When you are in the market for new windows, you look for good savings and styles. What often goes overlooked are building regulations for window replacements.

Understanding and complying with UK building regulations is the most important part of replacing your windows. Ignoring them may make it impossible to sell your home down the line. It can even result in fines.

Let’s keep you on the right track and get you up-to-date with building regulations.

How To Comply With UK Building Regulations

Once you have your window upgrades complete, you need certification from your local council building control office. They will send an agent to inspect and confirm your new window upgrades.

You can also get this certificate from your installer. The installer will need their own certification through a government organisation like FENSA or CERTASS. Cosyhomes Windows complies with all the proper and current qualifications and is registered under the CERTASS scheme.

Breaking Down The Building Regulations For Windows & Doors

While you can let a professional handle all the details, it is good to understand building regulations before you get window replacements so you can recognise a job well done. Understanding the regulations can also help you appreciate the benefits that they can give you as well.

1. Thermal Performance and Construction

Any window built within building regulations will need to have a U-Value to fall in line with thermal performance. This U-Value comes from a formula that determines the proper seal and shielding of the window.

2. Structural Considerations

When you get a window that doesn’t fit into the original structure of the house, such as a bay window, you need to confirm that the window remains structurally sound.

Often this means proper reinforcement in the frame. A new lintel may also be required in the process.

3. Breaking Glass

If the glazing in your window is low to the ground, you will need reinforcement to keep it from breaking. The glazing needs to be toughened as a minimum requirement.

In extreme cases where a window is in a vulnerable area, this process will also help it to break in a safer manner, preventing dangerous projectiles.

4. Escaping From Fire

Any windows that are within a bedroom need to provide a way to escape a fire. If a fire breaks out, you’ll need an exit.

A good fire escape window should have an opening between 800mm and 1100mm above the internal floor level. The overall area should be at least 0.33m2 and not less than 450mm in width or height.

The window must also stay open without someone holding it open to allow everyone to escape with ease. This requires a special hinge which is sometimes referred to as a fire, egress or easy-clean hinge.

5. Ventilation

A new window should never reduce the amount of potential ventilation in a room. Any trickle vents or fans that came with the existing window must return. Improving ventilation is always the best option.

6. Safety

Preventing horrible accidents around the house is a major concern with any building regulations. The most common and dangerous is accidental falling from a higher story window.

To prevent this any window opening that is less than 800mm from the internal floor, where you can fall more than 600mm, must have a safety lock or restrictor hinge to prevent children from climbing or falling through the window.

Getting The Best With Cosyhomes Windows

With a better understanding of building regulations, you can make a more informed choice when it comes to your brand new windows.

There is no need to sacrifice your window quality or style for regulations. We here at Cosyhomes Windows pride ourselves on providing a cost-effective solution with customer-led focus. Contact us today for more information!