FAQ

Any major home improvement has to be considered carefully. This guide has been prepared in order to make your decision-making easier.

If you are unable to find what you are looking for, contact us here.

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If in doubt, there is no harm in calling a professional to examine your windows. Below is a short guide on checks you can do independently to find out if you need new or replacement windows:

  • Difficulty in opening and closing – In this instance, the window frames could have warped, started to rot, or maybe the wrong size.
  • Old windows – If your windows have been installed for 15 or more years, it is a good idea to have an expert check their condition to identify necessary maintenance or replacements.
  • Draft – Either the window cannot shut properly, the locking system no longer works, or the windows are single glazed. Windows with double glazing are significantly more energy-efficient than single glazed windows, so you could end up saving quite a lot of money on your heating bills by switching.
  • Outside noise – If you can hear the outside despite your windows being shut, then usually the windows are too old and need replacing.
  • Leakage – This is 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.

Double Glazing FAQ

Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass, which reduces the amount of heat escaping.

Energy efficient double-glazed windows consist of a frame (timber, aluminium, PVC-U or composite) into which two sealed glass units are fitted, according to the style of the window.

Energy efficiency rating identifies how effectively the windows stop heat from escaping. The highest efficiency rating is A+.

As every home is different, we have to evaluate the project on an individual basis. Among other things, we have to consider style, size, fitting costs, non-standard shapes, the handles, accessories and what glass detailing options you choose.

For a no-obligation quote, one of our experts can visit your home to measure and evaluate your requirements. It is here any relevant add-ons, material and current discounts can be looked into.

Yes. According to experts at ThisisMoney.co.uk  double-glazing can add up 10% of the value of a home.

Yes. Double glazing by its nature offers greater security than single glazing as there are 2 panes of glass, which makes it harder to break. All our secure windows also feature the industry-leading blade locking system from Yale, which has been tested to the equivalent of at least 30 years of heavy use. The pinnacle of lock technology means double glazed windows with Yale Blade Locking are 3x more secure than standard window locking systems.

Plain windows are a thing of the past, currently, we offer a beautiful array of colours for our uPVC replacement windows. uPVC can be customised with almost any RAL window colour, of which there are over 1600. You can choose your favourite colour and create a bespoke coloured uPVC window. If you are looking for a more traditional finish, then our woodgrain foils come in a range of colours including Agate Grey, Black Storm (Slate), White, Grey including Anthracite Grey, Rosewood, Cherrywood, Irish Oak, and Cream.

Based on a like-for-like window, opting for a coloured UPVC window instead of a traditional white window can cost a little more, though the precise 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 a timber or aluminium replacement. uPVC is known as a durable material, will reduce condensation, reduce noise, as well as rejuvenating your home.

Wooden frames can be problematic due to rot and decay. As a result, you will possibly have to replace them more frequently and check their condition. In comparison, uPVC is cheaper than wooden frames, require less maintenance and are durable. Furthermore, uPVC has a higher thermal efficiency than wooden frames, meaning they lose less heat.

Eaton Home Improvements guarantee all our double-glazed windows under a 15-year guarantee. This means the frame, pane, uPVC and any other related components.

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. It is best to organise a free consultation with our local experts to decide which style of window will suit your property.

Our window installers take the best care to minimise the impact of their work, to avoid any damage to walls or floors when installing your windows. On the odd occasion, there can be some minimal painting required.

It depends. Newer windows can get condensation on the outside of double-glazed windows as it blocks the heat from escaping from the inside of the house, causing condensation on the cooler outside window pane. This is no cause for concern, as it proves the windows are doing their job.

However, if the condensation is appearing on the inside window pane, this could be a damaged seal. Ensure there is a gap at least 10 centimetres wide between the wall and furniture to allow circulation. Also, if you are drying clothes in a small, sealed-off area then this could lead to condensation. Other activities that contribute towards condensation through water vapour are cooking, warm showers, and simply breathing on a cold, wintery day.

If in doubt, you can always contact one of our expert consultants 0333 2241111.

Doors FAQ

The cost of installing a new front door will differ dependant on the type of door you want to install, the door style, material used if you need to replace the side panels, the size of the door, additional glass features, type of locking system, and the cost of adapting to the structure of your existing door and threshold.

The standard doorway in a home in the UK has doors that are 30″x78, 32″x80, 33″x78, 34″x82, 36″x84. Generally, most external doors are 44mm – 54mm thick but can be up to 70mm.

If you are unsure of the size you will need, our surveyors will be able to measure your existing doors and advise on the size and style of door that will fit just request a quote today to arrange your home visit.

Our range of external doors are available in standard UK sizes, but can also be customised to match the size needed for your doorway. If you are looking at replacing an exterior door within a large opening our bi-fold, French and sliding patio door range offer the ideal solutions.

External bi-fold doors open by folding in a concertina style and can be made to measure and fit large doorways. The double-glazed glass allows extra light into your home and they feature a multi-locking security system for peace of mind.

French doors are composed of two materials (commonly uPVC or Composite), and are fitted alongside each other to open outwards. French doors are elegant and visually appealing. They can come in a range of colours to match them to the existing aesthetic of your home. Eaton Home Improvements French doors are made to measure to non-standard sizes so that they fit large exterior doorways.

Sliding doors are the perfect mix between a window and a door. They are used commonly for garden areas, balconies, and patios. They feature double glazing that increases light into your home and provides the best thermal insulation. You can choose from 2, 3, and 4 pane options, with the finishes ranging from woodgrain effects through to more solid colours.

You can paint a uPVC door. However, it may void your guarantee, so it is best to first refer to your guarantee document or speak to our team to double check first. If you are thinking about painting an old uPVC door, you might want to consider replacing the existing door with a new composite or uPVC door, as they are available in a huge range of colours. We also offer bespoke colours and colour match (choose from our RAL chart). A new door will also provide modern security using latest technology with Secured By Design, and last for many years.

We can customise doors to your taste and needs. Bi-fold doors, composite doors, French doors, sliding patio doors and garage doors are what we offer. You can choose the glazing type, side panels and accessorise with letterplates, spyholes and handles.

Composite doors are made up of a mixture of materials including solid timber, reinforced steel, uPVC and other elements. uPVC doors are purely made from that one material. The other main difference is the price you pay; single material doors tend to be cheaper than composite doors. However, composite doors offer customers a higher level of home security, thermal efficiency, durability, and customisation. As composite doors are made from more than a door made from a single material, it provides superior insulation.

Our products are built to last and our 10-year guarantee for doors gives you the peace of mind you need.

Composite doors are by far the most secure type of door. The frame is reinforced to protect against break-ins and as standard, come designed with the highest door security specifications including multiple point locking systems, 2 steel hoots, a deadbolt, 2 pre-compressed rollers, 2 anti-lift bolts and high security hinges. This means anti-jemmy, drilling and other break-in mechanisms. Our composite doors conform to standards from the Secured By Design initiative.

Installing new bi-fold doors to an existing door frame will generally not require planning permission. If they are part of a new extension, then planning permission will depend on the whole extension plan.

Conservatory and Orangery FAQ

As we tailor our conservatories to your needs, there are many factors which influence the price, which include:

  • Type of conservatory (Victorian, Lean-to, Georgian, P-Shape, T-shape or a Custom design).
  • Size of the conservatory
  • Materials that will be needed
  • Type of roof required
  • How long the installation will take
  • Type of glass needed
  • External factors that could arise, such a water drainpipe that needs moving

All our quotes are no-obligation free quotations, and our experts can give you a more tailored quotation once they have visited you to assess your needs.


In numerous instances, conservatories are regarded as permitted development, meaning you can build without applying for planning permission from your local council. There are certain requirements you must first meet. The ability to build will depend on the size of the conservatory, your boundaries, and the layout of your home.

If you do need to apply for planning permission or building regulations approval, then we will be happy to take care of all the paperwork on your behalf.

If you decide to look into conservatory planning permission on your own, we recommended you to check through the government’s planning portal page.

Below are the requirements to build a conservatory without planning permission:

  • The construction does not cover more than 50% of the size of the existing house
  • It does not include any balconies, verandas or raised platforms
  • It won’t be any higher than the highest part of the existing roof
  • It won’t be more than 4m high
  • It does not obstruct a public road
  • No more than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions or other buildings
  • 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
  • Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required

If you are unsure of the size you will need, our surveyors will be able to measure your existing doors and advise on the size and style of door that will fit just request a quote today to arrange your home visit.

There are differences between a conservatory and an orangery:

  • A conservatory has a roof that is all glass, whereas 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, but 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.

It can be hard to know which is best for your home, so you can discuss this further with your Eaton Home Improvement expert when they come to survey your home.

External bi-fold doors open by folding in a concertina style and can be made to measure and fit large doorways. The double-glazed glass allows extra light into your home and they feature a multi-locking security system for peace of mind.

French doors are composed of two materials (commonly uPVC or Composite), and are fitted alongside each other to open outwards. French doors are elegant and visually appealing. They can come in a range of colours to match them to the existing aesthetic of your home. Eaton Home Improvements French doors are made to measure to non-standard sizes so that they fit large exterior doorways.

Sliding doors are the perfect mix between a window and a door. They are used commonly for garden areas, balconies, and patios. They feature double glazing that increases light into your home and provides the best thermal insulation. You can choose from 2, 3, and 4 pane options, with the finishes ranging from woodgrain effects through to more solid colours.

Generally, conservatories are exempt from building regulations as long as you meet a set of criteria. We would advise that you check the governments building regulation guidelines for full advice. When you buy a conservatory through Eaton Home Improvements, we will take all the hassle out of this process and take care of this for you.

There is a difference between planning permission and building regulations. Building regulations are legal requirements applicable regardless of the project. In contrast, planning permission is a legal requirement which is not always needed.

Sometimes, both are needed in order to complete a job.

When a new conservatory is finished, it becomes part of the existing structure of your home and should be covered under your existing insurance policy. As with any addition to your home, you should contact your current provider of buildings insurance to confirm that your new conservatory will be covered, or if any amendments are required to the policy. If you have a separate contents policy, ensure you check that the items kept in your conservatory are included in the policy.

Yes, you can replace a conservatory roof. When conservatories first became popular in the 1980s and ’90s, they were built with polycarbonate roof and had to have 75% made from glazed material. This would let heat out in winter, and become too warm in summer. Conservatory roof replacements have progressed, and now you can replace the roof with a new insulated roof. You can choose from a variety of roof designs from a traditional glass look, fully tiled, flat roofs or a mixture of both with roof lanterns, these modern conservatory roofs provide the perfect temperature control solution year-round. Find out more about conservatory roofing options.

The planning rules around the type of roof a conservatory can have changed in 2010. Prior to the law change a conservatory needed a roof to be 75% translucent in order to build without planning permission. Now a solid roof is a perfect option when looking at upgrading your conservatory roof, creating the perfect temperature solution all year-round. We offer different types of replacement conservatory roofs, so whether you are looking for a tiled roof, warm roof, roof lantern or a flat roof, we have the perfect options for your conservatory roof needs.

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your conservatory stays warm in the winter months. Adding blinds or drapes will retain the heat and minimise any draughts that could be getting in.

A radiator can be added to a conservatory. Installing an electric radiator often doesn’t require planning permission, and will cost less than connecting your conservatory to your central heating. Other options include replacing conservatory roof from glass panels to a solid roof, or even lay underfloor heating.

Security of a conservatory is just as important as the security of any room in your home, as it is another entrance which could attract burglars. Our conservatories are designed to be secure, and are built with the latest in security technology to ensure the doors, windows and even the roof are secure.

From a legal perspective, local building regulations determine that there should be a secure wall between the conservatory and your home. This adds to security by creating an extra barrier to your home.

Our secure conservatories have been reinforced with:

  • The intelligently designed multiple-point locking systems
  • Advanced gearbox technology
  • Double glazing on all windows that have been tested to more than 30,000 cycles

Our conservatories regardless of style, shape or design, are built with maximum security in mind. If you still have questions regarding how secure your conservatory will be, contact us today.

A radiator can be added to a conservatory. Installing an electric radiator often doesn’t require planning permission, and will cost less than connecting your conservatory to your central heating. Other options include replacing conservatory roof from glass panels to a solid roof, or even lay underfloor heating.

FAQ on Finance

Annual percentage rate. This is the method by which the interest rate is calculated and is used for comparison purposes.

No. The remaining balance will be recalculated automatically so the customer doesn’t pay any more than they need to. If the customer wishes to pay a chunk off the agreement they can choose whether to reduce the length of the term or reduce the monthly repayments thereafter.

A £12.00 fixed penalty charge will be incurred by the customer, they should contact the lender and schedule repayments as quickly as possible.

Notify the lender at the earliest opportunity and ensure good communication. Contact details will be clearly provided in the finance agreement.

No. This model uses “unsecured personal finance” and is not secured against any asset.

The Financial Conduct Authority is a financial regulatory body in the United Kingdom, but operates independently of the UK Government, and is financed by charging fees members of the financial services industry.

Yes. In many different ways, the FCA exists for the benefit of the consumer.

Yes. There is always a mandatory 14 days cooling off period. This can be waivered upon request from the customer.

No. It is a standard level of check and varies depending on the amount of finance applied for. We can go through verbal eligibility assessment with the customer if there are any concerns.

Once the installation/delivery is complete*, the 72-hour payment target will start. The funds go to the installer and not the customer.

*Completion is when the lender accepts the customer satisfaction document.

0800 024 8505 option 2 or if you have a direct number, you may contact our staff.