uPVC Windows

UPVC framed windows have been around since the 1980s.  Over the years construction methods and overall quality has improved greatly and cost remains competitive.  In volume terms uPVC is the most regular install for window fitters in Norwich & Norfolk today.

A clue on the attractiveness of the uPVC window is in its production. uPVC is an easy to work with material. As a result, this enables a highly streamlined manufacturing process and keep costs low. Creating raw uPVC material (Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride) also suits bulk processing. Due to that, the making of a uPVC window begins life at lower raw cost versus other materials.
Once installed, the cost of ownership of a uPVC window is also low, the material is durable and needs very little maintenance other than the usual cleaning.

uPVC as a manufacturing material is versatile and can produce a wide range of windows styles. For this reason uPVC windows are commonly made to replace older traditional style windows such as box-sash. New window designs or variations on the standard casement window, such as slide+tilt mechanisms or easy-clean hinged windows are also easily implemented in uPVC.

In colour terms uPVC is usually considered standard white but can also be made in multiple colours. Colour is achieved by coating the plastic frames with a foil. E.g. Rosewood is a popular foil effect for wooden window replacements.

uPVC windows contain steel or aluminium bars inside the frame to provide the necessary strength. Windows made with uPVC are also highly durable offering low maintenance and longevity.
The downsides of uPVC material:

• Not easily recyclable due to mix of plastic and metal elements.
• Some cheaper uPVC can warp over time or fade under strong sunlight and might not suit south-facing locations.
• Larger uPVC windows need additional reinforcement which can mean bulkier frames.

Look for a ten-year guarantee on your uPVC window frames which covers them against discolouration and warpage. At NC Windows, our window fitters in Norwich & Norfolk back all our uPVC windows with this guarantee.

uPVC windows achieved thermal performance via multi-chambered mouldings built into the frame’s inner profile. Acoustic insulation is also improved in the same way via trapped air layers within the frame moulding. uPVC frames coupled with a suitable glazing choice and tight installation can deliver up to 70% noise reduction and at high thermal efficiency.

In terms of window quality of construction, this varies with cost. One of the main things is to look for is welded joints across the entire window. This is because cheaper offerings substitute mechanical fixings in some places and aren’t as reliable.

Also look for good quality in the locks and hinges and ask if they are covered under the guarantee. uPVC windows are not easy to repair, so this aspect is important and not so easy to know by eye. When choosing your window system, insist on a minimum two year guarantee for all moving parts on the window. In doing that you will be ensuring a reasonable quality.

For industry quality standards look for uPVC windows certified to BS EN12608 and BS7412

uPVC frames are very tough and difficult to penetrate by any intruder. These frames can incorporate all industry-standard locking systems. The most frequently used locking system is called Espag. Another popular type is the shoot-bolt system, which offers more resilience but at a higher cost. uPVC frames also support what’s known as an internal bead system, this means the glass is fitted from the inside and cannot be removed from the outside.
Other aspects such as night vent locking, hinge hooks and multi-points also assist. Look for your window to be PAS24 compliant, an industry recognised security standard. You may see or hear alternative marketing phrases for this such as “Secured by Design status”.

uPVC windows legally must meet fire performance building regulations by default. uPVC as a window material is considered safe in that it doesn’t cause, sustain or encourage the spread of fire. UPVC profiles can achieve Class 1 rating to BS476 and specifically formulated UPVC compositions do achieve a more stringent Class 0 rating.

In general, it’s easy to see why uPVC is the most popular material in use today, however, there are some minor downsides as described above. Also other materials such as Aluminium frames are advancing in technology and offering an improved proposition. Our window fitters in Norwich & Norfolk meet all our clients face-to-face, so we can help you work out the best approach.

Our Quality Guarantee

NC Windows are FENSA approved, a government authorised scheme for building regulation compliance & standards. We are also CPA (Consumer Protection Association) members. This means that 100% of our work is independently covered under the CPA insurance guarantee.

For materials we only use BFRC approved A+ rated windows which contain high-quality GGF glass and are produced by ISO9001 certified manufacturers.