The frames and profiles of doors and windows in the architecture and interior design industry have come a long way. From being mere requirements for sealing openings in a building to being one of the most important aspects of any space, windows and doors have evolved significantly. One material that has played a key role in this evolution is the rise of uPVC as a framing material of choice.
From uPVC casement doors to bay windows made of the material, modern homes are increasingly employing uPVC as a profiling material thanks to its supreme functionality and great noise and heat insulation. But what makes uPVC the undisputed choice of architects in comparison to wood or aluminium? Let’s have a look:
Low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
SHGC is a measure of the ability of the window or door to block the heat component of sunlight. This number usually lies between 0 and 1. For uPVC windows, this value is exceptionally low, making it a great option to provide heat insulation to your home or office.
Low Value
An un-plasticized PVC door or window has a considerably low uValue which is a measure of the ability of a glass window or door to prevent heat transfer through it. These days, uPVC doors and windows have a uValue as low as 0.2 W/m2K.
Low Air Leakage rating
Air Leakage rating is a measure of the volume of air passing through a window or a door area. uPVC cuts down air leakage considerably, thereby providing a very low air leakage value and maintaining the insulating properties of the installation.
Exceptional Water Tightness
A great test of a window or a door material is how good it is at preventing infiltration of water indoors. This is measured by water tightness, which is extremely high for uPVC.
Exceptional Wind Load Suitability
In windy areas, it is extremely important that doors and windows have exceptional resistance to heavy winds. This is measured by a material’s wind load suitability. For uPVC, this is usually around 3000 Pa of wind speed, which a great value.
Weather-proof solution
Apart from the numbers and technical terms, uPVC windows and doors are preferred by architects also because of their weather-proof nature. Compared to wood or aluminium, uPVC is quite a weather-resistant material as it doesn’t corrode, rot, rust, or undergo pitting or scaling. This means that it is bound to last much longer than other windows and doors.
Low maintenance
Another great advantage of uPVC is that it is extremely low maintenance. Since it hardly accumulates dirt or dust, it can be wiped clean easily without much effort. It is also completely recyclable, thereby providing you with a solution that is not detrimental to the environment.
