And
so it came to glass: How to Select Insulating Glass for Conservatories
Following its move into the Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) sector with the
launch of Conservaglass™, Chris Richardson, technical director of
Ultraframe (UK) Ltd, considers some of the factors concerned in the selection
of IGUs for conservatories.
As has been discussed many times before in the context of ventilation,
management of the conservatory environment is crucial to consumer enjoyment
of the spaces - which in turn is critical to the market realising its
potential.
Ventilation is a very important element in this environmental management
- but it is not the end of the matter. Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) deliver
a superb and highly effective contribution too. There is also an implication
for the Building Regulations. Part L has obviously been amended in respect
of windows (new build or replacement) - yet the vast majority of domestic
conservatories don't fall within its ambit. However, this is under consultation
and it is expected that the Part L may be amended again in a few years
- three to four - to include conservatories. If this happens, high performance
sealed units will become a statutory requirement - as well as a desirable
one for the consumer.
When
selecting IGUs, especially in the context of anticipated changes to Part
L, thermal performance is paramount - but it is also important to consider
the combination of benefits that a unit offers. Questions to ask are:
does the unit offer optimum thermal performance? Does the unit offer optimum
reduction in solar heat gain and glare - without adversely compromising
light transmission? What guarantees are offered against unit failure -
five, 10 or 20 years? Does the unit incorporate ancillary installer and
consumer benefits such as 'peel clean' films for protection during transit
and installation, or 'easy clean' surfaces?
The selection process may be then further complicated by manufacturers
laying claim to performance values which are not tested to industry standard
- which makes specific performance comparisons difficult. In this respect,
BS Kitemarks are everything.
Insulation characteristics
The insulation characteristics of an IGU are dictated by three things:
the glass, the spacer technology involved and the unit 'filling' - usually
air. Glass should ideally be coated on the interior face of the exterior
pane - 'second face' - preferably with a soft 'sputtered' coat - to create
a 'warm' cavity in winter. This is usually a layer of silver - better
still, two layers - which reflects solar gain outward, and interior warmth
inward. Units with the coating on the third face - the exterior of the
interior pane - leave a cold cavity, reducing interior comfort and increasing
the risk of condensation in winter. Spacer bars should ideally be stainless
steel rather than aluminium. Stainless steel spacer bars have a thermal
conductivity over nine times less than that of aluminium - used in most
IGUs - and are much more effective. Units should also be selected on the
basis of a dual seal which will help protect against unit failure. Filling
the unit cavity with the inert gas Argon - which has a thermal conductivity
30% lower than that of air - further reduces heat transfer across the
cavity, contributing to an industry-leading U value of 1.1 Wm-2K-1 in
an Ultraframe Conservaglass™ IGU.
Winter conditions with no solar load on the conservatory are considered
worst case for heat loss. Heat loss is measured by an IGUs U-value - described
by the norm Wm-2K-1 - which is the heat flow from indoors to out through
the glazed area. The lower the U-value, inevitably the less energy required
to heat a given space. The U value of the latest proprietary dedicated
glazing systems for conservatories is 1.1 Wm-2K-1, excellent performance
in itself - certainly compared to the 1.5 of an Argon-filled Pilkington
K glass IGU - but also meaning that they will meet any prospective changes
to Part L of the Building Regulations as and when amended in respect of
conservatories.
Leading systems - in terms of thermal performance and reduction in solar
heat gain - can provide as much as 70 extra hours per month of conservatory
summertime usage to the consumer.
Solar heat gain
When referring to U-values, it is helpful to be specific about the criteria
applied to assess them. Heat gain - primarily in the summer - is measured
by the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC incorporates the solar
transmittance and the inward flowing fraction of absorbed solar energy
off all panes of glass. A roof IGU with a SHGC of 0.35 means that only
35% of the sun's energy reaching the exterior pane is passing through
to the interior. A low SHGC prevents excessive over-heating in summer.
Comfort
Comfort is related to the interior glass surface temperature. The nearer
the interior glass surface is to room temperature, the more comfortable
a person will feel. And, of course, the closer to the glass a person is
the more marked - either way - this effect will be. Comfort - and interior
glass surface temperature - is a function of U-value and the SHGC. The
twin layer silver coating also influences how much - for instance - fading
or otherwise occurs to interior fabrics from exposure to Ultra Violet
light, twice as effective as hard coat standard IGUs. Obviously, IGUs
with a lower U-value - such as 1.1 Wm-2K-1 - are beneficial because they
provide higher nighttime temperatures, especially in winter, and reduce
solar heat gain in summer.
Other factors
As discussed, the technical performance of IGUs is the starting point
in the specification process, not least given the likelihood of Part L
amendments by, say, 2005 or 2006. But always look for a combination or
package of features that deliver best overall benefits. Industry leading
systems now feature enhanced guarantees against unit failure - 20 years
should be offered, rather than the standard 5 or 10 years; fitter-friendly
benefits such as interior and exterior glass surfaces that 'peel cleaní
after installation and - for the consumer - 'easy clean' low maintenance
glass finishes to the exterior.
Building Regulations aside, consumer enjoyment of the conservatory is
one of the most important factors in ensuring the market grows as it should.
Insulating glass sealed units for conservatories enhance this enjoyment
no end - and will truly deliver 'a room for all seasons'.
Tel: 01200 452375
Fax: 01200 414646
Growth
and Cover for Businesses
Kim Rehfeld, Managing Director of HomePro, looks at the nature, and benefits,
of Insurance Backed Guarantees - now necessary for FENSA compliance.
Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) have been in the industry for many
years and are viewed with varying levels of scepticism. While few question
the concept of IBGs; issues have arisen from the quality of the company
supplying them or, perhaps more importantly, that of the insurance company
actually underwriting them.
That said, however, it is indisputable that the offering of IBGs beneficially
affect the sales conversion process. IBGs are, in effect, a great tool
for building businesses and can help increase conversion rates by as much
as 30%. Offering financial packages was a key sales converter for many
but now that everyone does that, IBGs, while widely available, offer an
opportunity to achieve a competitive edge.
The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) -
formerly the DETR - had suggested, with some reservations, that IBGs are
a means of consumer protection. They are mechanisms whereby the consumer
can have enhanced confidence in the people working for them, and are a
superb method for installation professionals to increase their quote acceptance
ratio.
Since the June General Election, the DETR has been renamed as the DTLR.
Responsibility for construction will shortly pass to the Department for
Trade & Industry (DTI), although the DTLR will still retain control
of Building Regulations.
The DETR's position on IBGs had been expressed thus:
'On balance, notwithstanding certain deficiencies, the DETR thinks that
proper insurance-backed warranty schemes, which are widely available to
consumers through legitimate trade associations (or direct from an insurer),
would be of considerable benefit. As a general principle, it appears that
they must satisfy four tests if they are to operate effectively:
They must be provided by, or underwritten by, a reputable insurer;
They should meet a minimum standard in which consumers can have confidence;
The sponsoring body must require its members to operate the scheme and
offer it routinely to customers; and
They should be written in plain English and clear in their provisions'.
(Source: http://www.construction.dtlr.gov.uk
June 2001).
IBGs generally offer three differing levels of assurance: those which
cover materials, all completed workmanship and work in progress for up
to 10 years; those which offer the same criteria as mentioned before but
include deposit insurance for up to 25% of the contract value; and the
most comprehensive of all, which includes index-linked cover to ensure
future value is protected.
The basic policies cover the work carried under the guarantee, including
labour and materials. If the company ceases trading, the insurance covers
the cost of completing the project so customers are not left out of pocket.
When a project is completed, the customer, generally, completes a job
satisfaction slip upon which the insurance certificate is issued.
The next level of cover takes care of homeowners' deposits for up to 25%
of the project value and because it is pre-paid by the installer in advance,
the cover is instant. This level of cover makes closing the sales process
much easier, because customers are so much happier handing over the deposit
in the knowledge that it is fully protected.
Inflation-proof comprehensive policies cover all as mentioned above but
also protect the future value of the customer's investment. In a nutshell,
the maximum amount a homeowner can claim increases each year throughout
the policy life.
Commercial work
IBGs value isn't limited to the domestic sector. Nowadays, many local
authorities - especially for grant work - and architects insist those
tendering for their work provide warranties; and IBGs are much less expensive
than industry standard performance bonds. And the assured period is generally
longer too. Commercial IBGs cover contractual obligations as well as any
additional cost in completing a project if a company ceases trading.
Research has shown that the general public, as well as the window and
conservatory industry itself, is fed up with the negative image that rogue
traders create. Apart from the need to 'hold one's head up in the pub,'
this perception damages all installation businesses, as homeowners view
calling someone as a 'distress' purchase and can be reluctant to undertake
major improvement works at all, from fear of the hassle involved.
Recent figures show over a quarter of the population have used home improvement
services, but over 90,000 formal complaints have been registered in one
year alone.
Admittedly, this includes all trades, but by this measure, trades people
are seen to be more unreliable, by comparison, to those cheery folk dealing
in used cars!
The cowboy will never go away, especially not while there are 'cowboy
customers' wanting quick fixes on the cheap. However, there are opportunities,
and through warranties, where the true trades professional can encounter
decent customers, wanting a good job at a fair price.
HomePro Ltd
Tel: 0870 738 4858
Email: mailto:info@homepro.com
Web: http://www.homepro.co
Premdor's
Alpha 24 Provides Clear Solutions to Part L
Premdor has introduced the Alpha 24
window range, an upgraded specification designed to satisfy Part L Building
Regulations.
Alpha 24 incorporates the facility for 24mm double glazing and offers
an advanced soft coat Low 'E' glass option. Manufacturer's tests show
that this achieves thermal efficiency at or below the all-important U
value of 2.0w/mzk for timber frames.
Two new styles have also been added: the Double Horizontal Bar and Cottage
Deep Vent.
The Alpha 24 range is fully endorsed by the British Woodworking Federation's
Timber Window Accreditation Scheme and available in a wide choice of window
styles. They are made from either Redwood with a 'honey' base stain or
hardwood with 'Meranti' base stain. This coating is complemented by an
ovolo moulding to sash, frame and glazing bars, creating a softer look
to the interior of the window.
Standard specification windows are fitted with gold effect ironmongery
on softwood designs and brown painted ironmongery on hardwood. A choice
of other colours is available together with options to personalise with
features such as white weatherstrip.
The Alpha 24 Secure window incorporates Secured By Design features and
benefits in a timber frame that offers performance tested and approved
to BS7950. These include butt hinges with hinge locks as standard, optional
reflex egress hinges and a multi-point shoot bold espagnolette locking
system.
To comply with NHBC requirements, windows for site glazing are supplied
with a drained and vented bottom bead.
The full range of products available can be seen in the 2002/2003 Premdor
Range Guide.
For literature please call: 08000 260760
Email: mailto:ukmarketing@premdor.com
Web: http://www.premdor.co.uk
Windowmaker
Software - Free Software for Part L and FENSA
Windowmaker Software has committed to providing a free solution to help
suppliers of windows and doors comply with the government legislation
of 'Part L' through FENSA, which came into effect from 1 April 2002.
The company's Windowmaker and Windowseller products will include the facility
for automatic calculation, display and output of frame u-values, based
on appropriate profile and glazing data. This will help compliance with
the new energy efficiency requirements of 'Part L'. Additionally, it will
be possible to send registrations to FENSA electronically via the Internet
or via Fax. This will help businesses demonstrate compliance to the regulation
easily and cost-effectively.
'This 'must-have' product offering is relevant to all of the thousands
of companies in the UK window industry' says Goronwy Jones, Managing Director
of Windowmaker.
The latest Windowmaker products were recently exhibited in France, Canada,
Poland, UK and Germany.
'Free Downloads' available at http://www.windowmaker.com.
Enquiries to Richard Whittle on 020 8390 493
FENSA
comments on fire escape provisions
In answer to recent questions concerning the above topic, senior representatives
of FENSA, GGF and BBA, have agreed on their understanding of the requirements.
Their understanding is as follows:
Where a window is replaced with the same proportional fenestration as
previously existed (ie. transom and mullion and sash layout is the same)
and modern materials are used, it is possible that the casement openers
may create a slightly smaller aperture due to the use of larger sections. Where
these windows are replacing existing frames, it is the opinion of the
above, that a window of this design will still be acceptable to FENSA
as a form of fire-escape, provided it is fitted with modern, ‘fire-escape’
type hinge which allows for full opening of the window to 90º.
This understanding of the requirements applies only to refurbishment work.
The three organisations listed above will be discussing this view with
the appropriate authorities requesting that they accept this ‘understanding’
of the Regulations.
http://www.ggf.org.uk
Local
Authorities can Offer Part L Inspections say Sash Seminars
Building inspectors from many local authorities are gearing up to cope
with replacement window installations under the new requirements of the
Building Regulations. That was the message heard by window installers
attending a series of seminars on the subject of the changes to the Building
Regulations, particularly Part L, held by window, door and conservatory
manufacturer Sash UK Ltd.
The seminars, held at Sash's own Barnsley Conference facilities, fly in
the face of the accepted belief - from early government statements - that
local authority building inspection departments would be overwhelmed by
the additional task of inspecting hundreds of such installations each
week within their areas. Such is the assumption that the Glass & Glazing
Federation has created a self-assessment organisation FENSA (Fenestration
Self Assessment) through which installers would sign off their own installations
as compliant with the Building Regulations, subject to occasional checks.
Now, according to the Sash presentations that advised delegates of their
obligations under the new rules, a number of local authorities - including
councils in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Manchester - have declared that
not only will they cope with the additional work load, their inspection
fees will be substantially less than those suggested through the FENSA
scheme. It is believed that some authorities are considering a flat fee
as low as £50 + VAT per domestic installation. In some areas, there
will also be a sliding scale fee for larger companies operating in one
geographical.
By choosing the building department route, every application will be inspected,
rather than the random 1% 'spot-checks' proposed under the FENSA scheme.
The additional benefits of taking this option are that under the Building
Regulation the installer does not have to provide an insurance-backed
guarantee. It also means that once an inspection has been carried out,
the authority assumes responsibility for the project's compliance with
Building Regulations.
'The way I understand FENSA's position on this, there could be one or
two companies that end up facing a substantial compensation claim in the
event of an accident - where the building regulations have been breached
- whether it's been done accidentally or not,' explained Nick Hibberd,
PR & Marketing Manager for Sash, 'Especially with today's 'no win
- no fee' litigation services that are being advertised through various
media.'
Application to planning is very simple with a notice of an installation
to be submitted to the planning department just 48 hours before work commences
- together with the agreed fee. It has also been suggested that applications
may be made in person, by mail, by fax or even through e-mail. This can
be done by the homeowner or any person responsible for the installation,
but the most logical route will be via the installation company who will
eventually build up a relationship with a planning department. This method
provides a logical 'lifeline' for the supplier selling into the DIY market.
'The research for the four seminars included discussions with a number
of local authorities, with many seeing this as an ideal opportunity to
expand their departments to cover the additional work load. We must recognise
that Document L and other changes to the Building Regulations cover a
lot more than just windows and doors and, as a result, these departments
are going to have to expand anyway,' said Nick. 'As planning offices are
effectively 'non-profit making', all they're looking to do is to be able
to fund the extra staff needed to provided a quality service.'
From the industry's point of view, the more inspectors working in an area,
the more chance there is of the 'less scrupulous' installer being randomly
seen and checked to ensure that they are either FENSA registered or have
submitted a suitable application. Nick Hibberd believes that whilst each
local authority can set its own initial costs, once a precedent has been
set on the fees and the way the applications are to be presented, other
planning departments will adopt the same practices.
'The purpose of the seminars was to provide a complete insight into the
glazing aspect of the new Regulation - without bias,' explained Nick.
'It covered the history and the reason for its introduction - the new
content of the regulation including exemptions and future, linked building
regulations that will have further impact on the industry - our own products
and how they can conform with the regulation - as well as giving an insight
into the different types of glass and how units can be manufactured to
achieve the different U-Values. The seminar concluded on the different
methods of registering through the Planning Department, FENSA and Network
VEKA and how to sell the benefits of the changes to the homeowner,' he
added.
Over the four days, nearly 200 people attended the seminars, including
local and national installers, local authorities, housing associations
and planning office inspectors, together with all members of Sash's own
'front line' staff responsible for offering advice and support to their
customer base. Many of the visitors also took up the offer of a factory
tour to view the results of the extensive £7.5 million investment
the company has made over the last two years.
Contact: Nick Hibberd
Tel: 01226 719969
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
DOCUMENT
L: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATORIES…
by Gordon Cooke, technical manager at Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems
The publication of Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel & Power)
Approved Document L is causing huge debate in the conservatory industry,
as to whether it will, or will not, impact on conservatory construction.
The simple answer is- it depends, and until the Document is published,
no-one will know decisively. Even building control officers we have spoken
to say at the moment there is no definitive answer.
The majority of domestic conservatories, which form the core of the industry,
will remain unaffected, on the basis that any detached single storey building
with a floor area of 30m2 or less and which is wholly or partly glazed
is currently exempt from Building Regulations- as long as the glazing
satisfies Building Regulations for safety (either toughened glass, or,
the most popular solution, structured polycarbonate).
The key word is detached: if there are no patio doors or similar partitioning
the conservatory from the rest of the building, then Building Regulations-
and therefore Part L- apply.
They also apply if the building is over that 30m2- for example over a
swimming pool, or the larger conservatories used by the leisure industry.
Document L then requires a U value for the building of 2.0W/m2°K.
But this does not, in theory, cause a problem. The majority of conservatories
use structured polycarbonate glazing, with most roof systems, such as
ours, accommodating up to 25mm material as standard. A quality 25mm five
wall structured polycarbonate achieves a U value of 1.6W/m2°K, and
therefore ensures the Document L requirement is met.
Polycarbonate U-values
Format u-value W/m2ºK
16mm twin wall 2.9
16mm triple wall 2.4
16mm M wall 2.2
25mm five wall 1.6
35mm XX wall 1.4
If the conservatory or roof structure is big enough to deem compliance
with Building Regulations, 25mm structured polycarbonate, or bigger, would
be used anyway to facilitate spanning capability and roof weight load.
A further consideration in compliance is the issue of solar gain. The
draft Document includes provisions that aim to reduce excessive solar
gain by appropriate sizing and orientation of daylight openings.
Solar gain can be used constructively to achieve the U-value, but it must
be borne in mind that solar gain is a variable that cannot be completely
controlled. In such cases, one area of the building that is less well
insulated can be offset against another where the insulation is better,
so an average for the whole building is reached. In such instances, compliance
will be achieved where the average target U-value is not greater than
the target U-value.
Depending on the location of the building, careful selection of appropriate
glazing can help ensure the conservatory does not, in certain climatic
conditions, far exceed the target U-value.
It is worth bearing in mind, in the calculation for the conservatory,
that standard double glazing has a U-value of 3.0W/m2ºK.
At Aztec, we have targeted the whole issue of Document L as an area of
concern to the conservatory industry, and therefore one our experienced
technical personnel are addressing, to be able to give our fabricators
and their customers, an answer.
But to reiterate, for the largest proportion of the conservatory industry,
those under that crucial 30m2, the Document will not make any difference
to the structures we fabricate and build. We can all carry on using our
tried and tested methods and systems.
For buildings over 30m2, our technical department will work closely with
our customers and the relevant local planning authority to calculate the
most efficient way to build the conservatory AND achieve compliance.
We are developing a roof system now that accommodates larger format material-
35mm, which has a U-value of 1.4W/m2°K- and will therefore easily
ensure compliance.
For further information:
Colin Bennett
Tel: 01942 720044
Fax: 01942 720066
FMB
seriously concerned by introduction of self-certification schemes in relation
to new Building Regs
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has expressed its concern that
changes to Document L of the Building Regulations, laid on 5th March 2002,
will establish a plethora of self-certification schemes covering the installation
of combustion appliances, drainage (surface and foul) equipment, and replacement
glass and doors.
Whilst FMB supports the sustainability principles behind the changes to
Part L of the Building Regulations, which are part of the Government's
energy efficiency strategy to implement its Kyoto Protocol commitments,
FMB External Affairs Director, Andrew Large, says it cannot support the
introduction of multiple self-certification schemes across narrow sectors
of the construction industry. The multiplicity of schemes is likely be
economically damaging to firms in the industry and could render them uncompetitive
with rogue traders.
Citing poor consultation as a factor in the problem, Andrew Large said:
'We believe that the consultation process prior to the drafting of the
Statutory lnstrument (SI) was inadequate. lnstead of limiting consultation
to Building Regulations Committees and specialist associations, the consultation
should have been much wider to include the representatives of the tens
of thousands of construction firms that work in the general building trade.
As a result, the proposals do not reflect the views of the majority of
general building firms, and they do not build on existing schemes, such
as our own MasterBond and the National Register of Warranted Builders,
on which customers can already rely.'
The FMB believes that the creation of a multitude of self-certification
schemes covering small parts of building activity will lead to duplication
and extra bureaucracy. The Government is currently reviewing its Quality
Mark scheme pilots that cover all aspects of domestic repair, maintenance
and improvement (RMI) work.
Andrew Large said:
'The establishment of self-certification schemes now could prejudice Quality
Mark as the introduction of registration fees and requirements for every
application would lead to confusion. It would be better to allow the Quality
Mark review to run its course and then decide if any self-certification
is appropriate.'
The FMB believes that there are better ways to drive up standards and
improve consumer protection. These include the reduction of VAT on domestic
RMI work to 5% (which would end the price advantage enjoyed by builders
in the shadow economy) and the introduction of a statutory insurance backed
warranty scheme for RMI work.
The first year costs of joining the Self-Certification Schemes are estimated
to be thousands of pounds. For replacement windows, the alternative (application
to Local Authority Building Control) is likely to cost at least £150
per installation.
Andrew Large commented:
'There are serious doubts about the capacity of Building Control to manage
the extra applications from all of the sectors. The costs imposed are
likely to be prohibitive for general builders undertaking a small number
of installations per year. Such charges will create a real incentive to
swell the shadow economy, which is precisely the opposite of what was
intended.'
Contact: Andrew Large
Tel: 020 7242 7583
Email: mailto:andrewlarge@fmb.org.uk
Web: http://www.fmb.org.uk
Guaranteed
business under Part L
Kim Rehfeld, managing director of HomePro, looks at how insurance backed
guarantees now connect to the Building Regulations.
As has been much reported, the amendments to Part L of the Building regulations,
which come into force on April 1st, this month will fundamentally affect
everyone involved in the replacement doors and windows industry. The new
regulations seek to reduce energy loss from glazed structures.
While the Building Regulations have applied glazing in new buildings or
extensions, the new Part L provisions have extended them to encompass
all replacement doors and windows.
The number of replacement windows annually is at around 1 million to 1.2
million. It is patently obvious, therefore, that if all installations
were subject to the normal Building Control process, such departments
would conceivably be paralysed by the workload – and the financial
burdens on local authorities would be enormous.
In response to this dilemma the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), with
Government encouragement, have set up the Fenestration Self-Assessment
Scheme (FENSA). FENSA is acknowledged as an ‘approved’ inspector
and its responsibility is to ensure that the window replacement is done
properly and within the new provisions of the Building Regulations.
This self regulating scheme will mean that companies who have been accredited
by FENSA can self certify their work under the Building Regulations. Every
installer who joins FENSA will have samples of their work randomly checked
by a FENSA appointed inspector – ensuring standards are maintained.
To comply with the FENSA entry criteria, an installer must, among other
requirements;
• Adhere to principles of fair trading, using an approved contract
and having a customer complaints procedure.
• Offer Insurance-Backed Guarantees (IBGs) for their installation
work;
• Give a full commitment to comply with all statutory and Building
Regulations
• Comply with statutory health and safety and waste disposal requirements
The IBG should cover the project for any rectification or major damage
should the company cease to trade. Proprietary IBGs generally offer three
differing levels of assurance: those which cover materials, all completed
workmanship and work in progress for up to 10 years; those which offer
the same criteria as before but include deposit insurance for up to 25%
of the contract value; and the most comprehensive of all, which includes
index-linked cover to ensure future value is protected.
The basic policies cover the work carried under the guarantee, including
labour and materials. If the company ceases trading, the insurance covers
the cost of completing the project so customers are not left out of pocket.
When a project is completed, the customer, generally, completes a job
satisfaction slip – upon which the insurance certificate is issued.
The next level of cover takes care of homeowners’ deposits for up
to 25% of the project value – and because it is pre-paid by the installer
in advance, the cover is instant. This level of cover makes closing the
sales process much easier, because customers are so much happier handing
over the deposit in the knowledge that it is fully protected.
Inflation-proof comprehensive policies cover all as mentioned above –
but also protect the future value of the customer’s investment. In
a nutshell, the maximum amount a homeowner can claim increases each year
throughout the policy life.
In addition FENSA will also inform local authorities of all completed
FENSA installations and issue certificates to householders confirming
Part L compliance.
Any installation done by a firm which is not registered to self-certify,
or done as a DIY project by a householder, will need full local authority
approval under the normal Building Regulations. Local authorities will
know of all the approved installers in their area and unauthorised work
will be easily identifiable.
Because homeowners will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the
work complies with the Building Regulations, it is in their interest to
select a FENSA registered tradesperson for their job.
The FENSA scheme ensures that all replacement windows projects post April
2002 are recorded on a central database ensuring that the necessary certification
process can take place as well as means for checking the work of all FENSA
members to ensure standards do not slip. IBGs, in their turn, will increase
the sales conversion process for installation companies – not least
by facilitating their entry into FENSA, while increasing consumer confidence
in their suppliers.Contact: Kim Rehfeld
Tel: 0870 738 4858
Email: mailto:info@homepro.com
Website: http://www.homepro.com