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Double Glazing Companies

Some double glazing companies have quite a bad reputation. However, in this day and age double glazing is less cold call orientated. Today, it is understood that providing a website with clear and detailed information on your products is a far better way to sell them than to use annoying cold calling techniques.

Regulations

With effect from 1st April, 2002, all replacement window installations carried out by double glazing companies became subject to Document L of the Building Regulations. This states that PVC-u or timber replacement windows should not have a U value higher than 2.0 W/m 2K and metal windows (aluminium) should not have a U value higher than 2.2 W/m 2K.

This new regulation particularly affects the minimum levels of insulation that replacement windows must have when fitted in your home by double glazing companies in the UK. Levels of insulation are measured as U values. The lower the U value, the better the level of insulation. What was previously referred to a 'normal' double-glazing, ie two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar is very unlikely to conform to building regulations. To obtain the required level of insulation, it may be necessary to utilise low emissivity glass, Pilkington K for example, and fill sealed double-glazed units with an inert gas (probably argon).

With so many replacement windows being installed by double glazing companies in British homes, it has been agreed that the double glazing industry can adopt a 'self-assessment' method for administering the many thousands of installations that take place each week. The self-assessment scheme is referred to as F.E.N.S.A. - Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme. Providing the company you are dealing with is registered with the FENSA scheme, they will certify that the work complies with the relevant regulations and you will not need to notify your local council.

If the double glazing companies are not a member of FENSA or you are carrying out the work yourself on a 'DIY' basis, then approval will have to be obtained from the local authority.