FENSA Installer FAQs
What is a dwelling?
The definition is a "dwelling" includes a dwelling-house and a flat.
For clarification, if the main purpose of a building is to be a "dwelling" then the Regulations will apply to all replacement windows in that building. Eg. sheltered accommodation - since its main purpose is to provide dwellings for people, however a flat would first require planning permission before carrying out replacement window work but can then be registered with FENSA and if a building is a listed building this would not fall within the remit of the FENSA Scheme and cannot be certified by a FENSA Registered company.
FENSA also does not apply to caravans/holiday chalets if they are not occupied for more than 10 months of the year these fall within the jurisdiction of the Local Authority and therefore a Building Notice is required. If however they are permanently lived in they can be FENSA Registered.
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How will the Regulations affect contracts other than the standard consumer installations?
All contracts (including Local Authority or Housing Association) for replacement windows and doors in dwellings can be covered by FENSA.
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Use of Low Emissivity (Low-E) glass
If I use Low-E glass will it affect the colour of inserts such as Georgian Bars in the sealed unit?
There is no reason why inserts inside the sealed unit should suffer more or less discolouration where Low-E glass is used.
However, viewed from the inside, Low-E may give a different coloured effect, when they are viewed through the glass. The high performance, 'neutral low E glasses' have the least effect on colour.
Leaded Lights and Low-E glass.
There are possible risks associated with the use of leaded lights and Low-E. These include the long term bonding of the adhesive on the Low-E, and the chemical effect of the adhesive and lead on the Low-E surface. The above may be specific to the Low-E and the Lead strip material used. Further information should be available from your suppliers.
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Who can register?
Membership is not confined to existing members of the GGF - indeed, all responsible members of the replacement window industry are invited to join. Companies will have to meet entry criteria that include a commitment to comply with Building Regulations, evidence of general competence and commitment to fair trading, and willingness to offer insurance-backed guarantees.
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How do I register?
Please click on "Join FENSA Here" from the menu on the left hand side of this page and fill in the Application request form, The application pack includes the Rules of FENSA; a statement on charges; a list of approved bodies whose members are exempt from vetting by FENSA; and a statement of insurance requirements or email : mhewett@fensa.org.uk or telephone 020 76453704
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Who has made the decisions on FENSA Rules and operations?
In this initial phase FENSA has been guided by a Steering Committee whose members have included representatives from the industry, Government, local government, trading standards officers and the Law Society. It is setting up a Board on which the same interest groups will be represented.
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How much will it cost?
FENSA's charges have been set at a level that recovers its own costs, so that the overall cost burden to companies will be far less than the alternative.
Initial Administration Fee:
£50. (+ VAT 17.50) = £58.75
Plus Registration fee
If Application Received January-March £100, April-June £75.00, July-September £50.00, October-December £25.00
Vetting:
£50 (+ VAT 17.50) = £58.75
(If not already vetted by an approved body)
Building Regulations:
Approved Documents L1 and N £20 VAT Exempt (including postage and handling)
Continuing charges:
Database transaction charges. These will be related to costs incurred, and are currently:
£1.50p (+ VAT 0.26p) = £1.76 per installation, if advised direct on internet £1.50p (+ VAT 0.26p) = £1.76 + cost of premium rated call per installation, if advised by fax.
Inspection charges:
These are related to our costs incurred, and are currently: £100 (+ VAT 17.50) = £117.50 per inspection.
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Who sets the charges for FENSA and where do the profits go?
Charges have been approved by the FENSA Steering Committee, and will in future be set by the FENSA Board. FENSA does not aim to accumulate or distribute profits, but will set its charges at levels appropriate to finance the continuing operation and expansion of the company, and to provide prudent reserves against contingencies.
When can I register?
Now, you can click on "Join FENSA Here" from the menu on the left hand side of this page and fill in the Application request form, details will then be sent to you, or email : mhewett@fensa.org.uk or telephone 020 76453704
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Do I have to be a Member of one of the trade associations or relevant bodies listed in the FENSA Application Pack in order to register with FENSA?
No, you can register providing you are able to to comply with all the requirements of the Rules and Application Form.
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How will inspection work?
Inspection will normally be carried out on 1% of each business's installations, subject to a minimum of 2 per annum and a maximum of 100. In the event of failed inspections, businesses will be responsible for the costs of re-inspection, and the frequency of inspections will increase.
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What are the benefits?
For companies, registration with FENSA confirms their commitment to meeting the new regulations. As stated above, they will also save time and money on inspection.
For consumers, the FENSA scheme will provide a certificate confirming that their windows comply with the new regulations.
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How will the Regulations affect installers?
They involve more stringent specifications for the products used. In addition, all installations will be subject to inspection by Local Authority Building Control, unless arrangements for self-assessment have been made. With the annual rate of replacement installations running at approximately 2 million, inspection of each installation would cause a major bottleneck if channelled through the normal Building Control route.
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When did the regulations come into force?
From 1 April 2002, however, the new technical regulations do not apply where contracts were signed before 1 April 2002 and the installation was completed before 1 July 2002.
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Are decorative effects excluded from the Regulations?
The requirement of the Regulations specifies the overall performance of the window, or the glass. There are no exclusions for decorative effects.
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Trickle Vents, Building Regulation Approved Document F (Ventilation), are they required for replacement fenestration?
The Building Regulations Approved Documents N (Safety Glazing) and L (Thermal Insulation) are prime requirements for replacement windows and doors. Other elements of the Building Regulations A (Structure), F (Ventilation), B (Means of escape), J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems), M (Disabled Access) must not be compromised by the replacement installation.
Compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 is essential.
Trickle ventilators must be included in replacement windows if the outgoing windows included them. If the outgoing windows did not include trickle ventilators then the replacement windows do not require them to be included. If there is any doubt about the original compliance with the Regulations, the installer must collect evidence of the features of the original installation. However, it will be good practice to offer trickle ventilation to customers to improve ventilation and help with the control of condensation. If there is any doubt about achieving compliance with regard to any of these matters, the installer should contact their local Building Control Department.
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Bay Windows
Bay windows are included in the FENSA Scheme. This means that FENSA registered companies are able to certify and must ensure that bay window installations meet Building Regulations and do not compromise the load bearing ability of the bay. Therefore all appropriate poles and spreader plates must be in place to ensure conformance.
How many 'windows' is a bay window?
A bay window is a multi faceted structure including mullions.
Please note that for the purpose of the FENSA Scheme a bay window is registered on the database as one window.
How many 'doors' is a patio door?
A patio door is made up of one facet and therefore = 1 door
Bay windows and inspection
Bay windows are included in the inspection process. During installation inspections will include checking for steel reinforcements and header and spreader plates.
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FENSA deals with replacement work on dwellings. How will refurbishment on non-dwellings be monitored?
Not by FENSA, the Local Authority Building Control Department is responsible for non-dwelling works.
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Does window assessment or testing require consideration for features, such as sills, trickle vents, lead/Georgian effects?
Windows and door configurations are given in GGF Data Sheet 2.2 January 2002 'Window and Door U values: Provision of Certified Data'. Trickle vents, Georgina/leaded effects and separate sills are not included. The assessment and testing should be carried out on operational windows.
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When trading across border into Scotland are the FENSA detailed requirements to be supplied and are the Regulations/Standards the same or different?
FENSA applies to the replacement windows and doors to the Building Regulations for England and Wales. The Building Standards for Scotland, Northern Ireland and other parts of the British Isles may be different.
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In a contract to supply doors, which have less than 50% vision area of glass, do we need to register this with FENSA and supply information?
As the U value performance of the doors with less than 50% of their area glazed is not a Building Regulation requirement for dwellings there is no need to certify. If in doubt whether Part L2 applies, please refer your enquiry to the local Building Control Department.
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Do garage windows need FENSA information?
When fitted into an unheated area, which is not part of the house, the windows need not comply with the Building Regulations Approved Document L (Fuel Conservation). However, you may decide to standardise your product range and the information supplied with all windows, in order to reduce variations and specials.
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Still have a question?
Please email us and we will endeavor to answer any other queries you may have.
