FAQ - Government Regulations

Below you will find answers to questions we are frequently asked regarding timber sash windows, casements and doors. If you have your own questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us either by e-mail or by telephone on 0800 169 3198.

What are the current regulations regarding replacing windows/doors?

f you replace your windows and doors, they must comply with a given minimum standard of energy management i.e. heat loss. This is part of the Governments obligation to the international agreement on reducing greenhouse gasses.

So what is this standard for my house?

Any replacement window or door must not have a "U-value" which exceeds 2.0 (unless you live in a Listed Building when other restrictions apply). In new build, which includes conservatories, the U-value must not exceed 1.8.

Inspecting a timber sash window

What is a "U" value?

U-value is measured by the rate of heat loss from the warm inside of the house through the window/door to the outside, if it's colder there.

The lower the U-value, the smaller the loss of heat, i.e. better energy management.


Timber bay sash windows

Are these regulations enforceable?

Yes, very much so. There are heavy fines for installers who do not comply, and you will be made to change your windows AGAIN.

How is the system policed?

Every installation must be registered with the Local Authority. The installation company can either do this themselves or join an industry organisation called FENSA which does this for them.

Acoustic glass may be used on the outside of your double glazed unit.

How does FENSA know what's going on at my house?

The installer must inform FENSA, who then make random checks from a list of jobs supplied by the installer, to monitor the U-values of its typical work.

Is this system effective?

Well, self-assessment can be open to abuse. So we suggest you inform the installer that you will check yourselves with the Local Authority after the job is finished to make sure it is properly registered and approved.

Ask for the installer's documentation that confirms the U-value of what he is fitting at your house.

What happens if I just ignore it all?

Maybe nothing, or more likely a high cost to you, enforced by the law. Whatever happens you will have problems if you want to sell your house, because the solicitors will want evidence of compliance and registration. This started in April, 2002.

What does your company do?

  • We are members of FENSA.
  • Your replacement work, whether sash windows, hinged casements or glazed doors, will be registered with the Local Authority.
  • In the likely event that FENSA will never get round to testing your windows/doors, we have had independent testing carried out at the National Physical Laboratory to confirm your windows/doors from us comply with the regulations.
  • We will issue you with a FENSA certificate and a National Physical Laboratory Certificate. In our opinion, one without the other is not worth much.

What's the practical benefits to me?

Peace of mind.

Windows/doors that are guaranteed to keep you comfortable, warm, and minimise your fuel bills.

No complications if you sell your house. We provide certified documentation for inclusion in a Home Information Pack.

Some contents of a Home Information Pack need to be updated every three months, (e.g. Local Authority Searches), rendering the existing pack out-of-date. With your customer password you will be able access our After Sales Services area to download as many further copies of your documentation as you require for your new sash windows etc.

Does all this cost any more?

Costs always end up being paid by the customer, but these ones are minimal. However, the cost to you of non compliance will be hundreds of times more, sooner or later when it comes to light.


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