French doors

[Hpd]

Hi im renovating a house and theres a window (i measured 176cm wide from wall to wall) that i would like to replace with french doors. Ive got a couple of queries:

1) Ive had a google around and it seems that 1790mm is a standard width, so would i need to widen the gap to allow for doors? or get a much narrower set?

2) Do i remove the window, cut out the remaining wall, then buy the doors (im looking for second hand PVC ones) then call in a FENSA registered firm to fit them?

3) How do i make sure the doors i buy will meet the FENSA regs? or do these regs just relate to the way that double glazed doors are actually fitted?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[God]

Fensa could not care how they are fitted, just care that the right glass has been fitted. and good luck finding a fensa company that will fit a second hand door

 

[noseall]

3) How do i make sure the doors i buy will meet the FENSA regs? or do these regs just relate to the way that double glazed doors are actually fitted?

You could have a set of doors fitted like a dogs dinner yet still meet reg's. Similarly, you could buy what you think is a premium set and won't meet the reg's.

As stated, it is important that the glass is toughened and has a mark in the corner to verify that the glass is toughened.

The doors also need to meet a certain u value and the glass should be energy efficient.

It also makes sense to incorporate trickle vents into the head.

If the second hand set meets these requirements and that you have some kind of verification to back it up then fill ya boots. Otherwise use a reputable local company to supply and fit.

 

[Hpd]

i was under the impression that not only did the glass need to be to a certain spec (toughened and certain U-value) but it needed fitting so as not to be draughty etc... well thanks for clearing that up.

The house has had some windows fitted in 2008 but have no fensa certificate, can i get one somehow for when i sell the house on?

 

[God]

either get the company who fitted them to issue one or you will have to go to local building control

 

[noseall]

i was under the impression that not only did the glass need to be to a certain spec (toughened and certain U-value) but it needed fitting so as not to be draughty etc...

Only when complying to robust detail certificate.

 

[Hpd]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll remove the window and drop the wall ready for the doors then get a company to supply and fit them. That way I'll get the fensa cert that I need. As for the other windows I guess I'll have to just pay for a building inspector to check them all out.