FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is no difference – they all refer to the same thing. The correct term is PVC-U windows. The abbreviation PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride and the U stands for Un-plasticised.

‘PVC’ stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, with the ‘U’ standing for Un-plasticised. Most people are familiar with the abbreviation PVC. Poly Vinyl Chloride is modified for use in the manufacturing of many common items such as shoes, bags, and faux leather.

Many people in the UK still refer to PVC-U as UPVC because it only officially changed its name in the late 80’s. This was so we were more in line with what Europeans called the material. Most European languages place the noun before the adjective, and therefore PVC is before the U.

Without treatment, pure PVC-U is not compatible for windows and doors. For that reason, we add a tiny number of additives to guarantee durability and weather-resistance of our products. The additives are also important to accomplish the white colour.

Although we appreciate that white is an excellent choice for windows and doors, and that’s why it remains a classic, we are pleased to offer TWC customers a whole host of other options, alongside traditional white.

If you are looking for something more unique, you’ll be delighted with the volume of colours we can offer. From traditional shades to on-trend finishes, you may settle on an Anthracite Grey door and Matt Black windows, or vice versa. Our grey finishes are particularly popular now with Olive Grey and Hazy Grey being firm favourites.

We also have a selection of woodgrain finishes, varying from the very rich and elegant, such as our Rosewood finish, to more colourful shades of Chartwell Green and Steel Blue.

If you want to create a different aesthetic internally and externally, you can choose a colour for the inside and a different colour for the outside of your windows and doors.

The Window Energy Rating, often abbreviated to the WER, of your window will indicate how well your window performs in terms of energy efficiency. It is a similar A+ – G energy rating to what is often found on household white goods, such as washing machines, fridges and freezers.

As determined by the BFRC Rating Scheme, an A+ rated window is the most energy efficient window available in the UK. BFRC is the national system for rating windows’ energy efficiency, and it is even endorsed in Building Regulations to demonstrate compliance with their rules.

Investing in A and A+ windows is the smart choice. Not only will they contribute to lower heating bills, but your Wiltshire or Oxfordshire home will feel comfortably warm throughout the seasons.

It is mandatory for all new and replacement windows to have a WER of C or above. Our team of advisors can educate you on the importance of thermally efficient windows.

Measured in Watts per square metre or W/m2 K, your windows’ U-Value stipulates how well the window prevents internal heat from escaping from your home. All new or replacement windows must have a minimum U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K and the lower the value the better.

If you want to discuss U-Values or anything to do with the energy efficiency of our windows, contact a TWC advisor.

As a police endorsed initiative, Secured by Design revolves around upgrading the security of buildings and their nearby surroundings. The mission is to provide the public with secure places to inhabit.

Secured by Design has a product-based accreditation scheme referred to as the Police Preferred Specification. This is an official standard for any products that have a role in reducing crime. This includes domestic windows and doors and their locks and hinges.

Our sister manufacturing company, Conservatory Outlet, is a long-standing member of Secured by Design. The majority of our product range exceeds the SBD standard. If any further information on the security of our windows and doors is required, speak to a TWC advisor.

As part of the Conservatory Outlet network, TWC benefits from windows manufactured at an advanced manufacturing facility with the latest technological machinery. To meet the needs of our customers, TWC products are manufactured by Conservatory Outlet fabricator.

Substantial investment in the latest technology, machinery and a comprehensive employee training program have created a unique blend of craftsmanship and automation to exceed our high standards. Conservatory Outlet’s factory, coupled with existing infrastructure and use of fabrication techniques, delivers high and consistent levels of quality every time. Our extensive range of products use the most advanced UPVC and aluminium on the market – ensuring the perfect consistency of quality, colour, and finish throughout every product range.

We won’t be able to give you an accurate quote until we have discussed your exact requirements and style preferences first.

All our windows are made-to-measure so there is no one size fits all when it comes to the price of our windows. Once you have chosen your ideal style, colour finish and performance qualities, and we have taken precise measurements, we can then give you a much clearer idea of the cost.

If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss our pricing in more detail, simply add your details to our online contact form and we will work with you to find a date and time that works for you.

Our design appointments are completely FREE with no-obligation to go ahead.

Your first appointment should last around 1 hour. During your appointment, we will take some time to learn about your home’s requirements and take down any measurements. Our designers will also showcase our many window and door options so you can make an informed decision.

Every installation is different and therefore we cannot guarantee your windows and doors will be installed in the same amount of time as other homes. The time it takes will depend on how many windows are being replaced and whether it is a complicated project. Having said that, to give you a rough idea, it usually takes around 3-4 days to install an entire house of windows. Contact us to get more information on timings.

Yes! To make life easy for you, TWC can arrange a variety of convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & affordability). Making an application is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or at our Swindon showroom and you should get an answer to your application within 24 hours, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.

If you’re sorting your finance through TWC, just wait to hear from us about the next steps. If you are using finance independent from us, contact us once you have received approval.

Don’t panic! Finance can be refused for many reasons, and it could be just because you have moved house numerous times in recent years. TWC can offer you some advice and guidance. It may be beneficial to try again at a different provider, especially if you have banked with them for some time.

You could receive an answer in 24 hours, or it could be longer. Don’t worry if you need to wait a few days to receive an answer.