FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There’s every chance that you will have trouble picking a window style, simply because there are so many options at Visual. Read our FAQs and that may prove helpful.
How do flush and casement windows differ from each other?

The casement is the moving part of a window. In other words, the bit of the window that opens and closes. A standard or ‘lipped’ window has casements that sit proud of the surrounding window frame.

There’s a neatness to a flush casement window due to the casements sitting dead level with the window frame. The easiest way to identify the differences between the two styles is to view them next to each other. You can do that during a visit to our showroom, which will prove informative.

Oak Envisage Flush Windows
Should I buy double glazed or triple glazed windows?

As you probably already know, a double glazed window has two glass panes and a triple glazed window has three of them. Either window comes with a range of benefits, many of them in fact. Talk to a Visual consultant to decide which of the two windows will give you what you’re looking for.

The extra pane of glass present in a triple glazed window gives you added heat retention and will further minimise heat loss. You can have a triple glazed window configured so that it offers first-class noise insulation should you live on a noisy road or in a built-up area.

Windows Guarantee

MORE COMMON QUESTIONS

We’re always happy to answer your questions, in fact, we encourage them. You may well find the answer to any questions you have in our common questions below.

Is there a difference between PVC Windows, PVCu Windows & UPVC Windows

It may surprise you to discover that there’s absolutely no difference, and they should be termed as PVC-U windows.

UPVC became PVCU in the UK in the late 1980’s and did so to be consistent with other European countries. It was reputedly called PVC-U by our European counterparts because European languages mostly place the noun (being PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

Poly Vinyl Chloride is what PVC stands for, with the ‘U’ standing for Un-plasticised. This Poly Vinyl Chloride is more commonly known as ‘PVC’ and widely modified to produce things like bags, shoes, and fake leather. That’s why so many of us are familiar with the term ‘PVC’.

You couldn’t use pure PVC-U for manufacturing windows and doors as several additives are required to ensure that they last, are weatherproof and provide UV resistance. The additives are also necessary to achieve the famous white colour.

What colour options do I have?

More than just white, that’s for sure. Our window colours are varied and eclectic, so you can have a set of replacement windows in just about any colour you can think of.

But, let’s be honest, white is still a classic. The same goes for cream and the many contemporary finishes that we have at Visual, such as Anthracite Grey, Hazy Grey, Matt Black, and Olive Grey.

Hoping for more? Visual also has several woodgrains, such as a rich and dark Rosewood and eye-catching finishes including Chartwell Green, Dark Red and Steel Blue. Is that enough for you?

We’ll let you mix and match colours if you like that idea. Then you will get two colours for your money instead of just one.

What does an 'A' rated window mean?

The energy efficiency offered by replacement windows is clearly labelled, or at least it is at Visual, with the Window Energy Rating (WER) visible on each product. It’s like the way that white goods are rated e.g., fridges, freezers, washing machines, with of rating of A+ – G.

The most energy efficient window you can buy in the UK is an A+ rated window, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This system is how the energy efficiency levels of all windows are measured and it tells you if they comply with current building regulations for residential properties.

It’s worth buying A or A+ rated windows if you can afford them and want to significantly enhance the current energy efficiency offered by your home.
The minimum requirement is that replacement windows have a WER of at least C. One of our advisors can provide more guidance on WERs.

What does U-Value mean?

A window’s U-value signifies how good the window is at retaining warmth and minimising heat loss. U-Values are measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K. The lower the U-Value, the better.

New or replacement windows must have a minimum U-Value of at least 1.6 W/m2 K. To discuss U-Values, just speak to a Visual consultant.

What is Secured by Design?

Established in conjunction with the Police, Secured by Design is all about enhancing the security standards of buildings and their surroundings to make them safer places to be.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is recognised as the standard for products designed to fight crime. It applies to domestic windows and doors, and their components, such as locks and hinges.

Our sister manufacturing company, Conservatory Outlet (part of the Conservatory Outlet Group), is a Secured by Design member, so it means that virtually our entire range satisfies SBD standards. If security is a key concern, inform your consultant of that when buying.

Do you manufacture your windows?

Conservatory Outlet is a leading manufacturer of UPVC and aluminium windows and Visual is one of its Retail members. They have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Being so closely aligned to our manufacturer is highly advantageous as we can keep tabs on things and make sure that our product standards remain high.

Is Visual a registered member of FENSA?

Visual is indeed a member of the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) and very proudly so. FENSA was originally setup by the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) and several other industry bodies, with Government encouragement, in a response to UK building regulations.

Any new replacement windows that you have fitted must conform with current thermal performance standards and it’s important that you receive a FENSA certificate for them, which proves they comply with the rules.

As we’re a FENSA member, it gives us the power to self-certify all replacement window and door installations.

What will it cost to replace my windows and doors?

No home is ever the same, so it’s hard for us to provide you with a figure until we have properly sat down and discussed things first.
Any windows that you buy from us will be specially tailored for your home, accounting for the available openings and fittings. We also need to be informed of your style, colour and performance preferences, and of course, we must measure up at your home in order to be able to estimate what the cost will be.

Get a FREE design consultation organised with Visual, which can either be held in your home or at our Mirfield Showroom. We can also speak virtually via Zoom. Just request an online appointment.

Fill in the relevant contact form with all your details and a suitable date and time will be arranged to talk.

How long will an appointment with your designer last?

As a rough guide, we always set aside 1 hour for the initial appointment. This is generally sufficient time for the designer to understand your needs, note down any measurements and discuss the many window and door options that we have available.

How long will it take to install my new windows and doors?

All replacement window projects are different, so it’s hard to say. You also must consider how many windows need to be fitted and whether it’s a complex job. We can, however, tell you that it generally takes about 3-4 days to install a full house of windows. The advisor involved will be able to provide information about any timescales.

Can you provide finance to help me pay for windows and doors?

Yes, you can. Visual has several easy payment finance options available (subject to application & status). Making a finance application is easy and you won’t be waiting long to find out if it has been successful. This can be organised in a showroom or at your own home, whichever venue you prefer.

What do I do when my finance is approved?

When you are arranging your own, just give us a call as soon as it gets approved. If you decide to organise finance through Visual, the finance company will notify us both and we’ll be in touch with you.

What do I do if finance is refused?

There can be any number of reasons why someone gets turned down finance, including if you have moved several times in the last few years. In the event of this happening, will we be there to help. It could always be worth trying to obtain finance through another provider, particularly one that knows you.

I’ve applied for finance with Visual. How long will approval take?

We’ve known some finance companies to give an almost immediate response, while others may take a few days to give an answer. Any delay isn’t something to be overly concerned about and can be down to various reasons.

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OUR FINANCE CALCULATOR

See how affordable your home improvement can be with our Finance Calculator. Explore the different ways to finance your home improvement with Visual with one of the three finance options shown below – simply click on the finance option that best suits you.

  • BUY NOW PAY MONTHLY Spread the cost over 60, 120 or 154 months...
  • BUY NOW PAY LATER Buy now and pay nothing for 6 months...
£
60 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 5 years
12.4%
120 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 10 years
12.4%
154 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 12 years
12.4%
This finance option allows you the convenience and flexibility of spreading the cost of your home improvements over 60, 120 or 154 months*. You must make the minimum repayment each month. However you can also make additional payments and therefore control the length of the loan and the amount of interest you would pay. No security is required on these loans. These calculators are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a credit quotation. *120 & 154 months finance only available for orders over £8,000.

Representative Example

Cash Price
£12,000.00
Deposit
£1,200.00
Total Amount of Credit
£10,800.00
Duration of Agreement
60 Months
Rate of Interest
12.4% p.a. fixed
Representative APR
12.4% APR
60 Monthly Payments
£238.87
Total Amount Payable
£15,532.20
£
Deposit
£
Pay within 6 months + £29 exit fee
£
Want to pay in monthly instalments after 6 months rather than one-off payment? Consider this option.
120 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 10 years
19.9%
This option allows you a 6 month payment holiday from the date of completion. Pay 10% deposit when you order, and as long as you pay the outstanding balance in full before 6 months has elapsed plus a £29 settlement fee, no interest will be charged. If, after 6 months, this is not convenient, you can pay in 120 monthly instalments at 19.9% APR Representative. *Deferred for 6 months from the date of completion – £29 settlement fee applies if the loan is repaid in full during the deferral period and NO INTEREST will be paid. If the loan is not settled in full within the deferral period, then interest will have accrued from the start of the agreement on any amount still outstanding at the end of the deferral period. Interest will continue to be charged until the agreement is repaid in full. For legal reasons the Representative Example shows interest IF the outstanding balance is NOT paid before the 6 months has elapsed. No security is required on this loan. These calculators are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a credit quotation.

Representative Example

Cash Price
£12,000.00
Deposit
£1,200.00
Total Amount of Credit
£10,800.00
Defer By
6 Months
Duration of Agreement
126 Months*
Rate of Interest
19.9% p.a. fixed
Representative APR
19.9% APR
120 Monthly Payments
£212.06
Total Amount Payable
£26,647.20
Settlement Fee
£29.00

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