Windows and doors

Windows

Traditional windows are usually single glazed without draught proofing and by today's standards offer a poor standard of energy efficiency. In many instances when frames are worn out and need replacing cost effective energy efficiency improvements can be made. Even where windows form an essential feature of the building such as in an historic building or a building in a conservation area, improvements in the thermal performance of the installed windows can be made by the use of secondary glazing. In the later case advice should be sort from the Local Conservation Officer before any changes are made to the building.

Replacement of a window is a controlled item under the Building Regulations, Part L and the new windows (or roof lights) must be installed to meet the standards recommended in the Approved Documents to the Building Regulations. To help ensure that the replacement windows are in accordance with the Regulation requirements, the work should be carried out by an installer registered with the FENSA scheme. The installer will then ensure that appropriate windows are installed and a notice given to the Building Control Department of the work carried out. Where existing frames are replaced windows using double or triple glazing systems with low emissivity coatings and gas fillings to further reduce heat losses will all improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling.

External Doors

Solid timber doors offer a poor standard of thermal insulation and can be replaced with insulated doors that offer better standards of thermal insulation. The same considerations apply to doors as for windows when replacing the complete door and frame. Glazing units in doors can be made to the same standards as windows.

Further Information

• CE83 - Energy efficient refurbishment of existing housing (pdf)
• CE97 - Advanced insulation in housing refurbishment (pdf)
• GPG171 - Domestic Energy Efficiency Primer (pdf)