FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PVC, PVCu and UPVC windows are all different ways of saying the same thing, but the correct term is PVC-U.

European countries use the term PVC-U and the UK changed the name of UPVC to PVCU in the 1980s to be in line with them. European languages often place the noun (PVC) before the adjective (U).

PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride and U stands for un-plasticised. Often referred to as just PVC, Poly Vinyl Chloride is modified to be used in the manufacture of many common products, such as bags, shoes and faux leather.

In order to be acceptable for manufacturing windows and doors, a tiny amount of additives are added to pure PVC-U to increase longevity, weather and UV resistance. It also helps create a white colour – ideal for the manufacture of windows and doors.

At County, we offer so much more than just white windows and doors – our products are available in a whole host of varied colours to complement every home.

If you’re looking for white or a shade of cream, you won’t be disappointed. However, you’ll also find a selection of contemporary shades that you may not have considered. Popular modern finishes include Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey and Matte Black.

Alternatively, if you want to achieve a sense of opulence in your home, consider opting for a woodgrain finish. From the rich, elegant Rosewood to brighter oak effect colours, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

If you can’t choose between two finishes, why not choose one for the inside and one for the outside? Our windows can be chosen in different colour combinations.

Window Energy Ratings (WERs) use a consumer-friendly traffic light style to help consumers know how energy efficient their windows will be when purchasing.
This is akin to the energy ratings on fridges, freezers and washing machines.

Windows that are A+ energy rated are the highest possible energy rating on today’s market. The entire range boasts perfectly balanced solar control, ensuring just the right amount of heat is utilised from the sun.

Paired with enviable energy efficiency to prevent internal heat from escaping, you’ll maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, regardless of the weather.

New and replacement windows must have a minimum WER of C. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask a County advisor.

To find out how your window will perform at retaining internal heat inside the home, check the U-Value. Measured in Watts per square metre, the lower the U-Value figure, the better the windows are at retaining heat and preventing it from escaping.

It’s important to note that all new replacement windows must have a U-Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. A County advisor can explain this to you in more detail.

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 County 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.

Yes, we are part of the Conservatory Outlet Group of companies, and as ambassadors of the Conservatory Outlet brand – County Group in Sussex & Kent has demonstrated an unrivalled commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction. In return Conservatory Outlet provides the County Group with the most revolutionary and sought after home improvement products currently available, which are produced to the highest industry standards.

Throughout the UK, our logo is a trusted hallmark which guarantees your total satisfaction and peace of mind when you choose Conservatory Outlet for your home improvement.

County is a member of FENSA (Registered No. 10485) – the industry Gold Standard for Building Regulations compliance in replacement windows and doors. FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. Following Government encouragement, FENSA has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies in response to Building Regulations for double glazing companies in England and Wales.

When replacing windows and doors, homeowners must comply with current thermal performance standards and ensure they get a certificate from FENSA or Local Authority Building Control. FENSA enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self-certify compliance under these Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control.

County is also a member of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) – a trade association that represents over 60% of the home improvement industry by turnover. The GGF’s opinion is also regularly sought by the Government on Regulation and Consumer issues.

Each and every home has different needs so we will struggle to give you an accurate price without meeting you first.

Our windows and doors are custom-made, specially for your requirements and taking your openings and fittings into account. We also have a huge assortment of colour, style and performance options to choose from.

The first step is requesting a no-obligation, free design consultation with one of the team.

You will need to add your details to County’s ‘Appointment Booking Form’ before we can give you an idea of costing. We will happily arrange a time to fit in with you – whether that’s coming to your home or on Zoom.

Your initial appointment will take around 1 hour, but it could be longer. A County designer will listen to your needs as well as making note of measurements so we can find the best window and door options suited to you, your style and budget.

As every job has different challenges, it depends on how complex the job is and the sheer number of windows and doors that are being replaced. Most commonly, a full house of windows will take our installers around 3-4 days to complete. Don’t hesitate to speak to us about a more accurate timeline based around delivery timescales and other factors.

To make life easy for you, County 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 your nearest County 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.

This depends on if you are arranging your own finance or you’re taking up one of our offers. If sorting your own finance independently from us, you should call us when you get approval. However, if you are seeking finance through our offers, the finance company will let us both know directly. We will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.

There can be any number of reasons why someone gets turned down finance, including if you have moved several times in the last few years. In the event of this happening, will we be there to help. It could always be worth trying to obtain finance through another provider, particularly one that knows you.

Our finance company may give you a ‘yes’ straight away or it could take them a few days. Don’t worry – a short delay is nothing to be concerned about.