Architecture
Building Components
Innovation Alert: Vinyl Window Frames
A guide to vinyl window frames and their thermal-energy performance, acoustic properties and durability
While uPVC window frames are relatively new to Australia, they have been used in Europe and the United States for several decades. Durable and low maintenance, uPVC windows are resistant to weather and environmental conditions. They also have excellent acoustic properties, and are cost-efficient based on energy performance. Considering them for your new build or renovation? Here’s all you need to know.
PVC is a leading plastic material in the construction market. It is made of 57-per-cent chlorine (derived from salt) and 43 per cent carbon (derived from non-renewable petroleum feedstock). This means it consumes proportionately less non-renewable resources than other polymers and therefore has a lower embodied energy.
The additives used in PVC are regulated by a number of agencies – including Standards Australia and the state Environmental Protection Agencies – and lead stabilisers have been phased out and replaced by calcium-zinc ingredients, which are better for people and the environment.
See more contemporary Australian exteriors
The additives used in PVC are regulated by a number of agencies – including Standards Australia and the state Environmental Protection Agencies – and lead stabilisers have been phased out and replaced by calcium-zinc ingredients, which are better for people and the environment.
See more contemporary Australian exteriors
PVC is recyclable and, although very few uPVC windows are presently available for recycling in Australia due to their relatively recent introduction, Australian industry programs are putting uPVC off-cuts back into new products and keeping them out of landfill.
Using and specifying uPVC frames
Window frames made from uPVC can be used in new and renovated buildings for a wide range of window and door types, including sash, casement and sliding windows, as well as bi-fold and French doors.
A variety of laminated colour options, including woodgrains, plain colours, and metallic colours, make them suitable for architectural styles. Profiles can also have aluminium covers that are powder-coated or anodised for greater design flexibility. Quality uPVC frames retain their colour even under exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions.
Window frames made from uPVC can be used in new and renovated buildings for a wide range of window and door types, including sash, casement and sliding windows, as well as bi-fold and French doors.
A variety of laminated colour options, including woodgrains, plain colours, and metallic colours, make them suitable for architectural styles. Profiles can also have aluminium covers that are powder-coated or anodised for greater design flexibility. Quality uPVC frames retain their colour even under exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions.
Thermal-energy performance
Considered an energy-efficient choice once installed, uPVC has low conductivity. This means these windows limit the transfer of heat and cold through the frame, which can reduce your reliance on heating and cooling. The tight seals uPVC windows provide, and the addition of double or triple glazing, boosts energy efficiency further.
“uPVC will save you money compared with standard aluminium frames, based on efficiency performance,” says Sorin Marginean, managing director at Windows 4 Life. “If you use the same insulated glass units but you have one window with uPVC frame and one with aluminium, the window with uPVC frame will be approximately 40 per cent more energy efficient then the window with standard aluminium.”
Your Guide to High-Performance Glazing
Considered an energy-efficient choice once installed, uPVC has low conductivity. This means these windows limit the transfer of heat and cold through the frame, which can reduce your reliance on heating and cooling. The tight seals uPVC windows provide, and the addition of double or triple glazing, boosts energy efficiency further.
“uPVC will save you money compared with standard aluminium frames, based on efficiency performance,” says Sorin Marginean, managing director at Windows 4 Life. “If you use the same insulated glass units but you have one window with uPVC frame and one with aluminium, the window with uPVC frame will be approximately 40 per cent more energy efficient then the window with standard aluminium.”
Your Guide to High-Performance Glazing
Flame retardant
uPVC is a flame-retardant material thanks to its chlorine base, which makes it suitable for fire-risk areas. It does not readily ignite, and uPVC will typically not continue to burn once a flame source is removed.
uPVC is a flame-retardant material thanks to its chlorine base, which makes it suitable for fire-risk areas. It does not readily ignite, and uPVC will typically not continue to burn once a flame source is removed.
Weather resistant
Due to its non-porous nature, uPVC is extremely resistant to wet weather – rain will simply bounce and drip right off.
Due to its non-porous nature, uPVC is extremely resistant to wet weather – rain will simply bounce and drip right off.
Less condensation
“Condensation relates to the following variables: the temperature of the frame, the temperature of the glass, the temperature of air inside the house, and humidity,” Marginean explains. Frames made of uPVC reduce the possibility of water condensation on window panes, especially when combined with double glazing. uPVC and double glazing are both great thermal insulators; the inside window pane doesn’t get as cold so no moisture will condense on it.
12 Unusual Windows With a Fresh Point of View
“Condensation relates to the following variables: the temperature of the frame, the temperature of the glass, the temperature of air inside the house, and humidity,” Marginean explains. Frames made of uPVC reduce the possibility of water condensation on window panes, especially when combined with double glazing. uPVC and double glazing are both great thermal insulators; the inside window pane doesn’t get as cold so no moisture will condense on it.
12 Unusual Windows With a Fresh Point of View
Durable and weather-resistant
Depending on the quality, uPVC windows can last for up to three to four decades. They are resistant to weathering, rust and termites, and the salt content makes them a good choice for coastal areas. These durable frames also retain their structure over the lifespan, unlike timber, which can warp over time.
Depending on the quality, uPVC windows can last for up to three to four decades. They are resistant to weathering, rust and termites, and the salt content makes them a good choice for coastal areas. These durable frames also retain their structure over the lifespan, unlike timber, which can warp over time.
Low-maintenance
Frames made of uPVC require little maintenance during their lifespan, and can be easily cleaned with a mild detergent or soapy water. The locking mechanisms can be loosened with a little oil if they get stiff.
Frames made of uPVC require little maintenance during their lifespan, and can be easily cleaned with a mild detergent or soapy water. The locking mechanisms can be loosened with a little oil if they get stiff.
Acoustics
These frames provide a tight seal that makes for effective sound insulation, particularly when combined with double glazing.
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These frames provide a tight seal that makes for effective sound insulation, particularly when combined with double glazing.
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Un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride, or uPVC, is a synthetic plastic polymer. PVC comes in rigid and flexible forms, and it is the rigid form, uPVC (which contains no plasticisers), which is used for door and window frames.
Window frames made from uPVC, or vinyl, are specifically designed to incorporate insulated double glazing. They are more expensive than standard aluminium or timber windows, but they are more cost-efficient based on energy performance and the price of ongoing maintenance.