What are the building regulations for putting a new window into a house?

Question

In the UK is there a min and max size window depending on the size of the room. I.e the window has to be 1/12th of the floor area? If so is there a building regulations that i can read?

Answer 1

Building regs vary from locality to locality, but generally the criterias are roughly to do with:

- the structural performance of the wall through which the new opening is to be made
- fire performance of the new glazed opening if it's close to your property's boundary to the neighbouring property
- where the window is to be on the first floor of the property, certain properties may require the window to be used as a means of escape in the event of fire
- insulative properties of the glazing and the frame to be used
- the detailing around the window opening to prevent water ingress
- the overall opening in relation to the size of the room
- the overall passive ventilation allowance that will be accommodated for in the new window
- if the bottom edge of an opening window is less than 1100mm from the adjacent floor level, suitable safety barriers are to be installed to prevent persons falling through the opening
- the location of the new window in relation to existing circulation areas (miscellaneous hazards with outward opening window below 2m where there may be circulation outside)
- in Scotland, whether such window can be safely cleaned from the inside of the property

Check with your local building regs. In Scotland, you can download the latest building standards from http://www.sbsa.gov.uk . Take particular note of Sections 2.6, 2.9.4, 2.9.30, 3.14, 3.16, 4.4, 4.8, 6.2 and 6.A.

Other criterias may be placed on you via the planning permission conditions and where applicable, English Heritage/Historic Scotland/etc. requirements.

Answer 2

A window cannot face across any adjoining property without being frosted glass. IE. semi on the left hand side can onluy have frosted windows on the L/H elevation wall.
There used to be a regulation on the size, however that has altered since i last got involved in this.

The window of course must have a suitable lintel and MUST have the brickwork above acro proped between installation.
The lintel must be of a minimum of 3'' x 2'' and be of a metal or concrete structure... timber lintels are illegal.

thats about it really...

Answer 3

I assume that you are in England. If you are, then the building regulation that you need is part L of the building regulations 2000, amended 6 April 2006. If you are Scots, then there must be something similar. You can find it in the planning website. Its a bit of a fiddle to find it but its on www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314231792.html
Enjoy!!!!

Answer 4

Found this link regarding explanation of building regulations:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1131116

There are regulations governing the size and location of windows. Also, if you are installing a new window in a property, it may require planning permission. It is a seriously good idea to check.

Answer 5

As I understand it, you only need fire door's if you will be renting out the property, in fact all the info you have given points to letting regulations, as for glass roof loosing heat, what the hell has that got to do with anything, who is paying the bills, get a second op, this does not sound right to me.

Answer 6

that is a tough one! and you should definitely ask your local council or city hall! first of all you have to make sure how big your window can be! if the window is built wrongly it may damage the infrastructure of the house which makes it a hazard. secondly some town have regulations with respect to the estetic appearance make sure you understand how the authorities want you to make the finisage of your window!
in other words ask the city hall or the local council!

Answer 7

I'm glad I live in the US. I have a bedroom that is the whole top of a three car garage.

I'd have to have a window that would be 8 foot x 8 foot

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Unless you are disturbing the peace by hammering, and it is your house, I would not think that your County would have any regulations. Only if you were doing electrical,plumbing or major additions would you need to pull a permit.

Answer 10

The only rules are that if its a conservation area you have to stick to the old style wood sash windows or if its A listed you cant do anything but if B listed you can change the back windows only (I sell double glazing)