FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is no difference and they should actually be called PVC-U windows, as that is their proper name.

The UPVC name was changed to PVCU in the late 1980’s so that it was brought in line with other European countries. It’s thought that they called it PVC-U because European languages mostly place the noun (being PVC in this case) before the adjective (U).

Poly Vinyl Chloride is the meaning of the abbreviation ‘PVC’ and the ‘U’ stands for Un-plasticised. PVC has to be modified so that it can be used to manufacture products like shoes, bags and fake leather. That’s how we’re so familiar with ‘PVC’.

You can’t use pure PVC-U to manufacture windows and doors as it requires some additives first to make sure that the windows will endure and offer weather and UV resistance. Without these additives, you also wouldn’t be able to achieve the well-celebrated white colour that you associate with UPVC windows and doors.

White remains a very popular colour for windows and doors, but Planet has a colour palette that stretches far further than that, including some unexpected finishes.

There’s little chance that white will ever go out of fashion, nor cream, but people expect more nowadays and Planet doesn’t like to disappoint. We have colours such as Anthracite Grey, Matt Black, Hazy Grey and Olive Grey, and that’s just a small sample.

Planet can also add a woodgrain effect to your windows if you’re a fan of a timber effect. We have a rich, dark Rosewood, to go along with statement colours like Chartwell Green, Dark Red and Steel Blue.

If you want a mix of colours, you can always ask Planet to provide a dual-coloured set of replacement windows.

To identify the standard of thermal efficiency that a window provides, just look to see what Window Energy Rating (WER) it has displayed on it. White goods are labelled in a similar fashion e.g. washing machines, fridges and freezers, with windows energy rated from A+ – G.

The most energy efficient window you can buy in the UK is an A+ rated window, which is defined as such by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This is the national system for rating the energy efficiency of replacement windows and also tells you if a window complies with UK Building Regulations.

If you have the budget, it is definitely worth investing in A or A+ rated windows so that you benefit from great energy efficiency at home.

Any new or replacement windows in the UK must have a minimum WER of C or above. Get the full lowdown on WERs from an advisor.

A window’s U-Value symbolises how effective the window is at heat retention and stopping heat from escaping. It is measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K. The lower the U-Value number, the better the heat retention of the window.

The minimum accepted U-Value for a new or replacement window is 1.6 W/m2 K. An advisor at Planet can tell you more about U-Values.

In a concerted effort to improve the security of buildings and their surroundings, the Secured by Design initiative was established and it has the full backing of the Police.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the recognised standard for products that are specifically designed to minimise acts of crime. It includes domestic windows and doors and their accompaniments e.g. hinges and locks.

Planet’s sister manufacturing company, Conservatory Outlet, has Secured by Design membership, so many of our window products meet the standard. If you want to discuss security with a Planet advisor, just get in touch and we will organise a design appointment.

Speaking of Conservatory Outlet, they are also a leading manufacturer of UPVC and aluminium windows, and Planet is a member of its extensive UK-wide network. They have a manufacturing plant in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where they use the latest technology to develop stunning window profiles.

We obviously have a very close relationship with Conservatory Outlet and this gives us the benefit of being able to keenly monitor our supply chain and check that product standards are kept high.

We wouldn’t like to estimate a price before we have spoken to you to find out what you’re looking for and know about your home.

What we can tell you is that any windows bought from Planet will be tailored for the property and its openings and fittings. Prior to that though, let us know what style, colour and type of performance you want, then we can calculate the price and get on with measuring up ahead of the installation.

Everything that needs to be discussed can be done during a free design consultation, which can take place in our showroom or from the comfort of your home. We also do virtual appointments via Zoom.

Use the contact form to inform us of your preference and we will be in touch with a suitable time and date for the consultation.

It’s difficult to put an exact time on it, but we generally advise our customers to set aside 1 hour for the appointment. The advisor will need this amount of time to gain the information they need and record any measurements you supply.

It varies from project to project, so we wouldn’t like to give a concrete timescale. It will also depend on how many new windows need to be fitted and how difficult the job will be. To give you a guide, a full house of windows will usually take 3-4 days to install. Your advisor will confirm the expected timescale and we’ll stick to it.

We do have some finance packages that you can take advantage of (subject to application & status). Putting together a finance application is easy and it shouldn’t take long for you to discover if the application has been successful or not. Finance applications can be completed in our showroom or in your home.

If you have arranged the finance yourself, contact Planet once you have been notified by the finance company. When it’s organised via Planet, the finance company will get in touch with us both.

Try not to panic about it as finance companies can turn down customers for many different reasons. One of the most common reasons is if you have moved several times in recent years. Planet will be here for you in the event of you being refused finance. Often, we suggest trying another finance provider, ideally one that already knows you.

You could find out from the finance company pretty much straight away or you may have to wait a few days. If there is a little delay, don’t be concerned as it could be for a series of reasons.