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