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Local Authority Building ControlFENSA works in partnership with Local Authorities countrywide. Did you know that:
Notifying your Local Authority Your customers must obtain planning permission from their local authority if they are altering or extending their property in any way. Before you install any replacement glazing, check to see if the work must be notified to Building Control: General: Where windows and doors are completely replaced (as opposed to repaired) in existing dwellings, they must comply with the relevant Building Regulations. This applies regardless of whether the installation work is being installed by a company or as a DIY project. Where windows and doors are to be replaced (but, not where they are to be repaired only, as repair work does not fall within the definition of building work) the replacement work should comply with the requirements of part L and N of schedule 1 of the Building Regulations. In addition once the work has been completed, the building should not have a lesser level of compliance with all other applicable parts of schedule 1. This means all replacement windows and doors must comply with Approved Documents N (Safety Glazing) and L (Thermal Insulation). Other elements of the Building Regulations A (Structure), F (Ventilation), B (Means of escape), J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems), M (Access) must not be made worse by the replacement installation. To ensure an installer has not created a lesser level of compliance against the Building Regulations, the installer must collect evidence of the features of the original installation. This is particularly appropriate for Approved Document B Fire where the original windows egress ability will determine the compliance of the replacement window. Flats: For certain properties including flats, maisonettes, buildings in conservation areas , some local authorities do require planning permission before changing the windows. FENSA advises that the homeowner check with the relevant local authority Planning Department before entering into a contract. Once planning permission is granted a FENSA registered installer can register the installation for certification purposes. Listing Buildings: If the homeowner lives in a property that is a Listed Building and wish to replace the windows this would fall under the Jurisdiction of the relevant Local Authority therefore listed building consent would be required and the installation cannot be registered with FENSA. Doors: Doors with less than 50% glazing are controlled under the Building Regulations but do not at present fall within the scope of the FENSA scheme. Caravans & Holiday Chalets: Caravans, mobile homes and holiday chalets manufactured off site are not buildings within the meaning of the Building Regulations (unless larger than one of 60 feet long, 20 feet wide or 10 feet in internal height). Therefore there are no requirements on them in respect of glazing and they are not within scope of the FENSA scheme. Porches and Conservatories: Porches and Conservatories do not generally come under the FENSA registration scheme. Both Porches and Conservatories MUST comply with the glazing requirements of Approved Document N for safety glazing to be installed in critical locations. Conservatories are exempt from the other parts of the building regulations if the following apply:
Ventilation: Regarding Approved Document F (Ventilation) there is a requirement for both purge and background ventilation, the key element is to ensure that there is adequate ventilation for the room or building. If a room is not adequately ventilated there is a risk of condensation and potential mould growth. 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. Garage Windows: When garage windows are 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. Decorative effects: eg Patterned glass, obscured glass, etched glass, stained glass. There are no exclusions for decorative effects, all replacement windows must meet all of the requirements for Approved Documents for replacement windows. Installations in Scotland and Northern Ireland: FENSA applies to the replacement windows and doors to the Building Regulations for England and Wales. The Building Regulations and compliance requirements are different for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Not notifiable to FENSA
Click here for further details on the Building Regulations and what has to be certified. For further information on LABC (Local Authority Building Control) and to locate contact details of your Local Authority Building Control department, please go to www.labc.uk.com. |
