Guide Building control FAQ's

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6. Do I need an application for replacement glazing?

From April 2002, all replacement glazing will come within the scope of the Building Regulations. From then on, anyone who installs replacement windows or doors will have to comply with strict thermal performance standards.

One of the main reasons for the change is the need to reduce energy loss. The Building Regulations have controlled glazing in new buildings for many years but they represent only a very small percentage of our total building stock.

It is also essential to improve the performance of the much larger numbers of existing buildings if we are to meet increasingly stringent national and global energy saving targets.

When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser’s surveyors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed after April 2002 complies with the new Building Regulations.

Some glazing installers are able to self certify the installations that they carry out. If you use a self certifying installer, you will not need to submit a Building Regulations application. If your installer is not able to self certify, you will need to have a valid building regulations application before you start the work.