A guide to industry accreditations
What is a B.S. Kitemark?
The Kitemark is internationally recognised symbol that signifies that the product
carrying it meets the relevant standards of quality and safety.
Who sets the kitemark standards?
British Standards does, the oldest and possibly most prestigious
standards body in the world.
What is FENSA?
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It has been set at the request of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in response to the current Building Regulations for England and Wales.
All replacement glazing in homes now comes within the scope of the Building Regulations. This would have meant that anyone who installs replacement windows or doors would require approval certificate of compliance from their local council building control dept.
To save undue burden on the councils, FENSA approved suppliers are able to self certify compliance and issue a certificate upon installation of a job.
What is a U-Value?
U-values are a rating of energy efficiency, and they are used to rate and compare windows. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the window.
Your new windows must reach a prescribed U-Value to comply with current building regulations and be certified.
Ensure your suppliers quoted U-Values are for the complete window (glass and frame) and not simply the passed on certified value of the "brought in" double glazed units purchased by many joinery shops.
What should I look out for on a Box Sash Window?
Make sure the windows display a B.S. Kitemark.
Ensure your supplier is a FENSA registered company.
Ensure your windows are certified and you receive your certificate upon completion.
What is Total Quality Management and does it matter?
Companies that meet defined standards in all aspects of their operations are
awarded ISO 9002 status. These companies are regularly assessed to ensure that
standards are also maintained.
The BSI Registered Firm mark - which is shown to the right - is your guarantee of
receiving quality standards in all aspects of your supplier's products and work.
