Get clued up before choosing an installer.
Home improvements can mean exciting new additions to your living space. If you’re considering replacing your double glazing, installing new doors, or adding a conservatory to your home, you’ll no doubt have seen the words CERTASS and FENSA as you research. But what do they mean, and is there any difference between them?
What are FENSA and CERTASS? In simple terms, both FENSA and CERTASS are UKAS-approved certification schemes that ensure the quality and legality of completed building works. These regularity bodies allow your replacement door or window installer to issue building regulation compliance certificates, eliminating the need for separate building regulations and inspections and saving you time and money.
They are responsible for ensuring:
- All work carried out is compliant with building regulations.
- Energy-efficient materials are used for performance and quality.
- Completed work is registered with the local authority.
Why do I need my replacements covered by an accredited regulatory body? A certified installer ensures your work is being carried out safely will be signed off and registered with the local authority, a much quicker process than getting a building regulation certificate done separately. Without these certificates, you may find it challenging to sell your home later, and the process could be delayed or costly to rectify. Homeowners also get the reassurance that their building works are safe and that the best materials are used to ensure high-rated energy efficiency, soundproofing, and solar protection.
What’s the difference?
FENSA
- Established since 2002.
- They cover double-glazing replacements on windows and doors.
- Post-work inspection only. Inspections are carried out on 1% of a business’s installations with a minimum of 2 a year.
CERTASS
- Established since 2006.
- Cover a broader scope of work, including lanterns and roof lights, conservatories, insulation, doors, windows, and some aspects of electrical work. They are the best choice if you have multiple renovations.
- Trustmark status from being a Green Homes Grant Approved Certification body member.
- Work on commercial and residential properties.
- Pre-, mid and post-installation inspections.
Do all Installers work to the same standard? Sadly no! In this industry, health and safety are paramount. Installers need extensive training and should be audited and inspected regularly to ensure their knowledge of current guidelines and regulations are up-to-date. Just one missing screw could affect the structural integrity of your installation. As a business that has spent years building a trustworthy reputation over 30 years, we only work with companies whose values align with ours.
At Clearglaze, we are proud that all our installers are CERTASS registered. We are particular about who we work with in both manufacturing and installation. We work with CERTASS because they have an exceptional reputation for being thorough and so do we! They audit their traders regularly, with multiple random checks throughout the year. They also periodically test installers’ and engineers’ knowledge of current guidelines, rules and company procedures. We pay a little extra for membership (with no extra cost to our customers) because we know there’s no chance of unethical building practices.
A CERTASS-certified installer ensures your work is carried out safely and will be signed off and registered with the local authority, a much quicker process than getting a building regulation certificate done separately. Without these certificates, you may find it challenging to sell your home later, and the process could be delayed or costly to rectify. Homeowners also get the reassurance that their building works are safe and that the best materials are used to ensure high-rated energy efficiency, soundproofing, and solar protection.
If you’re looking to upgrade your windows or doors to beautiful, superior quality, with increased security and energy-efficient double glazing, why not get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your options and get a free quote? Contact us here.
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