Windows
What is a FENSA certificate?
It's the paperwork that shows replacement windows or doors comply with building regulations. You'll usually be asked for it when you sell.
Since 1 April 2002, building regulations have applied to all replacement glazing, covering heat loss, safety, air supply, means of escape and ventilation.
You need a route, not FENSA itself.
FENSA is one of several authorised schemes. The government's list for replacement windows, doors, roof windows and rooflights in homes includes Blue Flame Certification, CERTASS, Certsure, FENSA, NAPIT and ASSURE. An installer in any of them can sign off their own work.
Without a registered installer, a building control body can issue a certificate of compliance instead.
What the certificate shows.
FENSA's certificate confirms compliance and registration with the council, and those issued after 6 June 2014 verify that the installer's warranty is insured. FENSA jobs should be registered within 21 days.
What's not covered.
- Conversions and extensions are outside FENSA's certificate, so building control handles them.
- FENSA won't certify repairs.
- Whether swapping only the glass counts is unclear, as official sources point different ways. Ask the installer or building control.
Lost yours?
FENSA offers replacements through its website, where you can search by address. It may not be found if the installer wasn't FENSA approved at the time.
Do I need FENSA for new windows?
Not FENSA specifically, but you do need a route to compliance: an authorised scheme installer, or building control.
Do doors need a FENSA certificate?
A door more than 50% glazed needs a scheme installer or building control. A door that's 50% glazed or less doesn't need notifying.