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FAQ: The abbreviation FENSA stands for FENESTRATION - SELF ASSESSMENT. The uk dictionary definition of the word fenestral or fenestrate is " belonging to or like a window" The word fenestration is "the arrangement of windows in a building". FENSA is used by double glazing uk trade companies to certify that their replacement windows and doors installed comply with Building Regulations Document L (and more), actually checking av. 1% of all replacement windows installations. Did You Know?
I will be as brief as I can, and try not to bore you: There are great many very good window and door systems, and the fabricator (actual manufacturer) can usually make a window up in one of two ways. For inherent strength, how do you tell the best from the worst - well I couldn't name names could I, but there is one major difference which applies to virtually all makes, and it is easy for the layman to spot. All PVC-U windows and doors have the outer frame welded at the corners, whereas the Transoms (horizontal bars) and the Mullions (vertical bars) can be either 'mechanically jointed' (screwed together), or 'fully welded'.
Note: It costs the manufacturer a lot more money in labour to make 'fully welded' frames, and also pretty expensive additional machinery also has to be used, that is why some manufacturers shy away from making fully welded. I myself believe that fully welded frames are far superior to 'mechanical' screwed together frame joints. Reinforcement in PVC-U frames: PVC-U window and door frames should not bear weight, and they are usually reinforced by the fabricator in the right places, and as specified by the extruder, or systems supplier. Normally the fabricator will be advised by the computer program used, on what to reinforce, and the criteria is relative to the size and style of window, and with what openers it has. Note: All frames used for conservatories should always be fully reinforced. Either aluminium or galvanised steel profiles are slipped into normally the largest of the hollow chambers, but the metal itself does not go right to the corners, and is not even closely butted, let alone actually welded.
The best place you could go to next is: My personal 'must have' checklist for buying new windows. ALSO my scam exam test tells you far more about any individual estimate than my buyer beware pages ever can because I have had to generalise very much on my website. Once you have put your estimate through the free test and had your results, you can then get an individual full five page written report for a modest cost, and this should complete ALL the information you will need to be really clued-in before you make any really important decisions. Do my free scam exam estimate quality test.
Links to other pages on PVC-U: |
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