Why uPVC Windows Are All The Rage
Planning to install new windows? Find out why these windows have become so popular
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
24 April 2017
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
In recent years, the role of a window has evolved beyond merely being an opening in the wall to admit light and ventilation. With technological advancements in the fenestration industry, contemporary windows are designed to fulfil criteria like comfort, safety, aesthetics and durability. In this context, uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) windows have emerged as an affordable revolutionary innovation that is slowly capturing the Indian market. Additionally, uPVC is recyclable, therefore eco-friendly. From multi-storeyed buildings to luxury apartments, a growing number of newly constructed homes feature uPVC over conventional window materials like wood and aluminium.
So if you are looking to replace existing windows or install new windows in your home, here are some reasons that might make you choose uPVC.
So if you are looking to replace existing windows or install new windows in your home, here are some reasons that might make you choose uPVC.
Strong and highly durable
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is a lightweight and sturdy material. A uPVC window comprises multi-chambered air-filled sections, called profiles, reinforced with galvanised steel that imparts strength. These profiles form the frame in which the glass panes are fitted. This material is exceedingly durable and weatherproof and shows high resistance to external elements like dust, pollution, UV rays and chemicals. Heat stabilisers are used as additives in the raw material so that uPVC profiles retain their original shape even when exposed to heat and do not crack or flake.
Tip: White uPVC profiles may discolour from prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight. It is advisable to go for profiles with non-yellowing agents like titanium dioxide as an ingredient in the ratio of 2.5 per cent by weight of the uPVC.
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is a lightweight and sturdy material. A uPVC window comprises multi-chambered air-filled sections, called profiles, reinforced with galvanised steel that imparts strength. These profiles form the frame in which the glass panes are fitted. This material is exceedingly durable and weatherproof and shows high resistance to external elements like dust, pollution, UV rays and chemicals. Heat stabilisers are used as additives in the raw material so that uPVC profiles retain their original shape even when exposed to heat and do not crack or flake.
Tip: White uPVC profiles may discolour from prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight. It is advisable to go for profiles with non-yellowing agents like titanium dioxide as an ingredient in the ratio of 2.5 per cent by weight of the uPVC.
Increased energy efficiency
To enhance the energy efficiency of a home, uPVC windows are a smart choice as they are poor conductors of heat and prevent any kind of heat loss or heat gain within the interiors.
Studies have shown that double- and triple-glazed windows of this type cut down heat transmission by as much as 70-80 per cent. This reduces the overall power consumption of a home and enables good savings on the electricity bills.
To enhance the energy efficiency of a home, uPVC windows are a smart choice as they are poor conductors of heat and prevent any kind of heat loss or heat gain within the interiors.
Studies have shown that double- and triple-glazed windows of this type cut down heat transmission by as much as 70-80 per cent. This reduces the overall power consumption of a home and enables good savings on the electricity bills.
Good sound insulation
Noise pollution has reached an all-time high in major Indian cities. This has made soundproofing a necessity to have a stress-free environment within a home. To improve the acoustics, consider insulated double- or triple-glazed uPVC windows – the gaps in between each glass layer are filled with inert gases like argon, krypton or neon, which can potentially cut down noise levels coming in from the outdoors.
Good product manufacturers ensure that all gaps present between the masonry walls and windows are sealed with silicone sealants and rubber gaskets to make the windows airtight and watertight.
Noise pollution has reached an all-time high in major Indian cities. This has made soundproofing a necessity to have a stress-free environment within a home. To improve the acoustics, consider insulated double- or triple-glazed uPVC windows – the gaps in between each glass layer are filled with inert gases like argon, krypton or neon, which can potentially cut down noise levels coming in from the outdoors.
Good product manufacturers ensure that all gaps present between the masonry walls and windows are sealed with silicone sealants and rubber gaskets to make the windows airtight and watertight.
Hassle-free maintenance
Windows of uPVC can be easily wiped and cleaned with soapy water. They do not rot or corrode and their resistance to salt-laden air makes them suitable in coastal areas as well. Most windows include a rain-track with a gradient that prevents water penetration and ensures that the water flows outwards.
Tip: Opt for brands that offer a minimum warranty of 10 years on uPVC profiles and one year for the hardware such as handles, latches and so on.
Windows of uPVC can be easily wiped and cleaned with soapy water. They do not rot or corrode and their resistance to salt-laden air makes them suitable in coastal areas as well. Most windows include a rain-track with a gradient that prevents water penetration and ensures that the water flows outwards.
Tip: Opt for brands that offer a minimum warranty of 10 years on uPVC profiles and one year for the hardware such as handles, latches and so on.
Great variety
Available in multiple options,
these windows are fabricated in various designs, such as casement, tilt-and-turn, sliding and casement windows.
They can be customised into any shape and are also available in various colours that replicate wood finishes like oak, mahogany and walnut.
Tip: Create an indoor-outdoor connect in areas that open out into the balcony or the lawn with sliding glass doors. The sliding panels run on rollers, which ensure smooth movement.
Available in multiple options,
these windows are fabricated in various designs, such as casement, tilt-and-turn, sliding and casement windows.
They can be customised into any shape and are also available in various colours that replicate wood finishes like oak, mahogany and walnut.
Tip: Create an indoor-outdoor connect in areas that open out into the balcony or the lawn with sliding glass doors. The sliding panels run on rollers, which ensure smooth movement.
Better security
The multi-locking system possible with uPVC windows provides a high level of security. For added safety, consider shootbolt locks that are integrated with the multi-locks and combine them with toughened glass or laminated glass glazing, which is difficult to break.
Tip: As regular maintenance, lubricate the locks with oil, this will prevent any kind of stiffness in the locking mechanism.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Which Window Blind is Right for You
Tell us:
Would you like to install uPVC windows in your home? Share in the Comments section below.
The multi-locking system possible with uPVC windows provides a high level of security. For added safety, consider shootbolt locks that are integrated with the multi-locks and combine them with toughened glass or laminated glass glazing, which is difficult to break.
Tip: As regular maintenance, lubricate the locks with oil, this will prevent any kind of stiffness in the locking mechanism.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Which Window Blind is Right for You
Tell us:
Would you like to install uPVC windows in your home? Share in the Comments section below.
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@cefwahouse009 ......https://www.houzz.in/ideabooks/84858174/list/aluminium-or-upvc-windows-which-one-is-right-for-your-home
Purchased a upvc window from Deceuninck, best quality and reasonable price.