When you’re investing in new double glazing, making sure your installer is properly certified is crucial. But with certifications like FENSA and Certass out there, which one should you trust?
Choosing the right certification can save you from future headaches, protect your home’s value, and ensure the work meets legal standards. You’ll discover the key differences between FENSA and Certass, what each certification means for your installation, and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Keep reading to make an informed decision that gives you peace of mind and lasting quality.
Fensa Certification Basics
Understanding the basics of FENSA certification helps you choose the right installer. FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It is a government-authorised scheme that ensures window and door installations meet building regulations. Choosing a FENSA-certified installer gives assurance about quality and compliance.
This section explains the origins, coverage, and membership of FENSA certification. It clarifies why many homeowners trust this scheme for double glazing installations.
Origins And Purpose
FENSA was created in 2002 by the Glass and Glazing Federation. Its purpose is to simplify compliance with UK building regulations. The scheme allows installers to self-certify their work without separate inspections. It aims to protect homeowners by ensuring safe and legal installations.
Scope Of Coverage
FENSA certification covers replacement windows and external doors. It focuses mainly on the energy efficiency and safety of these products. The scheme ensures the installations meet thermal performance standards. It does not cover other home improvements beyond windows and doors.
Membership And Reach
FENSA has thousands of registered installers across the UK. It is one of the largest certification schemes in the glazing industry. Members must follow strict rules and maintain high standards. This wide membership provides homeowners with many certified choices.
Certass Certification Overview
Choosing the right certification for double glazing installers is vital. CERTASS certification is one of the main options available in the UK. It ensures that installers meet strict building standards. This section explains what CERTASS certification involves and why it matters.
Background And Growth
CERTASS started in 1999 as a certification scheme. It was created to check compliance with building regulations. Over the years, it has grown steadily. More installers choose CERTASS as their certification body. Its growth reflects trust and recognition in the industry.
Range Of Services
CERTASS covers many types of building work. This includes windows, doors, and conservatories. It also certifies other home improvements like loft conversions and extensions. This broad range helps homeowners get one certification for many projects. CERTASS also offers inspections and technical advice.
Approvals And Accreditations
CERTASS is approved by UKAS, the national accreditation body. It is also a member of TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme. These approvals show that CERTASS meets high standards. They give homeowners confidence in the quality of certified work. CERTASS regularly audits its members to keep standards high.
Comparing Coverage Areas
Understanding the coverage areas of FENSA and Certass helps in choosing the right certification. Both certifications prove compliance with building regulations. Yet, they differ in what they cover and how they inspect. Knowing these differences can guide you to a better decision.
Windows And Doors Focus
FENSA mainly covers windows and doors installations. It ensures these fit well and meet safety rules. The scheme is specific to double glazing and related products. If your project involves only windows or doors, FENSA is a solid choice.
Broader Building Improvements
Certass certification covers more than just windows and doors. It includes various building improvements related to energy efficiency and safety. This makes Certass flexible for larger projects beyond glazing. It suits homeowners planning multiple upgrades under one certification.
Inspection Processes
FENSA relies mostly on self-certification by installers. It requires them to follow strict rules and keep records. Certass offers inspections by approved surveyors on some projects. These inspections add an extra layer of assurance. Certass’s approach may catch issues earlier than FENSA’s.
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Cost And Membership Differences
Choosing between FENSA and Certass certification affects your budget and installer options. Understanding cost and membership differences helps pick the right installer for your double glazing needs. Both schemes ensure compliance but vary in fees, support, and market reach.
Fee Structures
FENSA charges higher fees for installers joining and renewing membership. Certass offers lower fees, making it a cost-effective choice for many installers. The difference in fee structures may influence the price you pay for installation. Lower fees for Certass installers can lead to more competitive quotes.
Installer Support
Certass provides strong support and guidance to its members. This includes training and easy access to technical help. FENSA also offers support but is often seen as less flexible. Installers choosing Certass benefit from more direct communication and assistance.
Market Presence
FENSA has been in the market longer with a larger membership base. Many homeowners recognize FENSA as a trusted brand for double glazing. Certass is growing fast and gaining approval from TrustMark and Green Deal schemes. Certass’s expanding presence offers more certified installers across the UK.
Benefits For Homeowners
Choosing the right certification for your double glazing installer brings many benefits. Both FENSA and Certass provide important guarantees that protect homeowners. These certifications ensure installations meet building regulations. This section explains key benefits for homeowners from each scheme. It highlights compliance, flexibility, and added advantages related to TrustMark and the Green Deal.
Compliance And Peace Of Mind
FENSA and Certass certify that your installation follows legal standards. This compliance protects your home and investment. You avoid costly fines or issues when selling your property. Both certificates prove your windows or doors meet safety and energy rules. Knowing your installer is certified gives confidence in the quality of work. It also simplifies approval from local councils if needed.
Flexibility In Services
Certass offers a wider range of services than FENSA. It covers not only windows and doors but other building improvements too. This flexibility suits homeowners planning multiple upgrades at once. Certass allows one installer to certify different types of work. FENSA focuses mainly on window and door installations. Homeowners benefit from easier project management with Certass.
Trustmark And Green Deal Advantages
Certass is registered with TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme. This status adds extra trustworthiness to installers. Homeowners can access government-backed consumer protection through TrustMark. Certass also supports the Green Deal, offering energy-saving finance options. This helps reduce upfront costs for new double glazing. FENSA does not provide these additional financial benefits directly.
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Risks Of Non-certified Installers
Choosing a double glazing installer without proper certification can lead to many problems. Non-certified installers may not follow building regulations. This can cause safety issues and poor-quality work. Homeowners might face serious risks that affect their property and finances. Understanding these risks helps you make a safer choice.
Legal Implications
Using a non-certified installer can break local building laws. You might have to pay fines or correct faulty work. Without certification, your windows may not meet safety standards. This can cause problems if you sell your home. Certified installers provide proof of compliance with regulations.
Impact On Property Value
Non-certified work can reduce your home’s market value. Buyers often look for certification as proof of quality. Lack of certification may raise doubts about the installation. This can delay or lower offers on your property. Certified installations add trust and increase home value.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance companies may refuse claims linked to uncertified work. Damage caused by faulty installations might not be covered. This leaves you responsible for repair costs. Certified installers meet industry standards, helping protect your insurance. Always check certification to avoid insurance issues.
Choosing The Right Certification
Choosing the right certification for your double glazing installer is key to a smooth and safe project. Certifications prove the installer meets legal and quality standards. This protects your investment and ensures your windows or doors are installed correctly. Not all certifications offer the same benefits. Understanding the differences helps you pick the best option for your needs.
Assessing Installer Credentials
Check if the installer is registered with a recognized certification body. FENSA and Certass are two well-known schemes. Both require installers to follow strict building regulations. Ask to see proof of registration before hiring. Credentials show the installer has passed quality checks and is trustworthy. Avoid installers without proper certification to reduce risks.
Matching Certification To Project Needs
Consider the scope of your project when choosing certification. FENSA mainly covers windows and doors installations. Certass covers a wider range of building improvements. Certass also includes energy efficiency and safety standards. If your project is simple, FENSA may be enough. For bigger jobs, Certass might offer better coverage. Match the certification to what your project requires for best results.
Long-term Support And Warranty
Good certification schemes offer long-term support after installation. They usually provide warranties that protect against faults. FENSA and Certass both ensure installers offer warranties. Certass is known for added installer support and easier claim processes. Check the warranty terms before hiring. A strong warranty gives peace of mind for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better, Fensa Or Certass?
FENSA is older with more members, focusing on windows and doors. Certass offers broader coverage, flexibility, lower costs, and TrustMark approval. Both ensure compliance and quality, so choose based on your specific needs and budget.
What Certificate Do You Need For Double Glazing?
You need a FENSA or CERTASS certificate for double glazing. Both prove compliance with UK building regulations. Choose based on installer accreditation.
Does Certass Cover Double Glazing?
Certass covers double glazing installations, ensuring compliance with UK building regulations. It offers certification and inspection services for double glazed windows.
What If My Window Installer Is Not Fensa Registered?
If your window installer is not FENSA registered, you may face difficulties proving Building Regulation compliance. This can affect your property’s legal status and resale value. Always request a certificate from a certified body like Certass or FENSA for assurance and legal compliance.
Conclusion
Choosing between FENSA and Certass depends on your needs. Both ensure quality and legal compliance for double glazing. FENSA has a longer history and more members. Certass offers broader coverage and added installer support. Consider costs, flexibility, and the type of work needed.
Always verify the installer’s certification before hiring. This helps protect your investment and home. Your choice should match your project requirements and peace of mind.