Frequently asked questions.
Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from customers around our windows, doors, conservatories, warm roofs and much more.
If you have any further questions please feel free to get in touch.
Not at all. Solidor composite doors are designed to be low-maintenance. A simple wipe down with warm, soapy water is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking their best. They don’t warp, fade or crack, making them ideal for UK weather conditions.
Yes
Solidor is known as one of the most secure composite doors in the UK. They feature a robust solid timber core, premium multi-point locking systems and optional Ultion cylinders for added protection. These features make them extremely resistant to forced entry.
Our range of premium Solidor Composite Doors are built with a solid timber core, rather than a foam-filled core found in many standard composite doors. This gives them superior strength, security, heat retention and long-lasting durability. They also come with high-quality hardware and a wide range of stylish designs and colours.
Consider Kömmerling Flush 70 windows for their perfect blend of classic beauty, modern performance, and low maintenance.
- Traditional aesthetics, modern performance: Kommerling Flush 70 windows mimic the look of classic timber windows but with the benefits of modern UPVC materials.
- Low maintenance: Made from UPVC, these windows won’t rot or need repainting, saving you time and money.
- High energy efficiency: With a U-value as low as 1.2, they can help you save on heating bills and improve your home’s insulation.
- Security: They come with multi-point locking systems for excellent security.
- Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit any style of property.
Flush windows are windows that sit flat within the frame, creating a smooth exterior surface.
Absolutely. Our uPVC windows include options for double or triple glazing – for example in the Kömmerling profile range.
We also cater for properties with heritage or period styling requirements via the Residence 9 collection (flush external sashes, timber-look, ideal replacement for traditional 100mm timber windows).
So if you have a older property or conservation-area requirement, we can accommodate the look without sacrificing modern performance.
Yes. We emphasise that the uPVC windows we supply are “robust, secure and high performance as standard.”
The profiles are built to deliver modern glazing performance (double or triple glazing options available) along with strong hardware and finishes. These contribute to both energy efficiency (improved insulation) and security.
Our uPVC (PVCU) windows are designed to suit a wide variety of properties. We stock the popular ‘Choices’ range and feature profiles such as the Kömmerling system — available in single-colour or dual-colour finishes.
For example:
- Flush-casement styles (like our Flush 70) that mimic the look of timber but with modern performance.
- Conservation-friendly options such as the Residence 9, designed to replicate 19th-century timber windows with flush external sashes.
We also offer a wide palette of styles and colours to complement any property.
Roofline refers to the essential components that protect the edges of your roof, including fascias, soffits, and bargeboards.
In the UK, our variable weather can wreak havoc on traditional timber rooflines, leading to rot, damp, and pest infestations. A healthy roofline is crucial for preventing water ingress, maintaining structural integrity, and ensuring your home looks its best. At St Neots Home Improvements, we understand the importance of a robust roofline and offer comprehensive solutions to safeguard your property.
The duration of a roofline replacement depends on the size and complexity of your property. Typically, most replacements can be completed within a few days. At St Neots Home Improvements, we follow a meticulous process:
- Initial assessment and free quotation.
- Complete removal of the existing roofline.
- Thorough inspection of the underlying structure.
- Precise installation of high-quality uPVC fascias, soffits, and bargeboards.
- Careful sealing and finishing for a professional look.
- Site clean-up and waste removal. We prioritise minimal disruption and ensure a clean and efficient installation.
Several signs indicate your roofline might need attention. Look out for:
- Rotting or decaying timber
- Peeling or flaking paint
- Damp patches on internal walls near the roofline
- Signs of pests, such as birds or insects
- Sagging or damaged fascias and soffits
- Visible water damage or leaks If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to have your roofline inspected by professionals like St Neots Home Improvements to prevent further damage.
At St Neots Home Improvements, we pride ourselves on our meticulous installation process. Our experienced team will first assess your roof’s condition and prepare the surface thoroughly. We use high-quality EPDM membranes and adhesives, ensuring a seamless, durable finish. We pay close attention to details like edge trimming and sealing, which are crucial for preventing leaks. Our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction sets us apart in Cambridgeshire.
Yes, EPDM is considered an environmentally friendly roofing option. It has a low environmental impact during manufacturing and is recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Unlike bitumen or asphalt, EPDM does not release harmful chemicals into the environment. Its long lifespan also reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimising waste. St Neots Home Improvements is dedicated to providing sustainable roofing solutions that benefit both your home and the planet.
With proper installation by our expert team at St Neots Home Improvements, an EPDM Rubber Cover flat roof can last upwards of 50 years. This significantly outperforms traditional felt or bitumen roofs, which typically require replacement much sooner. The robust nature of EPDM means it resists weathering and degradation, providing excellent long-term value for homeowners in Cambridgeshire
At St Neots Home Improvements, we champion EPDM Rubber Cover for its exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike felt, bitumen, or asphalt, which can crack, blister, and degrade over time due to UK weather conditions, EPDM is highly resistant to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and moisture. This results in a longer lifespan, fewer repairs, and a more reliable, watertight flat roof. Our EPDM solutions also offer superior flexibility, accommodating building movement without compromising the roof’s integrity.
Security is one of our priorities. Our uPVC flush sash windows are fitted with high-security multi-point locking mechanisms as standard, providing excellent protection against intruders. The robust uPVC frames and reinforced construction further enhance security, giving you peace of mind. All of our windows are designed and installed to meet or exceed UK security standards.
One of the key benefits of uPVC is its low maintenance. Unlike traditional timber windows, uPVC flush sash windows do not require painting or staining. They are resistant to rot, warping, and fading. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking their best, saving you time and money on upkeep.
Yes, absolutely. Our uPVC flush sash windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They feature multi-chambered profiles and high-performance double or triple glazing, which significantly reduce heat loss and improve thermal insulation. This helps to keep your home warm during the cold UK winters and can lead to lower energy bills. Additionally, the airtight seals prevent draughts and moisture ingress, making them highly suitable for the variable UK weather.
Our uPVC flush sash windows are designed to replicate the appearance of traditional timber windows. Unlike standard casement windows where the opening sash sits proud of the frame, flush sash windows sit perfectly in line with the outer frame when closed, creating a smooth, flat surface. This gives them a sleek, classic look, ideal for period properties or modern homes seeking a heritage feel.
Yes, absolutely. Stormproof windows are designed with security in mind. Their robust construction and secure locking mechanisms provide a strong deterrent against intruders. We can also offer enhanced security options, such as toughened glass and multi-point locking systems, to further improve the security of your home. Please get in touch for more information on security upgrades.
Stormproof windows are designed with a tight seal, which significantly reduces drafts and heat loss. This improved insulation helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating. Modern stormproof windows often incorporate double or triple glazing, further enhancing their thermal performance. By minimising energy waste, these windows can contribute to lower heating bills and a more comfortable living environment.
Yes, stormproof windows are highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of UK properties, from traditional cottages to modern homes. They are particularly beneficial in exposed coastal areas or locations prone to high winds and heavy rainfall. However, their robust design and excellent weatherproofing make them a great choice for any property looking for enhanced durability and energy efficiency. We can advise on the best style and material to suit your specific property.
Stormproof windows, also known as lipped casement windows, are designed with a unique overlapping frame and sash. This creates a robust, weather-resistant seal, offering superior protection against the UK’s often harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. Standard casement windows typically have a flush design, which can be more susceptible to water ingress in extreme weather. Essentially, stormproof windows offer enhanced weather performance.
While stormproof doors may have a slightly higher initial cost due to their enhanced design and weather resistance, they offer long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and reduced maintenance. Proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance. Our experienced fitters are trained to install stormproof doors to the highest standards, ensuring a perfect seal and long-lasting durability, which is essential for the variable UK climate.
The tight seal created by the overlapping design of stormproof doors significantly reduces draughts and heat loss, which is particularly important in the UK’s often cold and damp climate.
This improved thermal performance helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your heating system and potentially lowering your energy bills. Combined with high-performance glazing, stormproof doors can make a substantial difference in your home’s energy efficiency.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer a wide range of customisation options for our stormproof doors, including various colours, finishes, glazing options, and hardware.
You can also enhance security with multi-point locking systems and reinforced panels. We work closely with you to create a door that complements your home’s aesthetic while providing the highest level of protection against the UK’s unpredictable weather and security threats.
One of the significant advantages of our high-quality cladding is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional timber, it doesn’t require regular painting or staining.
A simple wash down with mild soap and water is typically sufficient to keep it looking pristine. We recommend periodic inspections to ensure there’s no damage from extreme weather or other factors, but overall, it’s a very low-maintenance solution for homeowners.
Yes, our cladding is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of UK properties, including new builds, renovations, and extensions. Its adaptability makes it ideal for brick, block, and timber-framed homes. Our expert fitting team can assess your specific property and advise on the best installation method to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics, even in coastal or exposed areas.
James Hardie cladding, also known as HardiePlank, offers exceptional durability and weather resistance, crucial for the UK’s varied climate.
It’s engineered from fibre cement, making it resistant to rot, pests, and fire. Unlike traditional timber, it won’t warp or crack, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance finish. Additionally, James Hardie cladding provides excellent design flexibility, allowing you to achieve a variety of aesthetics, from classic to contemporary, enhancing your home’s kerb appeal.
Yes, a Warm Roof system can be installed on any type of roof, including flat, pitched, and even conservatory roofs.
No, a Warm Roof system will not require any maintenance once it has been installed.
The installation time will vary depending on the size of your home, but most installations can be completed within a few days.
Our conservatories are designed for low maintenance. Regular cleaning of the glass and frames with mild soapy water is usually sufficient. We use durable materials that are resistant to weathering and fading, ensuring your conservatory maintains its appearance for many years. With proper care, our conservatories are built to last, providing a long-term investment in your home. We also provide information relating to any periodic maintenance that may be required, for example, the lubrication of hinges.
Planning permission requirements vary depending on the size, location, and design of your conservatory. We can advise you on the specific regulations in your area and assist with any necessary applications. Our installation process is carried out by experienced professionals, ensuring a smooth and efficient build. We manage the entire process, from initial design and planning to final installation and finishing.
Yes, energy efficiency is a key consideration. We use high-quality double or triple glazing, thermally efficient frames, and advanced roofing systems to minimise heat loss and regulate temperature. We offer options like solar control glass to prevent overheating in summer and high-performance insulation for winter warmth. Our conservatories comply with UK building regulations for thermal performance.
Conservatories significantly enhance your living space, bringing in natural light and creating a versatile area for relaxation, dining, or entertaining. Benefits include increased property value and a closer connection to your garden. Choosing the right style depends on your home’s architecture and your personal preferences.
- Victorian: Ideal for period homes, offering a classic, elegant look with a rounded bay front.
- Edwardian: Provides a more rectangular, spacious design, often favoured for its clean lines.
- Gable End: Creates a high, vaulted ceiling, maximizing headroom and natural light.
- Lean-To: Perfect for bungalows or homes with limited space, offering a simple, cost-effective extension.
- P-Shaped: Combines lean-to and Victorian or Edwardian styles, ideal for larger spaces and versatile layouts.
- Bespoke: Allows complete customisation to your exact needs and property style.
Aluminium doors are very low-maintenance. They require minimal upkeep, typically just an occasional wipe down with a mild soapy water solution to keep them clean. Unlike timber doors, they don’t need to be repainted or treated. The powder-coated finish is highly durable and resistant to fading, ensuring your doors maintain their pristine appearance for many years.
Security is paramount. Our aluminium doors are designed with robust security features, including multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and toughened or laminated glass options. Aluminium’s inherent strength makes it a very difficult material to breach, providing excellent protection for your home.
Our range of modern aluminium doors are highly energy-efficient. We use thermally broken frames, which create a barrier against heat transfer, and combine them with high-performance double or triple glazing. This significantly reduces heat loss, helping to keep your home warm and comfortable while lowering your energy bills. Our doors meet or exceed current UK energy efficiency standards.
Yes, absolutely. Aluminium is exceptionally durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for the UK’s diverse climate. Our aluminium doors are powder-coated for added protection against rain, wind, and even coastal salt air. They won’t warp, rot, or fade, ensuring long-lasting performance and a beautiful appearance year after year.
Sliding patio doors are an excellent space-saving solution. Unlike bifold or French doors that swing inwards or outwards, sliding doors glide horizontally along a track. This means they don’t require any additional floor space, making them ideal for smaller patios or rooms where space is limited. They also provide a large, uninterrupted glass area, maximising natural light and creating a seamless connection to your outdoor space.
Our sliding patio doors are designed for smooth and effortless operation. Our doors use high-quality rollers and tracks, ensuring they glide easily with minimal effort. Maintenance is also straightforward. Regular cleaning of the glass and frames with mild soapy water is usually sufficient. We recommend periodically checking and lubricating the rollers and tracks to ensure optimal performance.
At St Neots Home Improvements, security is a top priority. Our sliding patio doors are fitted with multi-point locking mechanisms, reinforced frames, and toughened or laminated glass options to deter intruders. We also offer additional security features like anti-lift blocks and security handles. Rest assured, our doors are designed to provide robust security and peace of mind for your home.
Yes, our range of modern sliding patio doors are designed with excellent energy efficiency in mind.
We use high-quality double or triple glazing, thermally broken frames, and advanced weather seals to minimise heat loss and draughts. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home throughout the year and can contribute to lower energy bills, even during cold UK winters. Our doors meet or exceed current UK building regulations for thermal performance.
While aluminium windows may have a higher initial cost compared to uPVC, they offer superior durability, longevity, and a premium aesthetic.
In the long run, their low maintenance and extended lifespan can make them a cost-effective investment. Compared to high quality timber, aluminium is often a more cost effective solution. We provide detailed quotations to help you understand the value and benefits of choosing aluminium for your home.
No, aluminium windows are exceptionally low maintenance.
They are naturally resistant to corrosion, warping, and fading, making them ideal for the UK’s diverse weather conditions. A simple wipe down with soapy water is all that’s typically required to keep them looking their best for years to come.
Yes, our aluminium windows are highly energy efficient.
They incorporate thermal breaks, which significantly reduce heat transfer, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Coupled with high-performance double or triple glazing, they meet and often exceed UK building regulations for energy efficiency. We offer a range of glazing options to maximise thermal performance and reduce energy bills.
You will benefit from the ultimate peace of mind and security, our uPVC French doors are all fitted with a multi point locking system as standard, which are kitemarked approved to PAS 24 and compliant with Document Q.
At St Neots Home Improvements we offer a choice of three outer frame sizes which are Part M compliant with low thresholds. You can choose between 54mm, 64mm and 70mm.
Our French Doors come with a choice of four glazing bead styles and glazing options from 17mm up to 54mm thickness.
Although St Neots Home Improvements have the utmost faith in all of their products, we do offer a ten year guarantee with our uPVC French doors. Giving both you the ultimate peace of mind.
The ideal number of panels depends on the size of your opening. While there’s no minimum, more panels will create a larger opening but may also limit the width of individual panels impacting stability.
We are happy to discuss your options with you to find the perfect balance for your space.
Bifold doors are generally low maintenance. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and keeping the tracks free of debris will ensure smooth operation. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to have the rollers and hinges checked periodically by a professional.
In most cases, replacing existing doors with bifold doors won’t require planning permission. However, it’s always best to check with your local council, especially if you live in a conservation area or are planning significant structural changes.
Our Bifold Doors are designed with security in mind. They typically feature multi-point locking mechanisms, reinforced hinges, and toughened safety glass.
St Neots is a beautiful town with a rich history and a thriving community. Many homeowners in St Neots take pride in their homes and want to ensure that they’re secure and stylish. That’s where composite doors come in.
Here are just a few reasons why composite doors are a great choice for homes in St Neots:
- Security: St Neots is a relatively safe town, but like any community, it’s important to take steps to protect your home. Composite doors are incredibly strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to improve the security of their property.
- Energy Efficiency: St Neots can experience cold winters and hot summers, so it’s important to have a door that provides excellent insulation. The high-density foam core of composite doors helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing your energy bills.
- Low Maintenance: St Neots is a busy town, and homeowners don’t want to spend their weekends maintaining their doors. Composite doors require very little maintenance, so you can spend your time enjoying all that St Neots has to offer.
- Aesthetics: St Neots is a town with character, and homeowners want their homes to reflect that. Composite doors are available in a wide range
Composite doors have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many benefits. Some of the key advantages of composite doors include:
- Security: Composite doors are incredibly strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to improve the security of their property.
- Energy Efficiency: The high-density foam core of composite doors provides excellent insulation, helping to keep your home warm and reducing your energy bills.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional timber doors, composite doors require very little maintenance. They won’t warp, crack, or fade over time, and they can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Aesthetics: Composite doors are available in a wide range of colours, styles, and designs, making them a versatile choice for any home.
Composite doors are made from a combination of materials, including uPVC, timber, and glass reinforced plastic (GRP). The outer layer of the door is typically made from GRP, which is a durable and weather-resistant material that can be moulded into a wide range of styles and designs.
The inner core of the door is usually made from a high-density foam material, which provides excellent insulation and soundproofing. This makes composite doors more energy-efficient than traditional timber doors.
