New and replacement windows require a lot of decisions, with so many variables such as double, or even triple, glazing, design, style, security and locking features, colour, and even materials, you may feel lost and just want an expert to guide you on what you need. Waveney Windows are available to offer that advice, and below we have answered some of the questions we get asked about new and replacement double glazed windows on a regular basis:



How do I know if my window needs replacing or just repairing?

We would recommend you always get an expert to look at your window to give professional advice as to whether it can be fixed or will need a replacement window. However below we have provided a few guide points you can use to help you establish this before you call in an expert:


• My windows don’t open and close easily. In this instance, the window frames could have warped, or if they are wooden they may have started to rot, or they may be the wrong size.
• My windows are drafty. This often occurs when a window doesn’t shut properly, the locking system no longer works, or the windows are single glazed, and often when they have just not been fitted properly. Windows with double glazing are significantly more energy-efficient than single glazed windows, switching from single glazed to double glazed can save you significant amounts of money off your heating bills. However an expert will be able to establish if the cause is due to another issue other than the glazing. Waveney Windows will offer you honest, genuine advice to help you make the right decision on the best way to make your draughty windows draught free. 
• You can hear outside noise from inside and the window is shut. This is usually a sign that the windows are very old and will need replacing. However in heavily built up areas where there is an unusually high amount of traffic, usually properties alongside busy roads, we can offer triple glazing or acoustic glass. 
• Your window is leaking. This is usually a sign that the seals around the glass have gone, replacing existing windows with new double glazed windows will be the most cost-effective option.
• My windows are over 15 years old. We always recommend asking an expert if an old window is in good enough condition or if a replacement double glazed window will be needed.



How does double glazing work and how does it make my home more energy efficient?

Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass, this provides a barrier and helps insulate the space, regulating the interior temperature and keeping the weather conditions firmly outside.



Energy efficient double glazed windows consist of a frame (timber, aluminium, UPVC or composite) into which two sealed glass units are fitted, according to the style of the window. Energy efficient glazing is rated according to its ability to reduce the amount of heat that can pass through the window. We offer double glazed windows up to A+ rated, by reducing heat loss we can help lower your energy bills often significantly.



How much does double glazing cost?

Every installation is different and therefore each property requires an expert to be involved in order to ensure accuracy in costing and ensure all customers are given the options available. We work so ultimately the customer determines the end cost. Once a free, no-obligation quote has been provided by our team which will have been based on the dimensions, add-ons, and materials needed, we leave the customer to take the time they need to think about the project and ask any questions. Waveney Windows does not operate on a discount and promotions basis like many other similar companies, we strive to provide a competitive quote from the outset which will not allow the customer to be compromised on quality. Overall, the cost of double glazed windows depends on various aspects such as style, size, fitting costs, non-standard shapes, the handles, accessories and what glass detailing options are chosen. Not to mention age of the building, whether it is listed, and often building regulations. 



Do new windows increase the value of a property?

Replacing your old windows with double glazed windows can add value to your property, double glazed windows is often a must for anyone viewing a new property. Ultimately they will add value to your home as well as save on your heating bills.



How do you make your double glazed windows secure?

All our UPVC double glazed windows are built with the latest locking functions. Double glazing is more secure than single glazing as it is harder to break through 2 panes compared to 1. All our secure windows also feature the industry-leading locking systems.



What colours do double glazed windows come in?

The days of just white UPVC windows has gone. There is now a vast array of colours and finishes available, often many having the appearance of solid wood. If you are looking for a more traditional finish then our woodgrain foils come in a range of colours. 



Do coloured UPVC windows cost more than white UPVC windows?

Based on a like-for-like window, opting for a coloured UPVC window instead of a traditional white window can cost a little more, the amount will depend on the size and style of the windows needed. UPVC as a material is much cheaper than the alternatives, so opting for coloured UPVC is actually cheaper than replacing the window with timber or aluminium. UPVC is known as a durable material, will reduce condensation and noise as well as keep your property from looking dated.



Which are better wooden windows or UPVC windows?

Wooden window frames can suffer easily from rot and decay and can be hard to treat and require regular maintenance. They need replacing more frequently than modern UPVC windows which are more durable, hardwearing and low maintenance.

As well as being cheaper than hardwood timber all UPVC windows are energy rated with Building Regulations, so are extremely thermally efficient. Plus UPVC windows never need painting and will only need a wipe down with a damp cloth once every couple of years. Occasionally factors such as properties within conservation areas will require hardwood but the Waveney Windows team will almost always try to help you find a hardwood alternative which will give you an equally beautiful finish but with none of the hassle and cost of the maintenance required with hard wood. 



What guarantee do your double glazed windows have?

All our double glazed windows come with a 10 year warranty as standard.



How do I know what window style will look best for my home?

Choosing window styles that suit your home is essential, however, there are limitations on certain properties and types of windows that will fit. If your home is a listed building or within a conservation area there will be restrictions and you should seek advice before making any changes. Casement windows can be custom built to fit any size, however Sash windows will fit into certain specifications. Our team will be able to give you their professional advice regarding which window styles will work best for you and suit your property.

Will I need to re-decorate after my windows are fitted?

Our window installers take the best care to minimise the impact of their work, very occasionally a customer may choose to carry out a minimal ‘touch up’ of paintwork to walls but we would stress this is incredibly rare. We are proud of the fact all our fitters are incredibly conscientious to avoid any damage to walls or floors when installing your windows, and indeed always look to leave any property looking it’s very best.



Should double glazed windows get condensation?

It is perfectly common to have condensation on the outside of new double glazed window. The window is blocking the heat from inside your home from reaching the outside of your home meaning the outside windows are cooler and condensation happens. However sometimes there are other factors at play. If you have any concerns we would recommend you get in touch with our team to get expert advice.

Whether considering a conservatory or orangery for a new build or an existing home thorough planning and research is essential before you make final decisions. We will work alongside you offering professional advice and expertise to help you get it right from planning stage to final build. Guiding you through the process we will help you create your dream orangery or conservatory as well as add value to your property. We have included a range of FAQs below which we are often asked, by reading these and working with Waveney Windows we will help you avoid the benefit of hindsight and don’t miss out on all the full range of options open to you:



How much do conservatories cost?

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach definitely doesn’t apply. All the following will play a part in determining costs:

• Type of conservatory or orangery (Edwardian, Double-Hipped Edwardian, Victorian, Gable Fronted, P-Shape, T-shape, Lean-to or Double-Hipped Lean-to, or you may need or prefer a tailored, custom design).
• Size of the conservatory or orangery
• Electrics required (i.e., for heating and lighting, etc.)
• Which kind of finish you require internally and externally (brick, render or plaster)
• Materials which may be needed (full options and their benefits are always provided during any consultation with Waveney Windows)
• Type of roof required (whether polycarbonate, polycarbonate with foil insert, glass or solid Guardian Warm Roof. All of these will come with their individual benefits, all of which can be discussed fully with the Waveney Windows team).
• Installation time period
• Glass option selected (Waveney Windows use the most energy efficient, all-year-round glass which is not necessarily offered by other companies as standard)
• External factors that could arise (such as underground pipes, cables, wells, previous foundations, garden features, drainage issues, i.e., manholes)



Waveney Windows will always offer complete transparency regarding the benefits of each option and a full breakdown of prices so ultimately you determine the final cost of your project.



Do I need to get planning permission for a conservatory or orangery?

Conservatories and orangeries are often regarded as permitted development, meaning you can build without applying for planning permission from your local council but certain requirements must be determined first. The size of the conservatory, your property boundaries, any restrictions your home presents (i.e., with listed properties) are all factors which have to be taken in to account.



Obtaining planning permission is often an area that customers are keen to avoid handling personally. The team at Waveney Windows regularly work with Local Authorities and will apply for planning permission on your behalf, or seek to obtain building regulations approval to build your conservatory. We’ll take care of all the paperwork and phone calls on your behalf and ensure any permissions or approvals are obtained as quickly and professionally as possible.



If you decide to look into conservatory planning permission on your own, we recommended you go to the Government’s planning portal page to get details on government requirements in place.



Not all orangeries and conservatories require planning permission, below are all aspects which would indicate you are unlikely to need this:

• The build is not larger than 50% of your available land space
• It excludes any balconies, verandas or raised platforms
• It’s highest part won’t exceed more than the highest part of your existing roof or 3.3m (whichever is greater)
• It does not obstruct a public road
• Single-storey rear extensions do not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m if an attached house, or by 4m if a detached house
• Proposed site is not on front or side elevation of property
• Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required



What’s the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

An orangery was traditionally used to grow orange trees, the pillars providing shelter and glass to ensure warmth, now they are an alternative falling between a conservatory and a single-storey extension. Both conservatories and orangeries offer extra space and are a perfect way to gain extra natural light in to your home. Waveney Windows will provide you with a full list of options regarding styles, bricks, windows (colour, etc), glass and roof type, not to mention all the intricate details which become all important at the final stages of the build such as heating as well as ventilation, lighting etc.



We are often asked ‘what are the main differences between a conservatory and an orangery?’ and we have included the key defining features of each below:


• A conservatory has a roof that is all glass, where an orangery has a solid roof perimeter usually fitted with lights and a glazed area in the centre, called a lantern.
• Both conservatories and orangeries have brickwork to elevate the double glazed windows, an orangery will have glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall, whereas a conservatory will have a minimum of 50% glass walls covering the area.



What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission is the concept of the building and applies if the building is to be more than 4 metres if a detached house, or 3 metres if an attached house. Building Regulations are to ensure the building is built to current British standards. Sometimes both will apply, the Waveney Windows team will be happy to explain this in more detail.



Are conservatories covered by buildings insurance?

When a new conservatory is finished it becomes part of the existing structure of your home and you should contact your property insurance provider to make sure they are aware of the addition and have added this to be covered under your policy. It may incur an increase in premium at renewal, or pro-rata, but failure to update your insurance company could affect the validity of the policy in the effect of a claim.



Can I just replace my conservatory roof?

Yes and Waveney Windows have replaced countless conservatory and orangery roofs over recent years. Originally conservatories were built with a polycarbonate roof and they had to have 75% made from glazed material. They let heat escape during winter and caused conservatories to become often unbearably hot during summer compared to newer roofing products such as the Guardian Warm Roof and Ultraframe 380. Their incredible insulation technology offer incredible heat retention during cooler months as well keep the conservatories cooler during summer. Updating your conservatory or orangery by replacing the roof with a new insulated roof has become hugely popular due to increasing the length of time you can use these across the year as well as lower your heating bills and therefore having the added advantage of helping the environment also.



Waveney Windows will offer a full range of options for a new roof design, from a traditional glass look, fully tiled, flat roofs or a mixture of both with roof lanterns.



Can conservatories have a solid roof?

In 2010 planning rules changed regarding the type of roof a conservatory had to have, before this a conservatory needed a roof to be 75% translucent in order to build without planning permission. The law changed to allow a complete solid roof if preferred and this often provides a more modern look to a property as well as having massive benefits for heat saving. Waveney Windows will advise on tiled roofs, warm roofs, roof lantern or a flat roof.



How can I keep my conservatory warm in winter?

The best way is to look at whether your roof offers the latest build technology in insulation as mentioned in the previous question. In addition you can help your conservatory stay warm in the winter months by adding blinds or drapes to help keep the heat in and reduce draughts. Additional heating methods such as adding a radiator or electric heater will all help, or you may like to consider underfloor heating for larger conservatories or orangeries.



How can I prevent my conservatory from getting too hot in summer?

An insulated roof will offer the most effective way of keeping your conservatory cool throughout summer, new products such as the Guardian Warm Roof and Ultraframe 360 will all help achieve this. In addition we have many customers who have air conditioning units installed which do not need to be expensive but can make your conservatory or orangery a joy to sit in whilst the temperature rises outside! There are many mobile air conditioning units available now which gives you the added benefit of being able to hide it away over winter, or transfer it to use in other rooms if required. 



Are conservatories easy to break in to?

Any access in to a property needs to be made as secure as possible. Waveney Windows use the latest locking technology to ensure the windows and doors in your conservatory or orangery are as secure as possible. Local building regulations require a secure wall exists between a conservatory and the rest of the property which adds an extra layer of security to your property.



How much will a conservatory or orangery add to the value of my property?

Every property or project will be different and there are so many influencing factors. The potential to add value to the property may be hindered by poor designs, products and materials or cost saving choices. This is why getting reputable, honest advice from professionals within the industry from the outset is critical in turning your luxury purchase in to an investment. In an industry which, despite increased governing regulations, is still open to abuse and poor standards Waveney Windows strive to offer genuine and honest advice. We offer a level of aftersales care which sets us apart from any competition; the fact almost all our work is repeat business or from recommendations offers testament to this and we are proud to work as part of the Waveney Windows team.