UPVC window:
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, or UPVC is a long-lasting plastic used to make windows and doors across the UK. Its durability makes it a great choice to reinforce heavy glazing panels, such as double glass or triple glazing.
“Plasticising” methods during the manufacturing of plastic products would usually soften the material. Since uPVC is “unplasticised” it retains its hardiness, making it highly durable, moisture resistant, and relatively maintenance-free- besides the occasional wipe down with a damp cloth!
These properties also make uPVC a sustainable material within the manufacturing industry. uPVC is a non-toxic material, and it does not release any harmful substances into the environment during its production or use.
It’s also long-lasting, so won’t need to be replaced so often (which also helps your wallet), and it’s recyclable which reduces waste. Compared to other traditional materials, such as wood, uPVC also requires very little maintenance. It is not susceptible to corrosion, or rot from too much moisture.
As a highly effective thermal insulator, uPVC windows help to regulate the temperature inside buildings all year round. This also reduces the energy spent on heating and cooling. In particular, if you rely on traditional gas, or oil, fuelled heating, then installing uPVC doors or windows will reduce your carbon footprint.
By choosing uPVC products, we can help to reduce waste and energy consumption, for the most affordable prices on the market. The price difference between uPVC and aluminium or wood is significant, with new aluminium or wooden windows in the UK typically costing between 35% – 50% more than uPVC windows.
The types of uPVC windows
When shopping around for new uPVC window ideas, it’s important to consider a few factors that can guide you in selecting the most appropriate style for your property and your comfort.
Some window styles are great for allowing plenty of ventilation, and others help maintain a specific aesthetic, others are especially secure which keeps your home safer.
You may also choose a specific glazing patter, or choose to install flush windows, where the window closes in line with the frame.
The right style of window very much depends on which features you prefer. We’ve listed some of the most popular uPVC window styles to help you.
uPVC casement windows
A casement window attaches to its uPVC frame by one or more side-mounted hinges. This lets them open entirely to let lots of ventilation and natural light into your home. Opening fully in this way also offers wide, unobstructed views.
You can open them using a handle, as well as seal them shut. This seal is airtight and waterproof, making casement, along with uPVC window frames, one of the most energy-efficient window options out there. The handle also acts as a locking mechanism, which improves the security of your home.
One downside to a uPVC casement window or a flush casement uPVC window is that you’re rather limited by the size of the window. Since they are designed to open fully outwards, uPVC frames cannot always support large windows (roughly exceeding 1,700mm in height.
uPVC sliding sash windows
sliding sash upvc window
A sliding sash window is an elegant, classic choice that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your entire home. These windows have two sashes, one of which slides vertically open over the other.
While traditional timber sash windows are far less efficient and secure than other window types, with uPVC, sliding sash windows are far higher levels of thermal efficiency. Equally, modern locking mechanisms help enhance the security of sliding sash windows.
Compared to a casement window, you can expect a little less ventilation, since sliding sash windows won’t open up fully.
Tilt and turn uPVC windows
Tilt and turn uPVC windows are a modern, practical, and versatile extension of casement windows. Like casements, they open fully from a side-mounted hinge. But they also tilt open inwards from a hinge at the bottom. It can be opened either way by how you position the handle.
So if you’d rather have a smaller opening for ventilation, then a tilt and turn window lets you do so with ease. For added peace of mind, this feature enhances the security of your home as no one can fit through such a small opening.
Some tilt and turn windows will also let you adjust the angle of the opening. It’s a great way to maintain steady levels of ventilation even when it’s raining outside, as the angled opening prevents rainwater, and heavy windows, from entering your home.
One of the only downsides is that opening fully inwards might not be suitable for smaller indoor spaces. Additionally, like casement windows, they can’t always support heavy glazing.
Slimline uPVC windows
Slimline windows are usually made from aluminium. But they can also be made from uPVC if you are looking for less expens
