Frequently Asked Questions on Windows

Despite the different labelling of these window products, there’s no difference and they should actually be referred to as PVC-U windows.

In the 1980’s, the UK changed the UPVC name to PVCU to bring it in line with other European countries. It’s believed that they called it PVC-U because European languages mostly place the noun (being PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

PVC is an abbreviation of Poly Vinyl Chloride, and the ‘U’ stands for Un-plasticised. A lot of us are familiar with PVC from its use in the manufacturing of things like fake leather, shoes, and bags.

You cannot use pure PVC-U to manufacture windows and doors as it needs certain additives to last, be weather-resistant, and UV resistant. A lack of additives also prevents the trademark white colour from being achievable.

Colour options used to be quite limited, with white one of only a handful of options. Things have progressed though, and you can now have windows and doors in almost any colour.

White will always be one of our best-selling colours. However, there is plenty of customer interest in alternative shades, such as Hazy Grey, Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey etc.

First Class Windows is also able to produce woodgrain effects on its windows and doors, like our rich Rosewood. They are worth consideration against colours such as Steel Blue, Chartwell Green, and Dark Red.

You can combine colours if you like more than one shade and request a dual-coloured set of replacement windows.

All replacement windows sold in the UK are rated for their energy efficiency (Window Energy Rating) so that consumers can easily identify the thermal standards of window designs. White goods are rated like this e.g., freezers, microwaves, washing machines, and fridges. Windows are energy rated from A+ – G.

A+ rated windows are the most energy efficient windows available on the market, defined as such by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This scheme highlights the energy efficiency of windows and helps you clarify if they comply with building regulations.

It needs extra investment to buy A and A+ rated windows than anything with a rating of B or below, but they are worth the money.

The U-Value of a window tells you how successfully it can retain heat and stop its escape. U-Values are measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K – the lower the U-Value number, the better the heat retention of the window.

It is compulsory for all new or replacement windows in the UK to have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. Ask an advisor for any more info you need on U-Values.

Secured by Design is an initiative revolving around home security that has the full approval of the Police. It was established to bring attention to the importance of securing buildings and their surroundings.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides confirmation that a window product has been specifically designed to ward off criminal activity. This applies to all a domestic window’s components e.g., locks and hinges.

It is our sister manufacturing company, Conservatory Outlet, that holds Secured by Design member status. Let your First Class Windows advisor know if security is a key concern when you come to discuss your window needs.

First Class Windows is a member of the Conservatory Outlet Network and Conservatory Outlet is a leading manufacturer of UPVC and aluminium window designs. Based in Yorkshire, their manufacturing facility can be found in Wakefield.

We can therefore closely monitor our supply chain to ensure that the highest standards are continuously maintained and never waver, something that many window companies don’t have the luxury of.

Homes vary greatly and we’d like to get to know your home a bit first before we provide a price. Let’s have a chat and you can tell us all about it.

Any new windows that you buy from First Class Windows will need to be carefully tailored to work with the available openings and fittings, and must also incorporate your style, colour, and hardware preferences. Some measuring up needs to be conducted too, and then we’ll be able to give you an accurate quote.

Contact the First Class Windows team to book a design consultation, where there’s no obligation to buy. We are happy to host this in our Caerphilly showroom but are also fine to visit your home to talk. Virtual appointments are also available.

Just fill in your details using the contact form and we will be in touch to arrange an appointment date and time.

On average, it will take around 1 hour for us to obtain the information we need from you, record any measurements that you provide, and give you a full introduction to the many window collections that we have.

That will all depend on how many replacement windows are being installed and how easy or complex the job is of fitting them. As a rough guide, it generally takes about 3-4 days to install a full house of windows. A proper timescale will be given to you just ahead of the fitting process starting.