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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Window in Single Skin Wall https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1140614385 Message started by Gammy_leg on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 1:19pm

Title: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by Gammy_leg on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 1:19pm

Chaps

Is it feasable to install a double glazed UPVC window into a single skin brick wall ( the back of my garage )? Would it meet the approval of the BCO if fitted correctly.
There is no window installed at present

Thanks

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by WOLF on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 2:50pm

is the idea behind a DG unit in a garage one of Aesthetics (to match remaining house units!!), or to help insulate the garage!!

if it is for aesthetics only, then there is no problems, it just like installing a single skin, in that form a window is a window!!

however if for insulation values then, yes it is still ok to do so!, but, it will have little effect thermally due to single skin BkWk , and all the gaps around the garage doors!!

just one other item, why if you are just replacing a window, like for like size i take it, would you need to contact the BCO... ???

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by Gammy_leg on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 3:01pm

Wolf.

I want to install a window because there isn't one there at present. Just looking for a bit of natural light to compliment the flourescent strip.
I've got a workbench at that end of the garage which would benefit 'cos my eyesight aint what it used to be.

The window would not overlook anything other than my garden so there shouldn't be any PP issues either.

I thought that the UPVC DG option would be best so as to get better seal as regards draughts etc although I'd go the wood route if it meant less hassle.

Gammy

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by jasonB on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 5:54pm

Wolf, though the BCO needed to have his say for the replacement of windows if not being installed by a FENSA member.

An off the shelf DG window would be cheaper than getting a special with single glazing.

Jason

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by woodsmith on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 6:33pm

If the garage is not an habitable room then a window does not need to conform to building regs and you don't need to inform the BCO.

One option is phone round a few window companies they sometimes make windows the wrong size and are then stuck with them and would sell it off cheap.

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by WOLF on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 9:31pm

Now there was me thinking that FENSA etc, is all about the actual spec for the windows them self!! not the actual fitting!! a D/G window has to be at a certain spec level to be allowed to be fitted these days to comply with Part L,

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by cheltonian on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 9:42pm

FENSA is a self-certification scheme which enables trade companies to certify their work without directly involving Building Control.

New windows and doors do not just have to comply with doc L but also to means of escape, ventilation, glazing in critical areas etc.

Replacing a window in your garage will not come under buidling regs. Virtually all upvc replacement windows are designed to take double glazed units, so fitting one with a single pane is more unlikely.

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by WOLF on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 9:48pm

Well thanks for that tid bit of info Cheltonian, and welcome to our humble forum!!!
the reason i posted that statement was becausee the Heritage trusts i manufacture the odd window for; gave ME a few pages of spec from Fensa , so that any timber framed window with D/G units in comply to the regs they've highlighted for me!! strange, me thinks i will have to ask them about this!!!

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by woodsmith on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 10:50pm

Another aspect is listed buildings, they don't need to comply with building regs with regard to replacement windows.

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by WOLF on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 11:10pm

Yep!! i know the graded buildings don't , but for about the last 9-10 months the heritage people have been doing a revamp on some of their offices, and don't like using Plastic/metal windows, so keep opting for timber replacements with D/G units in them!!! Bloody pain they are too! all silly sized panes, fancy catches(usually the cast iron ones!-in BLACK!!) and of course i have to keep doing the windows, as i like the challenge of the Newels, spindles and other ancient timber items i have to duplicate for their listed/grades stock!!!! "swings and roundabouts" i suppose...Ho hum!!!

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by CWatters on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 6:00pm

I doubt that fitting a window alone to an existing garage would be enough for it to be considered a habitable room. But don't plaster board it as well...

I was reading a case recently where someone divided up a large tandem garage into a store room and a smaller garage. The store room was plastered but there was no heating etc

The BCO decided that because it had been plastered it was a habitable room that needed Building Control Approval! This despite the fact that a something like a "utility room" does not need Building Control Approval.

Title: Re: Window in Single Skin Wall
Post by Gammy_leg on Feb 25^th, 2006, 10:54pm

CW

Ultimately that's what I plan to do, but I'm looking into ways to make it demountable, so that if the BC turn up I can change it back without too much trouble. I kinda work in the trade ( Civil Eng ) so have access to shed loads of 'gash' timber, marine ply, electrics and stuff, all of which can help to keep the cost down
My only concern, however, is that should anything ever go wrong in there - fire, flood DEATH - then I'm sure the house insurance would be invalid.

Gammy