Just like the computers and electronics, the face of the building material industry is ever changing. A prime example of this change is the metamorphosis of windows and doors throughout the latter half of the 20th century. While traditionally windows and doors have been manufactured in wood, UPVC windows have now flooded the market, taking over the lead in replacement and new construction windows.
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, or UPVC, is becoming more and more common in the world of building materials. Many consumers commonly refer to these products as vinyl. UPVC doors and windows are a great cost saving alternative to wood and metal windows.
Large production home tract builders around the world almost exclusively utilize UPVC windows and doors. While the main reason for this is usually cost, the greater flexibility in sizes and design are also a major factor. Tract housing today is not what it was 30 years ago. With consumers expecting more refinements and architects liberal designs, vinyl windows can often the look that is needed without breaking the budget.
UPVC doors and windows are also a big draw for homeowners who are looking to upgrade from older windows to newer, more energy efficient windows. Most window manufacturers can create custom sizes within a 1/16″ with out drastically increasing the cost to the consumer. These types of replacement windows range from sash windows to casement windows, horizontal sliding windows to hopper or awning windows. Almost any window design or function can be made in vinyl.
Historically, a window was just a single pane of glass with a frame around it. Sometimes it could operate to vent fresh air into the interior of the building. Today’s UPVC double glazed windows are a drastic departure from yesterday’s windows. Dual glazed windows contain IG, or insulated glass units. This concept has been around for several years but has only recently been made more perfect with the addition of a low emissivity coating on the inside of the glass unit. This thin metallic coating aids in lessening solar heat gain and protects against damaging ultraviolet rays.
As the development of vinyl windows has continued to grow, many discerning consumers are looking for a way to utilize these great products but maintain the look of their wood windows. Especially in historical buildings, wood windows are considered to be period correct or aesthetically correct. Often times, these looks are difficult to achieve with a vinyl window. Currently though, upvc doors and windows are being developed so that they can be painted, look and feel as if they have a grain texture to them, or sometimes even have a thin, finished wood veneer laminated on the inside. Vinyl windows no longer have to look and feel like a lesser product.
UPVC doors and windows are great at insulating a home. They help to keep the house cool in the summer time and warm in the winter. Another key benefit of vinyl windows is that they are very low maintenance and do not require much attention over their lifespan. While some may question the durability or strength of these materials, all vinyl windows and doors are required to meet both local and national forced entry codes. The result is that UPVC window locks perform just as well as any other window lock, sometimes better.
UPVC windows are so diverse in their offerings that they can meet both the needs of the builder and that of the homeowner. They are low in cost, low in maintenance, but great on value. If ever there was a safe investment for improving the quality of a home, whether new or old, investing in UPVC windows is one of the smartest moves a consumer can make.
Looking to find the best deal on upvc windows, then visit www.upvc windowssite.com to find the best advice on upvc windows for you.
categories: home,Home-Improvement,remodeling,home repair