VEKA Installation maintenance care guide VEKA Installation maintenance care guide | Page 10

6.0 Survey and Installation

6.1 General

The VEKA UK Group promotes best practice with regard to the survey and installation of windows and external doors . These instructions should be used as a guide only . For more detailed instructions , we recommend that the installer familiarises themselves and works in accordance with British Standard , BS 8213-4:2007 Windows , doors and rooflights , Code of Practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets .

NOTE . PVC-U windows and doors are not designed to be load bearing .

Check the openings for any service cables ( e . g . TV Aerial cables or telephone lines ), mark these on the survey and agree with customer on the method of handling .

Take measurement of the width , height and diagonals as shown in Fig 1 . The smallest measurement taken determines the right overall width & height sizes . The deductions shown in Table 1 ( below ) should then be made to allow for expansion and contraction of the new frames . Determine if projecting sub-cills are to be fitted and where included , ensure that a minimum projection of 25mm is provided beyond the structure . The difference between internal and external reveal sizes should be determined and checks made to ensure that the operation of any opening light will not be impeded by plaster , render , check revel or tiles etc . The survey should also determine the installation method to be used ( e . g . through the frame fixing or with fixing straps ).

Determine the exposure category of the site and ensure that the replacement windows and doors are suitable .

Ensure compliance with Building Regulations or Technical Handbook as these affect both new buildings and refurbishment of existing buildings . All replacement windows are subject to Building Control since 2002 . Members of self certification schemes such as ASSURE , FENSA and CERTASS can do this on behalf of the owner , alternatively , an application has to be made directly to Building Control . Particular attention is drawn to the requirements of Approved Documents ( AD ) L ( Conservation of Fuel and Power ), M ( Access to buildings ) and N ( safety glazing ).

Also , the fitting of replacement windows and doors should not worsen the existing provision in respect of Approved Documents F ( Ventilation ) and B ( Egress ). Photographic evidence of existing windows and doors should be considered in respect of queries raised by inspectors etc .

Ensure there are no obstructions , either internally or externally , that will prevent the proposed windows or doors from functioning correctly ( e . g . external rainwater pipes or internal taps ).

Check that the design of product falls within the following recommended maximum size range .

In the event that protected species ( e . g . bats , birds , butterflies , dormice ) or plants that could be subject to special protection are found to be present , make a written record and seek professional advice before proceeding with any works . Also ensure that the building / homeowner is informed . Do not proceed with any works that is likely to disturb the species or its habitat unless cleared to do so by a qualified professional .

Fig 1

These deductions are from the total width or height , and are not “ per side ”. * Frames over 3.0m in any direction should incorporate expansion coupling .

When surveying a bay window , make a note of the materials above the window ( e . g . brickwork , hanging tiles , tiled roof , etc .) as structural bay windows are required to have jacking poles to prevent any structural movement above the bay window ( refer to section Structural Bay Windows for details ). For all bay window installations , it is recommended that all bay window installations are load bearing unless there is evidence to prove otherwise .

6 Handling , Installation , Maintenance and Care Guide – V2 – 09 / 14