What has to be self certified?
Where a window or windows is/are completely replaced (as opposed to repaired) in existing dwellings, they must comply with Approved Documents Parts L1 and N (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 Building Regulations, which includes Parts A (Structure), B (means of escape in case of fire) F (ventilation), J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) and M (access for the disabled).
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 there are no exceptions, the window openings must be the same or better than the outgoing windows the openings cannot be made any smaller. Side window openings cannot be replaced by top openings over fixed windows.
Windows and doors in critical locations ie 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 visibly to comply with Building Regulation N.
Compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 is also essential.
FENSA does not apply to conservatories, porches', commercial premises or New Build properties or extensions. In both 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.
Doors with less than 50% glazing do not require registration.
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 however they must have a there own postal address which has been registered with the Royal Mail. Click here for more details