PVC is a type of plastic that is found across so many everyday items. You can see it used in clothing, transport, packaging, piping and a few other things. The letters “PVC” stand for polyvinyl chloride. There is, however, another similar type of plastic known as uPVC.
What is uPVC?
uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. uPVC plastic is much harder than regular PVC plastic, which is why you see it used mainly in things like door frames and windows. uPVC has become a popular choice for many people, and it looks like it is continuing to grow too.
So are uPVC windows the best option? Yes. Compared to other types of windows, uPVC offers so many different types of benefits. Let’s look at some reasons why.
The Strength
Firstly, uPVC is such a strong and durable material. You can sleep soundly knowing that door frames and windows that are made with uPVC are going to be very well built and tough. They also last very long, guaranteed for around ten years but in some cases, they can easily last over 20.
During times of extreme weather, the windows can handle an absolute pounding. If it’s a large storm and heavy rain, windows made with uPVC can hold up a lot better compared to other delicate materials because of the chemical structure. A lot of wooden windows are notorious for giving in too early during wet weather, chipping and getting marked disappointingly easy.
Even in the event of literal fire, uPVC windows are classed as a fire retardant. This means that it can slow or stop flames, or reduce the intensity.
Because uPVC is a type of plastic, there is no need to worry about it getting affected by some rust either. In fact, it has been reported that uPVC window profiles can take the power of a hurricane.
And when it gets really hot, the windows will not have any disfiguration or peeling. Other common window materials can start to crack and warp during times of high heat, costing you more money in the long run.
The Easy Maintenance
uPVC windows are also great for those of us who are “lazy”. Because the windows are not going to be affected by things like mould, they don’t need to be looked after. Certain types of wood and metal need to be constantly treated and checked up on, that is not the case with uPVC. The chemical composition of plastic makes it significantly harder for mould and rot to grow.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
uPVC windows are not unusual to be seen in the modern office either. There are quite a lot of reasons for this, but the one thing people tend to overlook is the fact that uPVC is an environmentally friendly material.
uPVC is completely recyclable, which is a great thing to go for as opposed to other typical types of windows that don’t offer that benefit. But the other thing that adds to their sustainability is how energy efficient they are. Because of the insulation properties, uPVC windows help in keeping your power bill down because it keeps the temperature cool during summer and warm during the winter.
When double glazing gets put to use with a uPVC window, don’t be surprised if you do not have to even turn on your air conditioning or heating, saving you money and contributing to a more eco-friendly society.
Affordability
uPVC windows are definitely more affordable than other types of windows too. While windows that are made with aluminum are quite popular, uPVC is not only cheaper to make because of the nature of the material, but it saves you money down the track because of the previously mentioned temperature insulation benefits.
In fact, uPVC Windows World has seen such a spike in their double glazed windows because of the overwhelmingly positive reception because of this.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why uPVC windows are the best option when it comes to windows. To summarise, uPVC windows are good for a variety of reasons:
- Strong and durable material
- Long-lasting
- Tough and resistant to wet weather conditions
- Does not warp or peel during high heat
- Easy to maintain from things like mould and rot
- Does not get ruined from rust
- Does not need to be treated like other materials
- Cheap to produce
- Affordable in the long term
- Completely recyclable
- Eco friendly due to the insulation properties