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What is uPVC?

Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, or uPVC, is used extensively in the construction industry, primarily due to its insulative and weather resistant properties. And these properties are the primary reason why uPVC is often used to make sills and frames for windows that are required to be more energy efficient and weatherproofed. And with green issues to the fore, uPVC windows have become increasingly popular as they can help to the carbon footprint.

uPVC, or Rigid PVC, is particularly popular in tthe UK, Ireland and also in the USA where it is known as vinyl. The material comes in a range of colors and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, and is used as a substitute for painted wood, both in new buildings and also to replace older single glazed windows. uPVC has many other uses including door frames, soffits, fascias, guttering and drainpipes. The same material has replaced the use metal products in plumbing and drainage.

uPVC is a harder material than wood; therefore, uPVC windows are better at retaining heat inside a building than their timber-framed counterparts. Using the most efficient uPVC profile and glass, a upvc window can reduce heat loss by up to 90%. And that means savings on energy bills as  uPVC contributes to improving a building’s overall insulation.

Not only are uPVC windows energy efficient, they are also extremely weatherproof. Unlike timber framed windows, uPVC windows do not leak or rot, nor do they tend to show signs of wear and tear. And they don’t need repainting every couple of years. Perhaps the greatest advances in uPVC window manufacture recently are in terms of their aesthetic value. The latest uPVC windows look almost identical to traditional timber frame windows, as they are now available in a wide variety of colours and textures. And what’s more, uPVC windows can be made to have a similar texture as a timber framed window, as they are now available in a wood effect finish. These properties mean uPVC windows can adapt to any type of home and enhance its looks; from modern apartment to a thatched cottage and everything in between.

But is is the energy saving and aesthetic properties that are making uPVC windows increasingly popular. In the UK, 80% of people renting a property would prefer to rent somewhere with uPVC windows. Contact Alexander Windows if you have any queries about the performance characteristics of our industry-leading Kommerling uPVC profile or for any other matter.