From 1 April 2002, replacement windows and doors have been subject to building control or inspection by council appointed officers. The regulations require all installations to meet improved insulation standards and a certificate must be issued by building control officers for every installation. As there are up to 1.2 million installations (£ 1.4 billion value) per year, it would be an impossible task for building control officers to check all installations.

A new scheme has been initiated which allows the hard-stretched officers to concentrate on new building work, whilst ensuring that installations comply with regulations. The replacement window industry has set up a self-certifying scheme known as FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) and is designed to relieve the otherwise massive pressure on the resources of Building Control Departments. The object of FENSA is to regulate installers and to self-certify their installations and remove the need for individual installations to be inspected by local building control officers FENSA Procedures. Whilst it is not obligatory for installers to join the FENSA scheme, it is strongly recommended by NRWAS & NCAS. The alternatives are to break the law, or to complete onerous and costly inspection procedures.

All FENSA installers must pass a qualifying application procedure which identifies that they will commit to compliance of the new regulations, are willing to offer insurance-backed guarantees and deposit protection insurance. All installations will be registered with their local building control office through FENSA and a compliance certificate will be issued by the building control office. 1% of all installations will be inspected by a FENSA appointed surveyor on a random basis. The cost of this inspection will be paid for by the installing company. Failure to meet the required standards leads to disciplinary procedures and possible expulsion from the self-certifying scheme

Ealing Wooden Windows are proud to be members of FENSA, we are committed to improving standards in our industry and welcome its establishment as a major step forward

To learn more about FENSA click here