The importance of a glazing certificate only becomes clear when someone asks for one – a building inspector, an insurer or the buyer of your house. A glazing certificate confirms that the glass in a specific installation is the right type for where it is fitted and that it was installed correctly. This guide explains why it matters, who issues it and what to ask your installer for. For the formal detail, see glazing certificates explained.
In this guide
This is general information, not legal advice. Whether a certificate is required for your project, and in what form, must be confirmed with your local authority or a competent person.
Six reasons for the importance of a glazing certificate
Most people never think about the glass in their windows and doors until it breaks or a form asks about it. These are the six reasons the importance of a glazing certificate is worth understanding before the work starts.
1. It shows the right glass is in the right place
Safety glass is needed where people can walk into or fall against glass – doors, panes next to doors, low-level glass and bathrooms, among others. SANS 10400-N, the glazing part of the national building standard published by the SABS, sets out where. A certificate confirms each of those positions has the correct glass. See where safety glass is required.
2. Building control may ask for it
On new buildings, extensions and alterations, the building control officer may ask for a glazing certificate before signing off the work. Without it you can face delays, questions or the cost of replacing glass. See when a glazing certificate is required.
3. It supports an insurance claim
If glass breaks and someone is hurt, or you claim for damage, an insurer may want to know what was installed and by whom. A certificate, kept with the invoices, answers both questions – insurance is often where the importance of a glazing certificate shows first.
4. It helps when you sell
Buyers, estate agents and banks can ask for compliance paperwork when a property changes hands, especially after renovations. Having the glazing certificate on file saves a last-minute scramble, which is the importance of a glazing certificate that most sellers only discover late.
5. It protects the people in the building
Laminated safety glass holds together when it breaks instead of falling as sharp pieces. The certificate is proof that this protection is really there, which matters in homes with children and in shops, offices and clinics where the public walks through.
6. It names who took responsibility
A certificate is signed for a specific job by the person who takes responsibility for it – usually the installer or a competent person. That makes it clear who to go back to if something is wrong, and it is the real importance of a glazing certificate: it ties the glass to the work. See competent person for glazing.
Who issues a glazing certificate
The importance of a glazing certificate lies in the installation, so it comes from whoever installs and checks the glazing, not from the glass or window supplier alone. In South Africa, SAGGA (the South African Glass and Glazing Association, affiliated with AAAMSA) runs a glazing certification procedure through accredited installers. Membership of an association does not automatically certify every job – the certificate relates to the specific work. See our AAAMSA glazing certificate guide.
Coetz™ makes and supplies aluminium windows and doors with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass as standard, and the glass is stated on every product page and quote. Windows and doors are supply only, so the certificate for your installation comes from your installer – and choosing safety glass from the start makes it straightforward. See how to choose an aluminium window installer.
What to ask your installer for
Understanding the importance of a glazing certificate is only useful if you ask for one in time. Agree these points before the work starts, because a certificate is much harder to get once the glass is in:
- A glazing certificate for this job, in writing.
- The glass type and thickness for each opening.
- Confirmation that safety glass is used in doors, low-level panes and bathrooms.
- That the work follows SANS 10137, the glazing installation standard.
- The name of the person who signs the certificate.
- Copies of the invoices to keep with your house plans.
If you are still choosing windows and doors, every Coetz™ aluminium window and aluminium door is priced online with its glass stated, and the Glazing Compliance Centre explains the standards in more depth.
Importance of a glazing certificate: frequently asked questions
Is a glazing certificate a legal requirement?
The building regulations require glazing to meet SANS 10400-N, and a certificate is the usual proof on new work. Whether your project needs one, and in what form, is confirmed by your local authority or a competent person.
Who can issue a glazing certificate?
The installer or a competent person who takes responsibility for the glazing work, often through the SAGGA certification procedure.
Does Coetz™ issue glazing certificates?
Coetz™ supplies windows and doors with 6.38 mm laminated safety glass and states the glass on every product. The certificate for the installation is issued by your installer.
Can I get a certificate for existing windows?
An installer or competent person can inspect existing glazing. Where float glass sits in a safety-glass position, that glass usually has to be replaced before a certificate can be issued.
Does laminated glass mean my windows comply?
The right glass is half of it. The glazing also has to suit the size of the pane and be installed correctly, which is what the certificate confirms.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
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