What Exactly Is UPVC?

If you’ve started to or are in the process of purchasing new windows and doors, chances are you’ve come across the 4 letters in the title of this blog. But what exactly is UPVC (or PVC)? How is it made or more importantly why does it make for great windows and doors?

If we start with those four letters, UPVC stands for Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride and is manufactured from vinyl polymer bound to chlorine atoms. Now unless you are a chemist or paid attention in science class that probably won’t mean very much but it is important because what it means is that UPVC is technically NOT plastic, which is a common myth surrounding the material. It’s also important because it is this process that gives UPVC some of its most positive attributes and below we take you through some of them.

Low Maintenance:

As above the manufacturing process of UPVC is essentially a chemical one resulting in a synthetic material. What this means is that the ongoing maintenance associated with UPVC is typically very low. It doesn’t require painting and once manufactured and installed it doesn’t degrade or lose its original finish. All of which makes UPVC a very low-cost material to maintain in the long-term, making it ideal for many homes.

Energy Efficient:

An often overlooked positive of UPVC is its energy efficiency. Perhaps it is because of how it looks or how it feels but there is a misconception that UPVC must not provide strong insulation. In fact, the reality is the complete opposite and UPVC, paired with high quality glazing options, does in fact possess a high degree of thermal efficiency meaning that heat escapes through it very slowly.

Durable & Versatile:

Okay so this is technically two positives, but they essentially highlight the same thing about UPVC which is that the nature of the material makes it ideal for many different uses, such as in different climates and locations whether its city living or in the countryside. This versatility also brings durability and again the manufacturing process produces a strong product that can withstand almost anything thrown at it!

If you have any questions about UPVC or how it could be used at your property, please get in touch with our team today.