Issued By Durham County Council

NEW 'GREEN' LAWS FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS

Traders and DIY enthusiasts in County Durham were today urged to gen up on new laws to cut energy loss from windows and doors.

Changes to Building Regulations introduced from April 1, 2002, mean that anyone who installs replacement windows and doors will have to comply with strict thermal performance standards to reduce energy loss.

And when people come to sell  their house, the buyer could ask for evidence that replacement glazing installed after April this year complies with the new rules.

The regulations apply when a frame is removed from a building or a replacement window or door is installed, said Philip Holman, Durham County Council's Head of Consumer Services.

"If the work is done by an installation company, then you should ensure it is a member of FENSA - the Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme.  

"This means the trader self certifies that the work complies with Building Regulations and provides a certificate to the home owner.

"Where the installer is not registered to self certify or the work is done as a DIY project, full local authority approval under Building Regulations will be required.

"The home owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with Building Regulations," he said.

The FENSA scheme also has safeguards for consumers including offering insurance to consumers where deposits are taken.

A guarantee or warranty must also be offered to cover the cost of rectifying defects or if the supplier ceases trading.

Scheme members also provide further protection by using an approved contract and having approved customer complaints procedures.

"This new scheme provides welcome safeguards for consumers as purchasing replacement windows can often be a costly undertaking," said Philip Holman.

"The insurance scheme and approved complaints procedure may well benefit consumers who experience problems with installers."

Councillor Don Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said:  "The new requirements not only benefit consumers but also seek to protect the environment by reducing energy loss. 

Further details of Building Regulations requirements and FENSA scheme members are available from district council building control departments.

More information about FENSA can be found on the Glass and Glazing Federation website www.ggf.org.uk

Note to News Editors:  For further information contact Craig Hudson, divisional manager, on 0191 383 3707, or Peter Fleming, Assistant Head of Consumer Services, on 0191 383 3584.

The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001 and Approved Document - L1, introduce the new requirements.  This includes thermal insulation requirements windows must meet, maximum energy loss levels, thermal properties of double glazing, thickness and composition of glass and any coatings applied.

Building control Regulations are enforced by District Councils in County Durham.

The County Council's Consumer Services would investigate any complaints under the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 regarding false claims that glazing meets the new requirement or false claims of FENSA membership.