If you have considered new windows or doors, you might have heard of uPVC before. But what is uPVC, and why is it so popular? In this blog, we explore all things unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as uPVC, and the benefits this material has for your double glazing.
Breaking Down uPVC
uPVC is the short name for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride and it is a strong and flexible hard plastic. It’s made through a special process that removes certain additives, making it tough and sturdy. This unique quality allows it to be strong and durable, making it a popular choice when choosing windows and doors.
uPVC Properties
Now that the ‘what is uPVC’ has been covered, this article moves to what makes uPVC such a popular material in the construction industry. These are the top features that uPVC possesses and the reasons why you should consider this material when thinking about your next building solution.
- Durability:
uPVC is known for being extremely robust against rust, bad weather, and chemicals. It doesn’t easily crack or break under pressure nor does it get damaged by insects, unlike wood. Because of its strength, it can last for a long period of time and people say that even after many years, it still looks good with no signs of wear and tear.
- Low Maintenance:
uPVC has very low maintenance requirements, which is one of the reasons it is so popular. It does not rot or corrode unlike other materials and uPVC only requires a few simple cleaning steps to maintain the products. There is no need to regularly update the paint or seal, once they are fitted they do not deteriorate over their lifetime.
- Insulation Properties:
uPVC is an efficient insulator as it helps to decrease the amount of heat moving from inside and outside of buildings, which improves the overall energy efficiency. This helps homeowners with their heating and cooling costs. uPVC also helps to reduce the condensation build-up as the glass panels’ temperature are similar to the room temperature.
- Versatility:
uPVC is a very versatile material and it can be molded into many different shapes and forms, such as window frames, door frames, and pipes.
- Recyclability:
uPVC is a popular choice because of its recyclability as many uPVC products contain recycled content. This reduces the environmental impact when using these products as well as reducing the need to make completely new uPVC products using raw materials, as it exists within the circular economy.
- Safety:
What is uPVC and its related safety considerations? You will be happy to know that uPVC is fire-resistant. It does not easily set alight and is self-extinguishing when the source of heat or flame is removed. Also, uPVC products, such as windows and doors, can withstand high pressures without easily cracking or breaking, making them a great material during adverse weather conditions or in the event of intruders.
What is the difference between uPVC and PVC?
The main difference between uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is their flexibility. uPVC is stronger and more rigid because it does not have additives and therefore is used to make strong doors and windows. PVC is a more flexible material which is why it is used for pipes and electrical cables.
uPVC is a great option for anyone who is considering new doors and windows that are long-lasting and energy-efficient. This blog has hopefully answered the question of what is uPVC and for more information about uPVC doors and windows, please contact Premier Windows today.
