What are uPVC Windows?

When you think of your future home, grandiose ideas about the layout, wall paint and furnishings might come to mind, but there is one unspoken detail that can make or break your property. Windows. The selection of window type, style & installation quality can make a huge difference in the thermal performance & acoustic insulation of your home – with some exciting prospects like cheaper energy bills & protection from outside noise. 

One of the major players in delivering these possibilities, is the unsung hero of window systems – the frame. The window frame, material type and design are critical in facilitating the usage of highly performant insulated glass units and seals to achieve superior strength, thermal and acoustic performance, style and practicality. At Windows for Life, we offer the best framing material for your double glazed window installations: uPVC. So what is this material, it’s origins and what are the advantages that you stand to gain by installing uPVC windows in your home? 

What is PVC?

We’ve all heard of PVC, which is used to create widely used soft plastic items such as cables & garden hoses, but how is it actually made? PVC is a material manufactured using an electrical current on sodium chloride (saltwater); this produces chlorine, which is then combined with ethylene, a flammable gas sourced from natural gases or petroleum to make ethylene dichloride. Finally, high temperatures are applied to this element to convert it to a vinyl chloride monomer. This element is then combined to create PVC.

What is uPVC?

Once we have PVC, uPVC can be formed. We get an unplasticised material by removing the chemical plasticisers used in PVC, which creates a durable, rigid and sustainable composition. This final step is where the “u” (unplasticised) comes in, is a slight adjustment with significant benefits! Short for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride, uPVC is a sturdy and recyclable plastic with many uses. 

uPVC vs PVC 

So, is PVC ever used for window frames? Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, PVC isn’t a suitable material for windows, with PVC being a highly malleable, lightweight material. Both uPVC and PVC are temperature-resistant & excellent insulators, but that’s where the similarities end. 

In contrast to PVC, uPVC offers an environmentally friendly and durable alternative. Its BPA & phthalate free non-toxic composition provides a perfect material for medical & dental supplies, as well as high quality window frames!  

History of uPVC Windows 

So how did we come upon using this game-changing material for window production? Our historical journey begins in 1935, when uPVC was produced for the first time, but like all good things, it would be a long wait until we began to commercially apply uPVC in window solutions. 

• 1959 – Germany began the installation of uPVC windows, some of which are still in use today.
• The 1970’s – A double glazing fad hit the housing market, second only perhaps to bell-bottoms, with people seeking warmer sound-insulated solutions to pair with their outdated aluminium windows.
• The 1980’s – Out with aluminium and in with the uPVC windows! As property investment grew in the 1980’s, homeowners began to seek more significant investment opportunities, with an upsurge in uPVC double and triple glazing. This served to improve the energy efficiency and acoustic insulation while resulting in increased property value. Unfortunately, aluminium frames just weren’t cutting it, with considerable insulation and condensation issues.
• The 1990’s – demand for uPVC window solutions continued to grow, with extra features like internal glazing and security improvements, paired with various stylish designs, keeping uPVC at the front of the competition and the front of every house on the block.
• The 2010’s – As property prices continued their upwards trend, so too did the demand for high-quality uPVC window solutions. Manufacturers began to offer better designs with improved functionality and greater aesthetic possibilities, such as grain finishes and various colour options, enabling homeowners to get the timber look without the maintenance costs.

Advantages of uPVC Windows 

The benefits of uPVC windows have always been market-leading in global window manufacturing, especially within the Australian market, where our extreme weather and high electricity prices demand the most efficient window solution available. 

Some benefits of uPVC windows are:

• Energy Efficient – uPVC is well ahead of the game in thermal efficiency. By installing uPVC windows, you can reduce your energy bills significantly and save money in the long run, making them an ideal long-term home investment.
• Low Maintenance – uPVC windows require far less maintenance over their lifespan and are not susceptible to corrosion, condensation and mould. The highly resistant nature of uPVC removes the requirement for expensive cleaning products, with uPVC windows easily cleaned using a soft cloth and warm soapy water.
• Noise Reduction – Thanks to double compression seals, double and triple glazed uPVC windows have superior insulation properties, reducing noise pollution and airborne allergens. uPVC windows are the clear winner for sound insulation when combining this highly insulated material with the noise reduction offered by expertly double or triple glazed insulated glass units (IGUs).
• Aesthetics – uPVC windows come in various styles and colours. Unlike aluminium or timber windows, a uPVC windows colour finish is obtained by applying a lamination on top of the uPVC base material. The finish achieved using this method is a more durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to powder coating or painting. Additionally, thanks to Windows for Life using uPVC frames with the right content of titanium dioxide, our window frames prevent sun damage and fading by blocking damaging UV rays. This means that your uPVC windows will remain in great condition for many years.
• Fire Resistance – Essential for the Australian bushfire season, uPVC is naturally flame retardant, with double glazed uPVC windows recommended for zones where the risk is Bushfire Attack Level 29kW/m2 (BAL 29). Thanks to uPVC frames being reinforced with galvanised steel, some uPVC windows are capable of withstanding BAL 40.
• Environmentally Friendly – The uPVC used by Windows for Life is fully recyclable (up to ten times), meaning it is safe for reuse and recycling. uPVC also helps reduce energy consumption in your home through multi-chambered energy-efficient design, double compression seals, with minimal air infiltration and through a low-energy consumption recycling process.

The benefits of uPVC windows are endless, with this all-star window solution reducing the maintenance costs associated with home ownership, whilst improving property value, aesthetic appearance and energy bills.

uPVC Windows Durability

In Australia and particularly in Victoria, you never know what you’re going to get when it comes to weather. The uPVC frames used by Windows for Life are specifically designed for withstanding Australia’s harsh climate. They can withstand all weather and the aftermath, with no risk of rust, corrosion or rot due to the non-porous qualities of uPVC. uPVC is also resistant to termites and can handle coastal conditions due to the salt content used in its production. This resistant nature makes uPVC window frames a low maintenance, long-lasting solution for all homes.

With countless benefits, the high-grade quality materials and hardware used by Windows for Life enables your double-glazed uPVC windows to last well over 35 years. You can’t go wrong with high-quality uPVC double glazed windows. If you’re looking for the best uPVC windows, Windows for Life has you covered! Contact us today for a free measure and quote.