What are the Pros & Cons of uPVC?
At Sternfenster, we supply a wide range of uPVC products to homeowners and our trade customers. uPVC is a high grade material regularly used to manufacture a wide range of home improvement products.
In this article, the Sternfenster experts are exploring the pros and cons of uPVC.
What Is uPVC?
uPVC is the commonly used acronym for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. Unlike the flexible pVC, uPVC is robust and maintains its desired shape at all times. pVC is coated with plasticisers, whereas uPVC is not.
Strong and durable uPVC is the perfect alternative to timber and outdated metal profiles. It is commonly used to manufacture a wide range of window and door profiles. At Sternfenster, we offer our customers a premium selection of uPVC products, including tilt and turn windows, French doors, and more.
Pros & Cons of uPVC
All products have unique pros and cons, and it is important to weigh these up before making an investment. uPVC windows and doors have many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks that homeowners should be aware of.
If you are considering a uPVC installation for your home, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons of this frequently used material. Keep reading to discover if a uPVC profile is the right choice for you.
Pros of uPVC:
• Low maintenance – uPVC is low maintenance and easy to care for. Windows and doors made from this durable material often only require an occasional wipe down to stay in top condition. Compared to traditional timber profiles. uPVC alternatives are virtually maintenance free! Outdated timber windows and doors often require frequent repairs and need to be repainted to continue to look and perform their best. uPVC is far more weather resistant and will continue to look just like new for several years.
• Cost effective – Unlike aluminium and other metals, uPVC is a cost effective frame without any sacrifice to their quality. uPVC windows and doors are a budget friendly way to enhance your property’s appearance, security and energy efficiency.
• Reliable long term performance – uPVC windows and doors can remain in top condition for over a decade. This high grade material is durable enough to withstand adverse weather conditions and exposure to the natural elements. When properly maintained, uPVC profiles can last for over 20 years.
• Energy efficient – Homeowners hoping to improve their property’s energy efficiency need to look no further than uPVC windows and doors. Built with a multi chambered profile, uPVC frames provide reliable thermal performance during every season. At Sternfenster, we only supply windows and doors that achieve a high WER (window energy rating). With an energy efficient uPVC installation, your home will retain its natural heat for longer and remain free from cold draughts and water ingress. Homes with uPVC windows and doors often benefit from reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
• Easy to customise – uPVC is a versatile material that can easily be customised to suit different design preferences. With the help of state-of-the-art technology, uPVC can be coated in almost any colour imaginable. At Sternfenster, we offer uPVC frames in an extensive range of RAL colours. Whatever your taste, uPVC windows and doors can be tailored to your desired finish.
Cons of uPVC:
• Must be replaced, not repaired – uPVC windows and doors are designed to offer reliable long term performance. However, no home improvement installation will provide peak performance forever, and there will be a time when uPVC profiles need to be replaced. Unlike traditional timber windows and doors that could be restored and repainted several times, when uPVC starts to fail, a full replacement is often required. The good news is that uPVC is durable and designed to last several decades!
• Weight limitations – While uPVC is a robust material, there are stronger alternatives available on the market today. Aluminium, for example, has many similar properties to uPVC but is also able to offer superior structural strength. If you are looking to install floor to ceiling glazing panels, aluminium frames are able to offer much more muscle than uPVC. You may find uPVC windows are unable to support heavier panes of glass, so a different material is a better option for your needs.
Enhance Your Home With uPVC Windows & Doors from Sternfenster
At Sternfenster, we supply a large range of uPVC windows and doors to UK homeowners and trade customers. We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading fabricators of premium quality windows and doors.
Explore our full uPVC range and request a free quote today. You can also use our online tools to find a local installer and get in touch with the Sternfenster team.
