Window – Frequently Asked Questions

They’re all the same and the funny thing is that they should actually be called by their official name – PVC-U windows.

UPVC had its name changed in the UK in the late 1980’s to PVCU so that it fell in line with other European countries. It’s thought that they called it PVC-U because European languages mostly place the noun (being PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

Poly Vinyl Chloride is the meaning of the abbreviation ‘PVC’, and the ‘U’ stands for Un-plasticised. ‘PVC’ or Poly Vinyl Chloride, is regularly used to manufacture products like bags, shoes, and fake leather – that’s how we’re all so familiar with ‘PVC’.

You cannot use pure PVC-U to build window and door products as it needs several additives first to guarantee UV resistance, high weathering, and longevity.

It’s with these additives that the famous white colour is also created on windows and doors.

More than just white you will be pleased to know. Yes, our replacement windows and doors can be finished in just about any colour.

White is a fantastic colour, as is cream, but if they’re a bit too plain and unoriginal for you, the colour palette in each window collection also includes options like Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey, Hazy Grey, and Matt Black.

A Premium Retailer can also sort you out with a woodgrain finish if you wish to have windows with an Oak, Rosewood or Walnut effect.

You’re even allowed to have dual-coloured windows if you’d like one finish on the outside and a contrasting finish on the inside.

To identify the energy efficient standards of a window, just look at its Window Energy Rating (WER). Much like white goods e.g., washing machines, freezers, fridges etc. all replacement windows carry an energy rating, being rated from A+-G.

Currently, the most energy efficient window available in the UK is an A+ rated window, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This scheme is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficient qualities of windows and signifies if a replacement window satisfies Building Regulations.

If you have the money to buy them, we encourage you to invest in windows with an A or A+ rating to profit from excellent thermal efficiency.

New and replacement windows sold in the UK are legally required to have a minimum of WER of C or above. Get advice on WERs from your Premium Retailer.

A window’s U-Value indicates how good it is at retaining internal heat and stopping it from escaping. It’s measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K. The lower the U-Value number, the better the heat retention of the window.

New or replacement windows MUST have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. For further info on U-Values, speak to a Premium Retailer.

Secured by Design is a Police-backed scheme which is all about enhancing the security standards of buildings and their immediate surroundings so that people can feel safe in them.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the recognised standard for products that are developed to reduce crime. It includes domestic windows and doors, and their components, such as locks, hinges etc.

Conservatory Outlet has earned Secured by Design status, so much of our product line complies with the SBD standard. Flag any concerns you have about home security with an advisor at your local Premium Retailer.

We do, with Conservatory Outlet regarded as being one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of UPVC and aluminium windows. These stunning window designs get made in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wakefield, before being rolled out to our Premium Retailers.

Having control of our supply chain helps us to monitor it closely and ensure that manufacturing standards don’t drop.

Several of them have attained FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) membership. The scheme was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and a series of other industry bodies, with the full backing of the Government, in response to Building Regulations.

There must be compliance with current thermal performance standards when having new windows and doors fitted and you will also need a FENSA certificate to prove this compliance.

Only FENSA members have the legitimate right to self-certify replacement window and door installations.

It’s difficult to put a figure on it as you really need to discuss it with a Premium Retailer first so that they know what is required.

Openings and fittings vary from home to home and the Premium Retailer will need to customise the windows and doors to ensure they fit them. Measurements will also need taking, and, of course, you need to communicate your preferred choice of style and colour. Then, a Premium Retailer will be able to calculate a price.

Request a FREE design consultation with your nearest Premium Retailer to keep the project off the ground. This can be held in their showroom, in person at your home or via Zoom.

If you fill in the online contact form, your local Premium Retailer will be in touch to organise a date.

The initial appointment will generally take about 1 hour. An advisor needs this amount of time to gather your requirements, take note of any measurements you provide and introduce you to the many different window and door options they have.

We wouldn’t like to say as each replacement window project differs. It will also depend on how many windows need to be fitted and how easy or complex it will be to install them. To give you a rough idea, a full house of window replacements can take about 3-4 days to complete. You will be given an accurate timescale by an advisor at your local Premium Retailer.

Finance can be accessed through many of our Premium Retailers. Those who do offer finance have a range of packages ready. Arranging a finance application isn’t difficult and you should find out if it has been accepted quickly. The application can be put together in a Premium Retailer’s showroom or at your house.

If you are organising finance yourself, contact your Premium Retailer as soon as you get word of its acceptance. But if finance has been sorted directly with a Premium Retailer, you can expect the finance provider to let you both know.

Firstly, try not to panic about it as people get turned down for lots of reasons, including if they have moved several times over the last few years. A Premium Retailer will be there for you in the event of this happening. You may find that approaching another finance provider may work, especially if they already know you.

You could find out almost straight away or you might have to wait a few days for a response. If there is any kind of delay, don’t fear the worst. It could be for any number of reasons, so try to be patient and keep calm.