UPVC Conservatories UK- Double Glazing Links

UPVC conservatories

Variously known as PVCU and UPVC, this versatile and hardwearing plastic is a popular choice with many conservatory suppliers. UPVC has been around since 1935, although modern manufacturing processes have lowered costs and increased production to bring UPVC conservatories within most people’s financial reach.

UPVC conservatories have a number of advantages over wood and aluminium constructions. It is low-maintenance, robust and generally looks good. Silver aluminium windows may have been stylish twenty years ago, but today they look shabby and passé. Wooden frames can rot quickly and homeowners often find themselves facing steep repair bills within a few years of installation. However, if you invest in a UPVC conservatory, it won’t fade or discolour and your conservatory will look ‘as good as new’ for years to come.

Another reason for UPVC’s increasing share of the conservatory market is the material’s environmental credentials. It’s a good insulator and when combined with double glazing; it’s remarkably energy efficient. UPVC gets even more environmental brownie points for being non-toxic and fully recyclable.

UPVC is most commonly seen in white although it’s available in mahogany and oak wood grain styles. It’s also possible to paint PVC-U with a special primer so that your conservatory stays will exactly match the colour of your house. Although UPVC is a versatile material it’s hardly a favourite topic of conversation with the local authorities. Getting planning permission for a conservatory in a conservation area or to extend a listed building is enough of a headache without mentioning UPVC. Contemporary buildings won’t have any problems, but historic properties must use materials in keeping with the original structure.

The letters 'PVC' stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, which is a chemical compound of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. PVC is derived from petroleum, or natural gas and common salt. The 'U' stands for 'unplasticised', (or sometimes 'unmodified'). It means that the material has not had chemicals known as plasticisers added to it to soften it.

 

 

 

 

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