Today’s market offers a variety of building material options but knowing which material to choose can be overwhelming. One of the more popular choices amongst both DIY homeowners and professional tradesmen is uPVC. Whilst wood and metal options do still continue to serve the industry well, uPVC has grown to be the number one choice of material for its durability, efficiency and its low maintenance requirements. If you are exploring the different options available and have never considered uPVC, learning what it is and why it performs so well can help you to understand why it has become a popular choice for many.
What is uPVC?
Short for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, uPVC is considered a type of plastic however it is more rigid, stronger and longer lasting then traditional plastic materials. Unlike standard PVC, uPVC does not include any plasticisers which is why it is tougher and durable and as a result, is primarily for construction purposes. The strength and long lasting performance of uPVC make it an ideal choice for gutters, fascia and soffit boards and even windows and doors.
Unlike other materials, uPVC does not warp or rot over time, it won’t wear down or require any touch ups or painting. The material is resistant to moisture and can even provide insulation making it the ideal choice for structural applications where resilience is key.
Despite its strength, uPVC is in fact incredibly lightweight, making it easy to work with and easy to install. As a material, uPVC has low thermal conductivity, meaning that it doesn’t easily transfer heat therefore improving energy efficiency. Airtight sealing is also a key feature of uPVC, as well as moisture resistance. Used in window and door fittings, uPVC can prevent heat loss and won’t absorb water ensuring no chance of damp or mould that can often be a regular occurrence with wooden options.
In short, uPVC is the top choice for building materials as it is easy to fit and work with, won’t damage over time, will protect against harsh weather and water leaks and will provide added insulation.
The Benefits of Choosing uPVC
Although timber and metal options are still used by many, uPVC is continuing to grow in popularity and with so many benefits, it really is no surprise.
Timber can easily absorb moisture, leaving it susceptible to warping and cracking while metal options are prone to rusting and can be easily dented and damaged. In contrast, uPVC is completely moisture resistant, rust proof and resistant to corrosion. It’s strength allows it to withstand any accidental damage making it a reliable, low-maintenance option and a long-lasting choice for building projects.
One of the key features that makes uPVC such a desirable choice of material is that it is virtually maintenance free. Available in traditional white, anthracite grey, black and a range of wood grain finishes, uPVC colours are stable and won’t peel or flake meaning that repainting is never required. Unlike other material choice, no regular sealing or staining is required and just a simple wipe down with water is all that is needed to maintain a clean, polished appearance. With uPVC, there is very rarely a need to replace any of your fittings making the most cost effective choice.
It’s many benefits make uPVC one of the most popular choices for building materials and it is now widely used for window and door frames, fascia and soffit boards, guttering, waste pipes and more.
A versatile and consistently performing material, uPVC is now the go to choice for builders. At The Plastic Centre, we offer a range of high quality materials in uPVC designed to achieve a long lasting, durable finish. Have you discovered our full range of uPVC building supplies?
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