Get all the information before choosing an installer.
Home improvements are an exciting way to personalise and add value to your house, but as with any work that can affect structural integrity, it’s essential to research and find a reputable company. Choosing an installer who can fit your double glazing, doors, or conservatory safely and to the highest standard means looking for an accredited certification scheme. While high-quality manufacturing is important, if your product is installed incorrectly or carelessly, you may end up with your security compromised and an unsafe living space, and it could cost you more to rectify it.
A double-glazing firm accredited by one of these schemes means your installer is qualified to sign off on completed work with the local authority. This is quicker and cheaper than doing it separately through a building control officer. If your replacement windows and doors are not certified with proof that the work is compliant, you may face problems selling your house, so it’s crucial to have it.
So, who are the UK’s regulatory bodies, and what’s the difference between them?
CERTASS and FENSA are the two largest accreditation bodies out of the six Competent Person Schemes in the UK. Established to protect consumers and ensure compliance with building regulations, both schemes are UKAS-approved and cover all aspects of replacement double-glazing-related trade.
What’s the difference?
FENSA
- Established in 2002.
- They cover double-glazing replacements on windows and doors.
- Post-work inspection only. Inspections are carried out on 1% of a business’s installations with a minimum of 2 a year.
CERTASS
- Established in 2006.
- Cover insulation, roof lights and lanterns, windows, doors, conservatories and some electrical work. They are the ideal choice if you have multiple renovations.
- Member of the Green Homes Grant Approved Certification body with a Trustmark status.
- Covers residential and commercial properties.
- Regular inspections pre-, mid and post-installation.
How Do I Choose A Reputable Installer? Product quality, health and safety and a high standard of workmanship are essential in this industry, and there’s no room for compromise. On paper, your certifications should ensure:
- All work is safe and compliant with building regulations.
- Performance and quality are assured by using energy-efficient materials.
- Completed work is signed off and registered with the local authority.
But are all installers created equal? We don’t think so! We’ve been members of CERTASS for 22 years, since the very beginning. We have always felt they go the extra mile to understand our business and care about our reputation. Are there cheaper certifications? Yes, but at Thermaglaze, we have no qualms about paying a little more for the standard of service we receive. A CERTASS-certified installer is:
- Frequently assessed and inspected on-site. This includes thorough checks of all paperwork to ensure it meets current guidelines and is up to date with best practices, safety and current building regulations.
- Given access to a wide range of industry experts to help with technical information or changes to current regulations.
- Qualified to self-certify once the work is complete.
As a customer, you also get the peace of mind that your replacement has been done to the highest standard. After work is complete, your CERTASS installer will provide you with a written guarantee and an insurance-backed guarantee in the event they stop trading.
Does it cost me more as a customer? Not at all. We cover the high cost of CERTASS membership because we are 100 % confident in our installers and have no qualms about inspectors turning up randomly to audit us. Their certification process aligns with our company ethos, and we won’t risk our customers falling prey to unethical builders. This means no compromise to your home security, the highest-rated energy-saving materials, and much less chance of anything needing to be repaired or replaced for many years. It’s an excellent example of why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best.
At Thermaglaze, we are proud to be certified by CERTASS. We’ve spent the last 30 years working alongside trusted installers and manufacturers, and we only work with other companies whose values match ours. If you want superior-quality, beautiful doors, windows, or a conservatory, why not chat with our friendly team and get a free, no-obligation quote? Contact us here.
The Thermaglaze Difference
We pride ourselves on providing outstanding service and top-quality products.
Our friendly, no-pressure sales team is always ready to assist you in browsing our showroom, discussing your requirements, and providing a free, no-obligation quote.
So, consider upgrading your home with sleek, energy-efficient, and secure SlimJim windows – slim uPVC windows exclusively available from Thermaglaze.
Contact us today for a free no-pressure quote or visit our showroom and discover how SlimJim windows can transform your property.