Frequently Asked Questions

Windows

Should any defect occur to our UPVC or Aluminium Windows, Doors (including Bi-Folds) within the specified time limit from the date of installation due to defective materials or workmanship, we undertake to replace the faulty parts free of charge provided that:

The product has not been misused or carelessly handled.
The product has not been subjected to extreme heat or low temperatures, impact, industrial emissions, chemicals or abrasives other than would be used for normal cleaning purposes.
Repairs have not been attempted by people other than our own staff.
Damage to any product has been reported to the installation team prior to them leaving site.

Background Ventilation – Best Practice Guide

It is important that the dwelling can constantly breath, good air quality is important for health and also helps protect the fabric of the building from harmful effects of mould and condensation etc. Background ventilation such as trickle ventilation (if specified) and night vents (standard on our casement windows) can help to achieve this.

Please ensure all ironmongery is cleaned and lubricated every six months.

We recommend silicone spray or WD40 to lubricate window hinges, window locking mechanisms and door locking mechanisms. In addition they should be kept clean and free from debris.

Please ensure that composite doors are kept in the locked position or ensure that the handle has been lifted so the locks engage into the outer frame.

Window Guarantee Period

Installation / Labour 10 Years

Building Work 10 Years

PVCU Finish /Colour (Windows and Doors) 10 Years (Std White Deceuninck Finish 20 Years)

PVCU Window and Door Frame Fabrication 10 Years

PVCU Vacuum Formed Moulded Door Panels (Including flat PVCU panels) 5 Years

Glass Units 5 Years

Pilkington Conservatory Roof Glass Units 10 Years (Manufacturers Guarantee)

Polycarbonate Roof Glazing 18 Months

Handles, hinges and Ironmongery 1 Year –Ensure all ironmongery (locks and hinges) are well lubricated

All sprayed finishes as per the manufacturers guarantee/guidelines.

Please be aware that external ironmongery is subject to pitting as it weathers. Industry standard product guidelines and individual manufacturing tolerances apply to all our products.

More info on your guarantee.

Exterior Timber Finishes

Timber that is unprotected and exposed to rain and sunlight will start to break down fairly quickly (depending on the species of timber). This deterioration will cause surface checking (cracking) due to the moisture change within the timber. The timber will lose its natural colour and bleach to various shades of grey spoiling the appearance. Dimensional changes in the timber resulting in changes in moisture content may also have detrimental effects on exterior joinery, windows and doors, which for instance may swell and be difficult to open and close.

If you have specified that your Cabin is supplied unfinished we recommend you apply a paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish as soon as possible after installation and periodically thereafter (in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations).

Planning Permission & Building Regulations

Since October 2008, in England outbuildings have been covered by ‘permitted development’ rights – a type of planning classification which means that you have automatic planning permission without application subject to certain restrictions. The main restriction is that your house is not ‘listed’, and that you’re outside ‘Designated land’ – which includes National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites. So, if you’re not in one of those areas, you qualify for permitted development rights.

Put simply, your Cabin should be sited at least 2 metres from any boundary (e.g. your garden fence) and should not take up more than 50% of your garden space. It should not be sited on land forward of a wall forming the ‘principal elevation’ (that means not in front of the house).

Our Cabins do not generally need building regulations approval provided you do not intend to install sleeping accommodation. Of course normal safety standards should be adhered to, particularly regarding any electrical connections.

To access a guide to the planning permission and permitted development regimes for outbuildings in England click here.

Planning laws in Scotland are different but were similarly relaxed in February 2012. 

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development, so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007 and 2015.

The regulations require that, before the construction phase begins (that is, before the construction site is set up), a construction phase plan is drawn up by the principal contractor. The construction phase plan records arrangements for managing significant health and safety risks associated with the construction of the project and is the basis for communicating those arrangements to those involved in the construction phase. It outlines the health and safety arrangements and site rules taking into account any industrial activities taking place on site.