Frequently Asked Questions

First Class Windows give a 20 Year, insurance backed warranty from the Independent Warranty Authority (IWA). In addition, we offer an additional 20 Year company warranty. Terms and conditions apply as some manufacturer’s products guarantees may offer a lower period.

Planning permission is not always required. in certain cases permitted development allows you to build a substantial structure without the need of planning consent. If your home has already been extended from its original footprint, it may mean you will need planning permission. If in doubt contact your local authority planning department for further advice. Alternatively if First Class Windows are project managing your installation, one of our team will do it for you.

This is when you want to confirm that the project you are proposing would be lawful i.e. does not require express planning permission. For example you may need to establish that what you have proposed does not constitute development, is ‘permitted development’, or already has planning permission. If you have any doubts, contact your local authority planning department for further advice or speak to First Class Windows.

Yes, we fit A rated windows as standard. However certain styles and shapes may have a different method of rating due to the make up of the window.

First Class Windows has a policy of employing installers on a PAYE basis. This ensures we invest in our staff over a long period to ensure consistency and quality. On occasions, due to an increased workload, we employ experienced sub-contractors who are fully aware of First Class Windows practices and procedures. As with our employees, our sub-contractors have been with the business for some time.

The fenestration industry can be seasonal, but many products can be fitted at most times of the year. We suggest that customers purchasing conservatories and orangeries begin the process up to six months in advance. This allows for any relevant planning or water authority permissions along with delays caused by inclement weather.

First Class Windows considers each enquiry including complexity of the supply chain, value of project and the effects that travel time has on our ability to compete with other companies.

First Class Windows has an extensive display of products and accessories at our showroom, Nantgarw Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BW

Click for details about our Caerphilly Showroom

We send our design consultants to undertake a preliminary survey. This is followed by a detailed survey before work commences.

All of our designs are free of charge but First Class Windows owns the copyright of the design.

Our design consultants meet with customers in the evenings and weekend if this suits them best. However we encourage customers to visit our Caerphilly showroom initially, where they can see a comprehensive range of products on display.

We use the very latest technology in our systems to ensure their security. There are many different tests applicable to fenestration products and First Class Windows are mindful of these. Wherever possible we only supply products with the highest security test and compliance.

We only employ mature design consultants who act in an advisory capacity. As a local company with a reputation for fairness, we don’t ascribe to a high-pressure sales culture.

Yes, and this is supported by our comprehensive range of products used for the updating and maintenance of systems.

Sometimes it is permissible to build over a manhole or drain. This depends upon whether your sewers are adopted by the water authority. If you are unsure then please contact us.

They all refer to the same product.

UPVC stands for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride. It’s sometimes stylised as PVCU (more generally in Europe) or PVC (for brevity).

UPVC is a versatile material that is widely used in the building and construction sector. It is durable, strong and offers high levels of weather and UV resistance – making it perfect to use for the manufacturing of windows and doors.

The difference between these window types is where the casement (the part of the window that moves open and shut) sits.

In a traditional casement window, this sits outside of the frame. In flush windows, the casement sits – you guessed it – flush.

Why not come and visit our showroom where you can see these windows in-person?

We’d recommend speaking to a member of our team who’ll be best placed to advise you, dependant on your budget and requirements.

In terms of differences, triple-glazed windows have three panes of glass. Double-glazed windows have two.

With this extra pane of glass, triple-glazed windows achieve higher ratings than double and are better at retaining heat. They can also provide some acoustic benefits too. However, it is worth noting that there is an uplift in cost from double- to triple-glazing.

We’re able to offer our UPVC and aluminium windows in a wide variety of popular and modern shades and tones. Long gone are the days when every window had to be white!

To see our full range of options, either download one of our brochures, visit our product-specific pages, or head to our fantastic showroom in Swansea.

The Window Energy Rating (WER) is an easy-to-understand system that shows how energy efficient a window is. This is displayed using a consumer-friendly traffic light graphic that’s very similar to those used to show the ratings of white goods and other home appliances.

When purchasing new windows, always look for those that carry a rating of A and above. That way, you can be assured that your windows are the best available and will be working to keep your home lovely and warm.

All new and replacement windows in the UK need to carry a minimum WER rating of C.

For more information about the energy efficiency of our replacement windows, please speak with a First Class Windows advisor.

A U-Value is a measure of heat transmission. It is normally measured in Watts per square metre, or W/m²K. The lower amount of heat that transfers through something, the lower the U-value will be.

All new or replacement windows must have a minimum U-Vale of 1.6 W/m2K. However, many of our windows achieve significantly lower values thanks to the efficiency of our exclusive profile and glass.

Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and communities.

SBD uses its own accreditation scheme, known as the Police Preferred Specification. This provides a recognised standard for all products and components.

Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a longstanding SBD member manufacturer. As a result, you’ll be glad to know that many of our windows, doors and living space products meet the demands of this police-supported standard.

Our windows are manufactured by the country’s leading fabricator, Conservatory Outlet.

We have a close relationship with Conservatory Outlet and are the only retailer in South Wales that they work with. This allows us to give our customers exclusive access to their leading home improvement products.

Yes, we are members of FENSA. Our registration number is 43417.

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. Following Government encouragement, FENSA has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies in response to Building Regulations for double glazing companies in England and Wales.

When replacing windows and doors, homeowners must comply with current thermal performance standards and ensure they get a certificate from FENSA or Local Authority Building Control. FENSA enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self-certify compliance under these Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control.

In a word, no. Composite doors can vary from range to range.

Standard composite doors tend to be 44mm deep and feature a strong and sturdy foam-filled core. They are also finished in a high-quality GRP skin that can be supplied in a wide range of colours.

Our premium composite door, the Solid Core, has a core that’s not only thicker but also made from interlocking layers of laminated timber.

If you’d like to learn more, or see these different types of composite doors in person, please visit our showroom.

Yes you can!

In most cases, you can choose a different colour finish for your door inside an out. For example, you could go for yellow on the outside and white on the inside. Or orange and grey. Or green and purple! The choice is yours.

We provide three sets of keys. But if you’d like any additional sets, just let us know when you place your order.

Absolutely. Just let your First Class Windows advisor know when ordering and they can ensure both sets of keys match.

Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and communities.

SBD uses its own accreditation scheme, known as the Police Preferred Specification. This provides a recognised standard for all products and components.

Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a longstanding SBD member manufacturer. As a result, you’ll be glad to know that many of our windows, doors and living space products meet the demands of this police-supported standard.

Door barrels are tested and carry a rating that signifies what level of protection they provide. A 3-star rating is the highest.

Our door barrels are 3-star rated and feature unique snap-secure technology and a lockdown mode, that prevents the barrel being compromised during a brute force attack.

Yes, French doors can be design to fold all the way back. If you’d like this, just let us know and we’ll design and install them to come with a special egress hinge.

There is no right or wrong answer here. Both are excellent choices!

Bi-folding doors fold all the way back and can be stacked at one end, leaving you with great access to and from your garden. Sliding patio doors have slimmer frames and provide a fantastic, uninterrupted view of outside.

The big question!

This is one question that we get asked a lot. The truth is that in recent years due to design trends and manufacturing improvements, the differences have become blurred. Your living space is what you want it to be!

Traditionally, a conservatory would be a predominantly glass structure. Think a glass roof combined with large, glazed panels for walls. However, now you can easily opt for a conservatory with a solid roof and dwarf walls for added insulation.

An orangery is similar to a conservatory, but tends to feature more brickwork. In terms of a roof, anything goes for an orangery! Their versatility has meant that they’ve become a lot more popular in recent years and are used as everything from entertainment spaces to showpiece kitchens, reading rooms and even fitness suites!

Extensions are, by their nature, designed to replicate the existing look and feel of the property.

But who needs a label? Whatever you have in mind for your home, we’ll be able to help.

This depends on how you plan to use your roof, which direction it faces and your budget.

If you’re after plenty of natural light and a lovely view out into your garden and the world beyond, then we’d suggest going for a glass roof. With the advancements of solar-controlled glazing, you can easily pick a glass roof that keeps your room at a comfortable temperature all year round.

But if you want a space that feels more in tune with the rest of your property, then a tiled roof is the way to go. Plus, with these roofs, you have the option to add in some glazed panels.

All our living spaces are designed for complete year-round use. Gone are the days when conservatories were made from polycarbonate that turned spaces into sweltering saunas or icy igloos depending on the season.

We use modern, energy efficient products and design methods to keep your space comfortable all year round.

All our roofs are manufactured by our key partner, Conservatory Outlet. Thanks to our exclusive agreement with them, we’re able to provide the very best selection of roof products and glazing panels to our customers in Powys and First Class Windows.

Absolutely. We can provide a variety of shingle and slate options for you to pick from, as well as different membrane options.

Solar control glazing is a special type of glass that can limit the amount of heat that passes through it and into your living space. This glass is commonly used in conservatory and orangery roofs.

Of course. Before any building work begins, we’ll look to source the closest available brick match and confirm this with you.

There may be slight differences as your existing brick will have been exposed to the elements for a number of years. If you aren’t happy with the match provided, your bricks could be tinted – though this will come at an additional cost.

The majority of extensions require approval under Building Regulations. We’ll take care of the entire planning process and advise you of what’s needed along the way.

An extension or an addition to your house is typically considered to be a permitted development. This means it does not require an application for planning permission if specific criteria are met.

Generally, 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.
• The extension is not higher than the existing highest point of the house.
• The eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing house.
• The extension does not extend buoying any road-facing wall if it forms the main or side elevation of the existing property.
• The eaves do not exceed 3 metres in height if the extension is within 2 metres of the property’s boundary.
• The materials used in the work, except in the case of a conservatory, are of similar appearance to the existing house
• An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscured glazed and is non-opening unless the parts of the window 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 house.

In a single-storey extension:

• The extension does not extend past the rear wall of the original house by:

• 4 metres for a detached house
• 3 metres for any other type of house

• The height of the extension is not greater than 4 metres
• No part of the extension is within 3.5 metres of a 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 past 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 is 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 National Beauty (AONB) 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.

Every design and build is different. As such, it’s hard to estimate how long a particular project will be without knowing all the details.

If your project is time-critical, or you’re already in the process of creating a new living space with us, please check with a member of the First Class Windows team who’ll be able to assist.

A test dig is a vital part of the build process as it allows us to investigate ground conditions before more invasive work is done. Doing the dig enables us to determine what type of base to use and alerts us to any potential problems, such as undocumented pipework.

A cavity tray is a type of damp-proof course that helps channel water from a cavity and out through the external wall.

This depends on how you want the space to look and feel, and your budget.

If you value natural light illuminating your space and a lovely view of your garden, then we’d recommend going for a glass roof. Our glass roofs are made from modern, solar controlled glazing that’ll keep your room at a comfortable temperature all year round.

But if you want a roof that matches your home, then a solid roof is the way to go.

Plus, you could use the solid roof as a base and add in a glass lantern or some full-length glazed panels and create a true hybrid roof!

We would advise you to.

If you’re going to the trouble (and, let’s be honest, the expense), of replacing your conservatory roof, then it would make sense to upgrade your conservatory or orangery’s frames at the same time.

After all, if you’re going to be getting the benefits of a new, more thermally efficient roof, then why combine that with your outdated frames?

Replacement roofs are pre-fabricated to ensure that the installation process can be done as quickly and as easily as possible. Each roof we make is made to measure.

The roof system itself is made from several different components: A pre-engineered and lightweight frame, insulating panels, plasterboard, plywood and a specialist membrane.

The roof is then finished with your choice of tiling.

A clad over roof is an inferior type of roof that is sold as a cheap alternative to a full replacement. Clad over roofs are installed over the top of the old or existing roof. This isn’t recommended because:

• A clad over roof can be far too heavy for your existing frames and structural support. Clad over systems tend be made using heavy materials. Plus, the structure of your extension or living space will have been designed with the old roof in mind. Add extra weight could cause long-term damage.
• Clad over systems do not meet current fire safety regulations. These roofs and their components may be tested in isolation but due to the nature of their installation, they cannot be tested as a complete and final structure. Solid roofs must achieve a fire rating of AC or higher.
• Also, clad over roofs typically don’t get Building Regulations approval due to their structural integrity and poor thermal performance.

All our living spaces are designed for complete year-round use. Gone are the days when conservatories were made from polycarbonate that turned spaces into sweltering saunas or icy igloos depending on the season.

We use modern, energy efficient products and design methods to keep your space comfortable all year round.

The total cost will depend on the size of the structure and what extra features you’d like to include in the final design.

As ever, this depends on the size of the structure, design and whether you want to incorporate features such as lanterns of Velux windows. To give some sort of estimate, replacement roofs can cost anywhere from £5,000 upwards.

First Class Windows has a useful finance calculator which can help you work out an easy-to-afford payment plan that fits your budget.

With our skilled installation team, we can normally replace a roof within a few days – depending on the weather!

You don’t need full planning permission, but you should notify Building Regulation Control. Failing to do so and obtaining the necessary paperwork could cause problems should you decide to sell the house in the future.

Getting Building Regulations approval from your local authority body shows that the work has been checked by a government-approved inspector. This is vital and will provide peace of mind that everything has been fitted correctly.