FENSA. What is it & why does it matter?
Choosing the right company to work on your home can be a big decision when it comes to home improvements. Trust and quality really do matter. That’s where FENSA comes in; making sure your new windows and doors are installed safely, correctly, and in accordance with building regulations.
What is FENSA?
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It was launched on
1 April 2002 as a government-authorised body to make sure window and door installers meet the correct building standards.
What’s important to know is that FENSA isn’t a requirement – it’s an elective scheme. Companies choose to be registered because they want to hold themselves to higher standards. That choice says a lot about their values, their professionalism, and their commitment to doing things properly. It also takes the stress and hassle away from the customer, as all the compliance and certification is dealt with on your behalf, giving you peace of mind
Alexander Windows is proud to be one of FENSA’s founding members – a reflection of our long-standing commitment to quality & compliance.
What Do the FENSA Regulations Cover?
FENSA applies to the replacement of specific products in residential properties. These include:
- External windows
- External doors (specifically those with more than 50% glass)
- Roof windows
- Roof lights
FENSA ensures that all replacements meet the relevant building regulations, covering energy efficiency, ventilation, safety glazing, and proper installation methods. However, some types of installation don’t fall under FENSA’s remit. These include:
- Conservatories
- Porches or unheated existing porches
- Detached Garages
- New builds
- External doors with less than 50% glass
- Extensions
- Repairs (no frame included)
- Commercial properties
Why FENSA Matters to Homeowners
FENSA certification means your installation meets all the proper building regulations. Once your work is complete, you’ll receive a FENSA certificate – an important legal document when selling your home.
It also protects you from non-compliant or poor-quality installations. In short, it’s your assurance that your windows and doors have been fitted safely and correctly.
Alexander Windows and FENSA
We’ve been proudly registered with FENSA since its foundation in 2002. This long partnership shows our dedication to doing things correctly. Every installation we complete is carried out to exacting standards and when necessary, recorded for your FENSA certificate.
What It Means for Our Customers
When you choose Alexander Windows, your installation is backed by an independent scheme that guarantees all work meets strict safety and performance standards. But that’s not all, every FENSA registered installation is also protected by our HomePro Insurance-Backed Guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind long after the work is finished.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a FENSA-approved installer like Alexander Windows is about trust, safety, and long-term peace of mind. From your first consultation to your final fitting, you can be sure everything meets the very best standards.
FENSA Certification FAQs
Do I need a FENSA certificate if I have new windows fitted in an extension?
No – FENSA only applies to replacement windows and doors in existing properties. New extensions or new builds are checked separately through your local authority’s Building Control department or a private inspector.
How do I get a copy of my FENSA certificate?
If you’ve lost your certificate, you can request a replacement directly from the FENSA website. It’s a quick process and costs a small administration fee.
Does every door installation need to be registered with FENSA?
No. Only external doors with more than 50% glazing must be registered.
How do I register my replacement windows or doors? Is this done by the installer or me?
You don’t need to do anything yourself. The installation company handles the registration process directly with FENSA. You’ll receive your FENSA certificate by post, a few weeks after your job has been installed.
Is FENSA the same as Building Control approval?
No. FENSA is an approved scheme for window and door replacements, while Building Control covers new construction work such as extensions, porches or conservatories.
Alexander Windows is a family-run company specialising in double-glazed windows, composite doors and conservatories across Stockport, Manchester and Cheshire.
From our showroom in Hazel Grove, we serve customers within a 30-mile radius – including Cheadle, Urmston, Didsbury, Hale, Macclesfield and Knutsford. Since 2002, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the North West stay compliant with FENSA regulations while transforming their homes with quality, care and craftsmanship.
Explore our Recent Transformations and see the quality of our work for yourself.