PVC windows (or more specifically, uPVC – also sometimes called PVC-u) have been around for decades by this point, remaining the backbone of a lot of UK properties to let homeowners enjoy generous amounts of natural light, long-lasting durability, high levels of insulation, fantastic thermal performance, and easy function.
One aspect of uPVC windows – be they casement, sliding sash or any other style – is the material’s sustainability. Many people assume that man-made materials such as uPVC must be bad for the environment, but are uPVC windows sustainable? And should you invest in them again when seeking replacements?
Yes, and yes. And here’s why.
How sustainable are today’s PVC windows?
Despite what most people believe, modern uPVC window frames are sustainable and are in fact extremely eco-friendly. This is because being engineered in plastic makes recycling straightforward. uPVC’s high strength-to-weight ratio is made possible using a lightweight thermoplastic polymer structure, which can be melted down, reformed, and reused up to 10 times before it needs to be thrown out for good.
Back during the 1980s boom, uPVC casement windows built up a reputation for being unsightly and cheap. And while most uPVC systems have stayed relatively affordable when compared to aluminium and timber, modern uPVC windows and doors are 100% lead-free and at the forefront of sustainability. Better yet, we at Seal Lite use Aluplast’s uPVC profile – a German system accredited by the European Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 using sustainable materials to minimise its environmental impact.
Are PVC windows energy efficient?
The inherent sustainability of uPVC double glazing and uPVC doors carries on over into the moment they’re installed. Resistant to rust, rot, flaking and peeling, uPVC replacement windows are fully weather resistant, low maintenance, and are among the most energy-efficient home improvements for UK homes thanks to their ability to better trap warmth in the home. You’ll rely less on your central heating, and therefore save plenty of money on energy bills as well as energy itself. uPVC windows installed by us achieve 0.9W/m2K U-values – well below the industry requirement.
What’s the life expectancy of PVC windows?
Modern uPVC windows have built up a reputation for their impressive longevity over the years. They are incredibly durable and the typical life expectancy of uPVC windows sits anywhere from 20 to 35 years, perfect for letting homeowners enjoy the “fit and forget” mentality. As mentioned earlier, though, our uPVC products typically last longer, and even then can be highly recycled for use in other scenarios. They represent the ultimate in sustainability.
Sustainable PVC windows you can rely on from Seal Lite
Are you in need of new replacement uPVC windows and doors? If you want to enjoy some of the best in energy efficiency and sustainability, get in touch with a member of the Seal Lite team today using our online form. A quote is absolutely free and we’d be happy to go into more detail.