Single glazed windows in conversion schemes

So how does that affect our warranty requirements?

Our ‘New Homes’, ‘Social Housing’ and ‘Private Rental Scheme’ policies make reference to the building complying with Building Regulations; therefore we need to ensure that the building is compliant.

Defect Insurance Period: These policies exclude existing elements during the ‘Defect Insurance Period’, so for example; any unaltered window would not be covered. The caveat to this statement is unless ‘major damage’ occurs to an existing element. A typical example of ‘major damage’ would be water ingress through the existing window which would be covered by the policy.

Structural Insurance Period: The building is covered for ‘Major Damage’ which includes cover to the waterproof envelope; therefore it is essential that the fabric can be proven to be waterproof, this would include the windows. This is essentially the main purpose of the ‘Refurbishment Assessment’ by our ‘Refurbishment Surveyor’ to ensure that the existing structure is suitable for warranty.

What information is required?

Existing Windows:

Where existing single glazed windows are retained, the following information will be required in order that our ‘Refurbishment Surveyor’ can consider the single glazed windows as viable for retention:

• A copy of the Listed Building Consent confirming that the windows cannot be replaced, must be supplied confirming specifically which windows are to be covered by the listing. If the Listed Building Consent is not clear on this matter, written confirmation will be required from the Conservation Officer looking after the scheme.
• A full condition report confirming that the retained windows are capable of forming a waterproof barrier for a 15 years life expectancy (warranty function requirement). A condition survey should be provided by an independent, competent and appropriately qualified Surveyor or Specialist to confirm a life expectancy of 15 years.
• In addition to the above, if windows are to be retained and repairs are required, a full repair schedule will be required, for appraisal by the ‘Refurbishment Surveyor’.
• Ventilation design information relating to the scheme will be required for consideration in order to demonstrate how Part F of the Building Regulations.

Once the above information is received the ‘Refurbishment Surveyor’ will then be in a position to fully consider if the retention of the existing windows will offer ourselves a standard insurance risk.

Other policy requirements

It should be noted that in all our other current warranty policies ie. self-build, completed housing and commercial; these have full exclusions for existing building elements. However, where a particular element is to be upgraded this may mean the existing element would now be in cover where previously it was not.