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Why Use PVCU Windows
BRE Green Guide- “A” rating for Domestic Windows in the 2008 Update to the Green Guide to Specification
- “A+” rating for Commercial Windows in the 2008 Update to the Green Guide to Specification
Desirable
- PVC-U windows and doors are tough, durable and designed to give a long life in your home
- PVC-U is low maintenance – just occasionally wipe it clean
- PVC-U windows and doors look great in your home, with a variety of designs, colours and textures to match your property.
Energy Efficient
- PVC-U windows offer one of the best ways of saving money on your constantly rising energy bills
- They keep warmth in and drafts out
- PVC-U windows meet all the latest requirements for thermal efficiency.
- Please see The British Fenestration Ratings Council (www.bfrc.org) for a full list of A-Rated PVC-U Windows
Environmentally Sound
- PVC used to make PVC-U windows and doors is made mainly from common salt
- Recycling PVC-U windows and doors is simple
- Low maintenance PVC-U windows and doors avoid environmental damage associated with cleaning chemicals, solvents and paints used by windows and doors made from other materials.
Recyclable
- PVC is an excellent material for recycling
- Recycled PVC can be used to make all kinds of useful new items such as park benches and construction products
- A network of recyclers has been set up around the country to recycle PVC-U windows and doors at the end of their life
Other Benefits Include
- Low Maintenance - The pristine appearance of plastics windows and doorsets is maintained by an occasional cleaning with mild detergent such as soapy water. Some items of window hardware (e.g. hinges and handles) may need occasional lubrication in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
- No Painting - Unlike timber frames, finished plastics frames never need repainting or re-staining. PVC-U windows can be made in many different colours.
- Colour Fast - Plastics frame materials are subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that the appearance of the frames will not deteriorate with time.
- No Rotting, Rusting or Corroding - Timber and metal frames are normally subject to rotting, rusting and corroding. This cannot happen to plastics frames.
- No Warping or Twisting - Unlike timber, plastics frames do not warp, twist or split.
- Tough and Durable - Plastics profiles have special additives to make the material both tough and durable, and ideally suited to UK requirements.
- Resists Combustion - Plastics frames will only burn when subjected to an intense fire source. The material is classified as self-extinguishing.
- Insulation - Plastics frames have inherently high thermal and acoustic performance. This can be further enhanced by the use of gas filled Double Glazed Units and/or different types of glass.
- Cost Competitive - Plastics windows are long lasting and virtually maintenance free and therefore are the most cost-effective option.
- High Performance - When properly manufactured plastics windows will comply with the requirements of BS 6375-1 and -2 and all other relevant British Standards. When installed in accordance with the BS 8213-4 Code of Practice for the Survey and Installation of Replacement Plastics Windows and Doorsets", they will give high performance in service.
- Design Capabilities - It is possible to produce most styles of window, including tilt & turn, vertical sliding sash, pivot, fully reversible and traditional casement windows in a variety of finishes.
- The Environment - The plastics frame materials are recyclable into alternative applications and are also energy efficient in production. And unlike timber, there is no adverse effect on the worlds rain forests. Click here to go to the environment section.
- Quality Assurance - The BPFWG is committed to product approvals. The system suppliers and fabricators within the Windows Group actively promote Quality Management and the majority have been awarded BSI Kitemarks.
