The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), June 1996, updated April 2001. This review of world-wide scientific research on PVC in building material was first produced in 1996 and then updated and expanded initially in 1998 and then in 2001 so that subsequent new research could be evaluated. The report concluded that the adverse environmental effects of using PVC in building products do not appear to be greater than for other materials.
PVC Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Entec UK and Ecobalance UK, 2001. An environmental comparison of PVC and several substitute materials performed for the UK environment ministry, the LCA concluded that the life cycle impacts of PVC are not significantly higher than those of alternatives. The study compared PVC and other materials in several applications and confirmed that there are relative differences in environmental performance based on application, but PVC does not fare substantially worse than any of the other materials tested.
PVC and Sustainability – system stability as a yardstick, selected product systems compared. Prognos AG (1999), published by and available at AGPU. In a series of extensive workshops over a period of 30 months, experts from German PVC producers and converters conducted an extensive dialogue with scientists, NGOs and journalists. The results, known as the Prognos Study, assessed the contribution of four PVC products to sustainable development by evaluating their ecological, social and economic impact. PVC pipes, windows and cables proved to have good short and medium term potential for sustainable development, while special applications of PVC rigid films showed favourable short and long-term prospects.
The results of the Prognos Study highlight areas for the industry to focus on in their efforts to achieve the long-term sustainability of PVC products. The experts recommended a strategy for all of the product groups investigated to the PVC industry that attempts to maintain the short and medium term market position by means of continual improvement. For example, by reducing weight, increasing heat insulation and increasing recycling for PVC window frames. However, Prognos stressed that it was difficult to take long-term investment decisions as the relevance of future risks remains uncertain.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or uPVC) is a very popular plastic material widely used in the construction industry for various purposes. It is highly versatile and offers a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. In this blog, we’re explaining why PVC is widely used in the construction industry, and why we think you should consider using it in your project.
For anyone who is interested in the technical side of things – PVC is a thermoplastic material made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. It is one of the most widely produced synthetic plastics globally, with a vast range of applications across various industries. In the construction industry, PVC is used for various purposes, from window frames to guttering, and soffit boards to fascia boards.
One of the biggest reasons why plastics are so widely used in construction is its low maintenance requirements. PVC is highly resistant to weathering, corrosion, and decay, which makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications. It does not rot, warp, or splinter, and it does not require regular painting or staining, unlike traditional materials such as wood.
uPVC is also highly durable, which makes it ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as windows and doors. It can withstand heavy use and is resistant to impact and scratches, making it a suitable material for both commercial and residential buildings.
Another benefit of PVC is its high quality. PVC is manufactured to meet strict quality standards, which ensures that it is of a consistent and reliable quality. It is also available in a range of colours and finishes – for example, smooth, matte or woodgrain, making it a versatile material that can be used to complement the design and style of any building.
UPVC is another way of saying unplasticised PVC – this is a type of PVC that has been specifically engineered for use in the construction industry. It is a more rigid and stronger material than standard PVC, which makes it an ideal choice for use in window frames and doors. UPVC is also highly resistant to UV damage and impact, which means it is less likely to discolour, crack or break, even in harsh weather conditions.
One of the most common uses of PVC in the construction industry is for fascia boards and soffit boards. These boards are used to cover the eaves of a roof and provide a neat and attractive finish to the building. PVC fascia and soffit boards are an excellent choice as they are lightweight, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance.
PVC is also widely used for window trims, which are the decorative pieces that cover the gaps between the window frame and the wall. Plastic window trims are available in a range of colours and finishes, making them an excellent choice for both modern and traditional buildings.
Windows and doors are perhaps the most significant use of PVC in the construction industry. PVC window frames and doors are an excellent choice for both new builds and renovations, as they offer a range of benefits. Plastic windows and doors are energy-efficient, which means they help to keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer. They are also highly durable, low maintenance, and available in a range of styles and finishes.
PVC windows and doors are also an excellent choice for sound insulation. PVC is an excellent sound insulator, which means it can help to reduce noise pollution from outside the building. This is particularly important in urban areas, where noise pollution can be a significant problem.
Another benefit of uPVC windows and doors is that they are highly secure. Plastic window frames and doors are fitted with multi-point locking systems, which make them extremely difficult to break into. This is an essential consideration for homeowners, who want to ensure the safety and security of their property.
In addition to the benefits of PVC, it is also an environmentally friendly material. PVC is recyclable, which means that it can be reused to create new products. PVC can also be produced with fewer emissions than other materials, which makes it a more sustainable choice for the construction industry.
At Edge, we supply a vast range of building plastics. Why not get all your roofline and window fitting plastics from one place? Email [email protected] with your enquiry today or give us a call on 03450213333.