Double Glazing On The Web

When getting your windows or doors replaced not only will you have sure you have the right quote and a company you want to work with, on completion, you will need a FENSA certificate of compliance or a certified statement from the Local Authority Building Control. This will guarantee that you have got certified windows and doors that meet government standards and will benefit when selling your home.

FENSA is the Fenestration Self Assessment scheme and was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) with encouragement from the government in response to the Building Regulations for England and Wales. With the quantity of homes now getting replacement windows and doors it was to become an influx too big for the Local Authority Building Control to dela with. The FENSA registration allows companies to self certify that their double glazing complies with Building Regulations.

Companies such as Double Glazing on the Web who are FENSA registered comply with current thermal performance standards. This is to keep in line with Government policies to reduce energy loss.

When choosing your replacement windows and doors with Double Glazing on the Web, you are receiving the highest standards in materials, workmanship and the registered certification for compliance with government targets.

It is the responsibility of home owner when replacing window or doors on their property, to ensure that works are carried out in line with current government Building Regulations.

If the works are undertaken privately or by an installer who is not FENSA registered, then an application under Building Regulations will need to be made to the your local authority. A representative will then be sent to the property to inspect the installation and if standards are met, the local authority will issue the home owner with a certificate for their HIP (Home Improvement Pack).

There can often be charges associated with this process. Saving this money and inconvenience are the main reasons people prefer to use a FENSA registered company when replacing windows and doors.

Because of the strict regulations and regular inspections imposed by FENSA, home owners can be sure that the installer is regulated, reputable and completely compliant with national Building Regulations.

Being FENSA registered enables installers to self-certify the replacement of windows and doors without the involvement of local authorities. The registered company then issues the home owner with the relevant HIP certification on receipt of payment.

Did you know that when you have your windows fitted by a FENSA registered installer, you will receive a certificate from your local council which goes in your properties HIP?

The government introduced the HIP Home Information Pack, to aid home buyers as part of the 2004 Housing Act. Essentially a set of documents concerning the property, they contain an energy performance certificate, details of local authority searches, title documents, guarantees etc. They became mandatory for homes with four or more bedrooms from 1 August 2007 and were extended to three-bedroom properties from 10 September 2007.

Professionally installed double glazing has a significant impact on your homes carbon footprint. So much so that local councils feel the need to document the quality of your double glazing and more importantly, the fact that your new windows were installed by FENSA a registered company.

The bottom-line is that if you are investing in new windows or any double glazing upgrade, then it is well worth sourcing a reputable double glazing firm. Check that they trade in high quality raw products i.e. uPVC and toughened glass and that they are FENSA registered with an experienced team of fitters.

Landlords now have to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or face a repeatable fine of £200 .

If you have a property you are thinking of upgrading ready to let, make sure all improvements, for example new doors, windows, conservatories etc… are energy efficient and installed by a FENSA registered installer.

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and with over 9,000 members, it  is very much the regulatory body in the world of glazing. With encouragement from the Government, FENSA was established by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies, to monitor and ensure that Building Regulations for England and Wales are enforced and applied.

Any DIY project undertaken by a homeowner, or installation undertaken by a company, which is not registered by FENSA or a similar body,  has to have full Local Authority Building Control approval, which is likely to incur a charge.

Changes to Home Information Packs (HIPs) introduced on 6 April 2009 heighten the importance of using a regulated glazing installer. Sellers now need to provide better information to prospective buyers from the first day a property is put on the market.

FENSA registered businesses can assist with the selling process by reminding homeowners to insert their FENSA certificate into the optional part of HIPs. When the time comes to sell a property, the purchaser’s solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations. The FENSA building regulations certificate will act as documentary proof of compliance.

To find out more about FENSA click here  or visit www.fensa.org.uk/