Frequently asked questions
If you're thinking of purchasing double glazing, it is always useful to know something about the product. We have included here some FAQs on double glazing, together with some unbiased answers to help you make your decisions.
You'll find more information in our 'how to' guides and Double-glazing Buyers' Guide & Tips section too.
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Have any specific question?
Contact Falcon Windows now
Problems with outside condensation on your windows in the cold winter months?
Double-glazing - Quality of Vision
Want to find out more?
Contact Falcon Windows now
Standards & Regulations
Relevant British & European Standards
- BS 5588: Part 1:1990 - Fire precaution in the design, construction and use of buildings
- BS 6206: 1981 - Impact performance requirements for flat safety glass and safety plastics for use in buildings
- BS 6262: 1982 - Glazing for buildings
- BS 6375 - Performance of windows Part 1. Classification for weather tightness Part 2. Specification for operation and strength characteristics
- BS 6399: Part 2:1997 - Loading for buildings Part 2. Code of practice for wind loads
- BS 7412: 1991 - Plastics windows made from PVC-U extruded hollow profiles
- BS EN 12608: 2003 - Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods
- BS 7950: 1997 - Specification for enhanced security performance of casement and tilt/turn windows for domestic applications
- BS 8213 - Windows, doors and roof lights
- Part 1 (1991). Code of practice for safety in use and during cleaning of windows and doors (including guidance on cleaning materials and methods)
- Part 4 (1990). Code of practice for the installation of replacement windows and door sets in dwellings
- BS EN ISO 10077-1:2000 - Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters - Calculation of thermal transmittance
- Part 1. Simplified method
- All the above BSI documents can be ordered from 'BSI Customer Services Department on 020 8996 9001'
BPF Windows Group Publications
- 323/1 COP for the reinforcement of high impact modified PVC-U windows and doors
- 351/1 Guidelines for the use of PVC-U windows and frames in commercial/light industrial applications
- 356/1 COP for the installation of PVC-U windows and door sets in new domestic dwellings
- 357/1 Replacement windows and planning law
- W362/1 Code of practice for the survey and installation of replacement plastics windows and door sets
- W363/1 Guidelines for the selection and application of fasteners for the manufacture of plastics windows and door sets
- W364/1 Guide to the specification and use of plastics windows and door sets Guide to Building Regulations, Building Control and FENSA (CD or booklet)
- All the above BPF documents can be ordered from 'BPF Publications Sales Department on 020 7457 5000'
Regulations applicable to England and Wales:
- Part A (England & Wales): Structure The revised edition of this document has been distributed for comment
- Part B (England & Wales): Fire Safety
- Part E (England & Wales): Resistance to the passage of sound
- Part F (England & Wales): Means of Ventilation
- Part J (England & Wales): Heat Producing Appliances
- Part K (England & Wales): Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact
- Part L1 & L2 (England & Wales): Conservation of Fuel And Power Part M (England & Wales): Access And Facilities For Disabled People
- Part N (England & Wales): Glazing in relation to Impact, Opening And Cleaning
Regulations applicable to Scotland:
- Part C (Scotland): Structure
- Part D & E (Scotland): Fire Safety
- Part F (Scotland): Heat-producing installations and storage of liquid and gaseous fuels
- Part H (Scotland): Resistance to transmission of sound
- Part J (Scotland): Conservation of Fuel and Power
- Part K (Scotland): Means of Ventilation Part P (Scotland): Miscellaneous hazards
- Part T (Scotland): Facilities for Disabled People