Lifestyle Company Membership Number: 14308

F-E-N-S-A (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme.)

Building Regulations – Document L

Part L (Conservation for Fuel and Power) is a section of the Building Regulations that set the standards for energy efficiency in buildings and became mandatory in April 2002.

The impact this document had on the window and door industry resulted in companies having to supply thermally efficient products to comply with the regulations.

FENSA has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), with Government approval, to monitor the replacement glazing industry.

From 1 April 2002, all replacement glazing in dwellings will come within the scope of the Building Regulations. From then on, anyone who installs replacement windows or doors will have to comply with the standards set out in document “:L”.

The main reason for the setting up of document “L” is to set the minimum standards for energy loss from all new glazing. Global warming is a problem that affects us all and wasted energy is a massive area that we can all help to cut down. At Lifestyle all our windows and doors are fitted with Pilkington “K” glass which meets the standards set by FENSA. On all our conservatories we recommend Pilkington “K” glass or our glazing upgrades, which improve thermal efficiency.

FENSA are also covering area’s such as Fire escapes, load bearing bay/bow windows, disabled access and ventilation.

Glazing with an area less than 50% of the aperture is not required to meet the same regulations. (Such as glazing in Moulded door panels)

All replacement glazing which is installed after April 2002 will require certification to confirm the glazing meets the requirements set out by FENSA.

This certification will be required should you ever decide to sell your property. The buyers solicitor will ask for evidence of the date of installation, if it is after April 1st 2002 the proper certification will be required. The certification can be obtained from the local authority or a self regulating FENSA registered company.