Double glazing requirements

Introduction

In April 2002 the Government introduced legislation designed to conserve heat loss in private houses. The requirements are laid out in Building Regulations Approved Document L (Fuel Conservation), and require all windows and doors in newly built houses; and complete replacement windows and doors in old housing stock to be double-glazed using a low emissivity glass. Other Building Regulations must also be complied with.

If non-compliant units are fitted, the value of the house may be diminished and the homeowner can be faced with a fine. When selling the property, evidence will be required to show that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002, complies with the Building Regulations. There are currently two ways to prove compliance:-

• a certificate from the Local Authority Building Control Service stating that the installation has been approved under the Building Regulations OR
• a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered with FENSA

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies, at the request of the CLG, to allow registered companies to self-certify that their installations comply with current Building Regulations.