uPVC Windows FAQs

uPVC Windows FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Our uPVC Windows FAQs page is designed to provide you with answers to common questions and help you make informed decisions about your window replacement or installation project. From understanding the features and advantages of uPVC windows to learning about their maintenance and customization options, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re curious about the energy-saving properties of uPVC windows, their security features, or how to care for them, Window Advice Centre’s comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section is here to assist you. We’ll address your queries with clear, concise explanations in friendly language, so you can feel confident in the answers.

What is uPVC?

uPVC, or PVCu, is short for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.

It is a semi-rigid polymer with a long molecular chain length forming a plastic able to be manufactured with a broad range of mechanical performance characteristics specifically tailored to the requirements of a wide range of construction applications such as windows, doors, pipes, and gutters.

PVCu can be formed at a molecular level to have varying levels of rigidity and durability resulting in products with differing levels of impact resistance, tensile strength scratch resistance and rates of resistance to ultra violet degradation. Exposure to UV light can over time break the molecular bonds that give PVCu its mechanical strength leading to embrittlement and visual discolouration.

Extruded frames formed with PVCu will have multiple hollow chambers to allow increased insulation, allow the insertion of steel reinforcement and provide drainage chambers from below the double glazed units. Properly reinforced PVCu frames are customizable in various styles, colours, and finishes. Overall, uPVC is a versatile and practical construction material. With the correct quality of material and manufacturing standards Replacement Windows and door frames can deliver durability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

PVCu window quality is dependent upon a range of factors.

Quality starts with the raw material and the additives incorporated into the mix, the cross sectional design of the frames and the wall thicknesses, the extent of reinforcement and the quality control at the fabrication stage. The spectrum of quality and effective lifespan is generally correlated to cost.

You can learn more on our uPVC Windows web page.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you ensure compliance and enhance the comfort, safety, energy efficiency, security and value of your home.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies whose work and service have been under constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Can uPVC Windows Be Repaired?

Modern PVCu frames will have a significantly longer effective lifespan than the PVCu frames used originally. Older frames may not have the UV degradation resistance of modern frames and may have lost the original level of mechanical strength. If the PVCu is old and embrittled it may not be cost effective to spend money on frames with limited remaining effective life.

One constant aspect of deterioration in PVCu frames is the development of large gaps around the edges of the opening sashes between the sashes and the fixed frames.

This is a very common outcome on low cost windows which can allow massive air ingress (draughts) within a few years of installation.

Because PVCu is such a soft material every time a window is opened and closed it transfers the opening force through the frame to push and pull the screw fixings hard onto the PVCu frame. Over time this pressure causes the pvcu to be displaced and the sash will no longer sit against the compression seals that keep the wind, rain and noise out.

Inserting heavier compression seals will have a short lived improvement but nothing can be done to provide a permanent fix.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Fire Rated?

When selecting Replacement Windows and Doors it is essential to consider fire safety requirements and regulations.

By way of example, to be fire rated the frames need to be able to stop the hot gasses from the zone that is on fire breaching the fire rated barrier to ignite material on the other side. As PVCu windows and Doors will deform in extreme heat they cannot be used to separate internal fire protected zones or be used as a fire rated barrier between a flat and a communal fire protected zone such as a stairway or corridor.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are all uPVC Windows Double Glazed?

Double glazing is the most common glazing format for PVCu windows.

Double glazing is a generic term that describes a wide variety and permutations of glass types, glass thicknesses, gap widths, edge seals and gap gas types.

The variations in the thermal, acoustic and security performance of double glazed units are substantial.

Thermally enhanced Double Glazed Units can have 80% less heat loss than standard double glazed units, acoustic double glazing can have 70% less noise transmission while units with high security double glazing can resist multiple axe blows and remain a solid barrier to entry compared to standard glass that breaks with ease.

Knowing which permutation of frame and glass for your new Double or Triple glazing can be confusing.

You can learn more on our Is All Double Glazing The Same? web page.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Environmentally Friendly?

PVCu windows are now far more environmentally friendly than earlier versions for several reasons.

Firstly, the incorporation of toxic materials into the PVCu mix to mitigate UV degradation rates has now been excluded from leading frame systems meaning that uPVC is now a recyclable material allowing the new generation of frames to be recycled and repurposed rather than ending up in landfills. Additionally, the manufacturing process of uPVC windows consumes less energy compared to other materials like aluminium resulting in lower carbon emissions. Furthermore, uPVC windows offer excellent longevity and thermal insulation properties, reducing the long term energy consumption, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Better Than Wood?

Both materials offer distinct advantages.

PVCu windows are low-maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient, making them ideal for homeowners seeking convenience and performance.

On the other hand, wood windows boast natural beauty and warmth, perfect for those prioritizing aesthetics and traditional charm.

Factors such as maintenance requirements, durability, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and cost should be considered when making your decision.

Wood effect pvcu and coloured PVCu frames are a good option where white PVCu would not be the preferred aesthetic.

Planning Regulations will exclude PVCU from Listed properties or front elevation of properties in Conservation Areas irrespective of their colour or ability to replicate the frame dimensions of timber.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Expensive?

uPVC windows are recognized for their affordability compared to alternatives like wood or aluminium.

PVCU products vary significantly in costs depending upon a number of variables such as the quality of the PVCu used in the frames, the product size, configuration, opening method, thermal efficiency levels, security provisions and design lifespan.

With so many variable selecting the best product and design for your specific requirements can be a challenge.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

You can learn more on our Double Glazing Quotes web page.

Are uPVC Windows Safe?

With the correct specification uPVC windows can be considered a safe choice where they are designed within the maximum sash weights and sizes recommended by the system producers following their significant investment in product development and testing.

Irrespective of the frame material that is selected replacement windows will only be safe where the windows are designed to comply with all the Health and Safety obligations set out in the Scottish Building Standards Regulations and incorporate child safety features.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Secure?

The security provided by PVCu windows and doors varies significantly and is dictated by the design of the frame itself, the extent and location of any internal steel reinforcement, the fixings used in the manufacture and in the installation, the glass type and glazing method and the types of ironmongery and locks.

Some PVCu doors could be opened by a burgler as quickly as if they had the keys while others designed with security in mind are able to be made resistant to all the methods of forced entry that a burgler would attempt.

Without charge or obligation the independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts at Window Advice Centre are available to help you.

You can learn more on our Security of Windows and Doors web page.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Soundproof?

The levels of noise reduction delivered by Replacement PVCu windows can vary dramatically depending upon the frame type the glass type, the ironmongery type, the sealant type and the installation method.

In standard installations PVCu frames with ordinary double glazing with deliver a circa 28 decibels reduction in the mid frequency range that would be perceived as a reduction of noise at source of approximately 50%

With the correct specification selected PVCU frames with the appropriate ironmongery types fitted with acoustic double glazing can achieve a circa 40 decibels that would be perceived to be a circa 90% reduction in noise at source.

Specifying the appropriate components in PVCu windows can significantly improve sound insulation, enhancing the comfort of your home or business.

Without charge or obligation independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts are available from Window Advice Centre to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

Are uPVC Windows Recyclable?

Leading brands of PVCu Windows are now designed to use materials without the toxic elements previously used to enhance UV degradation resistance. This now allow the frames to be recyclable, offering an environmentally friendly option for window disposal.

These recycled PVCu can then be re-used to manufacture new products, closing the recycling loop and conserving resources.

Window Advice Centre supports recycling and offers guidance on product selection that allows for responsible disposal options for uPVC windows, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Responsible recycling is a feature of the majority of replacement window companies.

Without charge or obligation independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts are available from Window Advice Centre to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

When Do uPVC Windows Need Replacing?

Old PVCu window frames might simply have become so tired looking with such poor insulation abilities compared to modern thermally Enhanced Double Glazing that it makes sense to replace them to modernise and enhance the appearance of the property and achieve the significant improvements in the comfort levels and security in the home.

Without charge or obligation independent Chartered Architectural Technologists and Replacement Window experts are available from Window Advice Centre to help you.

By contacting Window Advice Centre, you can access impartial expert advice to help you identify the best solution for your specific needs and then be provided with itemised directly comparable costs from a range of approved reliable Replacement Window or Double Glazing companies who have all been subjected to constant appraisal over hundreds of installations over many years.

You can learn more on our Best Double Glazed Windows web page.

We hope our uPVC Windows FAQs page has provided you with valuable insights into the world of uPVC windows and helped answer any questions you may have had. At Window Advice Centre, we’re dedicated to empowering homeowners like you with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about your window replacement or installation project.

If you have any further questions or would like personalized advice, please get in touch with our friendly team by telephone on 0141 332 7878 or arrange a FREE no-obligation Survey of your property by clicking this Book a FREE Survey link or the button below.

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