Most of us have heard of uPVC. It’s a term that’s used widely in building and construction, but do we really know what it means? Why is such a popular material and what is it used for?
uPVC stands for ‘unplasticised polyvinyl chloride’ which sounds like something from a chemistry lesson, right? uPVC is also known as rigid PVC because the difference between the two is that PVC is flexible whereas uPVC is not. It also contains no harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates so can even be found in devices such as mouth guards and dental retainers.
It is made from vinyl polymer which is stuck to chlorine atoms in a very clever scientific way. This is what gives it its strength, durability and unique properties which make it the preferred choice of many UK home owners.
It has a great many uses in the building industry and you’ll see it commonly used for:
- Doors
- Plumbing
- Cladding
- Windows frames and sills
- Fascia
Why is it so popular?
Not only is it considered very safe to use but it has waterproof properties which make ideal for use pipes, guttering, down pipes and even medical devices that go inside the body. Builders love it because it’s low maintenance. Even in bad weather conditions, it does not rust, warp or rot like wood and metal would. That means that it can be fitted for use in housing construction and last for many years. For more information about UPVC Fascia Boards, visit https://www.absolutebuildingplastics.co.uk
The material doesn’t fade either so continues to look good and new for a long time. The colour of upvc runs right through the material so if it becomes scratched, you can usually polish it right out without any visible damage. The only real maintenance involved is keeping it clean but that’s easy too with a quick pressure wash.
As well as being water resistant, it’s also fire resistance which provides further peace of mind about having this material used in your home. If you’re concerned about green living and sustainability, you’ll also be pleased to know that uPVC is completely recyclable.
When it comes to those who work with the material, it’s popular because it’s lightweight, easy to move, strong and cost effective too. That is why you see it all the time in windows, frames, sills, doors and cladding. It comes in a wide variety of colours and finishes so will blend in with whatever the style of your house. You can even get it in natural wood finish, which is important if you want an authentic look to your home.