EUROCELL PLC
High View Road
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 2DT
Tel: 0333 005 6525
Fax: enquiries@eurocell.co.uk
Suppliers of: PVCu Roof lantern, coloured PVC Windows, Folding Sliding Doors, Skylights, PVCu Conservatory, Composite Doors, PVC-u curtain wall,
ABOUT EUROCELL
Eurocell creates sustainable building solutions for the trade of today, the homes of tomorrow and the environment of the future.
With its headquarters in Alfreton, Derbyshire, Eurocell is at the forefront of the UK’s PVC-U industry, leading the way in the manufacture, distribution, and recycling of PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories, rooflights, roofing and roofline systems. Eurocell operates a network of more than 200 trade branches across the UK, where it serves over 40,000 tradespeople.
Eurocell distributes its products through a vast network of window fabricators, housebuilder partners and specifiers, as well as to installers and direct to homeowners offering a range of PVC-U systems including windows, entrance doors, inline patio doors, bi-fold doors, conservatories and cavity closers
Eurocell’s commitment to providing quality sustainable solutions sets it apart, with the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK. It operates a closed-loop recycling system, collecting, reprocessing, and utilising waste to create new products. In 2022 alone, Eurocell incorporated 16,700 tonnes of recycled PVC-U in its operations, with windows containing approximately 30% recycled content.
Eurocell celebrates 50 years of supporting home improvement projects in 2024 and employs more than 2000 people in the UK. For more details, visit www.eurocell.co.uk, or follow their social media channels - Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Eurocell is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
BIM Files: Eurocell offer an extensive range of BIM files which can be downloaded from our Technical Hub
Modus - The first fully integrated window and door system
Modus is the first fully integrated PVC-U window and door system in the UK, capable of producing eight different product types from a single system. It’s an innovative 75mm front to back dimension six-chamber design, the first to utilise dual material extrusion technology (DMET) in the UK. DMET precisely directs 50% virgin and 50% post-consumer recycled PVC-U into the profile simultaneously, with post-consumer material used only in the core of the profile, so finish quality and colour fastness is uncompromised. That’s why Eurocell can offer an unrivalled 12-year profiles guarantee for Modus.
Ultimate flexibility – 8 systems in 1
Modus is a contemporary architectural design with a choice of no less than three casement window sash styles – Standard, Slim Rebate and Flush – a style to suit every type of building. The Standard Sash option has a traditional PVC-U window aesthetic, which makes a feature of the window sash rebate, combined with slim sight lines thanks to the 55mm high outer frame profile. The Flush Sash option creates a distinctive appearance. Characteristic of traditional windows, it’s fully flush internally and externally yet offers class-leading thermal performance. The Slim Rebate Sash option creates a more contemporary aesthetic than traditional PVC-U windows. At just 7mm thick, the rebate offers sleek sight lines down the building facade, to complement current architecture. Internally, the sash is fully flush, for clean lines and a premium feel.
Modus reversible windows are the most energy efficient of their type in the UK and offer fully flush sash aesthetics. Bespoke designed hinges and handle complement the slim sight lines.
Modus tilt and turn windows offer a new stepped sash design, which goes one step further than Modus casement windows by creating a seven-chamber profile for maximum thermal performance. No steel or aluminium reinforcements are required and an optional third brush pile seal completes the high specification.
Modus French, composite and residential doors can be fabricated in a range of styles to suit the building architecture. Doors are available with a PVC-U low threshold to prevent cold bridging, which is Building Regulations Part M compliant with the addition of aluminium ramps (available separately).
Modus - Technical Performance:
High quality impact resistant white PVC-U extrusion utilising 50% post-consumer recycled PVC-U, producing a rigid six-chamber profile to BS EN 12608 and manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 14001.
- U-value performance of 0.7 for triple glazed windows, 1.1 U-value for double glazed windows.
- Energy efficient windows, achieving BFRC Window Energy Rating (WER) of grades A+, A, B and C.
- 12-year manufacturer profiles guarantee (White)
Colour options available:
We’ve extended the Modus standard colour range to meet the changing needs of our customers. In addition to this a further range of 30+ other colour options is available for delivery in just three weeks.
Standard range:
- Black Ash woodgrain/White
- Anthracite Grey woodgrain/White
- Slate Grey woodgrain/White
- Moondust Grey woodgrain/White
- Irish Oak woodgrain/White
- Golden Oak woodgrain/White
- Rosewood woodgrain/White
- Cream
- White
Architectural range (Special order):
- Quartz Platinum metallic woodgrain/White
- Asphalt metallic woodgrain/White
- Sapphire Silver metallic woodgrain/White
- Anteak woodgrain/White
Logik - Window and Door System
Specially designed for ease and speed of fabrication and fitting, Logik features a unique, patented knock-in bead system. Ideally suited for new build or replacement windows, its 70mm front-to-back dimension enables the seamless replacement of timber frames.
The Logik profile system provides a wide variety of products, including standard casement windows, flush casement windows, tilt and turn windows, French windows, residential doors, and French doors.
Logik is purpose designed to make fabrication quick, simple and economical - with absolutely no compromise on quality or performance. It ensures your reputation remains as robust, watertight and reliable as the finished product you supply to your customers.
Logik is designed for improved aesthetics and clean sight lines, with its unobtrusive gasket line and slim profile. The profile features multiple chambers to enhance thermal efficiency and strength, and improve drainage. Available with chamfered, sculptured ovolo and and Flush styles in a range of colours, Logik window profiles add a touch of distinction to any home.
Logik features post-consumer recycled PVC-U in the central core of the profile with virgin PVC-U on seen faces. This ensures the same aesthetics and technical performance but with more environmentally responsible benefits for today’s discerning customers. It offers the same benefits but with more sustainability – at no extra cost to you.
Further technical information is available to download from the BPi Library or from the manufacturers’ own website.
Eurocell - Roof lanterns: All you need to know
Few home improvements have as much visual impact as a roof lantern. But how practical are they throughout the year? And will you need planning permission to get one installed?
If you love the way roof lanterns look but you’ve still got a few niggling questions and concerns, this blog is for you. We answer all your roof lantern FAQ’s below.
What is a roof lantern?
A roof lantern, sometimes called a lantern roof, is a glass structure set within a (usually flat) roof to let light into the room below. With panes of glazing set in a frame to form a square or elongated pyramid shape, it’s a more elaborate alternative to a flat skylight.
The 3D structure isn’t just decorative however – the angled glass lets more light into your home, as well as giving extra ceiling height. They’re perfect for single-storey extensions, and work especially well in large open-plan rooms with limited light from doors and windows.
Pros and cons of roof lanterns
Let’s begin with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of roof lanterns. Starting with the positives:
Roof lanterns let in more light
Unlike flat skylights, the different panes of glass on a roof lantern let in light from every angle, meaning even north-facing rooms will appear much brighter.
They make rooms feel bigger
More natural light plus extra ceiling height creates the illusion of a bigger space.
They’ve got the wow factor
From the inside, you get a beautiful focal point and stunning sky views. And they’re equally attractive from the outside, adding character and design flair to even a simple extension.
Roof lanterns can help you save energy
Extra light, plus the sun’s warmth, could help you save on your energy bills.
They’re ideal for flat roofs and flat-roof extensions
They can also be installed along the ridge of a pitched roof, and added to an existing building or conservatory.
Then we’re onto the cons, and time to address a few common reservations:
Roof lanterns can be expensive
A roof lantern will take up a bigger share of your budget than a basic skylight. But thanks to innovations in materials, such as UPVC, the actual cost may be lower than you think.
They can be tricky to clean
Thoroughly cleaning the outside of a roof lantern is a job for your window cleaner. However, that might not be necessary – many roof lanterns, including our Skypod range, now come with self-cleaning glass – a special coating that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt and debris.
They can make the room too hot or too cold, and cause condensation
While this is a risk, it’s one you can minimise. Look for a low U-value, which tells you how well the glass stops heat passing through it. Since condensation is caused by temperature difference, energy-efficient glazing will help with this too.
Do roof lanterns add value?
It’s difficult to quantify how much value a roof lantern will add to your home. But estate agents and property experts agree that a well-designed roof lantern makes a home more attractive to prospective buyers and that can increase the asking price. Even if you don’t sell for a while, you may still benefit from greater energy efficiency and – hopefully – lower heating costs in winter.
So, how much do roof lanterns cost? As you’d expect, it depends on the size and specification you choose. Our Skypod roof lanterns come as ready-to-install kits, with the smallest in the range, at 1m x 1m, available at under £1,300 including VAT at time of publishing.
As for installation costs, Checkatrade reports that the average roof lantern installation cost in the UK could be anywhere from around £3,600 to £9,000.
Do I need planning permission for a roof lantern?
If you’re installing a roof lantern as part of a new build or extension it won’t need any additional permission.
In most cases, adding a roof lantern to an existing flat roof is a permitted development and won’t need planning permission, as long as:
The roof lantern doesn’t protrude any higher than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
The roof lantern isn’t any higher than the highest part of the house roof.
Any side-facing windows must be obscure glazed to protect neighbours’ privacy.
Any openings must be at least 1.7m above the floor.
Note that these guidelines are for houses – if you live in a flat, maisonette or converted home the rules will be different. If the home is a listed building, or in a conservation area, the rules will be stricter.
Roof lanterns and building regulations
If you’re installing a roof lantern in an existing roof, you’ll need to have it passed and inspected by building control to make sure it’s structurally sound.
The roof lantern and its opening will also have to meet the current requirements for thermal efficiency – that’s a minimum U-value of 2.2 for new rooflights in homes. Eurocell’s Skypod range offers heat insulation, with U-values as low as 1.0.
Do roof lanterns make the room cold?
People often wonder how well a roof lantern will cope with the extremes of British weather. Do they make the room cold? Are roof lanterns noisy when it rains? Are they prone to condensation?
While these are valid concerns, modern roof lanterns are cleverly designed to minimise heat loss, noise and condensation. Instead of draughty single glazing, they’re made with double or even triple-glazed panes. Frames are also constructed with thermal breaks – materials with low thermal conductivity used to prevent the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the frame.
With energy-efficient glass and proper insulation, roof lanterns are incredibly energy efficient, helping to keep the room warm in winter, cool in summer. Double or triple glazing helps to prevent condensation – it reduces the difference in temperature between warm air and cold glass, helping to prevent water droplets from forming. And it also provides excellent sound proofing, muffling even the heaviest downpour.
Where should a roof lantern be placed?
Roof lanterns are generally placed in the centre of the room to make the most of that natural sunlight. In a large open-plan space, you might use a roof lantern to help divide the room into zones – for example, by placing a roof lantern over a kitchen island, dining or seating area. You might also consider the location of exterior features, such as windows or bifold doors, and make sure the addition of the roof lantern is well balanced.
How long does it take to fit a roof lantern?
We’ve designed Skypod roof lanterns to be as easy as possible for your installer to fit. They arrive as a kit, with full instructions and the upstand included, and the most popular colour and size combinations can be ordered online and delivered in days.
A builder or tradesperson can create an opening in a new roof. If there’s a delay before the roof lantern is delivered, the installer will use corrugated plastic sheets as a temporary cover. Once your roof lanterns have arrived on site, installation can normally be completed in a matter of days. The roof covering material is installed over the upstand, before the roof window itself, and the final waterproofing takes place when the window flashings are fitted onto the upstands.
Are roof lanterns worth it?
A roof lantern is undoubtedly an investment, but the difference it can make to your living space is huge. As with any building project, you should research roof lanterns fully before making your choice. By learning about the advantages and the potential downsides, you can make better choices now and gain a lighting feature that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Take a look at our Skypod roof lanterns, learn more about the technical specifications or get in touch to talk to one of our expert team. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you envisage how your space could look.
Eurocell - Conservatory too hot? Causes and how to keep it cool
With plenty of natural light and views into your garden, a conservatory should be the perfect place to enjoy the summer weather. But some older conservatories have issues with temperature regulation which means it becomes sweltering as soon as summer rolls around. Instead of a relaxing retreat, your conservatory may become unbearable to sit in.
Below we explore some possible causes and show you how to keep your conservatory cool in the summer.
What we'll cover:
Why your conservatory is too hot
How to keep your conservatory cool
How to enjoy your conservatory all year round
Why is my conservatory too hot?
A conservatory can transform your home offering you additional living space to work, exercise or relax.
But you want to be able to enjoy it all year round – whether it be meals with friends and family, yoga or high-energy exercise, or as a place to read and unwind.
You’ll soon notice whether your conservatory has become too hot because it’ll be uncomfortable to sit in. Your pets will quickly retreat out of it, and plants may become dry, yellow and even die. Furniture, such as glass coffee tables, will be too hot to touch.
The general living temperature for your home should be around 19-22 degrees. Anything between 24-27 degrees or higher is probably too hot and could be dangerous, especially for vulnerable people and pets.
There could be a number of reasons why your conservatory is too hot. And if you’ve had it for over 20 years, the design and build could be to blame.
Here are some common causes of a conservatory that’s too hot:
Windows
Conservatories are designed with plenty of windows to let in natural light and offer views into your garden. But this can also cause a ‘greenhouse effect’, where direct sunlight radiates heat through your glass windows. The heat can become trapped inside your conservatory especially if there’s a lack of ventilation.
Poor insulation
In older conservatories, there tends to be a lack of insulation in the walls, windows or roofs. It may have deteriorated over time or wasn’t built in.
Poor insulation means heat seeps into your conservatory and increases the temperature. Insulation should work to either block or reflect it. For example, our structurally insulated panels (SIPs) used in modern conservatory conversions have consistent insulation throughout the panel and have a high R-value meaning they do a better job resisting heat flow.
No ventilation
Poor ventilation means hot air becomes trapped, causing an increase in the temperature and humidity. It might feel like a greenhouse or oven, and be unbearable to step inside.
If the heat can’t escape it will get hotter and hotter, and activities like exercising will only add to it.
Glass or polycarbonate roof
Older polycarbonate and glass roofs may have become worn down over the years causing the insulation properties or UV coats to weaken. If they have any gaps or cracks, more hot air can come in.
How to keep your conservatory cool
Fortunately, here are simple ways to stop your conservatory from getting hot in the summer.
1. Open doors and windows
If your windows and doors aren't facing the sun, keep them open to cool down your conservatory.
Natural air from the outdoors prevents hot air from becoming trapped inside your conservatory and improves ventilation, especially in the morning and evening when the temperature is cooler. Techniques like cross ventilation, where you open opposite windows in your conservatory, allow fresh air to circulate through and cool the room.
Consider installing roof windows or vents for better ventilation.
2. Air conditioning
An air conditioning unit absorbs hot air in your conservatory and blows in cooler air. It’s a reliable way to cool down your conservatory and it even reduces humidity and promotes better air quality. However, air conditioning units can be quite costly depending on the model. A standing unit costs around £200 and more comprehensive wall-mounted units can set you back up to £1,500.
If you’re on a budget, a standing fan can circulate air within your conservatory or a roof fan circulates it more evenly and saves you space.
3. Conservatory cooling film
Applying a high-quality conservatory cooling film to your glass windows or roof can help to regulate the temperature. The film should reflect the sun and UV light away from your conservatory, while still letting in plenty of natural light and reducing glare.
Conservatory cooling films are especially helpful for south-facing conservatories where the sunlight hits the windows directly. It's also a cost-effective option, with the film available for around £10.
4. Do blinds keep a conservatory cool?
Blinds and curtains block out sun in a conservatory and offer privacy. You can get blinds specially designed for conservatories with reflective properties that stop sunlight from entering and causing furnishings to fade.
Roller blinds are effective at blocking out sunlight and venetian blinds do well at reducing heat build-up as they can be angled up or down to direct the heat. It’s best to open blinds when it's cooler, and keep them closed from 11am to 3pm which tends to be the hottest part of the day.
5. The best flooring for a very hot conservatory
To stop your conservatory getting too hot, choose a floor material that’s heat resistant and easy to clean. If a conservatory gets too hot, your flooring can fade, warp or crack and absorb heat, increasing the temperature and making it unbearable to walk on. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a good option because they’re easy to clean and generally heat resistant. Avoid solid wood because it expands and contracts in the heat, and carpet because it can fade in the sunlight.
6. Colour scheme
A simple change to your conservatory colour scheme could help with temperature regulation. Dark wall and furnishing shades will absorb and radiate heat, so opt for lighter colours that do better at reflecting it. Also consider buying furniture specifically designed for your conservatory.
One material to avoid is leather. Whether opting for chairs or a sofa, leather is a no-go- because it becomes hot very quickly – think of leather car seats.
7. Double-glazing
Older conservatories may have single-glazed windows increasing the chance of your conservatory becoming too hot. Double-glazed windows are designed with two panels that have a built-in gap to prevent heat from entering.
They are also energy efficient and have better insulation properties to help regulate the temperature and reduce reliance on fans or air conditioning, which can save you cooling costs. Eurocell’s uPVC windows are specially designed to keep buildings cool in the summer with U-values as low as 0.8.
8. Roof replacement
A well-designed conservatory can be a stand-out feature in your home and offer plenty of extra living space. The summer weather should add to it, not spoil it.
A conservatory roof replacement can solve the too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter conundrum that older conservatories face. Opt for a tiled roof over a polycarbonate or glass one, as it does a better job at insulation and energy efficiency.
Eurocell’s Equinox Tiled Roof System is fully insulated, helping to keep the hot air out in the summer. It’s also energy efficient with U-values as low as 0.15. While a roof replacement sounds daunting, it’s designed to be easily fitted with minimal mess and hassle.
The roof can be fitted onto any conservatory as long as it can handle the load – your Eurocell installer will conduct a survey to be sure. You can choose to add a roof window to improve ventilation and introduce more natural light too, or go for the Equinox Vega, which includes glazed panels helping to create a brighter space.
The tiles are available in a range of materials and 16 shades to complement your home. Not only that, the composite slate and steel tiles come with a 40-year guarantee, and the Envirotile and Slateskin tiles with a 25-year guarantee. They are weather and impact resistant to withstand heavy rain, snow or sunlight and combat condensation.
Enjoy your conservatory all year round
If your old conservatory is beyond repair, a modern conservatory conversion could transform it into a functional space all year round.
Keeping your existing base, SIP panels are manufactured off-site to your specification and then fitted in just two weeks with minimal mess and disruption. The panels are fully insulated to block hot air and sunlight from seeping in, and the tiled roof is energy efficient helping you to keep energy costs and usage down.
You also get A-rated windows and doors in your EurXtension, so you can make the most of the natural light and reduce heat gain in the summer.
Find out how a EurXtension keeps your conservatory cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
