FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.