PVC-U Energy-efficient Choice For Residential And Commercial Applications
Published: 30th June 2016
Apart from aesthetics, function and overall value, today’s property owners are including sustainability as one of their criteria in selecting which building materials to use in their homes or commercial properties.
One factor that has led to this trend is our increased awareness of the impact of global warming and climate change, and our contribution to these. This increased awareness has led us to explore sustainable alternatives for the things that we use, including the materials for our windows and doors.
Another reason behind this trend is the continued increase of energy bills. In our quest to lower electrical consumption and increase monetary savings without compromising comfort, we have turned our attention to energy-saving practices and materials.
One such material that effectively answers and addresses these demands is PVC-U or unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride. Also known in some countries as uPVC, PVCu is a material that is used in a wide variety of applications due to its many appealing qualities. These include high impact resistance, low maintenance, and ability to retain its shape. Furthermore, the material does not rot and can be reshaped and recycled.
Here at Spectus Window Systems, we utilise PVC-U as an insulating material. Combining thermal-wall technology with thermal inserts and multi-chambered systems, we can build doors and windows that provide excellent insulating and thermal-performance properties.
We combine this with our unique fabrication process; this allows us to develop and supply low-carbon products which help improve the environmental performance of a project while substantially reducing the carbon footprint of clients.
Our use of PVC-U in our products effectively reduces carbon footprint without compromising aesthetics and performance. In short, our windows and doors are both practical and energy-efficient. On the other hand, our Recycled Composite Material (RCM) Thermal Inserts are a cost-effective alternative to steel which offers benefits like a light weight, ease of installation, and excellent insulating and thermal performance.
In terms of sustainability, our windows and doors are at par with (or even at a higher level than) other materials like aluminium and timber. According to the BRE Green Guide to Specification, PVCu has an A rating for domestic applications and an A+ rating for commercial applications, at par with timber and even better than aluminium.
Against aluminium, the PVC-U energy rating is considerably higher, while in terms of price, the latter is considered as a cost-effective alternative to both timber and aluminium.
We offer clients the choice of foils that enable them to achieve the same look as aluminium while allowing them to enjoy the aesthetic, practical and sustainability benefits offered by PVC-U
