FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We can categorically tell you that there is no difference at all and they should actually be called PVC-U windows.

It was in the late 1980’s that UPVC had its name changed to PVCU in the UK so that it was consistent with other European countries. They called it PVC-U because European languages mostly place the noun (being PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

‘PVC’ stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride and the ‘U’ stands for Unplasticised. Poly Vinyl Chloride, better known as everyday ‘PVC’, is altered for use for making bags, shoes and fake leather. This is how we’re so familiar with the term ‘PVC’.

Pure PVC-U is unsuitable for building replacement windows and doors as it needs a number of additives first so that the windows and doors will provide the required longevity, weather-resistant and UV resistance. They’re also required to create the traditional window coloured finish.

You used to be pretty limited for choice when it came to choosing a coloured finish for new windows and doors, but not any more, or certainly not at Amber Home Improvements.

Yes, white remains a popular colour, but our colour palette is extremely broad. We can offer you windows and doors in Anthracite Grey, Hazy Grey, Matt Black, Olive Grey etc. amongst many other striking finishes.

Amber is also pleased to be able to give you access to a fine selection of woodgrains, including Rosewood and several bright oak effect colours. For a real statement finish, check our Chartwell Green, Dark Red and Steel Blue.
You don’t have to agree to a single finish as we’ll happily provide our windows and doors with a dual-coloured finish.

If you want to know how energy efficient a window is, look out for its Window Energy Rating (WER) which will tell you. This labelling is very similar to the way that white goods are energy labelled, such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, which are measured for their energy efficiency from A+ – G.

The BFRC Rating Scheme classes A+ rated windows as the most energy efficient windows you can buy in the UK. All windows are measured in this fashion, and it also falls in line with current building regulations, telling you that the windows you have installed at your home are compliant with the relevant rules.

Our recommendation is that you try and buy replacement windows with either an A or A+ rating so that you benefit from maximum warmth and energy efficiency.
It is compulsory for new or replacement windows to have a WER of at least C or above. Speak to an Amber advisor for more advice on energy ratings.

A U-Value tells you how good a window is at retaining heat within a home and stopping it from escaping outdoors. 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.

A new or replacement window must have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. For a fuller understanding of U-Values, speak to an Amber advisor.

Secured by Design is an initiative setup by the Police that’s all about enhancing the security of buildings, and their surroundings, to make them safer places to live.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the recognised standard for secure products that are capable of deterring and reducing crime. This includes domestic windows and doors and their accompanying components e.g. locks and hinges.

Conservatory Outlet (part of the Conservatory Outlet Group), our sister manufacturing company, is a registered member of Secured by Design, so most of our product offerings satisfy the necessary secure standards. Worried about home security? Let your Amber advisor know, and they will provide the relevant assistance.

We do. Amber Home Improvements is a member of the Conservatory Outlet Network and its sister company, Conservatory Outlet, is one of the UK’s leading window and door manufacturers. The windows are built in Conservatory Outlet’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Because the relationship we have with our manufacturer is so tight, it enables us to have a close control over our supply chain, allowing us to make sure our product quality is always retained.

Amber is extremely proud to be a recognised member of FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme). It was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation, and a number of other high-profile bodies, with encouragement from the Government as a response to building regulations in England and Wales.

When proceeding with a window and / or door installation, it has to comply with current thermal performance standards for a FENSA certificate to be issued and approval to be granted by Local Authority Building Control.

Being a FENSA member also grants us the power to self-certify our window installations under current building regulations.

No home is ever the same, so it is almost impossible for us to give you an accurate indication of the cost of installing new windows and doors, not until we have talked properly.

Amber will tailor your choice of windows and doors specifically for your home, accounting for its openings and fittings. Because we have so many colour, glazing and hardware options, it is essential that we chat things through and measure up accordingly so that we can price up the project.

When you express an interest in our windows and doors, we will get a free design appointment organised, which can either be held in our showroom or via Zoom, if you would prefer to discuss things from the comfort of your own home.

Just get in touch via our appointment Appointment Booking Form and a suitable time and date will be arranged for an in-person or virtual meeting.

On average, our design appointments last for roughly an hour. That’s usually how long the designer will need to get an understanding of what you want, note down any measurements you have taken and introduce you to our various window and door ranges.

Again, it is hard to give you an exact guide as every project is different. For instance, it can depend on how many windows and doors need fitting and how complex the installation will be. If it will be a full house of windows and doors, it normally takes about 3-4 days to complete. The advisor in charge will notify you of any delivery timescales.

Yes, we do. Amber has a range of finance packages that you can apply for to make paying for your windows and doors that little bit easier (subject to application & status). Making a finance application is incredibly simple and you will be told whether it has been successful very quickly. You can sort the application in your home or at our showroom with an Amber advisor.

If you have decided to arrange your own finance, just contact us as soon as it has been approved. If your finance is being organised via Amber, the finance company will get in touch with you and ourselves, so you won’t need to do anything.

There could be a number of reasons why you are refused finance. For example, It may be down to moving many times over the last few years. Amber will always do whatever we can to assist in these circumstances. Sometimes it’s worth trying another provider, especially if they know you.

When arranged through Amber, you may get an almost instant reply or it could take a few days until you discover if the application has been approved. Any delay isn’t something to be alarmed about and can be because of various things.