FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No. They’re all the exact same product, and to be accurate, they should be called PVC-U windows. 

It was in the late 1980’s that UPVC became PVCU in the UK to be consistent with our European counterparts. The understanding is that 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, with the ‘U’ bit representing Un-plasticised. Most of us have an awareness of PVC because of its use when manufacturing products like bags, shoes, and fake leather. It must be modified first though to be suitable for this sort of use. 

It is not possible to use pure PVC-u for crafting replacement windows and doors as a small number of additives are needed to make the windows last, offer high weathering and UV resistance. These additives are also necessary for achieving the famous white colour that you so often see on windows and doors. 

To help you identify the energy efficiency standards of a window, all replacement windows sold in the UK have a Window Energy Rating (WER) using a traffic light type of system. It’s very similar to the way white goods are energy labelled, such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, with them rated from A+ – G.

In the BFRC Rating Scheme, A+ rated windows are the most energy efficient windows you can buy in this country. Not only is this system designed to highlight the energy efficiency standards of replacement windows, but it also shows whether they comply with Building Regulations.

Windows with an A or A+ rating are certain to make your home feel wonderfully warm and fuel efficient.

It is a legal requirement that any new or replacement windows have a minimum WER of C. For more info about anything to do with energy ratings, speak to an advisor.

The U-Value of a window helps you to identify how good it is at retaining heat from your boiler and stopping it from escaping. 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.

All new and replacement windows must have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. Again, if you need advice about U-Values, just turn to your advisor for support.

The Police-recognised Secured by Design badge outlines that your window has been tested to meet the requirements of the rigorous standard.

The product based scheme has provided a standard for all security products and that includes domestic windows and doors, including their specific parts, such as hinges and locks.

The safety and security of your family will always come first. Home is the one place we want you to feel completely at ease, and at Bon Accord Glass we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure you have unparalleled peace of mind. Each window configuration in our collection has been specifically engineered to prevent crime and keep any would-be intruders at bay.

Setup by the Police, Secured by Design (SBD) is an initiative that revolves around enhancing the security standards of buildings and their surroundings to make them safer places to live.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – is the acknowledged standard for any product that is specifically made to deter and reduce crime. This includes domestic windows and doors, along with their accompanying components e.g., locks and hinges.

Conservatory Outlet, which is our sister manufacturing company, is a registered member of Secured by Design, so much of our product range satisfies the standard. Let one of our advisors know if security is a major concern.

We’re pleased to confirm that we do as Bon Accord Glass is a member of the Conservatory Outlet Network and its sister company, Conservatory Outlet, is one of the UK’s biggest manufacturers of UPVC and aluminium windows. They manufacture these products in a hi-tech facility, located in Wakefield.

Thanks to the close relationship we have with our manufacturer, it enables us to closely monitor our supply chain and check that our product standards never waver and remain high.