There have been plenty of materials developed throughout the years for the building industry which showcase human innovation and ingenuity at its finest, but none more so than UPVC. Most everyone has heard of UPVC and has a faint idea of what it is used for, but not all of us have a precise understanding of this revolutionary material and how it can benefit us. And this shouldn’t be the case, because we have been making use of products made from UPVC for many years – not just for building and construction, but for our very own doors and window frames as well.

 

Case in point: In the area where I live, which is Southampton, I have made use of UPVC doors for years – both for my home and my business. And plenty of my neighbours and other business owners have followed suit. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the reasons why:

What is UPVC?

 

First and foremost, UPVC (sometimes referred to as PVCU) is otherwise known as unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. This is a material that is known for its enduring toughness and hardness, as well as its durability and long lifespan. But UPVC cannot be confused with PVC, which is mostly used for plumbing and construction. (PVC pipes are the most common products produced by this.) The main difference between UPVC and PVC is that PVC has plasticisers, or additives which can increase the fluidity and flexibility of the material. UPVC simply has no plasticisers added, which makes it less flexible and more rigid.

 

PVC is used most often to produce pipes and cables, and even toys and clothes, whilst UPVC is used for the manufacturing of window frames as well as draining and plumbing materials. In addition, what makes UPVC extra useful is the fact that it is fire-resistant and recyclable, and it does not contain phthalates, making it safe to transport water (especially useful for plumbing purposes).

 

Why use UPVC for doors, windows, and plumbing?

 

UPVC’s uses are highly varied. As a matter of fact, it is not only used nowadays for doors and windows – it is even used to make mouthguards and dental retainers. But when it comes to UPVC windows and doors, there are a host of advantages.

 

First of all, UPVC is low maintenance. UPVC doors, for instance, are not likely to warp, rust, or rot, despite extreme weather conditions and temperatures. In addition, UPVC doors and windows do not fade over time, contributing to their long lifespan. They are also not prone to bending or denting, and if they get scratched, they can easily be polished to look as good as new. The low-maintenance quality of UPVC doors and windows makes them ideal for any home or business owner – a quick and simple wipe with a cloth will do the trick.

 

Environmentally friendly, too

 

As a building material, UPVC is environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled at the end of its life. And when it comes to safety, UPVC doors and windows are fire- and water-resistant as well. A regular UPVC door or window is also thermal efficient, helping you lower your energy costs by retaining heat inside.

 

More and more business entrepreneurs like me are opting for PVCU doors in Southampton. And, as you have seen, there are a variety of reasons why.

 

 

Image attributed to: FreeDigitalPhotos.net nattavut