Haus Advice

Replacing all your windows at once will mean a consistent aesthetic, improved energy efficiency, the convenience of only one period of disruption and also the potential savings to be had through a bulk order rather than multiple smaller projects.

However, for those with a more constrained budget, spreading the replacement of windows over a period of time makes the expense more manageable and also provides the flexibility to address window replacement as part of other home improvement projects.

The great debate about which brand is the best uPVC profile continues across the industry. However, although a high-quality profile is important, a good-quality window also comes down to the quality of the products of the manufacturer that will put the profile together.

Our preferences with profiles at Haus Installations are Veka and Linear. Both are excellent multi-chambered systems that look great and are long lasting. A combination of top spec components, high-grade glazing and quality installation ensures these products are the most energy-efficient uPVC windows on the market.

In short, yes, your windows do now have to have trickle vents. Previously, if your existing windows did not have trickle vents, then their replacements would only have to meet the same standard as a minimum. Most older houses did not have trickle vents due to air bricks being installed.

It was only new builds that required trickle vents. However, since June 2022, any windows installed will now need to have trickle vents to meet building regulations as standard. Trickle vents help with ventilation in your home and prevent condensation and mould or damp problems. Alternative options to trickle vents are available, which can be ideal in conservation areas.

It is easy to get them mixed up! Building regulations are installation guidelines for any building products to ensure that they have been installed correctly, safely and meet current standards. We can offer building regulation certification on most of our products through self-certification.

In theory, yes you can. However, it is not always straightforward. You will need approval from the relevant authority, and your new windows will likely have to imitate your current windows. There are some fantastic products on the market which include various woodgrains and flush casement options which can look remarkably like wooden windows. Ultimately, obtaining approval is the responsibility of the homeowner, but if you do need any help or advice, contact our team who will be happy to help.

Yes! You must get a building regulations certification to ensure your windows meet current building regulations standards. At Haus Installations Ltd, we are qualified to self-certify our work through CERTASS.

FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) is essentially building regulations for your windows. You do need a building regulations certificate for your job, but FENSA is only one provider of this. It was heavily marketed in the 80s and 90s as the go-to for uPVC certification, but our preference is to use CERTASS. FENSA and CERTASS are very similar companies in what they offer, but we find CERTASS offers excellent support and guidance for both suppliers and our customers.

CERTASS is essentially a certificate to show that our work meets building regulations standards. You may have heard of FENSA which was marketed quite heavily in the 80s and 90s as the go-to certification for window installations. CERTASS is a similar certification body and is widely used across the industry as a gold standard of approval for quality materials and installation.

Certification is essential for any window installation. It guarantees you have had a high standard of installation and that it meets building regulations. Also, if you later sell your property, the solicitor may ask for a copy of your certificate as proof of a good installation. This can be a costly experience down the line if the appropriate certificates can’t be produced.