What is uPVC?
uPVC in the Manufacture of Durable, Easy-to-maintain, Top Quality DuraFrame Windows & Doors
A Revolutionary Formula:
uPVC, sometimes also referred to as Rigid or Unmodified PVC, is a specially formulated compound of Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a chemical compound of Chlorine, Carbon, and Hydrogen, without the compound having been softened by the addition of chemicals known as Plasticizers.
Stabilizers such as Lead, Tin, and Zinc, which are mostly harmless, are added to the compound to give the product its vital long-term stability, thereby minimizing the effects of Solar Radiation and Extreme Temperature Changes.
Impact Modifiers are added to strengthen the compound in order to ensure that the end product withstands possible damage during Fabrication, Installation, and Daily Use.
In addition, Titanium Dioxide (Ti02) is added to the compound to ensure that the product maintains a Brilliant White Finish.
Unlike traditional Window and Door Systems manufactured from Steel, Wood, or Aluminium, uPVC offers a challenge to conventional materials by way of a number of unparalled advantages in the Window and Door Industry. (See Benefits of uPVC Article).
DuraFrame uPVC Windows & Doors are manufactured to the highest standards, using top of the range uPVC systems available to the Window & Door Manufacturing Industry in South Africa.
Benefits of uPVC
uPVC in the Manufacture of Durable, Easy-to-Maintain, Top Quality DuraFrame Windows & Doors
uPVC Windows and Doors offer a number of unparalled advantages over conventional Window and Door Materials such as Steel, Wood, and Aluminium :
No Rotting or Corrosion
No Peeling Paint or Chipping/Scratching
No Warping
UV Resistant
Resists Combustion
Tough on Impact
Durable
Low Maintenance
Soundproofing, Thermal Insulation and Water Resistance
Security
Fusion-welded Frames
Electro-galvanized Steel Reinforcing
Double-Seal to Sashes
Double Glazing Option
uPVC Windows & Doors have been in use in South Africa for more than 25 years, and in Europe in excess of 45 years. During this time, the uPVC Products have shown no significant signs of degradation.
Product Comparisons
Wood / Aluminium / uPVC
WOODEN WINDOWS & DOORS
Disadvantages:
Absorbs moisture, which can lead to possible rotting or warping, resulting in air and water infiltration.
Needs regular inside and outside painting and maintenance.
Painting chips and peels.
Inferior milling for interlocks and weather-strip pockets.
A haven for insects.
Advantages:
Excellent insulator.
Beauty and aesthetic appeal.
ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS
Disadvantages:
Extremely poor insulator.
Allows condensation to form.
Pits, corrodes, dents, and scratches.
Frames and sashes are mechanically joined using cleats and screws which can eventually loosen.
Aluminium windows and doors are likely to chip and scratch.
Advantages:
Will not crack or warp.
Is not insect friendly.
Has good strength.
uPVC WINDOWS & DOORS:
Disadvantages:
Brittle if not formulated properly.
Subject to shrinkage if not formulated (modified) correctly.
Subject to discolouration if not UV stabilized.
Advantages:
Excellent insulation and sound transmission reduction, thus acoustically favourable.
Reduced air filtration to uPVC not not shrinking or warping.
Increased strength due to electro galvanized steel reinforcing.
Easy to clean, using a soapy water solution.
Durability - no pitting, peeling, rotting, drying-out, or corroding.
Virtually maintenance free, requiring only normal lock and hinge lubrication.
Ease of operation.
Solid, uniform colour throughout.
Never needs painting, sealing, stripping and the likes of general window and door maintenance.