How to Select Good Quality uPVC Doors & Windows
Learn about different specifications that you must look for in uPVC doors and windows before choosing them for your home
The purchase of new doors and windows is a long-term investment for a home and hence it has to be just right in terms of pricing and quality. Factors like strength, durability, ease of maintenance and comfort play a key role in making the selection. uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) doors and windows have emerged as the preferred choice among urban Indian homes and builder apartments over conventional materials like wood or aluminium.
But the question is, with so many uPVC product manufacturers in the market and most of the uPVC products looking alike, how to shortlist the most appropriate brand or manufacturer? Don’t worry, here are the checkpoints for each component of uPVC doors and windows, which will help you make the correct choice.
But the question is, with so many uPVC product manufacturers in the market and most of the uPVC products looking alike, how to shortlist the most appropriate brand or manufacturer? Don’t worry, here are the checkpoints for each component of uPVC doors and windows, which will help you make the correct choice.
2. Steel reinforcement
- The material used for steel reinforcements within the multi-chambers of the uPVC profiles should be corrosion-resistant galvanised steel.
- The thickness of the reinforcements should range between 1 and 3 millimetres.
3. UV resistance
The uPVC doors and windows should be resistant to UV (ultraviolet) radiation so that the windows do not discolour and get a yellowish tinge due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
How to check?
The uPVC doors and windows should be resistant to UV (ultraviolet) radiation so that the windows do not discolour and get a yellowish tinge due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
How to check?
- Titanium dioxide is the key ingredient that ensures colour stability to the white uPVC profiles. It should be present in the proportion of 2.5 per cent by weight of the uPVC profile. Do note that titanium dioxide is expensive.
4. Specifications of glass
Glass is available in thicknesses of 4-6 millimetres for doors and windows. Choose the glass that is most suitable in terms of functionality, pricing and safety. These are the different types of glass that are used in uPVC doors and windows:
Glass is available in thicknesses of 4-6 millimetres for doors and windows. Choose the glass that is most suitable in terms of functionality, pricing and safety. These are the different types of glass that are used in uPVC doors and windows:
- Float glass is a transparent glass that is widely used as it allows clear views of the outdoors.
- Toughened glass is stronger than float glass; when damaged it breaks into very small fragments instead of sharp shards of glass.
- Laminated glass is a safety glass. It comprises a resin sandwiched between two layers of glass. In case of breakage, the glass pieces are stuck to the resin and do not fall off.
- For thermal efficiency choose thermal glass coating. It is a liquid chemical applied to existing glass – the coating works as a poor conductor of heat, and prevents heat gain into the interiors of the building and heat loss from it.
5. Double-glazed windows.
These windows comprise two sheets of glass between which is filled an inert gas such as argon, krypton or neon. It is sealed at the edges to form a single unit.
To improve the acoustics of your home, consider double- or triple-glazed windows that significantly cut down noise from the outdoors.
These windows comprise two sheets of glass between which is filled an inert gas such as argon, krypton or neon. It is sealed at the edges to form a single unit.
- The thickness of the complete double-glazed units should be at least 28 millimetres.
To improve the acoustics of your home, consider double- or triple-glazed windows that significantly cut down noise from the outdoors.
- The manufacturer should use silicone sealants and rubber gaskets to make the windows airtight and watertight.
- Good manufacturers will provide a warranty of least 10 years on the uPVC profiles.
- They will also provide a one-year warranty on the hardware.
8. Security
Read more:
Why uPVC Windows Are All the Rage
Aluminium or uPVC Windows: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Tell us:
Have you installed uPVC doors and windows in your home? What is your experience? Share in the Comments section below.
- If you want optimum security, go for double-glazed laminated doors and windows because the glass is very difficult to break.
- Only premium-quality steel that does not rust or corrode should be used for hardware such as handles, hinges, friction stays and screws.
- Good uPVC products come with an espagnolette locking system – it comprises a flat metal strip that runs up the locking side of a window. It locks and unlocks at the turn of a handle.
- For additional security, ask the manufacturer to fix shootbolt locks. This is also known as a multi-point locking system which locks at multiple points at the turn of a key. Note that you will have to pay an additional cost for this kind of advanced locking system.
Read more:
Why uPVC Windows Are All the Rage
Aluminium or uPVC Windows: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Tell us:
Have you installed uPVC doors and windows in your home? What is your experience? Share in the Comments section below.
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uPVC profiles are multi-chambered sections that are reinforced with steel for strength. These sections form the frame in which the glass panes are fitted. Here is how you can check the quality of a uPVC profile: