Fensa

chailey

Thanks that's really helpful. I think I' ll do a bit more research before I make a decision. With regards to building regs, I assume I have to apply to the Council and not the installer ?

Annie1960

chailey wrote: »

Thanks that's really helpful. I think I' ll do a bit more research before I make a decision. With regards to building regs, I assume I have to apply to the Council and not the installer ?

Yes, the council.

When I did this in about 2003 it cost £150 or so.

Annie1960

chailey wrote: »

Thanks. The installer did mention trickle vents but said that an advantage I gained from the Double glazing would be lost if I had the vents! All so confusing.

Did he also explain to you the disadvantage if you do not have this? I'll give you a clue, look at all the threads on this forum about condensation and mould.

RedFraggle

Annie1960 wrote: »

I don't know about triple glazing, but I do know that if you get windows installed by a company that is not FENSA registered then you need to apply for the council to come around, inspect, and issue a certificate.

I used this route myself. The woman from the council was interested in how securely the windows were fitted and she tested the glass with some sort of gadget to make sure it was compliant with EU regs. regarding keeping the heat in.

Certas is an alternative certification. It doesn't have to be council or fensa.

To join Fensa a supplier has to offer an insurance backed guarantee for Certas you do not.

leveller2911

Annie1960 wrote: »

Did he also explain to you the disadvantage if you do not have this? I'll give you a clue, look at all the threads on this forum about condensation and mould.

Why make a window air tight with draught excluders,energy efficient glazing (Low E), fill the unit with inert gas (Argon,Krypton,Xenon) to make it even more energy efficient and then stick a hole in it for a trickle vent to let a draught in?.

For centuries people opened the windows to "air" a house and reduce condensation, today we are far to lazy to do so.

Trickle vents don't stop condensation any better than just opening the window. Trickle vents also create condensation within the window frame itself.

Luckily the Building regs have seen sense and no longer insist on trickle vents on windows and doors.There is no "disadvantage" to not fitting trickle vents and finally the penny has dropped with the Government.