UPVC windows, are relative new to India. An ‘unplasticised’ form of PVC, these sturdy window frames have been popular in Europe and America for many years owing to their durability and low maintenance. UPVC windows can withstand extremes of heat, cold, wind, rain and snow without corroding, peeling, chipping or flaking.
Considered an energy efficient choice, UPVC windows have similar thermal properties to timber. UPVC limits the transfer of heat and cold through the frame and as a result can reduce reliance on heaters and air conditioners. These frames can also be filled with foam insulation to further improve thermal performance.
UPVC is a flame retardant material commonly used in fire risk areas. UPVC frames are a self extinguishable material that does not support combustion.
While colour choices may be limited, UPVC can be found in a number of window products, including a variety of traditional window styles: single, double and triple hung windows, sliding, casement and awning windows, picture, bay, bow and garden windows, sliding doors and French door systems. UPVC windows can also be found in such shapes as arches, ellipticals, eyebrows, gothic, trapezoids, rounds and half rounds, octagons, circles, ovals and half-ovals. Lighter colours are more commonly available and will not fade over time like darker colours have been known to do.
UPVC windows and glass doors are constructed in much the same way as aluminium or timber windows, but with a chambered UPVC extrusion forming the frame and glass sash, providing energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance.
UPVC, The Building Material
UPVC is a new building material, first used broadly during and after World War II to meet many of the critical infrastructure and safety needs of that time. Yet UPVC blends many attributes of traditional materials with the advanced performance characteristics of today’s - and tomorrow's - building products. Durability, light weight, solid environmental and fire characteristics, versatility and low maintenance requirements are just a few of the properties that have propelled the growing use of uIVC.
Benefits
- UPVC insulated window frames are specifically designed to incorporate insulated double glazing
- UPVC needs virtually no maintenance and normally has a long life span
- UPVC is engineered to handle severe weather
- UPVC has 57% salt content so is ideal in coastal areas
- Fusion welded construction eliminates drafts and water leaks
- Various glass combinations, combined with the UPVC frame significantly reduce outside noise
All standard methods of opening are available, in plain glass or with Federation or Colonial bars. As better quality windows are always custom measured and made, off-square, triangular and arced variations can be made to flow with the shape of the building. There is no such thing as a standard size.
Double Hung UPVC windows by quality makers can feature constant force stainless steel balance springs that apply a constant tension. Sashes lift and lower easily, never sagging or needing adjusting and tilt in for easy cleaning. The insect screen is fitted on the outside.
Tilt and turn windows, common in Europe, make it easy to clean the outside of the window from the inside by opening the sash like a door, directly into the room. Like the double hung, the tilt and turn is handy in multi-level buildings.
Sliding Windows in uPVC travel on rollers for a lifetime of easy opening. Especially in multi-storey installations, consumers appreciate sashes that lift out for cleaning.
Bay and Bow Windows of UPVC may be built to almost any size and style the customer prefers.
Picture windows may range from over-bench size to walls of glass with uPVC frames.
Awning windows from some UPVC makers will be dual locking for improved security and draught-proofing.
Casement windows in UPVC, when fitted with quality compression seals, give extra security and weather tight closure.
