floor level and doors where the glass comes within 1500mm of the floor level to the start of the glass must contain safety glass (toughened or laminated) and must include the relevant safety mark clearly visible to comply with Approved Document N.

FENSA certification does not apply to caravans or holiday chalets.

For all replacement window and door installations that are notifiable to FENSA, it is a government requirement that companies must have certain insurance policies in place where applicable.

If FENSA Registered Businesses take deposits in advance of installations, they must give some form of deposit indemnity. Deposits may be guaranteed by, for example, trade association Deposit Indemnity schemes, or credit card protection.

Guarantee or Warranty: FENSA Registered Businesses must give a guarantee or warranty covering the cost of completing rectification work in respect of defects for a period of ten years.

Deposit Protection can be provided by a range of insurance providers. FENSA provides an ‘approved’ list of already vetted insurers that FENSA Registered Businesses must use.

FENSA does not apply to conservatories, porches, commercial premises or new build properties or extensions. In all of these instances you are required to go through the Local Authority Building Control process. If your property is a flat then planning permission may be required before replacing your windows, therefore it is advisable to check this with the Planning Department of your Local Authority. If planning permission is required a FENSA registered company can register the installation for certification purposes. If you live in a property that is a Listed Building and wish to replace your windows this would fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant Local Authority therefore planning permission would be required and the installation cannot be registered with FENSA

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