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Your questions answered

Click on the categories below and browse our most frequently asked questions.

  • Windows
  • Doors
  • General

Windows

How do I know when I should replace my windows?

  • If you’ve noticed condensation build-up in-between the double glazed panes of glass it could mean that your window seals have failed, allowing moisture into your home. Once a seal fails, any insulating gas used to make the window energy efficient is now gone.
  • If you experience difficulty when opening or closing your windows.  If you can’t close your windows properly, you may not be able to lock them, which can impact the safety of your home.
  • You hear a lot of outside noise. If your windows aren’t providing much protection from the sounds outside, they might not be sealed correctly.
  • You feel a draft when your windows are closed. There could be a number of issues here, including poor installation or faulty seals that are the cause.

What material should I choose for my new windows?

Here at Walkers, we exclusively install uPVC windows. uPVC is the most popular window material known for its remarkable reliability, hardwearing finish, and low maintenance benefits. It’s also a more budget-friendly option than other window materials. We offer an eclectic mix of uPVC window styles, such as flush sash or casement, allowing you to create a unique look for your home.

 

Other popular window materials include timber and aluminium, however, these options are not as budget-friendly as uPVC. Timber also requires very regular upkeep and maintenance to keep it looking and performing its best.

What is the difference between vertically sliding windows and casement windows?

Casement windows usually open outwards from the building with side positioned hinges, like a door. This style is extremely popular in a lot of modern homes.

 

Vertical sliding windows open by sliding horizontally up and down. This style looks particularly fitting on older or period properties, as it reflects a style made popular in the Victorian and Georgian era.

Do I need planning permission to replace my windows?

In short, no, you do not need planning permission to replace existing windows or doors, though you will need to check to see if you are located in a conservation area as you may be restricted with what designs or materials you are allowed to use. You can check this with your local council. Here at Walkers, we will always take care of planning permission and Building Regulation concerns for you.

How secure are your windows?

We pride ourselves on offering the best security for your home, giving you and your family total peace of mind. With a range of security upgrades available allowing for the highest security standards possible, you can put your trust in us to keep your home safe and secure. Get in touch if you want to know more about our window security options.

What is a FENSA certificate for windows?

FENSA, or the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, was created to make sure that windows and doors installation companies meet the latest building regulations. FENSA’s goal is to professionalise installers in order to improve window and door replacements across the UK and protect homeowners. Here at Walkers, we are proud FENSA registered installers.

 

FENSA certificates remain valid for as long as the windows last. A new certificate is necessary when windows are replaced.

What colour can I have my uPVC windows?

We can install uPVC windows in any RAL colour, from contemporary Anthracite Grey to a more classic White. Contact us to discuss the range of colour options available. We also offer versatile dual colour uPVC windows. This means that the colour of the interior of your window can be different from the exterior. This is beneficial to homeowners looking to match new windows and doors with their existing décor and home style.

What is a Window Energy Rating (WER)?

Window energy efficiency rating schemes are based on a scale that ranges from A-G. This system is similar to the labeling system used that you may have seen on fridges, washing machines, and cookers. An ‘A’ rating indicates a good level of energy efficiency, whilst G is the lowest rating. Low-rated windows will not normally satisfy building regulations requirements. We’re confident that all of our windows meet or surpass the recommended energy efficiency level.

 

Currently, under building regulations, replacement windows must either be window efficiency rated to a minimum of ‘C’ or have a U-Value of 1.6 W/m2K or lower (lower U-values are better as it relates to the rate of heat flow).

Doors

How do I know when I should replace my doors?

  • The hot air of summer and the cold air of winter should not enter through any closed doors in your home. If you are feeling drafts with each season, it may be time to upgrade your doors.
  • If you can see moisture building up in-between your double glazing panels it may mean that the seal between those two panes has worn away and is failing to keep moisture out of your home. It also means the insulating gas between panes has escaped and your door will not be performing as well as it should in terms of energy efficiency.
  • If your door is difficult to open and close, it’s probably time to consider replacing it. Not only is a door that is sticking or jamming really annoying, but it can also pose a security threat.

What material should I choose for my door?

Here at Walkers, we offer our entire door range in innovative, affordable, and low maintenance uPVC. We also offer Distinction composite front doors, the most sought-after front door on the market today.

 

uPVC front doors: Our uPVC door range provides homeowners with a practical entrance door option that’s as equally energy efficient & secure as it is economic & aesthetically pleasing.

 

Composite front doors: Our composite door range showcases premium front doors that offer a traditional timber look alongside the practical advantages that contemporary materials offer. Try our composite door designer to get inspired by our range of colours, styles, and designs.

Do I need to get planning permission before replacing my doors?

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission if you’re replacing your old doors with new ones.

 

If you live in a conservation area and you are unsure whether you are allowed to replace your doors, it may be worth seeking advice from your local council. The purpose of a conservation area is to preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic interest, as well as seeking to minimise the loss of the existing build and natural environment. The key thing here is that you replace your doors with ones that are similar in style to those that were used within the original construction of the property.

 

We will always be ready to help with advice on conservation area related issues.

How secure are your doors?

Not only do our doors look great, but they also come with the Ultion lock as standard. As well as being approved by the police, and achieving the highest Kitemark star rating, Ultion is tested by locksmiths with the Master Locksmith Association and is accredited with their highest standard.

 

We pride ourselves on offering the best security for your home, giving you and your family total peace of mind. With a range of security upgrades available allowing for the highest security standards possible, you can put your trust in us to keep your home safe and secure. Get in touch if you want to know more about our door security options.

What type of doors do I currently have?

If you’re thinking about replacing the doors in your home, one of the first things you’ll need to do is to identify what kind of doors are already in your house. If you’re unsure about what type of door you currently have, you can do some research easily at home, or come to us and we will be happy to help.

 

    1. Identify the type of material used in your doors. It’s likely your doors will be either uPVC, timber, composite, or aluminium. It’s usually quite easy to identify the material used, simply by examining the interior and exterior of the door and feeling the door itself.
    2. Identifying how your doors open is another important point to recognise. This is often more important when replacing rear entrance doors, as there are multiple opening variations. Front doors commonly open outwards on side hung hinges.

 

French doors: Usually installed in pairs, these are traditionally hinged double doors that open onto your garden or patio. French doors contain a central frame with multiple transparent panels.

 

Bifold doors: Bifold doors open in a concertina fashion. They’re made up of multiple panes or ‘leaves’ which fold back on themselves in order to open up an entire wall.

 

Sliding patio doors: Sliding patio doors tend to be designed using two or more large panels of glass, which smoothly slide to the end of the door frame.

What do door energy ratings mean?

Door energy efficiency rating schemes are based on a scale that ranges from A-G. This system is similar to the labeling system used that you may have seen on fridges, washing machines, and cookers. An A rating indicates a good level of energy efficiency, whilst G is the lowest rating. Low-rated doors will not normally satisfy building regulations requirements. We’re confident that all of our doors, front and rear, meet or surpass the recommended energy efficiency level. Replacement doors are required to have a maximum U-value of 1.8W/m²K.

What is a FENSA certificate for doors?

FENSA, or the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, was created to make sure that windows and doors installation companies meet the latest building regulations. FENSA’s goal is to professionalise installers in order to improve window and door replacements across the UK and protect homeowners. Here at Walkers, we are proud FENSA registered installers.

 

FENSA certificates remain valid for as long as the doors last. A new certificate is necessary when doors are replaced.

What colour can I have my door?

We can install uPVC doors in any RAL colour, from contemporary Anthracite Grey to a more classic White. Contact us to discuss the range of colour options available. We also offer versatile a dual colour for all of our doors. This means that the colour of the interior of your door can be different from the exterior. This is beneficial to homeowners looking to match new windows and doors with their existing décor and home style.

 

Talk to us today to discover the entire colour ranges for our composite and uPVC doors.

General

Can I finance my home improvements?

Yes! We have many finance options that will help you make those dream home improvements without having to wait. Walkers Windows work closely with a panel of lenders and can therefore obtain excellent hassle-free rates of finance within one hour. Talk to us or check our finance page for more information.

What is the difference between Building regulations and planning permission?

There is often confusion over the differences between Building Regulations and planning permission, so it’s important to know why they’re different.

 

Building Regulations: Building regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power are conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.

 

Planning permission: Planning seeks to guide the way our towns, cities, and countryside develop. This includes the use of land & buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access, and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.

What is a U-value?

A U-value value shows the ability of a home element, such as windows and doors, to transmit heat from a warm space to a cold space in a building, and vice versa. The lower the U-value, the better insulated the building element. A U-value is measured in watts per square metre, per degree Kelvin (W/m2K).

How does double glazing work?

Double glazing is made up of 2 panes of glass within a sealed unit separated by a spacer bar. The gap between the panes is injected with argon gas. Argon gas shares many properties with oxygen; however, it is far more viscous. The viscosity of a gas can be thought of as a measure of its resistance to flow, for example, heat flows far less easily through argon than it does oxygen.

 

Argon gas slows and prevents heat transfer from inside to outside your home and vice versa. This makes double glazed windows extremely energy efficient, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature through every season.

What is triple glazing?

Triple glazing works by securing three panes of glass within a sealed window frame. The gaps between each pane are filled with Argon, an insulating gas, which enhances the window’s ability to retain heat.

 

You might want to consider triple glazing if:

 

  • You live somewhere that suffers from extreme weather, like very cold winters.
  • Your property is exposed to the elements, for example, is situated on the coast.
  • You live somewhere noisy like near an airport, school, or train station, and want better acoustic insulation.
  • You want to further reduce your energy bills. Triple glazing provides even lower U-values than double glazing.

See it for yourself

What better way to get an idea of the quality of our work than to take a look at some past examples of our installations? View our gallery and have a read of our case studies for your home improvement inspiration.

View Gallery

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