The benefits of using uPVC frames for Your Home

Are you considering having your windows replaced? If so, you may be wondering what material to choose for the frames. uPVC is a great option that offers many advantages compared to traditional timber or aluminum frames. In recent years, uPVC frames have become increasingly popular for windows and doors. There are many benefits to using uPVC frames, including durability, insulation, and security. Here we will explore the benefits of uPVC frames in more detail.

1. Customisable

Typically most UPVC windows, doors and external facias will come in white. UPVC windows, doors and external fascias can come in many different colours now. Today, manufacturers can create custom shapes, styles and imitation effects such as wood grain. Installation companies and manufacturers can tailor uPVC window and door frames to your desired specifications.

2. Security

UPVC windows and doors provide homeowners with a high level of security that can’t be matched by other materials. The ultra-light frame, used in conjunction with various locking combinations ensures your family is safe from intruders looking to break into their home or business at any time. If you use Tilt and Turn windows, you can even limit the opening size–such as tilting it to only the top part slightly open–and maintain home security whilst still getting airflow from outside.

3. Insulation

UPVC is low-conductive compared with other materials, like aluminium, meaning that you’ll experience less heat transfer through windows. Window and door frames made with uPVC is perfect for homeowners who want to not only increase insulation but also reduce costs on cooling & heating bills.

4. Low Maintenance

UPVC is a great material for windows and doors because it doesn’t require as much maintenance, especially in comparison to natural materials. UPVC can last up to decades without any sign of weathering, damage and stains. All you need are just basic cleaning products like soap and water or non-toxic cleaning sprays.

5. Durability

Materials like uPVC was designed to be incredibly tough, meaning the frames can cope against all sorts of extreme elements. UPVC is not affected by rot or corrosion, which makes them perfect for properties near the seaside where high salt content poses problems. The uPVC coating also protects against UV rays, so your frame will stay looking good even with prolonged sun exposure. Also, unlike traditional Timber frames, you won’t have to worry about it chipping or cracking due to weather.

6. Ventilation

There are many different types of uPVC window styles that are designed for maximum ventilation. This is especially true if you choose a Tilt and Turn window, which consists of two separate but adjacent glass panes that open outward at an angle. This allows hot air can escape from inside while outside breeze comes in.

7. Eco-Friendly

UPVC windows are an environmentally friendly option because they can last between 40-80 years. Most importantly, uPVC material is recyclable. Recycling programs can take old recycled uPVC materials and refashion them into new products.

8. Weather Resistant

UPVC is a durable material that can withstand the elements. It doesn’t react with water and air, so it’ll last longer than naturally occurring counterparts like wood or metallic products. In fact, uPVC windows are made with the highest precision to keep water out during heavy raid, severe storms and even cyclones. This is important to note because Australia averages about a dozen cyclones per year, according to Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). UPVC have even been used in marine applications, where their quality is heavily tested. UPVC are way more waterproof than other types of window frames as they don’t absorb moisture.

9. Soundproofing

The UPVC material, when combined with double glazed window panels will help you decrease the amount of noise that passes into your home by up to 50%.

10. Fire retardant

The building regulations state that units and frames for windows or doors must be made from fire rated materials preventing external spread. Well, uPVC is definitely one of the best fire rated materials around. Compare that to wooden frames, which by their nature will definitely last as long as uPVC in the event of a fire. Aluminum may seem like sturdy alternatives since it’s non-combustible and its melting point is 660 °C. However, it is a high conductor of temperatures. Meaning it will heat up pretty quickly and in turn cause fire on the wooden walls that your window or door frames are connected to. Likewise, if you’re trying to escape through the window, those metallic frames will surely cause injuries and extreme discomfort.

uPVC vs. Timber

The durability and longevity of uPVC windows make them a popular choice for homes that are located in regions with extreme weather, such as extensive sun exposure, rain and/or wind. Prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV rays), high winds and constant rain will cause timber frames to gradually lose their natural colour and turn grey.

On top of that, sunlight and oxygen break down some of the cellulose and lignin into water-soluble materials. These materials will then leach out of the surface, thus leaving your timber grey and denatured.

The one drawback with uPVC is that if you have significant damage to your window frame, it may be difficult to repair and may need to be replaced instead. With timber or any other type of wood, you can use wood glue to reattach chipped pieces or even cut off a section with a circular saw, and then replace it with new wood.

uPVC vs. Aluminium

Aluminum is a great conductor of heat and cold. In this context, “great” is actually a bad thing. Back in the day, aluminum frame windows didn’t have insulation. When you touched the frames, they were hot or cold due to the weather and temperature. This is to say that they weren’t energy efficient. Also, older windows gradually experience oxidation. This is either due to older manufacturing techniques or poor maintenance by the homeowners and usually both.

Aluminium isn’t impervious to various types of degradation, such as oxidation and corrosion. So, over time, you may notice some change in the finish or colour of your window. Also, no matter how well insulated against outside air a frame is, aluminium is still a metallic material. This means it’s still a high conductor or heat and cold temperatures.

The metal used in window manufacturing is another factor that can lead to issues. Aluminium tends to contract and expand with changes in temperature, making them more likely than uPVC to experience seal failures over time due to cracks or splits between panels.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new window or door frame, we highly recommend considering uPVC. Not only are uPVC frames incredibly energy efficient and weatherproof, they’re also very secure. This is especially true when you choose Tilt and Turn windows.

So if you’re looking for an affordable, long-lasting solution that will keep your home safe and comfortable all year round, uPVC is definitely the way to go!

Are there any other questions about uPVC frames that you’d like us to answer? We’d be happy to help!