Replacement windows and doors application

Please note that this guidance does not apply to work that consists of forming a new opening under a new lintel. A normal Application for approval with full plans or Building Notice application is required for this type of structural alteration.

Replacement glazing installed after April 2002 must comply with the latest Building Regulations. (Currently replacement windows and doors to dwellings are required to have a maximum U-value of 1.4W/m2K.  There are two ways to prove compliance:

• By using an installer registered under one of the following Competent Person Schemes. They will provide you and the relevant local authority with a certificate showing that the work has been carried out by an installer registered under the Fenestration self-assessment scheme such as FENSA Limited, CERTASS Limited or the British Standards Institution. The certificate should be issues within 30 days of completion of the works.
• Where the work is being carried out as part of a DIY project, or by a tradesperson who is not registered under a Competent Person Scheme, you can submit a Building Notice application to us. Following a satisfactory inspection of the work, we will issue a Completion Certificate for the installation under the Building Regulations.

Make sure that you check whether an installer is able to self-certify their work. If not, either they, or you, will need to make an application to building control before the work is started.

For Domestic dwellings

Please complete the Replacement Window and Door application form, and submit it with the appropriate payment. Please see below to find out how to contact us to confirm the charge for the work.

For Commercial window replacement

You will need to make  An application for approval with full plans, incorporating plans of window locations, specifications of the replacement window and any effect on existing means of escape protection or provisions eg. fire rated glass protecting escape routes or stairs/panic facilities to escape doors/clear opening widths for escaping occupants etc.

Charges

All our charges are individually determined.

Please complete the Building Regulations Quote Form and we will get back to you within two working days – often sooner. Alternatively please call us on  01329 824823 between 8.45am and 5.15pm (4.45pm Friday).

Payment can be made online, by phone or cheque and we will advise you of this when we acknowledge the submission of your application.

What else to consider

• Planning consent – Unless you live in a conservation area or a listed building, you probably won’t need planning consent to install replacement windows. However, always check with your Council’s Planning department to establish if planning consent is required
• Safety glazing – Glazing shown in the diagram below should be safety glass to BS6206
• Ventilation –  showing critical locations in internal and external walls Ventilation You must not worsen the existing rooms’ ventilation provisions. All new and replacement windows should include background trickle ventilation. In addition all habitable rooms and rooms containing a toilet should have an openable window or a mechanical extract fan of at least 1/20th of the floor area of the room which they serve. For kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms an extract fan is also normally required, so if you are removing window fans these must also be reinstated
• Means of escape in case of fire – This should not be made worse by new glazing particularly for any upstairs rooms and any rooms only accessible through other rooms. Opening windows should be at least 0.33m2 in area with a minimum dimension width or height of at least 450m (for example a 450mm wide opening will need to be at least 735mm high) and they must not be more than 1100mm off the floor. Note: Certain pivot type windows do not have an unobstructed openable area suitable for escape purposes.
• Combustion air to fires and heating appliances Certain fires and heating appliances may possibly have relied on ventilation through ill-fitting windows and doors. You need to have any of these appliances inspected by a qualified person like a GAS SAFE installer to ensure that there is no danger.
• Structure Check that the window opening is properly supported –  New windows are not strong enough to support the walls above and a suitable lintel may need to be provided.
• Protection from falling – Windows with openings within 800mm of the floor need a device to prevent a child falling through but this must not prevent means of escape in case of fire or other emergency. Your installer can advise.
• Retention of accessible thresholds – Some door openings are designed for wheel chair access. Your new doors must not affect this.