Therefore, PVC is not often used in window and door construction. Phthalates and BPA cause harmful effects to the environment and to our health, especially in the event of a fire when the chemicals become airborne. When exposed to high temperatures, PVC emits toxic fumes that can cause damage to several organ systems.
UPVC doors and windows are environment-friendly and don't augment any health hazardous effects!
Structural Integrity
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.
Is uPVC toxic? uPVC in its finished form, as in when your windows are manufactured, is not a toxic substance. When uPVC burns it does become toxic, releasing dioxides into the environment which are harmful. However, unless you are planning to burn your window frames, uPVC is perfectly safe throughout its lifespan.
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.
uPVC windows are solid, impenetrable and virtually impossible to break into.
uPVC Should Last Between 20-35 Years.
uPVC is an extremely thermally efficient material and can provide your home with greater heat insulation than aluminium and wood windows can. For a modern home that consists of many modern fittings and features, uPVC is likely to be your best option as it will maintain the style of the property.
Windows made with uPVC are generally better thermal insulators than aluminium. uPVC is a lightweight material, which makes uPVC double or triple glazed windows quick and easy to install. uPVC can last up to 20 years in great condition, meaning your investment will be one that lasts.
PVC is often used to make siding and fences, whereas UPVC is used for window and door construction. PVC is not suitable for window and door construction due to its chemical composition. PVC is banned in Europe and in all toy products in the United States due to its toxic properties.
uPVC windows and uPVC door frames are reinforced with either aluminium or galvanised steel. The choice is the preference of the fabricator and there is a small cost differential too.
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.
In its finished form, uPVC is not toxic, meaning It is perfectly safe to use in the manufacture of windows. Furthermore, the production of uPVC is subject to stringent safety controls. This ensures there is no risk to consumers. However, if it is burnt, uPVC can release dioxins into the environment.
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pipes have been used in the premise plumbing system due to their high strength, long-term durability, and low cost. uPVC pipes, however, may contain lead due to the use of lead compounds as the stabilizer during the manufacturing process.
Con: Vinyl windows are made through a toxic petroleum manufacturing process and are harmful to the environment once they are discarded. Manufacturing vinyl requires polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which forms the toxic carcinogen dioxin when PVC is manufactured and burned.
But, in the long term, aluminium can prove very cost-effective because it's a more robust material than UPVC. 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.
Aluminium is also much stronger than uPVC and can last up to 45 years with little to no maintenance. Lasting between 20-30 years, modern uPVC windows are strong but not as strong as aluminium. And, although uPVC windows come with a wide colour palette to choose from, aluminium windows are available in 150 RAL colours.
Tip: Aluminium sections are thinner than uPVC and have a higher ratio of glass. Aluminium windows are resistant to rust, are weatherproof and do not swell or crack when exposed to heat.
The external parts of uPVC window frames are continuously exposed to the elements, which eventually causes weathering. Over a long period of time window foil can start to shrink causing the foil to bubble and peel.
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.
Newer coloured UPVC windows are usually manufactured solid, which is to say the colour permeates through the UPVC. This solid colour makes the windows highly resistant to fading. However, because they are coloured, noticeable fading will still occur over a period of fifteen to thirty years no matter their durability.
Double glazing is virtually burglar-proof as it's incredibly hard to break, effectively putting two barriers between you and potential thieves. Furthermore, the gas in-between the gaps also acts as a shock absorber.
As you can see, burglars do break windows. While it is true that they usually only do it when the conditions are appropriate, in most cases, it takes only a few seconds to break through a standard windowpane. Fortunately, you can do many things to discourage burglars and prevent your windows from smashing.
Also, unlike wood, it does not get infested with termites or damaged by humidity. Unlike aluminium and different metal frames, uPVC does not corrode or undergo pitting. This means that, structurally, uPVC windows and doors remain consistent and durable throughout the years.