The Window Centre is a registered FENSA self certification installer (Ref 11046).
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), at the request of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in response to the current Building Regulations for England and Wales. All replacement glazing in homes comes within the scope of the Building Regulations. Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors has to comply with current thermal performance standards. When having windows and doors replaced homeowners must ensure that they get a certificate of compliance. This may be obtained from FENSA or from Local Authority Building Control.

All replacement glazing comes within the scope of the Building Regulations. Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors must comply with current thermal performance standards. The reason for this is to reduce energy loss in line with Government policy. When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser's solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations. There are currently two ways to prove compliance:- a certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered with FENSA or a certificate from the Local Authority Building Control stating that the installation has been approved under the Building Regulations. The FENSA Scheme allows registered companies to self-certify that their installations comply with current Building Regulations. A percentage of the work of every FENSA registered business will be inspected by a FENSA appointed inspector to ensure standards are met and maintained. FENSA will also inform local authorities of all completed registered installations and will issue a certificate to the homeowner confirming compliance.

Any installation undertaken by a company which is not registered with FENSA or a similar body, or has been done as a DIY project by a homeowner, will need full Local Authority Building Control approval. All Local Authorities will know of the registered businesses in their areas and can identify unauthorised work very easily. It should be noted that the homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the installation complies with these requirements. Before you sign a contract to buy any replacement glazing, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify. If not, an application to Local Authority Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations will need to be made by either the installer or the homeowner. It is likely that there will be associated charges with this.