What are uPVC windows?
If you are considering refurbishing your property with new windows, you might be pondering which material would best suit your home.
uPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is a cost-effective and durable building material. It boasts a long life span, low maintenance and when engineered to a high standard, harbours excellent energy efficiency ratings. As far as other materials go, there is no other that offers such high levels of energy efficiency, security and durability for such an affordable cost. As a result, uPVC is a fantastic material for use in new windows and doors. Engineered with longevity, security and resilience in mind, uPVC windows have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are popular for installation within traditional and contemporary properties alike.
So what are uPVC windows? And what are the benefits of installing them in your home?
What are uPVC windows?
As the name suggests, uPVC windows are any number of window styles engineered in durable unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. When manufactured to a high standard, uPVC windows are incredibly resilient. They are durable in the face of adverse weather and will not peel, crack, fade, warp or rot.
The benefits
If you are considering refurbishing your property, you might be wondering which material would best suit your home. uPVC has steadily grown in popularity over the years. It offers a multitude of benefits for the modern homeowner.
Energy efficiency
If you have a more traditional home or even just older style windows, you may be concerned about losing the character and other historical elements they bring to your home. The reality is, older style windows often offer no additional insulation against the effects of adverse weather. Failing to refurbish your old windows can bring a myriad of issues into your interior living spaces. Issues include damp, condensation, mould and even rot. Poor insulation can wreak untold damage on the structural integrity of your home, as well as the health of your family.
uPVC combines traditional aesthetics with modern conveniences and as a result, are an excellent replacement for older style windows. As a standard, most manufacturers engineer their windows with innovative thermal break technology, internal beading and modern glazing. This means that when engineered to a high standard, uPVC windows boast exceptional energy efficiency and thermal retention ratings.
Cost-effective
uPVC boasts a combination of longevity and very little required maintenance. It is also one of the most cost-effective options on the market. They can also save you the hassle of costly utility bills by properly insulating your home with proven thermal efficiency.
Variety of colour choices and styles
Contrary to popular belief, your new uPVC windows don’t have to be white. There have been great advancements in the window industry in recent years. This means uPVC can be engineered in a variety of colours and different styles.
For a bold look, you might opt for Chartwell Green or even Anthracite Grey. At the end of the day, the colour you choose will come down to your unique tastes. It will also depend on the exact specifications of your property.
Majestic Designs’ Guide to uPVC Windows – Styles
uPVC is one of the most cost-effective options on the market.
One of the biggest benefits of uPVC is the enormous amount of styles and colours available. Our guide will take you through the most popular and revered uPVC window styles.
- Casement Window – uPVC casement windows are an enduring and popular choice on the market here in the UK and are revered for combining modern conveniences with a classic traditional style. uPVC casement windows offer longevity with very little maintenance and can effortlessly enhance the character and personality of your home.
- Flush Casement Window – Delivering the ease and durability of a classic casement window in a more traditional style, flush casement windows can elevate your home with timeless, understated aesthetics. As the name suggests, flush casement windows sit flush within their frame.
- Sash Window – uPVC vertical sliding sash windows are ideal for use in historically-sensitive renovation projects. The traditional design of sashes can preserve historical character. uPVC sliding sashes are also suitable in more modern homes. You’ll find the style is ideal for elevating a property with elegant and timeless aesthetics.
Other Styles
- Bay Window – Bay windows are an iconic symbol of Britain’s Victorian era. Delivering more space and an influx of natural light to both contemporary and traditional properties alike, bay windows remain an elegant and enduring choice for homeowners across the UK.
- Bow Window – Also known as a compass window, a bow window is often seen as an alternative to the more traditional bay window. Like the traditional bay, a bow window is ideal for maximising space and natural light within your home. Bow windows can effortlessly complement your home by retaining the elegant style of a bygone era.
- Tilt & Turn Window – Tilt and turn windows are a practical and modern choice for any property. They effortlessly combine innovative, dual-opening operation and impressive functionality with modern style. A tilt and turn window also offers improved airflow and plenty of other modern conveniences.
- Leaded & Georgian Windows – Leaded and Georgian windows combine modern conveniences like energy efficiency and security with classic period features, so you won’t have to compromise on your property’s traditional features when refurbishing your original windows
The wide variety of colours and styles isn’t the only reason uPVC is so popular. Modern uPVC windows also benefit from heightened security and provide exceptional insulation from noise pollution among other conveniences.
Noise insulation
Modern uPVC windows are engineered with multi-chambered insulating profiles and argon gas sealed units. As well as providing an excellent barrier from the effects of adverse weather, uPVC windows also insulate your property from noise pollution. This is especially useful for homeowners living in high-density areas with busy roads.
For an extra layer of protection, you might also want to consider adding acoustic glass.
Low maintenance
Unlike older style windows, uPVC does not need repainting or regular maintenance. In fact, all uPVC windows really need is the occasional wipe down with warm soapy water to keep them looking brand new and fresh.
Security
Modern uPVC windows should be engineered with security in mind. It’s important to look for reputable window companies such as Majestic Designs, who manufacturer their products with multi-point locking mechanisms as a standard. It’s also important to look out for other security features such as internal beading and durable double glazing.
Eco-friendly
uPVC is a very environmentally friendly material and is 100% recyclable, meaning when it’s time to retire your windows, manufacturers will be able to melt down the frames and recycle them into a number of other products used in construction such as gutters, pipes and bins.
Majestic Designs’ Guide to uPVC Windows – Frequently Asked Questions
From the best new windows for your home to the benefits of tilt and turns, our handy guide provides answers to all your questions about uPVC. For more information about uPVC windows, read through the frequently asked questions below.
- What Are The Best New Windows And Doors For Your Home? – New windows and doors can make or break your refurbishment project. Luckily for both contemporary and traditional property owners alike, there is an ever-growing number of different styles, materials and colours to choose from.
- Can You Get Coloured uPVC Windows? – Contrary to popular belief, your new windows don’t have to be white. uPVC windows are available in a variety of different colours and styles with plenty of hardware to choose from.
- Choosing uPVC for Your Rural Cottage Windows – If you’re looking to update your older style windows but would like to retain that classic aesthetic, then uPVC windows may be the solution you’re looking for.
- Are Casement Windows Secure? – If you’re considering renovating your home with a traditional casement window style, you may be concerned about security and ensuring your family is kept safe.
- How Your Home Can Benefit From Tilt and Turn Windows? – Tilt and turn windows are an innovative and modern option for contemporary and traditional properties alike.
uPVC windows at Majestic Designs
Modern uPVC windows benefit from heightened security and provide exceptional insulation from noise pollution among other conveniences.
There are many benefits of choosing uPVC as your new window material. From ensuring your home is protected from the effects of adverse weather to adding a little style and flair with a bold colour, uPVC windows can transform your home in more ways than one.
For more than 19 years, Majestic Designs have been engineering our range of windows and doors in our state-of-the-art factories right here in Cheddar. A fixture within the community of Somerset, our FENSA accredited and MTC registered leading teams of expert installers have cultivated a country-wide reputation for combining friendly and approachable customer service with expert craftsmanship.
If you have any questions about your new uPVC windows or are ready to book your at-home consultation, contact the team at Majestic Designs today.
