Windows / FENSA ? Building Control

[Chunky Monkey]

Hi all,

I'm currently building a single storey extension which comes under building control jurisdiction. I would dearly love to make the windows and at the very least the roof lantern, for no other reason than personal satisfaction and pride.

My understanding is I can fit the windows myself without being FENSA registered simply by paying building control to inspect and approve the work, however am I right it's nigh on impossible to prove the windows meet the thermal efficiency regulations required by building control without having the specialised (and expensive) software?

I'd be grateful for any further guidance.

Thanks

Chunky

 

[Steve Maskery]

Hi Chunky
I have made several windows for my own use and not had a problem with BC. On the contrary, the BCO was as helpful as I could have wished for. Just make sure that you use the right glass in proximity to doorways etc, and you should be fine.

My experience is that the more you talk to the BCO, the easier things are.

Good luck.
S

 

[RobinBHM]

Hi all,

I'm currently building a single storey extension which comes under building control jurisdiction. I would dearly love to make the windows and at the very least the roof lantern, for no other reason than personal satisfaction and pride.

My understanding is I can fit the windows myself without being FENSA registered simply by paying building control to inspect and approve the work, however am I right it's nigh on impossible to prove the windows meet the thermal efficiency regulations required by building control without having the specialised (and expensive) software?

I'd be grateful for any further guidance.

Thanks

Chunky

I run a joinery company and routinely make and fit windows for projects under building regs. Ive yet to be asked for proof of whole window u values, so I wouldnt worry much.

We specify all windows with 24mm double glazing, total planitherm soft coat low e, swisspacer warm edge bar, argon gas fill. In theory that equates to a B WER. I dont bother with low iron glass, I think solar gain in calculating energy ratings is a red herring.

As regards fitting the windows, you csn indeed fit them because your project is under building regs so no fense cert needed.

Be careful to comply with all elements of b/regs:

toughened glass zones
Fire egress
Trickle vents
Fire proof glass if close to neighbour
Restrictors if low window on 1st floor

Fitting:
Avoiding thermal bridging
Maintain dpc ( usually achieved with cavity closuees in new build).

Etc etc

 

[Doug71]

I just spoke with building control today about some windows I am making for a barn conversion, as I am just a one man band my windows have no kind of certification or efficiency rating.

Specs for my windows sound very similar to RobinBHM and building control were fine with them.

Only thing I would add is Part Q of building regs which is about security, you should really use multi point type locks on ground floor windows.

I am also making some odd sized external doors for the same job, I told building inspector I would struggle to get them to meet u values, he said they understand the problems with bespoke joinery and just do what you can, he really didn't seem too bothered.

Doug

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It much depends whether you're dealing with someome with a brain. I had an excellent local builder build my garage and the woman BCO (a very well qualified structural engineer) led him a life of hell over the construction of the pit. I spoke to him a few months later and he told me he'd had another job building a hollow block underground reinforcing foundation wall 60 metres long, specifically to reinforce the kerb of a pavement where it was inevitable that fully loaded artics drove over it. She insisted on steel reinforcement throughout the pit and into the floor of my (domestic) garage, but allowed them to build the reinforcing wall with the same blockwork but no steel. :roll:

 

[Chunky Monkey]

Thanks Guys,

That sounds a lot more promising than I thought, I'll broach the subject when the inspector next visits and see how he responds.

Many thanks

Jon

 

[RobinBHM]

I just spoke with building control today about some windows I am making for a barn conversion, as I am just a one man band my windows have no kind of certification or efficiency rating.

Specs for my windows sound very similar to RobinBHM and building control were fine with them.

Only thing I would add is Part Q of building regs which is about security, you should really use multi point type locks on ground floor windows.

I am also making some odd sized external doors for the same job, I told building inspector I would struggle to get them to meet u values, he said they understand the problems with bespoke joinery and just do what you can, he really didn't seem too bothered.

Doug

Compliance with part Q is only needed for new build, not for extensions and refurbs

 

[Doug71]

Thank you for pointing that out Robin, I guess the barn conversion I am working on is classed as creating a new dwelling so part Q applies.

Doug

 

[RogerS]

.....
Fire egress
.....

Etc etc

Unless they've changed the Regs since I last did a refurb, fire egress must not be any worse than before but, for example, if you didn't have top-hung windows for fire egress before then you don't need to fit them now.

 

[HOJ]

The main thing to consider when building an extension is the requirement under regulation part L which limits, under what they call the "Elemental method" the area of glass, relative to the new extension floor area, to a maximum glazed area of 25%,including doors, windows and roof lights.

If you exceed that % you will need to do some calculations to prove compliance.