Doors & Windows
Take a look at the Planning Portals Website to help you in understanding where and when you are required to apply for planning permission. if you are only carrying out repairs or maintenance to your windows and doors then you do not need any permission.
When installing New Windows and Doors if you keep the overall appearance similar then you will not require planning permission. There are certain criteria for windows on upper floor side elevations this includes having obscure glass installed and also either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works - internal or external.
Also, if you are a leaseholder, you may first need to get permission from your landlord or management company.
Building Regulations
Since 1 April 2002 building regulations have applied to all replacement glazing. The regulations apply to thermal performance and other areas such as safety, air supply, means of escape and ventilation.
Heat Loss
Homes are now required to be energy efficient. Installation of new Upvc windows and doors can greatly reduce the loss of heat from your home.Having Energy Efficient Glass units installed can also help.To comply with Building regulations the amount of heat that can pass through the glass and framework is measured as a U-Value. U-Values should not be exceeded.
Please visit the Planning Portal for more information regarding Building Regulations.
As well as Energy Efficient Glazing you are also required as part of the Building Control to install Safety Glass.
Safety glass is required in areas deemed Critical.
Below is a list giving general view as to when safety glazing is required:
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Any glazed area within a window below 800 mm from floor level
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Any glazed area within a window that is 300 mm or less from a door and up to 1500 mm from floor level
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Within any glazed door up to 1500 mm from floor level.
Ventilation
Windows and doors provide ventilation to rooms within a home and rules apply to how much ventilation. We normally recommend having trickle vents installed into your upvc windows to allow sufficient air to flow into the room. If more air flow is required you could then have a mechanical fan installed into either the wall or Glass. This would normally be installed in rooms with a lot of steam and moisture (Kitchens,Bathrooms)
Fire Safety
At Robinson & Foster Glass we consider your safety and stick by strict guidelines regarding safety glass and means of escapes.
When we replace your Old windows for new there are a number of factors to consider regarding fire escapes.
See below for the general criteria for egress windows:
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Width and Height - Either of these are not to be any less than 450 mm
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Clear Openable Area - No less than 0.33m²
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Cill height - The bottom of the openable area should be no more than 1100 mm above the floor area.
Only one window per room is generally required.
We would recommend having as many Fire escape windows as possible for peace of mind and Safety.
All our frames come with Easy Clean/Fire escape hinges. When the window is opened to 90 Degree you glass can then be wiped clean from both sides. If Fire escape function is required then the upvc hinges can slide further to allow access out of the building.