Question 1

What types of windows and doors do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We supply a full range: uPVC windows, aluminium windows (including slim-frame and lift-and-slide), triple-glazed passive-standard windows, composite front doors, aluminium sliding & patio doors, bifold doors, internal doors, roller shutters, and bioclimatic pergolas for outdoor living. Every product is available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Question 2

What is the difference between uPVC, aluminium and composite?

Accepted Answer

uPVC is the best value — excellent thermal performance, low maintenance, ideal for most Irish homes. Aluminium offers slimmer sightlines, larger glass areas and a premium modern look — perfect for extensions and contemporary builds. Composite doors combine a solid timber core with a GRP outer skin for maximum strength, security and insulation — the most popular choice for front doors.

Question 3

Are your windows triple-glazed?

Accepted Answer

Both double- and triple-glazed options are available. Triple glazing is standard on our passive-house range and recommended for new builds and deep retrofits where you're targeting the SEAI One Stop Shop upgrade — it delivers U-values as low as 0.6 W/m²K. Double glazing with argon fill and a warm-edge spacer still comfortably meets Part L of the Building Regulations.

Question 4

Can I match existing windows in a period property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We produce sash-style, Georgian-bar and heritage profiles in uPVC and aluminium that replicate traditional appearance while delivering modern thermal and security performance. We'll survey on-site and provide drawings for approval before manufacture.

Question 5

What colours and finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

Standard RAL colours, woodgrain foils, dual-colour (different inside and outside), anodised aluminium and bespoke sprayed finishes. Anthracite grey, black, cream, and traditional woodgrain remain the most popular choices in Ireland.

Question 6

How much do new windows and doors cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on size, material, glazing spec, colour and installation complexity. As a guide, a full-house uPVC window replacement for a typical 3-bed semi in Ireland starts from around €6,500 supplied and fitted. Aluminium and triple-glazed specifications are higher. We provide a fully itemised, no-obligation written quote within 24 hours of your survey.

Question 7

Are windows and doors covered by SEAI grants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SEAI offers a Windows and Doors Grant as an individual home energy upgrade. The grant is designed to help homeowners replace inefficient windows and external doors with higher-performing options that reduce heat loss and improve comfort. Belca can supply the product specifications and paperwork your application needs, including U-values and declaration details.

Question 8

How much is the SEAI windows grant?

Accepted Answer

The current SEAI window grant values are: Apartment — €1,500, Mid-terrace — €1,800, Semi-detached / end-of-terrace — €3,000, and Detached — €4,000. The final grant value depends on the property type and SEAI approval.

Question 9

How much is the SEAI external doors grant?

Accepted Answer

SEAI currently lists €800 per external door, with a maximum of 2 doors. Applicants can apply for the windows grant, the doors grant, or both, provided the property and works meet the scheme rules.

Question 10

Who can apply for the SEAI windows and doors grant?

Accepted Answer

Eligible applicant types include homeowners, landlords, companies and owner management companies, registered charities, holiday home owners, and Approved Housing Bodies. The home must also meet SEAI property and energy-performance requirements.

Question 11

What property rules apply before I can claim?

Accepted Answer

The home must be built and occupied before 2011. It must also have good attic and wall insulation, or meet the required Heat Loss Indicator after works. SEAI expects windows and doors to be part of a sensible energy upgrade — not just a cosmetic replacement.

Question 12

What windows and doors qualify?

Accepted Answer

For windows, you must be replacing existing single- or double-glazed windows with high-performing windows with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or lower. For doors, you must be replacing inefficient external doors. The required U-values are confirmed on the Declaration of Works form signed by the contractor and homeowner.

Question 13

Do I need good attic and wall insulation first?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SEAI requires good attic and wall insulation, or a qualifying post-works Heat Loss Indicator. You can check this by reviewing previous SEAI insulation grants, checking your BER Advisory Report for attic and wall ratings of Good or Very Good, or asking a BER assessor to advise before the works begin.

Question 14

What is the Heat Loss Indicator requirement?

Accepted Answer

The Heat Loss Indicator, or HLI, measures how quickly heat escapes from your home. For grant payment, the property must reach an HLI of 2.3 W/K·m² or lower, or the post-works BER Advisory Report must show the attic and walls as Good or Very Good.

Question 15

Is a BER required after the installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SEAI requires a post-works BER after the new windows and doors are installed. This BER is grant-aided. Some homeowners choose a combined pre-works and post-works BER service so they understand eligibility before ordering.

Question 16

How do I apply for the grant myself?

Accepted Answer

The usual SEAI process is: 1) get quotes from registered contractors, 2) apply to SEAI and wait for your grant offer, 3) do not start works until the grant offer is received, 4) complete the works, 5) get the post-works BER, 6) submit the required documents, and 7) receive payment from SEAI once approved. SEAI inspections may apply.

Question 17

Can a One Stop Shop manage the grant for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can apply yourself and manage the upgrade with a registered contractor, or use a SEAI One Stop Shop. If you apply yourself, the grant is normally paid to you after completion. With a One Stop Shop route, the grant is typically deducted upfront from the cost you pay to the One Stop Shop.

Question 18

Can I claim for work that already started or was already installed?

Accepted Answer

In general, SEAI grants cannot be backdated and works should not begin before the grant offer is issued. SEAI has noted transitional support for certain windows or doors ordered after the government announcement on 27 January, where scheme requirements and registered-contractor rules are met. We recommend checking the current SEAI position before committing.

Question 19

Can I claim for windows in an extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the upgrade is on the original part of the home or on an extension built before 1 January 2011. Extensions built after 1 January 2011 are not eligible under SEAI's current windows and doors grant rules.

Question 20

Can I replace windows in stages and claim each time?

Accepted Answer

No. SEAI states that the windows grant is a once-off grant. If you replace windows in stages, you cannot claim the window grant each time, and you must still meet the after-works Heat Loss Indicator requirement.

Question 21

What is a U-value?

Accepted Answer

A U-value measures how well a building element prevents heat loss. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation performance. For the SEAI windows grant, qualifying replacement windows must achieve 1.4 W/m²K or lower.

Question 22

How is payment structured?

Accepted Answer

A 30% deposit confirms your order and initiates factory production. The remaining 70% is paid on satisfactory completion of the installation. We accept bank transfer and card payment. Finance options through third-party lenders are available on request.

Question 23

Do your prices include VAT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All quoted prices are inclusive of VAT at the prevailing Irish rate (currently 13.5% for supply-and-fit services on residential properties).

Question 24

Do you install nationwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we cover all 32 counties of Ireland with our own in-house installation teams. We do not subcontract. Every job is fitted by Belca crews trained to a single, consistent standard.

Question 25

How long from order to installation?

Accepted Answer

Typical lead time is 4–8 weeks from order confirmation, depending on product, colour and season. Aluminium and bespoke specifications sit at the longer end; standard uPVC often ships faster. We give you a firm installation date once your order enters production.

Question 26

How long does the installation itself take?

Accepted Answer

A standard whole-house window replacement is typically completed in 2–4 days on site. A single door installation takes 4–6 hours. Larger projects, new builds and developments are scheduled to the main contractor's programme.

Question 27

Do I need to be at home during installation?

Accepted Answer

Someone over 18 needs to be present to grant access and sign off at the end of each day. Our crews are fully insured, uniformed and Garda-vetted. We protect floors and furniture, and every site is left clean at the end of the day.

Question 28

Will you remove and dispose of my old windows and doors?

Accepted Answer

Yes — removal, safe disposal and recycling of old frames and glass are included in the supply-and-fit price. No hidden skip charges.

Question 29

Do I need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

For like-for-like replacement in an existing opening — usually no. New openings, alterations to protected structures, or changes to the front elevation in some estates may require permission. If in doubt, ask us during the survey — we'll flag anything that needs checking with your local authority.

Question 30

What energy rating do your windows achieve?

Accepted Answer

All windows are minimum A-rated under the WER (Window Energy Rating) scheme. U-values range from 1.4 W/m²K (double-glazed) down to 0.6 W/m²K (triple-glazed passive spec). This comfortably exceeds the current Part L Building Regulations requirement for new dwellings and deep retrofits.

Question 31

How secure are your doors and windows?

Accepted Answer

Our door sets are tested to PAS 24 and RC2 security standards — the same certification specified for Secured by Design housing schemes in the UK and Ireland. Multi-point locking is standard, with anti-snap, anti-bump and anti-drill cylinders. Windows feature internally beaded glass, shootbolt locking and hinge protection.

Question 32

What certifications do your products carry?

Accepted Answer

Every product is CE-marked and UKCA-compliant, manufactured to EN 14351-1 (windows & external doors), EN 12608 (uPVC profiles), EN 1279 (sealed insulating glass units) and EN 1090 (aluminium fabrication). Toughened and laminated glass carries Kitemark, EN 12150 and EN 14449 certification. Full test certificates are available on request.

Question 33

How well do your windows insulate against noise?

Accepted Answer

Standard double-glazed sealed units achieve around 30 dB Rw sound reduction. Acoustic-laminated glass configurations (recommended for homes near main roads, flight paths or rail lines) reach 42 dB Rw or higher. Specify your environment during the survey and we'll recommend the right glass build-up.

Question 34

What warranty do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Up to 10 years on profiles and sealed glass units (manufacturer-backed), 5 years on hardware, and 2 years on installation workmanship (Belca-backed). Full warranty documentation is issued with every completed job.

Question 35

What does the warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing defects in the frame, sealed unit failure (misted or fogged glass), hardware failure under normal use, and any installation defect that causes leaks, draughts or operational issues. Accidental damage, misuse and wear on moving parts (seals, handles) are not covered.

Question 36

Do you offer aftercare and servicing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer paid servicing on all makes and models — hinge and lock adjustment, seal replacement, glass replacement and hardware upgrades. Existing Belca customers receive priority booking and preferential pricing.

Question 37

What happens if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

Call us on +353 87 612 1976 or email info@belca.ie. A team member will respond within one working day and, where required, we'll schedule a callout — free of charge for warranty issues.

Question 38

Who is Belca?

Accepted Answer

Belca Windows & Doors is an Irish company supplying and installing premium European-manufactured windows, doors, roller shutters and pergolas. We work directly with tier-one European manufacturers — no middlemen — and fit every job with our own in-house crews across all of Ireland.

Question 39

Where are your products manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Our windows and doors are manufactured across established European production hubs — primarily Italy, Germany and Poland, with select components from the UK. Every product ships directly from the factory to our warehouse in Ireland, then to your site.

Question 40

Do you work with developers, architects and main contractors?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a significant share of our business is new-build residential developments and commercial projects. We offer bespoke pricing, scheduled deliveries, phased installation, BIM-ready technical drawings and a dedicated project manager. Get in touch for a trade portfolio and specification pack.

Question 41

Are you insured and tax-compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Belca Construction Ltd carries full public and employer's liability insurance, is Revenue tax-compliant (C2 / eTax Clearance available on request) and all installers are Safe Pass and Manual Handling certified. Documentation is provided to main contractors on request.

Question 42

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Three ways: call us on +353 87 612 1976, request a callback through the online quote form, or WhatsApp us via the floating button. We reply within 24 hours and arrange a free on-site survey at a time that suits you.

Everything You Need to Know, Answered

Products & Materials

Pricing, SEAI Grants & Payment

Key details before you apply

Grant values

Home eligibility

Before works start

Installation & Timelines

Performance, Security & Certifications

Warranty & Aftercare

About Belca

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