| What is
FENSA? |
| FENSA stands
for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It is being set up with
Government encouragement in response to new Building Regulations. |
| What are
the new regualtions? |
| The Government's
Approved Document L was issued on 31st October 2001. It extends Building
Regulations to cover replacement window installation from 1st April
2002, when all installers and buyers of replacement windows and doors
will be expected to comply. One of the main drivers is the need to
reduce heat loss in order to conform to more stringent energy efficiency
targets. Glass products will be expected to have lower heat loss,
measured by their 'U' rating. |
| How will
the regulations affect installers? |
| All
installations will be subject to inspection by Local Authority Building
Control, unless arrangements for Self-Assessment have been made. With
the annual rate of replacement installations running at approximately
1.2 million, inspection of each installation would cause a major bottleneck
if channelled through the normal Building Control route. The new regulations
will also involve higher specifications for the products used. |
| How can
FENSA help? |
| By
joining FENSA, companies can self-certify their installations. They
can therefore avoid the costs and potential delays of Biulding Control
procedures. A small sample of installations will be inspected by FENSA
- appointed inspectors to ensure standards are being maintained. FENSA
will also inform local authorities of all completed FENSA installations,
and issue certificates to householders confirming compliance. |
| Who can
join? |
| All
responsible members of the replacement window industry are invited
to join. Companies will have to commit to comply with Building Regulations
and show evidence of general competence and willingness to offer insurance-backed
guarantees. |
| What are
the benefits? |
| For companies, registration
with FENSA confirms their commitment to meeting the new regulations.
As stated above, they will also save time and money on inspection.
For consumers, the FENSA scheme will provide a certificate confirming
that their windows comply with the new regulations. |
| How will
the scheme work? |
| Once registered,
companies will be required to inform a central database whenever they
carry out an installtion. The database can then be used as the source
for producing certificates for homeowners, informing Local Authorities
of installations, and for subsequent reference. |
