Want to fit replacement double glazed windows.

[Ollie78]

I have had 4 lots of windows and doors fitted by “reputable” FENSA registered companies. Each experience has been appalling. They’ve all leaked. To be fair the various companies eventually put things almost right, although my front door and rear bi-fold doors still leak in a little. The triple glazed German tilt and turn windows were eventually replaced by the manufacturer, after the opening lights themselves were shown not to be airtight. The front door was replaced twice. Some sliding sashes were fitted with no sealant whatsoever between the wall and the frame….I have become quite adept at the “candle in the wind” short film (apologies to Elton)
I am not FENSA registered but have made and installed wooden windows for clients and bought and installed upvc ones. It is fairly straightforward. I would love to know if any of the FENSA registered fitters actually received any training.
On another note, I still struggle to understand why the government wants to improve home insulation, but thinks it is sensible to mandate trickle vents, (I have heard all the arguments about condensation and mould) but spending £££ on a sealed window which then has holes drilled in it puzzles me.

This is so true. As far as I can tell the company has to be Fensa registered which basically means paying Fensa. Then any old numpty can be sub contracted or employed to do the work with zero skill or training.
I have actually worked for Fensa registered companies before, it was never mentioned.

When we moved in to our house there was a Fensa certificate for the installed plastic windows. They were fitted with one screw each side, no cavity closers, no wedges or packers and a fist sized blob of expanding foam each side, then they just put a cloaking filet over the gaps, amazing incompetence.

It is clear to me that Fensa is just there so building inspectors don`t have to bother with window installs because there is nowhere near enough inspectors.

Might be an option for the DIY person to actually pay to register with Fensa put your windows in then just don`t renew it next year.

 

[Daniel Fyfe Bespoke Carpe]

This is so true. As far as I can tell the company has to be Fensa registered which basically means paying Fensa. Then any old numpty can be sub contracted or employed to do the work with zero skill or training.
I have actually worked for Fensa registered companies before, it was never mentioned.

When we moved in to our house there was a Fensa certificate for the installed plastic windows. They were fitted with one screw each side, no cavity closers, no wedges or packers and a fist sized blob of expanding foam each side, then they just put a cloaking filet over the gaps, amazing incompetence.

It is clear to me that Fensa is just there so building inspectors don`t have to bother with window installs because there is nowhere near enough inspectors.

Might be an option for the DIY person to actually pay to register with Fensa put your windows in then just don`t renew it next year.

This is my answer from CHAT GPT.

Yes, in the UK, new doors and windows often need to be signed off to ensure they meet building regulations. Here’s what you need to know:


1. Building Regulations Compliance – Any replacement windows or doors must meet standards for thermal efficiency, safety (e.g., toughened glass where required), ventilation, and fire safety.


2. FENSA or CERTASS Certification – If the installation is carried out by a registered installer (such as FENSA or CERTASS), they will provide a certificate confirming compliance. This means you don’t need to involve Building Control separately.


3. Building Control Approval – If you or a non-registered installer fit the doors or windows, you must notify your local authority and obtain approval from Building Control. They will inspect the work and issue a compliance certificate.


4. Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings – If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you may need additional planning permission or listed building consent.

If you’re selling your property in the future, you’ll need to provide a FENSA/CERTASS certificate or Building Control approval as proof of compliance.

The requirement for windows and doors to comply with Building Regulations in England and Wales was enforced on 1 April 2002. From this date, all replacement glazing (windows, doors, roof lights) had to meet Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations.

 

[Jacob]

This is my answer from CHAT GPT.

Yes, in the UK, new doors and windows often need to be signed off to ensure they meet building regulations. Here’s what you need to know:


1. Building Regulations Compliance – Any replacement windows or doors must meet standards for thermal efficiency, safety (e.g., toughened glass where required), ventilation, and fire safety.


2. FENSA or CERTASS Certification – If the installation is carried out by a registered installer (such as FENSA or CERTASS), they will provide a certificate confirming compliance. This means you don’t need to involve Building Control separately.


3. Building Control Approval – If you or a non-registered installer fit the doors or windows, you must notify your local authority and obtain approval from Building Control. They will inspect the work and issue a compliance certificate.


4. Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings – If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you may need additional planning permission or listed building consent.

If you’re selling your property in the future, you’ll need to provide a FENSA/CERTASS certificate or Building Control approval as proof of compliance.

The requirement for windows and doors to comply with Building Regulations in England and Wales was enforced on 1 April 2002. From this date, all replacement glazing (windows, doors, roof lights) had to meet Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations.

But more often than not you can ignore all that, if not too conspicuous, not under building control, not obviously disobeying the regs. It's more about new work and conversions. You don't need proof of compliance to sell either, though the buyers might want it. Their surveyor should tell them if it's a good idea or not.

 

[Fitzroy]

You don’t if your ‘repairing’ the door / frame / window. I often had to do ‘extensive’ repairs to doors / windows at my last house.
I spoke to building control and we concluded that there was no definition of what a repair was and it was totally acceptable that ‘over time’ a door frame may rot out become replaced and then say the door rot out and be again become fully replaced through repairs. They were happy that for some repairs it might require a frame to be removed and refitted, not requiring inspection.
I just kind of accelerated the repair schedule!

I’ve made the astragals on my new windows out of the old window frame. The rest is a repair!