If you are in the market to replace the windows in your home, you may feel the available options overwhelm you.
There are many different brands and types available on the market today.
As this is a sizable investment, it is essential to consider your window options and research before purchasing new ones.
This blog will give you in-depth information that answers your question: what are UPVC windows so that you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to invest in new windows for your home?
What are UPVC Windows?
UPVC windows are a type of window that allows you to enjoy the benefits of traditional wooden frames.
You also enjoy the added advantage of cleaning them quickly and without damage. Manufacturers make them from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.
This is a type of plastic applicable to many different applications, including plumbing systems and electrical cables.
The UV and heat stabilizers in UPVC allow it to maintain its shape and prevent degradation from exposure to the elements.
Coloured UPVC Windows
Colored UPVC windows are a great way to enhance the look of your home and give it a unique style.
The best-colored UPVC windows will match the decor of your room.
You can opt for light colors such as white or pastel shades if you want something subtle and elegant or bolder colors such as reds or greens for something more striking.
Depending on your manufacturer, you can get black UPVC windows to tone down your house outlook.
Features of UPVC as a Material
UPVC is a material for various applications, from playground equipment to construction. The material has several unique characteristics that make it an ideal choice for many applications.
One of the most significant upsides to UPVC is that it doesn’t warp in hot temperatures. Other materials tend to become distorted after long-term heat exposure.
This makes it an ideal choice for window installations with high summer temperatures.
Another key feature is that it’s BPA-free, meaning there are no harmful chemicals in the material. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical added to most plastics.
Experts have found that it is toxic and may affect hormones linked with fertility.
A UPVC white window
UPVC is resistant to chemical erosion, meaning it won’t lose its color after exposure to harsh chemicals. This means your window won’t lose its shine even after years under the sun’s UV rays.
UPVC is also recyclable. This means you can use it for years without worrying about the environmental impact.
It’s also great for the environment because it doesn’t have any toxic elements in it.
If you ever need to dispose of it, you can do so safely.
Advantages of UPVC Windows
UPVC windows are a common choice for homeowners looking for low-maintenance options. Here are the benefits uPVC windows have over other windows.
Sound insulation
UPVC windows are excellent at soundproofing. This is because they compose of two layers of glass and plastic thick enough to absorb the sound.
You’ll hear less of your neighbor’s TV or the noisy dog barking outside.
Easy to Clean
A man cleaning a window
UPVC windows are also easy to maintain and clean. You can easily wipe it down with a dry cloth or warm water with a little dish soap. This will help keep your windows looking shiny and new.
Energy Efficient
UPVC windows are an excellent choice for energy efficiency. They have low U-values, which means they resist heat transfer and keep the temperature in your home lower during the summer months.
This is unlike aluminum windows which are very good at heat transfer.
Durable
UPVC windows can last for decades and resist extreme weather conditions such as wind, rain, and temperature extremes.
This makes them perfect for homeowners who live in areas with particularly harsh winters or summers.
Lightweight
As we have seen, UPVC window is made from polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), making them much lighter than other materials such as wood or aluminum.
This makes them ideal for installation on large openings like sliding glass doors because they’re less likely to sag under their weight.
Fire retardant
One of the best things about UPVC windows is that they are fire-retardant. UPVC is a synthetic polymer that does not catch fire.
So even if your house catches fire, you have a safe route out through your window.
Multiple locks
We’ve seen that the uPVC window comes with numerous customizable options. One of these is the multiple locks options.
You can customize your UPVC window to have more than one lock to deter criminals. It’s also sturdy and can have double-glazed windows to keep you safe.
Disadvantages of uPVC Windows
High Price
The most significant disadvantage of the UPVC window is the initial cost. They are way more expensive than wood and aluminum windows.
While you may recover this cost due to the window’s longevity, the upfront costs are off-putting.
High Installation cost
The UPVC window has a high installation cost. You’ll have to hire a professional to install them for you, which can be very expensive.
The skill level you need to install a UPVC window means most people can’t DIY.
Unnatural Aesthetic
Colorful vintage window on a wall
A more noticeable disadvantage of UPVC windows is that they may seem unnatural. While UPVC is a form of plastic, it looks like wood.
Therefore, you may wish for a more natural look. This look may also be out of place in traditional types of architecture.
Limited Customization
UPVC windows offer you limited customization options. You can paint only so many colors on this type of window.
For instance, you may be limited to black or brown UPVC windows when you want dark-colored windows.
This means your redecoration options are limited if you have UPVC windows.
Best uPVC Windows
The best UPVC window is unique, durable, and reliable. They’re also the ones that will last you a long time and not let you down when you need them most.
Depending on your need, you have two options for your windows:
There are two main types of uPVC windows:
Doubled glazed uPVC window
Single-glazed UPVC windows
These have a single pane of glass, and one can use them as replacements for old double-glazed units or as new installations.
Double-glazed UPVC windows
These have two panes of glass (one on each side), and insulation material like foam latex separates them. This makes them more energy efficient than single-glazed units and more expensive.
Summary
UPVC window is a product of modern technology, and because of that, they will always be slightly more expensive than older solutions.
But for the high level of quality that you get with UPVC windows, the price tag is entirely worth it. UPVC window is an excellent investment as they are durable, offering better insulation and security than their wooden counterparts.
You can think of them as your first line of defense concerning safety and weatherproofing.
They are a product that will last years if properly maintained, and there’s a good chance that you’ll never have to replace them in your lifetime.
