uPVC stands for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. Since, it is unplasticized or not softened by introducing plasticers to PVC, it is harder and tougher than the usual PVC which is plasticised. Simply put, uPVC is a rigid and stronger than PVC.
Like PVC, uPVC too has multiple applications. Durability, light weight, decay or corrosion resistance, ease of installation, economy etc. are some of the key factors uPVC products has. Over several years, it is proved that an effective substitute for wood and a reliable construction or building material is uPVC. An example is uPVC doors & windows.
uPVC is being used as a substitute for wood in door & window frames, complete doors & windows besides host of other work like panels, cladding, partitions and so on. It's growing popularity can be realised from the estimation that reveals that about 55 to 60% of all recently used window frames in USA and Europe are not made up of wood, steel or aluminium but of uPVC.
uPVC material is insulator of sound and thermal. So, if uPVC framed doors, windows or ventilators are double or triple glazed, they act as good noise and thermal insulators as a whole. These qualities come quite handy in very cold, hot or noisy areas. These additional benefits don't come with wooden, steel or aluminium elements as none of these materials are heat or soundproof.
Some advantages
of uPVC
doors or
windows against competitor wooden, aluminium or steel counterparts are:
- They are free from decay, corrosion, termite attack etc. and thus are much more durable.
- They are light-weight and easy to handle or install.
- Protective coating is not needed like Wood. Aluminium and Steel.
- They are available in variety of colour. As they are inherent, colours will not fade. Thus, the question of initial or seasonal painting does not arise which is less wasteful and more cost effective.
- They are usually low cost and need no maintenance. As a result, they are more economical as compared to wooden doors and windows.
- uPVC Door and Window frames can be fortified with steel in order to increase their strength further. This makes them suitable for areas having high intensity wind.
- Being weatherproof, monsoon-proof or moisture-proof, they are distinct over wooden or aluminium windows in wet or harsh weather conditions.
- Being chemical resistant, oil, grease, salt, cement or other chemicals will not affect them. This quality makes them quite suitable for industrial or harsh environmental conditions.
- Using water paper, Stains, scratches, marks etc. can be erased and polished easily.
