Confused about building reg requirements for new sash windows

Idonex

Hi,

We recently had our old wooden sash windows replaced with new double glazed wooden sash windows.

I'm a bit confused as we have been told by a few people now that if you replace the windows in a house now, the glass and windows themselves need building regulation approval and have to be of a certain standard. Apparantly you must have a certificate proving this once the windows are put in??

Is this true? To confuse matters i've also heard this doesn't apply to anyone putting new windows into their original frames.

None of the companies who came round to give us quotes (or the company we eventually chose) told us anything about this

Thanks

Gandalfthesecond

Replacement windows either need building regs cert of a FENSA one.

leveller2911

Idonex wrote: »

Hi,


Is this true? To confuse matters i've also heard this doesn't apply to anyone putting new windows into their original frames.

None of the companies who came round to give us quotes (or the company we eventually chose) told us anything about this

Thanks

Legally its the homeowners responsability to find out the regulation from building control, however any company worth their salt should have made you aware of the regs, I do everytime I quote.

To clarify the rule if you are replacing the complete window (frames and sashes) then you should apply for a building notice (if the Joinery /building company doing the work is not FENSA registered, many Upvc companies are but not many Joineries as they can make anything from Staircases to kitchens ..FENSA is supposedly self certifing so don't need the Building notice.

If you keep the existing frames but replace the sashes (openers) then you don't need to apply for any building notice..

EDIT: If your property is a listed building then even repairs can require Listed Building consent.

Idonex

Thanks a lot for the info. So a stupid question, what constitutes the window 'frame' in these rules? We basically had the two sashes, the beading and the wooden bit that the rope and weights sit in replaced. Everything else stayed.

Gandalfthesecond

Idonex wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the info. So a stupid question, what constitutes the window 'frame' in these rules? We basically had the two sashes, the beading and the wooden bit that the rope and weights sit in replaced. Everything else stayed.

The frame is the part that is fixed to the walls, ie frames the hole.

leveller2911

Idonex wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the info. So a stupid question, what constitutes the window 'frame' in these rules? We basically had the two sashes, the beading and the wooden bit that the rope and weights sit in replaced. Everything else stayed.

Ok, so the sashes (bits that have the glass in and slide up and down are new? The bit that the weights and cord are in (boxframe) was also re-newed? is that correct..

I'm guessing the inside architraves (fancy mouldings around the inside or the window) stayed and were re-used and the inside window board which is the shelf inside the window all stayed and re-used?

No its not a stupid question.. A photo would be helpful.

Your post seems to suggest they turned up with a Boxframe and 2 sashes, took out the existing Boxframe and fitted 2 new sashes in the boxframe but kept the inside linings ,window board and architraves is that right?

Idonex

Yeah that's right. They made the new sashes and removed the staff beads to get the old sashes out, removed the parting beads, took out the old ropes and pulleys and put new ones in with the new windows and new beading. The architraves and the wood that the internal staff beads attach to all stayed. The only bit of the actual frame that was replaced was the panel of wood on the left and right insides which hides the pulles and weights. Hope that makes sense and it means i dont need to sort out some sort of certificate (and if i do that everything they did conforms!)

Thanks

leveller2911

Yes makes sense, from what you say theres no problem.They have repaired the window rather that a total replacement.

Its only if all of the Boxframe was replaced that you would need a building notice . Worth remembering for the future ,if any other boxframes are beyond repair and you need a complete boxframe replacement then you will need a building notice. Its also worth noting that if that happens and you want to replace the whole window frame ,unless your house is listed you will need to have the replacement fitted with double glazed units(minimum 18mm tick and gas filled) and draught proofed ,all to comply with regulations.