The Window is identified as an integral part of the practical design and character of all buildings, and selecting a suitable replacement window is usually an important aspect of any major project. With the demand for conserving energy, the vast amount of window glazing systems that are available today may well overwhelm owners when considering window replacement in the home.  Windows located on primary elevations such as the front – traditionally will feature an additional degree of ornamentation and detail than windows that are located on secondary elevations such as the ones on the sides or the rear of buildings. That is why it is compulsory to understand the connection between replacing wooden windows and UK building regulations.With such a range of different window designs and shapes, methods of configurations and operation, muntin profiles, seemingly small changes can cause serious damage or change the look of a building, or the entire neighbourhood character for that matter. UK Planning Departments recognized this challenge and have come up with strict window replacement regulations and controls, which also covers buildings in conservation areas as well as listed buildings. At its most basic level a brief simplified version of what is actually a very large document full of red tape and regulations, basically if you replace a single glazed window in its entirety it should be replaced with a double glazed window that either meets or exceeds current minimum U values as set out in the document and legislation at the time of installation. Most of the public are led to believe that to fit new windows the fitter must be Fensa registered but this is actually not the case! It is true to say that if the fitter is registered under this type of scheme then the fitter is able to issue a certificate of conformity directly after the work is completed but if your fitter is not registered with Fensa then you simply need to inform the local building control office and pay a small fee for them to effectively sign the windows off. You may well find sole trader window fitters may be much cheaper than a large Fensa registered company and even though you will need to pay building control the fee to sign the windows off, you could still pay less overall. It is worthwhile to check out online for good reviews of local sole traders as it could save you a packet. The most important thing is the window itself as long as you choose a reputable company to make the new replacement wooden windows for you then you will pretty much guarantee that it meets all the required standards. The fitting could even be done as a DIY project but still, you will need building control to check the windows once fitted. According to the UK General Plan, its Priority Planning Policies and the Residential building regulations, each oft hem call for enhancing and protecting the neighbourhood architectural characteristics UK wide. Since their latest revision, the Residential building regulations set window requirements for every building within a Residential Zoning District. To further clarify this policy which the department has implemented and to serve as a guide to answering questions asked frequently in regard to the replacementof windows and neighbourhood character, the Department has developed a handout based on Window Replacement Standards. This particular document also answers questions about what materials need to be submitted for review when a permit application is produced for rehabilitation, restoration, repair or replacement of window systems in the UK. Please note that the alteration and rehabilitation standards for preserving designated City Landmark properties, which includes contributing buildings in conservation or historic districts, are included in the Planning Code as well. This document, hereafter, will also represent the Planning policy of the UK Planning Department in regard to similar types of window work and is based on these following principles: A window that is visible from the street or any other public right-of-way is avaluable part of the neighbourhood character and the individual architectural characteristics of the building. If replacing a window is proposed for a structure, the new window that can be seen from the public view should match both the character of its neighbourhood and the building, all in terms of glazing, size, operation, exterior profiles, finish, and arrangement. Historically important window features and character defining windows on architecturally significant buildings should be repaired or retained as much as possible. The use of alternate materials in older buildings in particular, may visually stand out, and will rarely match the character of the building or the neighbourhood. They will always look like: aluminium or plastic - materials that do not match architecturally. Therefore, by understanding the connection between replacing wooden windows and UK building regulations, you could get your plans approved quickly and easily. For more advice or perhaps even a quote please click here to learn more about double glazed windows for conservation areas and listed buildings in the UK |
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