Frequently asked window questions

They are all the same product and in fact, they should be called PVC-U windows.

Back in the 1980s, the name changed to PVCU in the UK to bring us in line with other European countries. They are all calling it PVC-U because European languages mostly place the noun (PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

‘PVC’ is the shortened form of Poly Vinyl Chloride, with the ‘U’ standing for Un-plasticised. Polyvinyl Chloride.

You cannot use pure PVC-U for crafting windows and doors. It needs a series of additives to make it last and for weathering and UV resistance.

White windows are far from the only choice nowadays. We supply our replacement windows with a fantastic array of finishes.

You may be content with white or cream windows, but if you are not and you want something outside of these classic colours, think about grey, green or black colours, such as Anthracite Grey. Hazy Grey, Matt Black, and Olive Grey.

There is a fabulous selection of woodgrains, such as the beautifully rich and elegant Rosewood, or light oak effects, together with various smooth finishes and statement colours, like Chartwell Green, Dark Red and Steel Blue.

Why not combine colours if you want more than one finish, with differing internal and external colours?

All energy-efficient windows sold in the UK are energy labelled from A+ – G, a bit like fridges, freezers and, washing machines.

If you want the most energy-efficient windows available, you want some A+ rated windows, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme.

We would strongly recommend that you buy windows with an A or A+ rating as they will keep your home well-heated.

It is compulsory for replacement windows to have a minimum WER of C or above. A 5 Star advisor can give you more information about WERs.

The U-value of a window signifies how effective a window is at retaining heat inside a home and stopping it from escaping. A U-value is measured in Watts per square metre, or W/m2 K. The lower the U-value, the better the heat retention offered by a window.

Any new or replacement window must have a minimum U Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. For guidance with U-Values, just speak to a 5 Star advisor.

Secured by Design (SBD) is a Police-run initiative that is all about designing out crime and making buildings and their immediate surroundings more secure.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the acknowledged standard for products specifically designed to deter and minimise crime.

Conservatory Outlet, our sister manufacturing company and part of the Conservatory Outlet Group, is a fully-fledged member of Secured by Design, so our products meet the necessary secure standards.

We certainly do as 5 Star is a member of the Conservatory Outlet Network and its sister company, Conservatory Outlet, is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of UPVC and aluminium windows. The windows are built in Conservatory Outlet’s hi-tech manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire.

Yes, and we have been members of FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) for several years now. Our FENSA number is 35194. The scheme was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and various other industry bodies and is Government-endorsed.

It is a legal requirement that any replacement windows and doors comply with current thermal performance standards, and you will also need a FENSA certificate.

Being a FENSA member also entitles us to self-certify compliance with building regulations for any replacement window installation.

No home is ever the same, so it is not easy to give you an estimate of what it will cost until we know more about your home and what you want.

5 Star will specially tailor your new windows so that they work with the relevant openings and fittings. You also must remember that we have loads of colour and performance options to choose from, so pricing up your windows can only really be done once we know your requirements and have measured up.

We can talk everything through together, either at your home or if you prefer, via a Zoom call.

Just fill in your details on one of our contact forms and an appointment date and time will be arranged.

Normally, it will take around 1 hour. We find that this is usually enough time for the designer to listen to your requirements, note down any measurements and introduce you to the most suitable window and door options for the project.

That completely depends on the job at hand. For instance, it will obviously take longer if there are lots of windows and doors that need to be fitted as opposed to just a few. To give you a rough estimate, it will usually take about 3-4 days for a completed installation. A 5 Star advisor will tell you more about timescales.

Yes, we do. You can spread the cost of paying for your new windows and doors with one of our easy payment options (subject to application & status). It is simple to make a finance application, and you will not be kept waiting long to find out if it has been successful. Finance can be organised in your local 5 Star showrooms or at your home.

When arranging your own finances contact us as soon as it has been approved. If you organise it directly with 5 Star, the finance company will contact us both, so you do not need to do anything, and we will be in touch.

There could be any number of reasons why you are turned down for finance, such as if you have moved several times in the last few years. When this happens, we will do what we can to help. It could always be worth trying a provider who knows you.

You may get an immediate ‘yes’ from the finance company or it could take a few days for approval to be granted. Any delay in receiving approval, or otherwise, could be down to various things, so do not be alarmed.