FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is no difference but the correct term is PVC-U.

To align with other countries in Europe, UPVC changed its name to PVCU in the 1980’s in the UK. European countries were calling it PVC-U because their languages tend to place the noun (PVC) before the adjective (U).

PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride and the U stands for Un-plasticised. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is modified so it can then be used in the manufacturing of bags, shoes and fake leather.

Pure PVC-U is not appropriate for replacement windows and doors. In order to provide longevity, extreme weather and UV resistance, and achieve a white colour, a small amount of additives are added.

Despite what you might see in homes around you, windows don’t have to be white. ERG’s windows and doors come in a wide range of colours and finishes that will fit in with your taste and personality.

If you are wanting to keep things simple then you may opt for white and cream, which always looks great. However, if you are imagining a more contemporary and unique look, we have options in grey, green, black etc. Current trending colours such as Anthracite Grey, Hazel Grey, Matte Black and Olive Grey can make a big impression.

Additionally, we possess a stunning range of wood grains. Choose Rosewood for a rich, dark hue, or pick one of our brighter oak effect colours.

You may request that your new windows have one colour for the internal and one colour for the external. We are happy to make this happen as all our windows are available in colour combinations.

Window Energy Ratings (WERs) are a traffic light system that guides consumers to find out how energy efficient their windows will be. It is a comparable system to what consumers will find on their white goods, such as washing machines, fridge and freezers.

The most energy efficient windows available are rated A+. This is defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme, which is the UK’s national system for rating energy efficiency of windows.

You should invest in windows that carry A or A+ ratings because they have the ability to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and they are extremely energy efficient.

New and replacement windows need a minimum Window Energy Rating of C or higher. Request more information from your ERG Scotland advisor and they will keep you informed.

In brief terms, a U-Value specifies the ability of your windows to retain internal heat within your home. Measured in Watts per square metre, or W/m2 K, the lower the U-Value number, the better.

It is necessary that every new or replacement window has at least a U Value of 1.6 W/m2 K. Your ERG can give you further details on this by request.

Often abbreviated to SBD, Secured by Design is the official police-backed security initiative. The initiative has the goal of making buildings and their immediate surroundings a safer place to live.

Secured by Design’s product-based accreditation system, the Police Preferred Specification, has created a national standard for all security products with the aim of preventing crime. Within this, there are specifications for windows, doors and all of their components.

Conservatory Outlet, our sister manufacturing company, is a member of SBD and many of our products have been rigorously tested to meet the high standards it sets. Speak to your ERG advisor for more information on this topic.

Yes. To meet the needs of our customers, ERG products are manufactured by its sister company, Conservatory Outlet, operating from a manufacturing facility with the latest technological machinery. ERG is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group of companies.

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 on the market – ensuring the perfect consistency of quality, colour, and finish throughout every product range.

Yes! FENSA is the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme that was formed by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies. This was created with government support in response to the current Building Regulations for England and Wales.

Homeowners must obey current thermal performance standards when having windows and doors replaced. They should make sure that they obtain a certificate of compliance from FENSA or from Local Authority Building Control.

Companies that fit replacement windows and doors are able to self-certify that their products have met the Building Regulations.

No two homes are the same, so we cannot give you a cost estimate until we have spoken with you to understand what is required.

Our windows and doors are bespoke to you and your home as they require us taking into account your openings and fittings. We have so many options when it comes to style, colour and performance so it makes sense to discuss these options with you before we can give you a more precise breakdown of the cost involved.

The first step is to start with a free design consultation either in your home, in our Invergordon showroom or on Zoom.

Add your details onto our contact form and we’ll arrange a time and date to fit in with your busy schedule ‘Appointment Booking Form‘.

We recommend that your first appointment should be at least 1 hour. An ERG designer will use that time to grasp your needs, take down all measurements and present the different window and door options available.

A full house of windows often takes around 3-4 days to fit. However, every job varies and it depends on the number of windows and doors and how complicated the installation will be. For a more accurate estimate of timings, contact an ERG advisor who can give you a more specific answer and communicate with you about current delivery timescales.

Yes, we offer flexible finance options (subject to application & status). Our affordable payment options can make all the difference. You can easily apply for finance and you will often get an answer within 24 hours. We can go through everything in our Invergordon showroom or we are happy to come out to you if that makes things simpler.

If you take up finance through us, our finance company will tell us both so we will be in touch with you. However, if you are arranging your own finance, you will need to call us to let us know that you have been approved.

There are many reasons that finance companies refuse finance. It could be because you have moved house multiple times in the last few years. In instances like this, we promise to try our best to help. It may make sense to try another provider if they are familiar with you.

Our finance company will frequently give you the go-ahead almost straight away, but sometimes it will take them a few days to get back to you. This can be because of multiple reasons and it is not a reason to worry.