FAQS

PVC, PVCU and UPVC are all acronyms for the same product.

The ‘PVC’ part stands for Polyvinyl chloride, one of the world’s produced polymers. The ‘U’ refers to it being ‘un-plasticised’. When modified, PVC can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, encompassing everything from shoes and bags to window frames! Due to its versatility and popularity, the ‘U’ part is sometimes omitted, with PVC becoming interchangeable with PVCU and UPVC.

In the UK, UPVC changed to PVCU in the 1980s to ensure consistency across European manufacturers and suppliers. This was because in most European languages the adjective (U) follows the noun (PVC). However, due UPVC is still the de facto acronym that many manufacturers and suppliers use.

The main difference is where the casement sits. On a standard casement window, the casement (the part of the unit that moves), sits proud of the window frame.

On modern flush windows, this casement sits level with the frame. This creates a neater finish which is clear to see if you compare the two different windows. Why not visit our showroom and see for yourself?

This depends on what you want to achieve and to be honest, this answer is best served after a discussion with one of our advisors.

The difference between the two is obvious. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass and triple-glazed units have three.

Generally, triple-glazed windows are better at retaining heat and preventing cold spots. They can also help reduce noise from transferring into your property from external sources. Though, if noise reduction is your main priority when changing your windows, there are other options you should also explore.

One thing to consider, however, is the cost difference between double- and triple-glazed windows. With the extra glass, triple-glazed units tend to cost considerably more. It’s definitely worth talking things through with our team and finding the right style and window option for your home.

Pretty much any colour!

We might not have all the colours of the rainbow available but our classic, contemporary, and wood-effect ranges contain something for everyone.

If you want to keep things traditional, then you could go for an always popular white or cream finish. But if it’s something modern that you’re after, you can’t go wrong with our stylish selection of greys, greens and black. We’ve also got some bright and bold options for those who want to make a real statement!

As well as solid colour pathways, we also have a beautiful collection of wood grain finishes. This luxurious selection features wood effects.

Plus, our windows are available in colour combinations, so you can choose to have a different colour inside and out should you so wish!

A window’s energy rating (WER) is displayed using a consumer-friendly traffic light-style system ranging from green (A+) to dark red (G). It’s very similar to the way energy ratings of household appliances and white goods are showcased.

A+ windows are the most energy-efficient windows available in the UK and this is defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. The BFRC Rating Scheme is a national system that’s also recognised within current Building Regulations.

When purchasing new windows, look for those that carry the highest ratings (A and A+).
If you’ve any further questions about energy ratings, please speak with a member of the West Yorkshire Windows team and they’ll be happy to help.

In simple terms, the ‘U-Value’ indicates how well a window will be at retaining internal heat.

The value is measured in Watts per square metre, or W/m2K. The lower the number, the better the performance.

All new or replacement windows require a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2K.

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime. This includes many products that we offer, such as domestic windows and doors and internal components such as locks and hinges.

Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a registered Secured by Design member. Many of our products carry SBD accreditation.

If you’d like to learn more about SBD and the security features fitted to our windows and doors, please speak with a member of the West Yorkshire Windows team.

As a founding member of the Conservatory Outlet Network, we have a long-standing relationship with the leading manufacturer in the home improvements sector.

Based just up the road from our Wakefield showroom, our partnership with Conservatory Outlet ensures that we have close control over our entire supply chain. This is reflected in the market-leading and innovative range of products and services that we provide to customers across Yorkshire.

Compositive doors can vary from style to style.

Standard composite doors are typically 44mm in depth, feature a foam inner and are coated in an external GRP skin (commonly known as fibreglass).

We also provide Extreme Solid Core Doors. These composite doors are thicker (48mm) and are made from interlocking laminated timber layers, making them more durable and stronger than foam-filled doors. They are also finished in a UPVC skin which means they can be matched with the surrounding door frame.

There is a price difference between the two options. Speak with a member of our team to learn more about the doors.

Yes!

In most instances, you can choose a different colour inside and out. For example, you could pick green for the exterior and white for the interior. Or blue and red and so on!

All colour options are available on the product page, in our brochures and in our showrooms. If you’d like to see visuals and get a real feel for how your door will look, please ask a member of the West Yorkshire team who’ll be happy to help.

We provide three sets of keys as standard, though you can request additional sets.

If you’d like to order any further sets of keys, just let us know in advance. Or you can have more keys made later – the choice is yours.

Yes, absolutely. Just let your West Yorkshire Windows advisor know when ordering your doors and they’ll ensure the keys match (suited) for both doors.

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime. This includes many products that we offer, such as domestic windows and doors and internal components such as locks and hinges.

Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a registered Secured by Design member. Many of our products carry SBD accreditation.

If you’d like to learn more about SBD and the security features fitted to our windows and doors, please speak with a member of the West Yorkshire Windows team.

Door barrels receive a security rating, with a 3-star rating being the highest available.

Our door cylinders feature unique snap-secure technology and lockdown mode which prevents the barrel from being compromised. The cylinders we use are rigorously tested and the most secure available today.

Yes, they can. Our French doors can be ordered and installed with an egress hinge which will enable your doors to fold back completely.

This is something that we get asked a lot. It all depends on how you want to use your space and what you’re considering.

Both sliding patio doors and bi-folding doors have several unique features and advantages. Patio doors have slimmer frames and large glazing panels that provide a beautiful and uninterrupted view of the outside. Bi-folding doors and fold all the way back for a full and complete opening out to the garden, which is great for access.

If you’re unsure, speak with a West Yorkshire Windows advisor who’ll help you make an informed decision.

The million-pound question!

As technology, manufacturing expertise and design has evolved over the years, the lines between these three types of living space have blurred. Quite simply, your living space can be whatever you want it to be!

Traditionally, a conservatory would be something that’s mainly glass; a room with both glass walls and a glass roof that provides stunning views of your garden and sky. However, these days you can get a conservatory with a tiled roof or one with dwarf walls.

A feature of an orangery is its pillars. These and the surrounding brickwork give the room a more luxurious feel and add extra privacy to the space. Orangeries also tend to have a pelmet around the roof which helps with insulation. When it comes to the roof, anything goes!

Conversely, extensions are normally designed to replicate the style and feel of your existing property. Much incorporate solid brickwork and a solid tiled roof. Though these days, the roof can be hybrid in nature and feature full-length glass panels, a lantern or Velux windows.

The choice is yours!

This depends on how you plan to use your room, which direction it will face and, of course, your budget.

If it’s natural light, brilliant outside views and a naturally airy-looking space you’re after, then a glass roof is the way to go. With plenty of solar controlled glazing available, you can get a glass roof that’s suitable for use all year round.

For a roof that fits in a little more with your existing property and provides extra insulation and privacy, then a solid tiled roof might be best. You can always go for a mix between the two and combine a solid room with glass panels and Velux windows.

If you’re undecided, visit your nearest showroom and we’ll discuss all the available options.

Thankfully we’re long removed from the days of polycarbonate roofing!

All our living space products are chosen because they offer year-round comfort. Solar control glazing gives you some great options that can make a real difference, but if you’re really concerned about achieving a year-round extension, then a tiled roof will probably be the best option for you.

Our roofs are manufactured and supplied via our partner, Conservatory Outlet.

Based just up the road from our Wakefield showroom, our longstanding relationship with Conservatory Outlet ensures that we have close control over our entire supply chain. This is reflected in the market-leading and innovative range of products and services that we provide to customers across Yorkshire.

Yes, absolutely. We have a wide range of shingle and slate roof tile options for you to choose from. We can also match your existing property should you so with.
Why not pop into our showroom to have a look?

Solar control glazing is hi-tech glass that has been developed for all light to pass through a window or pane whilst reflecting away a large amount of the sun’s heat. This means that your living space is still filled with natural light but doesn’t get too hot or stifling in the summer.

We have several options available, including tinted glass.

Speak with a West Yorkshire Windows team member to learn more.

Our team will obtain the closest brick match possible to your property and check this with you before any work begins.

There is likely to be some discrepancy between the old bricks and new ones due to weathering and differences in manufacturing. If the closest match isn’t what you want, you can get the bricks tinted. Though this would come at an additional cost.

Most extensions require approval under Building Regulations. There are several types of extensions that don’t, but feat not as our team at West Yorkshire Windows will advise you on all the options, requirements and approvals needed.

Best of all, we’ll take care of everything and arrange any Building Regulations on your behalf by working with the relevant local authority.

An extension or addition to your house is permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to certain conditions are met, typically these are:

• The ground area covered by the extension and any other buildings within the boundary of the property, excluding the original house, is not more than half the total area of the property.
• Any part of the extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing house.
• The eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing house.
• Any part of the extension does not extend beyond any wall facing a road if it forms the principal or side elevation of the original house.
• The eaves are no more than 3 metres in height if any part of the extension is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
• The materials used in exterior work, except in the case of a conservatory, are of a similar appearance to the existing house.
• An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscurely glazed and is non – opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed.
• A side extension does not exceed 4 metres in height or be wider than half the width of the original house.

In a single-storey extension

• the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached house or 3 metres for any other type of house;
• the height of the extension does not exceed 4 metres;
• no part of the extension is within 3.5 metres of any property boundary with a road opposite the rear wall of the house.

In an extension with more than one storey

• the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres;
• no part of the extension is within 7 metres of the property boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
• the roof pitch of the enlargement is as far as practicable the same as that of the original house.

If you live in a house within a conservation area, World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park

• no part of the exterior of the house is clad with stone, artificial stone, pebbledash, render, timber, plastic or tiles;
• the extension is not more than 1 storey or 4 metres in height;
• no part of the extension extends beyond a principal or side elevation of the original house

It is difficult to put a timeframe on builds as each project is unique and is dependent on planning requirements.

Once we have a firm idea of what is needed, we might be able to give you a rough timescale. Please speak with a member of our team for more information.

A test dig is a vital part of the build process. This is a small dig that allows us to understand what the ground conditions are and what foundations are required.

A cavity tray is a type of damp-proof course (DPC) that crosses the cavity of a cavity wall to prevent moisture from working its way through to the inner wall. Essentially, it acts as a bridge and draws moisture away from your home, keeping your inner sanctuary dry.

This depends on how you plan to use your room, which direction it will face and, of course, your budget.

If it’s natural light, brilliant outside views and a naturally airy-looking space you’re after, then a glass roof is the way to go. With plenty of solar controlled glazing available, you can get a glass roof that’s suitable for use all year round.

For a roof that fits in a little more with your existing property and provides extra insulation and privacy, then a solid tiled roof might be best. You can always go for a mix between the two and combine a solid room with glass panels and Velux windows.

If you’re undecided, visit your nearest showroom and we’ll discuss all the available options.

If you are going to the trouble of replacing your old conservatory roof for something more modern, it makes sense to replace your windows and frames too.

With the advancement in technologies within our roof system, there could be a big discrepancy between the thermal efficiency of the roof and windows and you could risk compromising the warmth and comfort that your new roof could otherwise achieve.

Plus, investing in new windows and frames would give your living space a brand-new lease of life. Have a word with an advisor and they’ll be sure to work out an excellent deal on a dual roof and window replacement.

Replacement solid roof systems are normally prefabricated. This means helps with the installation as it allows it to be done quickly and efficiently, minimising the disruption caused at your home.

Each roof is made individually to ensure a perfect fit for your space.

The system itself comprises a pre-engineered frame, insulation, fire-grade plasterboard, exterior-grade plywood, and an impenetrable membrane. The roof is then finished with tiles of your choosing, or solid panels.

A clad over roof is a system sold by other companies that are packaged and promoted as a cheap replacement roof. It can refer to many different types of products but crucially it never replaces the existing structure.

This isn’t good practice and is something we actively advise against as the existing structure will not have been designed to carry this extra weight.

Issues with clad over roofs include:

• Some clad over options, especially those made from timber, are too heavy for existing structures and frames. Any old conservatory needs to have a roof that is lightweight. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31KG/M².

West Yorkshire Window advises: Always ask your installer for the total weight of the roofing system per square metre.

• By their nature, clad over systems do not meet current fire safety regulations as they are never tested as a complete structure. Any fire rating given will refer only to the clad over part of the roof or the individual components and not when the system is installed. This is vital, especially if you require Building Regulations. Solid roofs must be classified, in totality, as AC, AB or AA in accordance with BS476-3

West Yorkshire Window advises: Always ask about fire safety ratings and ensure it is for the full system before you commit to any roof replacement project.

• Aside from issues with fire safety classifications, clad over systems do not generally get Building Regulation Approval due to their low thermal value and poor structural integrity. This is not the same as planning permission, which often isn’t required when replacing a roof. You have to notify Building Control when changing any structure, including switching out an old polycarbonate roof with a solid roof. Their approval ensures your new roof is structurally sound.

West Yorkshire Window advises: Check that local Building Control has been informed about the project before any work starts. Obtain a final certificate and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

Thankfully we’re long removed from the days of polycarbonate roofing!

All of our living space products are chosen because they offer year-round comfort. Solar control glazing gives you some great options that can make a real difference, but if you’re really concerned about achieving a year-round extension, then a tiled roof will probably be the best option for you.

As a rough estimate, it can cost anywhere between £5,000-£12,000. Don’t forget, there are many ways to spread the cost of your new roof over monthly instalments to suit you.

West Yorkshire Windows can help you work out an easy payment plan that matches your budget.

A tiled solid roof system from West Yorkshire Windows can be installed within a few days.

Planning permission isn’t required if you are replacing a roof on an existing structure. However, Building Regulation Control is mandatory, and a property sale cannot be made without this.

Building Regulations approval from your local authority ensures that the system installed has been checked by a government-approved inspector. You’ll also have peace of mind that should you sell the property in the future, there won’t be any hold-ups due to unauthorised works.

Yes, we do. To make things as easy as possible for you, we can arrange a variety of affordable finance options (subject to application and approval).

Applying for finance through West Yorkshire Windows is simple and we promise that there’ll be a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out from the comfort of your front room or at our Wakefield or Doncaster showroom.

If you are arranging finance with a third party, just let us know when you get approval so we can get the ball rolling. If you’re taking up one of our financial arrangements, we’ll be in touch!

First off, don’t worry. Finance can be refused for a variety of reasons. It could be something as simple as you’ve recently moved. In these circumstances, we’ll do our best to help.

It might be worth contacting another lender that has a previous relationship with you, such as your bank or mortgage provider.

Sometimes we get an answer straight away. Sometimes it can take a couple of days.