A PVC window is typically constructed from the most high-quality vinyl which will provide you with the greatest protection against all of the common weather elements experienced in the area. In fact, unlike many common window styles, PVC doesn't produce condensation and will never rot or mold when exposed to moisture.
In general, if you're buying brand new windows, both uPVC and timber windows will give excellent energy efficiency and will look smart too. Year on year, window performance improves consistently.
uPVC Should Last Between 20-35 Years.
Typically lasting around 20 years, which can vary between 10-35 years depending on the quality and upkeep, if your uPVC windows were installed around 1999 it's likely that they could need replacing or at least repairing by now.
Simply put, there is no difference between the UPVC and PVCu because the two abbreviations represent the same material being Un-plasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride. Installers use UPVC in the promotion windows, doors and other home improvement products but it is also referred to as PVCu.
TRUTH: Plastic degrades, whereas Wood Window Alliance-standard windows have an estimated service life of around 60 years, that's twice the life of PVC-U windows. Plastic windows can become discoloured and brittle as a result of exposure to the sun and unlike wood framed windows, they can't be repaired.
Plastic UPVC windows on a period property can devalue the house. For higher value homes and period properties, the aesthetic quality of the windows and doors becomes much more important and the material used can negatively impact upon the value of your home.
Timber is a naturally insulating material that provides better performance than uPVC. While uPVC windows do offer more style options and even faux wood grain, they are the single biggest threat to property values in conservation areas.
Cellular PVC windows are solid and stronger than extruded vinyl windows which are thinner and can lead to warping. Choosing between the two is difficult because they both have different attributes.
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride and the U stands for un-plasticised. It has become a popular material for windows and doors because it does not rot, flake, peel, rust or decompose and is resistant to weathering.
PVC is essentially a combination of different compounds (plasticizers and pigments.) The main difference between PVC windows and vinyl windows is the manufacturing processes used to make the window components. Vinyl replacement windows are very light, simply because the window components are extruded hollow chambers.
Despite their robustness, uPVC windows and doors are prone to sagging and sashing due to their lightweight and also because they are structurally not as strong as aluminium windows. Too much heat can even result in the rupture of their frames.
Aluminium tends to be stronger than uPVC. That means that aluminium windows can have a slimmer appearance, and a larger glass surface area due to the strength of the frames. For this reason they're very popular with commercial and public buildings like schools, offices and government buildings.
If you're after a sleek look to your home, aluminium frames offer slimline frames. Thanks to the strength of the aluminium alloy used, narrower frames can be made meaning more of the window is made up of glass. uPVC frames, on the other hand, are thicker and chunkier.
Both uPVC and wooden windows have a relatively long lifespan if they are taken care of. However, wooden windows generally last longer. This comes at a price as, in order to stand the test of time, wooden windows require more maintenance than its plastic counterparts.
When it comes to your home's glazing, double definitely means better. Upgrading to double glazing will undoubtedly increase the energy efficiency of your home. This means that you will save money on your energy bills and also, your home will be a warmer place to live.
In short, yes, it's worth replacing your windows before you sell a house in the UK. Now would be convenient to mention double glazing to you that can come with some very convenient economic benefits. Double glazing can increase the economic value of your house rather than just decrease your economic costs.
For a more affordable initial outlay, UPVC windows offer a superb 'fit and forget' window solution because they're highly resistant to rot with a long lifespan. For a typical sized home, the price difference when comparing aluminium to UPVC would probably be thousands rather than hundreds of pounds.
Most efficient window materials
uPVC window frames are an effective insulator, delivering your home with an extra layer of insulation, composite, wood and fibreglass frames all have these benefits too. This is in comparison to metal frames, such as aluminium, which is a poor thermal insulator.
UPVC windows: As a non-corrosive material, UPVC windows do not rust or rot like other materials. They can withstand harsh weather. Wooden windows: Wooden windows are durable when taken care of properly by regular paining. They are susceptible to termites and harsh weathers.
When exposed to direct sunlight, CPVC and PVC shows “UV degradation”, but only between 0.001 to 0.003 inches. Once pipes are removed from the direct exposure, the ultraviolet rays no longer affect them. Long-term sunlight exposure can decrease the CPVC and PVC's impact strength and resistance.
There is only one difference between PVC and uPVC and that is that PVC contains BPA and phthalates, which are two plasticizers that make it more flexible. The "u" in uPVC stands for "unplasticized," and because it doesn't have these extra materials, uPVC is often called rigid plastic.