Building control FAQs

From 1 April 2002, replacement glazing came within the scope of Building Regulations for commercial and domestic buildings. Even if only one window is replaced it needs to be to the new standards. This does not include replacement of an existing broken pane where it is replaced by a similar pane of glass, nor does it include secondary glazing to an existing window. For vertical sash windows, replacement of one rot damaged sash is considered as a repair, and not within the scope of building regulations. However, if both sashes are removed and replaced with a new window system within the existing frame, this would be building work to which building regulations would apply.

Some installers are trained and registered under the Glass and Glazing Federations FENSA scheme. These are able to self-certify replacement glazing, and give householders a compliance certificate. If they are not registered to the FENSA scheme, you will have to let us know, and we will inspect the work, and on satisfactory completion, we will issue a completion certificate. It is important that you keep the completion or compliance certificates as they will be needed when you come to sell your property.