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.
Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.
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.
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.
uPVC Should Last Between 20-35 Years.
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.
UPVC is a low maintenance material, unlike natural materials which require annual sanding, varnishing and repainting. Windows & doors made from UPVC can last for decades without any sign of weathering, the only upkeep is a wipe down clean with soapy water to prevent staining and remove grim or dirt.
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.
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.
Nevertheless, uPVC windows and doors are completely resistant to strong tropical rains. The latest technology used by Encraft complying Waterproof Standards BS EN 1027 & BS EN 12208 through its Class 9A (Casement series) & class 4A (Slider series) acts as a shield of protection (waterproof) during monsoons.
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.
Non-Toxic and Chemical-Free – UPVC pipes are free of any chemicals. Their production process involves the use of eco-friendly and virgin unplasticised polyvinyl compounds. This inherent non-toxic quality makes these pipes safe for drinking water plumbing application.
Both materials are very strong, but CPVC is harder than PVC, which makes it more prone to breaking. CPVC is more brittle than PVC and can be warped or cracked more easily, but it is also more flexible than PVC. If you're using long lengths of CPVC, you'll need to add support every 3 feet.
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.
Casement windows are considered better than double-hung windows at keeping out drafts since the window seal is generally quite tight. Casement windows are good when you want to "scoop" cooling outside air into the house.
In terms of price, installing aluminium windows is always more expensive than UPVC (on a like for like basis) because of higher material and manufacturing costs. But, in the long term, aluminium can prove very cost-effective because it's a more robust material than UPVC.
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.
Because of its high solid protection properties, UPVC soundproof windows and doors can help diminishes outside commotion by 80-95%.
uPVC windows are a form of window made from the uPVC material. Their modern & thermally efficient credentials have led to them becoming a popular material for windows – attractive to homeowners because it's affordable, low-maintenance and a fantastic insulator.
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.
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.