Materials Used for UPVC Windows
UPVC or un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride is often used in the building industry as a low cost, low maintenance material, particularly in both the UK and in the USA where it is also known as vinyl. The material is available in a range of colours and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, and is often used as a substitute for painted wood, most obviously for window frames and sills when installing double glazing in new buildings or to replace older single glazed windows.
Repairing UPVC Windows
The finished window frame is hard wearing and will last for a very long time in all weather. Due to the modular nature of the construction, which is only possible due to the versatility of this material, repairs and replacements are quick and easy to perform and will leave the window looking as good as new once finished. It has many other uses including fascia, siding or weatherboarding. The same material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being used for waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters and down pipes.
Due to environmental concerns the use of PVC (plasticized polyvinyl chloride) is discouraged by some local authorities and in countries such as Germany and The Netherlands. This only concerns PVC rather than uPVC as it is the plasticizers in PVC that cause the majority of environmental problems. uPVC does not contain these plasticizers.