Window replacement structural safety

Part A

Provision should be made to ensure that the structural stability of a building is maintained and made no worse as a result of a replacement glazing installation.

If the replacement windows are wider than those they replace, or involve the replacement of bay windows, then the Building Control Officer will need to be satisfied that proper structural support is provided above the window. In older buildings, the timber frame of the window was often sufficiently strong to carry the load of a wall or roof above it without a lintel. Obviously in these cases either a lintel needs to be installed when the window is replaced, or the new frame carefully reinforced to carry the load.

• Bay Windows - appropriate structural support may need to be introduced in some circumstances
• Other Windows/Doors - in some instances new lintels may be required to support masonry over window/door openings where the existing window frame provided some structural support