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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?
Having 'bespoke' joinery hand-made windows: If you are going to the expense of having hardwood windows purpose made in a joinery works, it is in my opinion a good idea to enquire as to the policy of the manufacturer in respect of whether heartwood (from the middle of the tree) is particularly selected for use. This part of the tree, although less well figured than wood from the outer regions, is likely to be straighter, denser, and closer grained, as the annual rings will be smaller and shrinkage will be less, resulting in a less likely tendency to split, warp or twist. Although aesthetically so very pleasing to the eye, unfortunately double glazed sealed units fitted in almost all wood windows and doors have a notoriously short life (6 or so years from new before failure is not at all uncommon). This is mainly to do with water ingress to the glass perimeter due to basic frame design inadequacies and wrong glazing techniques, together with a lack of adequate drainage. Also with close inspection I have observed that nearly all wooden windows I see have been left too long between maintenance intervals. Particularly I see gaps where water can get into the perimeter of the sealed unit, and I often see a small but noticeable gap between the glass and wood, through lack of maintenance and attention. If you have wooden windows, double glazed, I strongly suggest you 'pipe' a bead of clear silicone around outdoors, between the glass and wood, and seal any gaps in the wood joints as well. Checking and re-doing this at least every other year will prolong the life of your sealed units by possibly many years. Click the next line to read more about this subject: More about the premature failure of double glazing - specifically when fitted in wood frames The photo in this section is of a really high quality specialist joinery made hardwood window, but I do not have contact details for the actual manufacturer, sorry.
To be sure that they will last and do the best for you, your new hardwood windows should be fully drained, have 'Saracen' or similar shoot bolt security locking, 24mm or 28mm sealed units, and with the option of factory stain finishes, as staining on site will not be as good.
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