subject: What are UPVC Windows? [print this page] What are UPVC Windows? What are UPVC Windows?
You may well have heard of pvc, but have you heard of uPVC? This is an extremely tough material that is absolutely ideal for making windows. Windows are a crucial part of the design of a house. They are important from both an interior and exterior perspective as not only do they have to look nice and work well, they have to withstand poor weather and provide good security too. If any one of these attributes is missing then your windows have let you down. Windows made from uPVC have all of these. You really can have your cake and eat it when it comes to these types of windows. This article provides all the information you need before setting out to choose your windows.
uPVC windows really are second to none in terms of value, security and appearance. It is very important to have attractive windows that look good from the outside of the home and on the inside too. Wood traditionally is used for window frames and although this is attractive it brings with it a wealth of problems. Wood rots in water, so continued exposure to the rain can begin to wear them down. Rotting window frames can become a very serious security risk. Wood also fades in the sun and swells and splits when left untreated. Regular maintenance work is often required of wood windows and frames. uPVC does not have any of these problems. Although it is possible to get uPVC windows in a wood effect finish, once they are installed they will last for decades. That means you get the appearance of wood in your home but for less money and without any of the additional maintenance tasks.
As materials go, uPVC is considerably cheaper than the alternatives. It is a plastic that is made of non-toxic materials. Plastics have always been cheap to produce which is why there is so much of it in the modern world. That means your "plastic" windows offer excellent value. Because of the different finishes available including wood-effect, although the windows are plastic they do not look that way to anyone passing by. They certainly do not look cheap, but instead provide a very attractive and stylish solution that fits in with any style of home. Whether it is a modern bungalow or a very old country cottage, uPVC windows are ideal - looking great and functioning well.
uPVC double glazed windows are extremely efficient. That means that in summer the sun cannot penetrate too much causing the room to heat up, and in winter the heat cannot escape. The same level of efficiency cannot always be guaranteed with other types of windows. Heating bills in winter are kept to a minimum and in summer you are unlikely to need additional cooling in the house from fans and air conditioning units. Although the material is technically a plastic, it is completely non-toxic, recyclable and even biodegradable. Anyone who liked the idea of the windows but was concerned about the effect producing them had on the environment need not worry. They are a green choice as well as a cheap and effective choice!
When it comes to upvc windows there are a lot to choose from. There are uPVC sash windows available as well as tilt n turn models, reversible windows for easy cleaning and vertical sliders too. Casement windows in all shapes and sizes are available. uPVC is also known as PVCU, but they are the same material, Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride. If you are renovating your home or looking for new windows you should first consider PVCU windows as they offer excellent value for money, security, durability and they look beautiful too. From uPVC sash windows to all the types mentioned above, these windows offer the very best.
