Frequently Asked Questions

Every First Class Windows extension is specifically made to resist weather fluctuations so that the internal temperature is repeatedly manageable. This can rarely be said of designs with old polycarbonate roofs, which are unusable for large periods of the year. Without an insulating roof and solar control glazing, an extension will frequently fall short of expectations.

First Class Windows is a member of Conservatory Outlet’s UK-wide installer network, and the Wakefield company is one of the country’s leading roof manufacturers. They have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the town.

Maintaining a close relationship with our manufacturer enables us to monitor the quality of the roofing systems and check that the highest standards are consistently sustained.

That won’t be a problem! First Class Windows’ shingle and slate roof tile styles can both be supplied as a perfect match for the tiles sitting on the roof of the house. We can also get flat roof membranes organised, as an advisor will tell you.

‘A’ rated windows sit right at the top of the BRFC Rating scheme for energy efficient window designs. The purpose of labelling replacement windows with an energy efficiency rating is to help homeowners identify their thermal performance and whether they comply with Building Regulations.

‘White goods’ use a similar energy rating system e.g., freezers, fridges, microwaves, washing machines.

Look out for the energy rating of a window when browsing our different styles and designs so that you know what they offer your home.

Solar control glazing has a special coating on its glass and its function is to prevent excess heat loss and excess solar gain. The glass can be tinted in one of several tints. Choose a tint that will control light transmission and heat retention how you wish it to. Discuss these tinting options with a First Class Windows advisor.

First Class Windows will do an extensive search to locate a brick style with the look of your existing bricks and run it past you before things move further. Please, be advised that there can be weathering differences between new and existing bricks. When unsatisfied with our suggested brick match, we can tint the bricks accordingly to make them match at an additional charge.

Building Regulations Approval may be necessary to extend your house and it all depends on how the extension is classified. A surveyor from First Class Windows’s team will clarify where things stand with the extension and assist with obtaining Building Regulations Approval and Planning Permission if either or both is needed.

• A planning application must be organised and submitted if the extension will meet permitted development rights. These are the limits and conditions that must be satisfied:
  • 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 similar appearance to the existing house.
  • An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscure 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

That’s difficult to know until we have some knowledge of the project, can work out how complex or straightforward it will be to execute, and have clarified if planning permission is required. We go into this subject deeply in our ‘What happens next’ guide.

The reason for doing a test dig is to check whether the local ground conditions are suitable enough to cope with the weight of a traditional concrete base and foundation. If they’re discovered to be unsuitable, First Class Windows will arrange an alternative foundation proposal, such as specialist pile foundation or concrete raft.

The cavity tray contains a series of high-level damp-proof courses that bridge a wall cavity to direct moisture to the external face of a wall where the extension’s roof meets the house wall. This is to stop any moisture that penetrates the outer wall from becoming observable on the inside of the extension.