The Regulations: Bay Poles
Bay Poles
When fitting widows by FENSA members, the technical advice issued, relating to BAY WINDOWS states:
Installers are required to fit BAY POLES with header and spreader plates on all Load Bearing Bay Windows. However, it is understood that some designs of bay windows are not load bearing, e.g. those at ground level with a flat roof and do not in this instance need reinforcement. Bay poles resting on reinforced sills and reinforcement poles drilled through sills to the sound masonry are acceptable methods of fixing.
For maximum security, safety and easy adhesion to Document A, Bay Poles must go through the sill. The poles should be secured to the head and the wall under the sill via large spreader plates. The adjustment of the bay poles must be either a jacking device, such as a screw system capable of taking the load plus safety margin, or with some shims. If shims are used they should be or a non-compressible substance such as metal, unable to be moved relative to the pole and incapable of working loose due to vibration caused by wind, traffic etc.
Spreader and header bearing plates should be thick enough and of enough area to spread the imposed weight to prevent damage or undue pressure on the head or under sill wall.
For persons outside the FENSA scheme, the onus is on the installer to satisfy the building inspector. On the day of inspection, the installer has to prove any imposed weight on the window is carried through, or around (use of lintel) the window, by any method to satisfy the regulations i.e. NO WEIGHT to be taken on frames or casements.
Nicholls & Cooke manufacture a patented Three Part Adjustable Bay Pole system that ensures adhesion to the regulations every time.