What's the difference between flush and casement windows?
It firstly helps to know that the casement refers to the moving part of the window, the section that opens and closes. Standard or ‘lipped’ windows have casements that sit proud of the surrounding window frame.
The casements in a flush casement window are dead level with the frame, which makes it an incredibly neat design. Place a flush window and casement window next to each other and you will see how they differ. View the two designs in our showroom to decide which of the two you prefer.
Am I better off buying double or triple glazed windows?
The biggest difference between a double glazed and triple glazed unit is that the former has two glass panes, whereas you get three of them in the latter. There are benefits to both window types and one of RMC’s consultants can explain what they are in depth.
The level of heat retention offered by a triple glazed window is exceptionally high, and it will do a fantastic job of keeping draughts out. When configured in a certain way, a triple glazed window will also minimise the amount of noise you can hear indoors, just what you need if your house is located on a busy road.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
Please direct any questions to one of our friendly team members, who will always be happy to help. Although, you may find the answer you’re looking for below.
Is there any difference between PVC windows, PVCu windows and UPVC windows?
Very confusingly, there isn’t, and they should be referred to as PVC-U windows.
UPVC saw its name changed to PVCU in the late 1980’s for consistency with other European countries.
They reputedly called it PVC-U 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’ representing the word Un-plasticised. Most of us know Poly Vinyl Chloride best as ‘PVC’, which is modified for producing goods like bags, shoes, and fake leather.
It’s not possible to use pure PVC-U for manufacturing windows and doors as several additives must be added first to guarantee longevity, weather-resistant and UV resistance. You can only achieve the white colour on windows and doors with these essential additives.
What window colours do you have in stock?
Much more than just white as our replacement windows are available in a huge selection of fantastic finishes.
Many of our customers remain huge fans of white, but we like to offer a generous choice of colours and have a palette that includes Anthracite Grey, Hazy Grey, Matt Black, Olive Grey and many more.
RMC has several woodgrains too for those who are charmed by windows with a timber-like effect. Rosewood is one of them, which has a dark, rich elegance.
Use a combination of colours, if you wish, with contrasting finishes on the inside and outside of the window frame.
What exactly is an ‘A’ rated window?
The Window Energy Rating (WER) displayed on a replacement window tells you how energy efficient it is. White goods are labelled in a similar fashion, e.g., fridges, freezers, washing machines. They’re energy rated from A+-G.
An A+ rated window is the highest performing window you can buy in the UK, in terms of thermal efficiency, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme.
All replacement windows sold in the UK are rated via this system and it tells you if a window complies with current Building Regulations.
If you have the necessary budget, we highly recommend that you opt for windows with an A or A+ rating to get top-level thermal efficiency.
New or replacement windows must have a minimum WER of C or above. Get informed advice on WERs from an RMC consultant.
What is a U-Value?
A U-Value symbolises the effectiveness of a window at retaining heat and reducing heat loss. It is measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K. The lower a U-Value, the greater the heat retention.
The minimum required U-Value of a new or replacement window is 1.6 W/m2 K. Speak to an advisor if you need more clarity on U-Values.
What is Secured by Design?
A Police-run initiative, Secured by Design is focused on enhancing the security standards of buildings and their immediate surroundings so that people can feel more secure in them.
SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the recognised standard for home improvement solutions that are specially produced to restrict crime. It incorporates domestic windows and doors, and their components, such as locks, hinges etc.
Our sister manufacturing company, Conservatory Outlet, is a fully fledged member of Secured by Design, so most of our products satisfy the SBD standard. If you have any worries about home security, inform one of our advisors about it.
Do you make your own windows?
Conservatory Outlet is a long-time manufacturer of UPVC and aluminium windows, and RMC is a proud member of its retail network. The company has a hi-tech manufacturing facility in Wakefield, which is where its windows are made.
Being so closely tied to our manufacturer is beneficial as it enables us to monitor our supply chain and check that everything that comes off the production line is up to our high standards.
What will it cost for new windows and doors?
Every home is unique, so it isn’t easy to give you a price before we know exactly what your house needs and what your requirements are.
We always tailor our windows depending on the relevant window openings and fittings, and your preferred choice of style, colour, and performance. It’s also essential for us to measure up prior to a window installation. This will put us in the position to provide you with a price.
Ask RMC if a FREE design consultation can be arranged, which can take place in your house or at our showroom. We also offer digital appointments via Zoom.
Just use our contact form to organise an appointment, providing us with a date and time when it’s convenient for us to talk.
How long will a design consultation take?
We tell our customers to block off an hour for the first consultation as that’s about how much time we normally need to understand what you’re after, record any measurements you provide, and talk you through the best window and door options.
How quickly will my new windows and doors be fitted?
No two window installation jobs are ever the same. It can also depend on how many windows are being fitted and how complex the project is. But to give you a general idea, it will normally take around 3-4 days to install a full house of windows. You will be informed of the expected timescale very early on.
Is any form of finance available?
We provide finance options so that you can spread the cost of paying for new replacement windows and doors. Making a finance application is quick and easy to do, and you won’t have to wait long to find out if it’s been successful. The application can be sorted out in your home, if you wish, and an advisor can help you fill out the relevant paperwork.
What do I do when my finance application is approved?
When you’re arranging finance yourself, get in touch with us and let us know as soon as it has been approved. If we have sorted out finance for you, the finance company will inform us both of its approval, so you don’t need to call us as we’ll call you.
What do I do if I am refused for finance?
Various factors can lead to a refusal for finance, such as if you have moved several times over the last few years. We will do whatever we can to help in this situation. Trying a different provider can sometimes work, especially one who knows you.
How long does it take to receive approval?
You may get an immediate ‘yes’ or it could take a few days for the finance company to notify us. If there is any delay, don’t worry. This can happen for several reasons.
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