Frequently Asked Questions
Our friendly advisors are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You will find answers to some of the most common questions they receive below.
What’s the difference between PVC, PVCU and UPVC?
There isn’t any difference really! UPVC stands for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride and it can also be stylised as PVCu and PVC.
UPVC is an incredibly versatile material that is used in a wide range of sectors and industries. Because of its longevity, high weather and UV resistance, it’s perfect to use in the manufacture of windows and doors.
What’s the difference between casement and flush windows?
The difference between a casement window and a flush window is the casement itself.
The casement refers to the moving part of the window, i.e. the section that opens and closes. Standard windows (or casement and in some cases, lipped) feature a casement that sits outside of the frame. In comparison, a flush window’s casement sits level with the frame.
When you see the two types of windows side-by-side the difference is clear. Why not visit one of our showrooms and see for yourself?
Should I choose double- or triple-glazed windows?
There are positives and negatives for both, and it all depends on what you’re looking for from your glazing. We’d recommend speaking with a member of the Ecofit team and they’ll be able to advise accordingly.
In terms of differences, the obvious starting point is the number of windowpanes within the units – two for double and (you guessed it) three for triple. Generally, triple glazing is better at retaining heat than double glazing and, in some instances, it is better at stopping noise from transferring into your property. However, if noise reduction is a key priority of yours, there are other avenues you can explore.
Whenever we talk about double and triple glazing, we always mention the cost as the price difference between double and triple glazing is quite steep.
With that in mind, speak to a member of our team who’ll work with you to find the perfect window for your home.
What colours do your replacement windows come in?
Pretty much any colour! Thankfully, we’re long gone from the days of all-white windows. Thanks to advances in design, technology and manufacture, we’re able to offer all our replacement windows and doors in a wide range of colours, shades and woodgrain effects. You can even choose a different colour from your windows inside and out.
To see the full range of options available, either download one of our brochures or visit your nearest showroom where a member of the team will happily talk you through them.
I’ve heard a lot about energy ratings when it comes to windows. What does it all mean?
The Window Energy Rating (WER) is a consumer-friendly traffic light system that’s used to showcase how energy efficient a window will be. It’s very similar to the system used to display the energy ratings of home appliances and white goods. It follows a scale ranging from A+-G.
A+-rated windows are the most energy-efficient windows available in the UK, as defined by the nationally-recognised BFRC Rating Scheme. This forms part of Building Regulations, which is a crucial part of determining if your replacement windows meet current guidelines.
When purchasing new or replacement windows, look for those that carry the highest ratings – A and A+. That way, you can be assured that your windows are the best available and will keep your home warm.
It’s a little-known fact that all new or replacement windows require to be WER-rated C or higher. To learn more about the energy efficiency of our windows, please ask your Ecofit advisor for further details.
What does U-Value mean?
A window’s U-Value determines how well it retains internal heat. The U-Value is measured in Watts per square metre, or W/m2K. When checking a window’s U-Value, the lower the number the better.
All new or replacement windows must have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2K. Ask your Ecofit advisor for further details and they’ll be only too happy to help.
What does Secured by Design mean?
Secured by Design (SBD) is something important to look out for when getting new windows or doors. Secured by Design is an official police initiative that improves the security of buildings by designing out vulnerabilities in products and components, including windows, doors and locks.
Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a registered Secured by Design member and you’ll be glad to know that as a result, many of our products meet the rigorous demands of this police-backed standard.
Do you make your own windows?
Yes. Ecofit is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group and a sister company to Conservatory Outlet, the UK’s leading manufacturer of UPVC and aluminium windows.
All products are made at Conservatory Outlet’s state-of-the-art facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
It’s thanks to this close relationship that we’re able to have incredible control over our supply chain and ensure that our customers receive an exclusive and innovative range of home improvement solutions.
Are all composite doors the same?
No, they’re not. They can vary quite a lot!
Standard composite doors are generally 44mm deep and are foam filled. They are then finished in a coloured GRP skin.
At 48mm, our leading Extreme Solid Core Door range is slightly thicker than standard composite doors. But that’s not the only difference; the Extreme Solid Core Door is made from interlocking layers of laminated timber. This makes them stronger and more durable than other types of doors. They are also finished in a UPVC skin, which means you can achieve a perfect colour match with your door frame.
If you want to learn more about the types of doors available, speak with a member of the Ecofit team and they’ll explain everything for you.
Can I have a different colour on the inside to the outside?
Yes, you can!
In most instances, you’ll be able to choose a different colour inside and out.
For example, you could have a white exterior and grey interior. Or you could go red and blue. Or green and black – the choice is yours!
How many keys do you get?
As standard, you’ll get three sets of keys. But if you’d like any additional sets, just let us know at the point of ordering.
Can I have the keys the same for multiple doors? (Suited)
Yes. Just mention to us when ordering that you’d like the doors suited and we’ll take care of the rest. No more rummaging around and working out which key is for the front or back!
What is Secured by Design mean?
Secured by Design (SBD) is something important to look out for when getting new windows or doors. Secured by Design is an official police initiative that improves the security of buildings by designing out vulnerabilities in products and components, including windows, doors and locks.
Our manufacturing partner, Conservatory Outlet, is a registered Secured by Design member and you’ll be glad to know that as a result, many of our products meet the rigorous demands of this police-backed standard.
What does the 3-star rating mean for a door barrel?
All door barrels are tested to provide maximum security against break-ins, with three stars the highest rating available.
Our door cylinders feature our unique snap-secure technology. This, combined with a smart lockdown mode, helps prevent the barrel from being compromised at any point during a brute force attack.
Can French doors fold back completely?
Yes, you can order your French doors with an egress hinge which allows you to fully fold back your doors for a beautiful view of the garden.
Should I choose sliding patio doors or bi-folding doors?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as both options have numerous benefits and will help transform your home and garden.
Sliding patio doors have slimmer frames than bi-folds, so even when closed you get a larger view of your garden. However, bi-folding doors fold completely back and open your property to the outside and are great for improving access.
What is the difference between a conservatory, an sunroom and an extension?
The big question!
The truth is, what separates a conservatory, sunroom and extension has blurred somewhat in recent years. Honestly, your living space can be whatever you want it to be!
Traditionally, a conservatory would be a predominantly glass structure – glass walls and a glass roof. These days, due to styles changing and designs advancing, it’s possible to have a conservatory with a tiled roof or a conservatory with a dwarf wall.
An sunroom generally incorporates brick or aluminium pillars, and these are a real feature of the structure’s design. These pillars aren’t just an eye-catching feature though, they provide a little extra privacy and insulation compared to a conservatory. Sunrooms also have a pelmet around the roof which also adds a little extra insulation. As for a roof – anything goes! Sunrooms are fantastic as their versatility allows them to have all kinds of roof structures, including glass lanterns and glass/tiled hybrids.
An extension, however, is normally designed to match the existing look and feel of the property. Many traditional extensions incorporate a solid feel with more brickwork and typically (but not always) feature a solid tiled roof. These days though, roofs can be hybrid and incorporate glass panels or Velux windows for a little extra light and ventilation.
But who needs a label anyway? Whatever it is you’re after, we’re here to help. Have a chat with a Ecofit design and they’ll draw up your dream living space.
Should I choose a tiled or glass roof?
This depends on your plan on using the room, which way it faces and, of course, your budget.
If you value plenty of natural light cascading into your living space and a beautiful view of your garden, then a glass roof is the obvious choice. But don’t worry about the space becoming uncomfortable in the summer as you can choose to have solar control glazing that’ll keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
For a roof that’s more in keeping your property, then a solid roof is the way to go. You could even use the solid roof as a base and add in a glass lantern, full-length glass panels or Velux windows to get the best of both worlds.
Why not talk things through with a member of the Ecofit team?
Will my living space be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter?
All our living spaces are designed and manufactured to provide year-round comfort. Gone are the days of old polycarbonate conservatories and roofs that turn extensions into furnaces during the summer months and igloos in the winter. Thanks to solar control glazing and improvements in energy efficiency and insulation, your Ecofit living space will be ideal 365-days a year.
That said, if you are concerned about heat regulation, a solid roof might be the best option.
Do you manufacture your own roofs?
Yes, Ecofit Windows & Doors is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group of companies, and its sister company Conservatory Outlet is one of the leading manufacturers of roof products in the UK.
Our roofs are manufactured in the UK at Conservatory Outlet’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Having such a close relationship with our manufacturer means we retain close control over our supply chain – ensuring the exceptional, quality of our innovative product range is always maintained.
Can I choose different roof tiles to match my home?
Yes, absolutely! We have a wide range of options available, and we’ll happily go through all the styles to ensure there’s as close a match as possible to your existing roof. Or you could pivot and go completely different – the choice is yours.
What is solar control glazing?
Solar control glazing is a type of glass that features a unique coating that works to prevent excessive amounts of heat from transferring into your property. As well as stopping large amounts of getting it, it also works to stop internal heat from getting out – which is ideal in the winter.
We have several options available, all of which offer varying levels of light transmission and heat retention. To discuss things further, speak to a Ecofit representative who’ll be able to advise on what type would be best for your needs.
Can I match to my existing bricks?
Before any work begins, our Ecofit team will scout out the closest match to your existing brickwork and check this over with you.
Please bear in mind that your existing brickwork will have been exposed to the and as such, there may be some discrepancies between the old and new bricks due to the weathering process.
Do I need planning permission?
Extensions & Conservatories
You don’t require planning permission if the extension meets certain rules. This is called ‘permitted development’.
If your extension will have one storey, you don’t need planning permission as long as:
- it’s located at the back of the house
- it doesn’t go back further than 3 metres if it’s a terraced house, or 4 metres
- if it isn’t the height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) is no higher than 3 metres
- it’s not higher than 4 metres, including sloping roofs
- it doesn’t cover more floor area than your house does
- it doesn’t take up half the ‘curtilage’ – the grounds behind your home
- it isn’t within a conservation area
If you want to add a porch to a front door, back door or side door on your house,
different rules apply.
Porches
You won’t need planning permission to add a porch to a front door, back door or side door on your house as long as:
- its footprint (the total floor area it takes up) is no greater than 3 square metres
- there’s at least 2 metres between the edge of the porch and any boundary facing a road
- it isn’t taller than 3 metres
- it isn’t within a conservation area
How long will it take to build my new living space?
Without knowing the specifics of the project and any potential planning requirements, it’s really hard to say. If you’re wanting to get an idea of timescales, it’s best to discuss your ideas with a member of the Ecofit team.
What is a test dig?
A test dig is a small excavation that helps the builders to help ensure that local conditions are suitable for the extension. In the case of new-build extensions, this must be conducted before any work is conducted.
What is a cavity tray?
A cavity tray is a type of damp proof coursing that effectively acts as a bridge within a cavity wall. Any moisture present inside the cavity trickles down the cavity tray and is expelled outside the external cavity wall.
Should I choose a tiled or glass roof?
This depends on your plan on using the room, which way it faces and, of course, your budget.
If you value plenty of natural light cascading into your living space and a beautiful view of your garden, then a glass roof is the obvious choice. But don’t worry about the space becoming uncomfortable in the summer as you can choose to have solar control glazing that’ll keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
For a roof that’s more in keeping your property, then a solid roof is the way to go. You could even use the solid roof as a base and add in a glass lantern, full-length glass panels or Velux windows to get the best of both worlds.
Why not talk things through with a member of the Ecofit team?
When I’m replacing my roof, should I replace the frames too?
We would advise you to, yes.
If you’re going to the trouble and expense of replacing your old conservatory roof, then it makes sense to replace your conservatory or sunroom’s windows and frames too. Why take advantage of all the benefits of a modern roof (solar control glazing, more efficient and thermally secure frames etc.) then why settle for old, poorly performing frames?
Speak to a Ecofit advisor and we’ll work out an excellent deal to ensure your living space gets a brand-new lease of life.
What is a replacement tiled roof made from?
Replacement solid roof systems are normally prefabricated. This means helps with the installation as it allows it to be done quickly and efficiently, minimising the disruption caused at your home.
Each roof is made individually to ensure a perfect fit for your space.
The system itself comprises a pre-engineered frame, insulation, fire-grade plasterboard, exterior-grade plywood, and an impenetrable membrane. The roof is then finished with tiles of your choosing, or solid panels.
What is a replacement tiled roof made from?
A replacement solid roof system is prefabricated to ensure that the installation process itself can be conducted as quickly and as efficiently as possible, with minimum disruption to your home. Each roof we make is unique and made to measure for each home improvement project.
The roof system is comprised of several different components, those being: a pre-engineered and lightweight frame, insulating panels, fire-grade plasterboard, exterior-grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane.
The roof is then finished with either your choice of tiles or solid panels.
What is a Clad over roof?
A clad over roof is sold by some competitors as a cheap alternative to a proper roof replacement.
With a clad over roof, the new roof structure is installed without removing the old one. This isn’t recommended for several reasons:
- Weight: A clad over system can be too heavy for your conservatory’s existing frames/structural support. This is because they use heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. Any old conservatory requires a lightweight roof. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31kg/m2.
Tip: When getting your roof replacement, always ask for the total weight of the new roof per m2.
- Fire Safety: By their very nature, clad over systems do not meet current fire safety regulations. It may be tested in isolation but these systems can’t be tested as a complete structure, which is necessary to pass Building Regulations. Solid roofs must be classified with a fire rating of either AC, AB or AA per the British standard BS476-3.Tip: Always ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system before you commit to the project.
- Building Regulations: Clad over roofing systems also don’t tend to get Building Regulations Approval due to their low thermal value or structural integrity. This isn’t to be confused with planning permission, which often isn’t required. As a homeowner, you are required to notify Building Control if you are making a change to any structure – including replacing a polycarbonate conservatory roof.
Tip: Check with Build Control that they have been informed about the impending works. Obtain a Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate and keep that in a safe place.
Will my new roof still cause the room to be too hot in the summer and cold in the winter?
All our living spaces are designed and manufactured to provide year-round comfort. Gone are the days of old polycarbonate conservatories and roofs that turn extensions into furnaces during the summer months and igloos in the winter. Thanks to solar control glazing and improvements in energy efficiency and insulation, your Ecofit living space will be ideal 365-days a year.
That said, if you are concerned about heat regulation, a solid roof might be the best option.
How much will it cost to replace my existing roof?
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.
Ecofit has a useful finance calculator which can help you work out an easy-to-afford payment plan that fits your budget.
How long will it take to replace my existing conservatory roof?
A tiled solid roof replacement can be installed in as little as a few days, with minimum disruption to your home.
Do I need planning permission to replace an existing roof?
You won’t need planning permission to change a roof on an existing structure. However, Buildings Regulation Control is a mandatory requirement – a property sale cannot be made without this.
Do I need Building Regulations Approval?
Getting Building Regulations approval from your local authority means that you can be assured the new system has been checked by a government-approved inspector. The check ensures the structure is installed correctly and is both structurally safe and thermally efficient.
Plus, should you sell the property in the future, you’ll know that there won’t be any issues regarding unauthorised work.
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