DIY Plastics UK

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Do It Yourself Plastic

Plastic is light-weight but less durable than other materials and can be prone to cracking. However it tends to be much easier to work with than materials which makes it particularly suitable for DIY. These days, manufacturers supply DIY plastic parts and fittings specifically for those who want to do their own home improvement.

Different uses for DIY plastics include:

• Conservatory roofs
• DIY plumbing fittings
• Guttering
• Drainage
• Roofing with plastic
• DIY double glazing

PVC plastic fence posts are supplied with plastic fencing together with plastic joining parts. Follow manufacturer's instructions for putting together DIY plastic fencing.

DIY plastic double glazing : Polyester film, polystyrene, acrylic, polycarbonate or PVC glazings are all suitable for double-glazing. Polystyrene is cheap but degrades in strong sunlight so do not use for windows exposed to a lot of sun. Plastic glazing can be cut with scissors, drilled, sawn, planed or filed depending on its thickness. Cut acrylic plastic with a fret saw to fit awkward shapes.

uPVC is the most widely used material for guttering , both in new buildings and for replacing worn-out guttering in older buildings. It comes in different sizes and shapes. Different colours available are grey, brown, black or white. uPVC plastic guttering doesn't need painting.

DIY plumbing : the use of plastics in plumbing has made DIY plumbing much easier and more accessible. Plastic plumbing is lightweight, easy to construct, doesn't burst when frozen and doesn't corrode. It can be used for hot and cold water depending on the type for plastic. It can also be used for central heating piping. Plastic systems can be added to metal pipes with special adaptors.

PVC Polyvinyl chloride is slightly more flexible than uPVC, therefore more shock-resistant.

uPVC (Unplasticised PVC) is a rigid plastic suitable for waste systems and cold-water supply.

cPVC Chlorinated PVC is suitable for hot- and cold-water supply and for central heating.

PP Polypropylene is used for waste systems. It is can not be glued.

ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a tough plastic which can be used for hot or cold waste.

PB Polybutylene can be used for hot or cold water and for central heating. It resists bursting when frozen.

PEX Cross-linked polyethylene expands when heated but is used for hot and cold water, and under-floor heating systems. It tends to sag so isn't suitable for running over surfaces.

MDPE Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) tends to be used for domestic supply pipes which run underground. It is resistant to corrosion and pressure.

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