Pros and Cons of Having UPVC Windows
When renovating your home, considerations of how the external climate affects the interior of the home cannot be left unaddressed. That is why we have heaters and air conditioning units to tamper down the heat and to remove the chills. But for when the weather outside is more appealing, we turn to our windows to welcome it into our homes.
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride or UPVC is a plastic material molded into shape through heat. It is then cut and assembled, along with other components, to what is commonly called a double-glazed window. Its use on the many homes has certainly been popular, and if you’re thinking of installing some on your own house, you may want to consider its strengths and shortcomings.
Pros
Here are some of the benefits of using UPVC windows:
Affordable
Not only does the material make for a suitable window installation, but it also comes at a fraction of the cost of conventional wooden and aluminum materials. This economic advantage doesn’t leave owners with lighter pockets when they’re doing home improvement projects.
Easy Maintenance
Despite what salespeople claim about UPVC never getting faded, discolored, rot, peel, or corrodes, over time, the exposure to the harsh elements would eventually make your window’s appearance wanting. But they are not as prone as others like wood or metal. Furthermore, UPVC windows spraying can not only restore its color; it also makes it less necessary to replace them ahead of its time. Cleaning and other maintenance procedures are also far in-between, which makes this a superior choice if you don’t like the hassle.
Durable
Because they are installed with galvanized steel, they offer adequate security to hinder unauthorized access through the windows. And because they don’t rot as easily as wooden materials, they are more resilient to adverse weather conditions. They can serve you for many years, given the proper maintenance.
Insulated
It also gives high-level insulation and soundproofing. This makes these windows suitable during winter and if you live in a noisy neighborhood. You will also be able to conserve energy as the insulation won’t have to keep the heater up all the time during cold months. This environmentally-friendly design also keeps money in your pocket.
Safe
UPVC is known to be a fire retardant, which makes this material highly hazard-resistant. Being a fire retardant, the material won’t be a cause, nor will it aggravate accidental fire, on the contrary, it gets rid of it.
Cons
Here is where UPVC windows fall short:
Aesthetics
There is a limit to how you can customize your windows with UPVC. Wood and aluminum allow for more colors and varnish, which helps in making your home blend well with all its components. The UPVC windows don’t match the elegance and sophistication that wooden windows offer.
Structure
Despite its material strength, UPVC materials are not structurally as strong as conventional windows. Because it is lightweight, it can sag or may have gaps that would allow water to seep in. There you have it, you can see why UPVC windows are widely-used, especially in the average homes. Renovations, in general, are costly projects, so make sure you have scrutinized and match your requirements for your own window installations.