DIY PVC Double-Glazed Windows & Doors
Southern PVC Systems Ltd - Some Technical Information
FENSA registration - what does it mean?
Since 1st April 2002 all replacement window installations in England & Wales have been subject to Building Regulations. The initials F E N S A stand for - Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme. Southern PVC Systems Ltd is registered with FENSA (registration number 15855).
The 70mm 'Shield' profile is multi-chambered with 3.2mm outer wall thickness. The inner chamber is reinforced with box section glavanised steel for added strength and rigidity. the frames come complete with multi-point 'espagnolette' locks on the openers.
The standard glass units are of 4-20-4mm (28mm overall) construction with Pilkington K Glass™ inner leaf. A range of patterend glasses from the Pilkington range is also available. The glass for doors and patio doors is toughened (toughened Pilkington K Glass™ can be supplied for conservatories when specified).
Thermal Insulation
We can certify that our double-glazed windows comply with the thermal performance standards required (2.0 w/m) by New Bu8ilding Regulations 2002. The 'Synseal Shield' system has been awarded BBA certification July 03 to demonstrate thermal performance down to 1.8 w/m (which is a higher insulation value than 2.0 w/m) and not only complies with the current requirements for England & Wales, but currently meets the higher standard of 1.8 w/m which is now in force in Scotland. At some time in the future the new higher standard (1.8 w/m) is also likely to be applied to the rest of the UK. Our windows already meet this new standard.
Other requirements covered by Building Regulations
You many need to ensure that the design of the window will make it comply with the other relevant parts of the Building Regulations which are, briefly:
- Means of escape in case of fire
- For all habitable rooms, with no separate means of escape, in case of a fire there must be means of escape via the window (minimum sizes apply). In practice this usually means a side-hinged sash fitted with 'Egress' hinges
- Use of safety glass for low-level glazing and adjacent to doors
- All doors and windows adjacent to doors, low level glazing, ie when the glass is less than 800mm from the floor
- Ventilation
- For replacement windows the general rule is that the new window should not make the situation worse in terms of the number and size of openers
- The use of night vents may help to overcome conflicting criteria of design and regulatory requirements.
We can give you specific advice on this or you can obtain guidance from your local Building Control Office. You many need to obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
Note: if your windows and doors are part of a new build or extension for which Building Regulations have been granted, then you will not need additional certification as the relevant areas of legislation will already have been covered and the specification for the windows will be clearly shown on the plans.