Whether you are an individual homeowner, or a commercial contractor, there are a number of issues that you need to be aware of when specifying windows and doors or other PVCu related products.
The amount of regulations is quite extensive, and for more detailed clarification you would be wise to consult specialised companies such as Diamond Windows Droitwich to ensure that you have a deeper understanding or knowledge of the requirements.
Meanwhile, the checklist below is designed to make you aware of what you nee to look out for when specifying windows and doors throughout the UK.
Are your products being manufactured in BS compliant factories?
First and foremost, you need to ensure that the products at source are being manufactured in a manner that is compliant with a number of British Standards regulations. These include:
UKCA marking: this stands for UK Conformity Assessed, and indicates that the product conforms with manufacturing requirements for products that are sod within the UK. It was introduced to replace the CE marking criteria.
Beyond this, all manufactured and installed windows and doors need to prove conformity to the following British Standards regulations:
- BS644: Fully finished factory assembled windows
- BS6375 Part 1, 2 & 3: Performance of windows (the product must demonstrate it has been tested to the highest demands of adverse weather)
- BS 8213: Code of Practice for the Survey and Installation of Windows and External Doors.
Are the products being installed by a FENSA Approved Installer?
The FENSA – Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme – is a Government backed scheme that was introduced to ensure your window installation complies with building regulations. It is the homeowners responsibility to register a new installation with the local council, and usually would need to book a building control inspection independently to guarantee compliance. However, by using a FENSA approved installer this is done for you automatically.
Document Q: PAS 24
PAS24:2022 relates to the security performance of doors and windows, and demonstrates enhanced security features which relate to the British Regulations, and the Secured By Design scheme.
Specific check list for new build properties
If you are specifically looking to develop new properties or houses, then you need to ensure that the installation of new window and door products comply with the following regulations.
- Part B – Fire & Safety
- Part F – Ventilation
- Part K – Protection from falling, collision and impact
- Part L – Conservation of fuel and power
- Part M – Access to and use of buildings
- Part O – Overheating
- Part Q – Security in dwellings
Part L – Conservation of fuel and power
Part L deserves its own mention, as it is of particular importance in light of the drive towards net zero. Windows and doors must demonstrate a minimum U-value of 1.6 W/m2k or lower, which is the equivalent of a C energy rating.
What happens if the windows are installed in a non-compliant manner?
Whether by error or design, non compliance with any of the above will create a chain reaction of trouble and strife which might not hit until several years down the line when you try and sell your home.
As a homeowner it is your responsibility to demonstrate that any works carried out by yourself are fully compliant with building regulations, and if you cannot demonstrate this then it will hold up the sale of your property. You will have to organise and pay for an independent building inspection report which will be costly and time consuming, and could lose you that potential sale.
Ensuring that all installations are full compliant from the outset will save you thousands in the future.
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