Don't
just sit on the FENSA !
TradeMark
Windows has accused other double glazing companies of missing a golden
opportunity to rid the industry of its bad name.
It follows the introduction of a government ruling that the installation of all replacement windows and doors must comply with new building regulations.
TradeMark has set up a unique service guaranteeing customers a survey by an independent government inspector of all the windows and door installations it carries out. This means ALL householders get a certificate guaranteeing compliance with ALL the new regulations .. giving complete peace of mind.
A lot of the industry is relying on what it calls FENSA - fenestration self-assessment - where only one in 100 installations is inspected and then only to check that the work complies with parts of the new regulations. Householders are left with no way of knowing if their installation is safe and within the law.
"The double glazing industry says it can self-assess but we don't believe cowboys can suddenly become Indians!" says TradeMark's managing director, Mark Ashwell.
"FENSA is like saying a car is safe when it's never had an MoT. A lot of the industry is sitting on the fence (FENSA?) and certainly not protecting the consumer. It doesn't give the householder any peace of mind. "Here is an opportunity for the industry to be recognised for fair play and working within regulation standards. But it is taking the path of least resistance. It might reflect the best interests of its members but doesn't reflect the best interest of the householder."
That is why TradeMark - which has already made a name for itself by saying No to Cold Calling and Global Warming - is asking householders to say No to Self-Assessment too.
TradeMark hopes public pressure will force the industry to adopt measures similar to its own because, in addition to the use of energy efficient glass, the new regulations provide safeguards to ensure structural stability, escape from fire and ventilation which is crucial if the room contains a heating appliance.
"Apart from any dangers associated with below-par work, if a property is not assessed and certified with the correct documentation and the owner later wants to extend the property or move, the local authority building inspector could visit and insist the previous work is made good," Mark said.