When you’re looking to renovate your home, there are a lot of terms you need to become familiar with so you can make the best decisions for your house. The unfamiliar terms may seem daunting at first, but for the most part, it’s pretty simple. A few moments spent learning about common materials and practice during home renovations can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Two terms you’ll see fairly often during your research on viable options for your window and door replacements are PVC and uPVC. The spelling of these terms may only be different by one letter, but the difference between materials is significant.
So what exactly are these materials?
PVC
PVC(short for polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic commonly used in construction. Plasticizers make it more flexible so it can be used to form pipes. It’s also used as an insulator for electrical cables. There are some concerns about toxins and radiation, and three of the chemicals used in PVC have been banned by the EU.
uPVC
uPVC is polyvinyl chloride without the plasticizers. It remains highly durable and stays rigid instead of flexing, making it a common wood replacement. It’s also fire-resistant and recyclable. It also lacks any serious toxins or radiation—the chemicals used to transform it into PVC are what create the toxins.
Why NorthShield Chooses uPVC For Our Windows
At NorthShield, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality windows at the best possible cost. We use uPVC for our window frames because it is weather-resistant, it doesn’t warp the same way wood does, and its ability to be recycled makes it a sustainable option.
Canadian winters are world-renowned for their intensity. Heavy snows and extreme cold can damage wooden window frames, causing them to warp or rot. Choose uPVC window frames from NorthShield Windows and Doors, and you’ll avoid expensive maintenance for years to come.
The NorthShield Advantage
When you call NorthShield, you’ll discover there’s much more to our windows than the uPVC frames. We provide several other options to make your windows more energy efficient and even custom shaped window. You also get professional installation from NorthShield, including cleanup and the free disposal of your old windows. Oh, and in case you were wondering, we offer a lifetime warranty on all our windows.
If you’re not convinced, take a look at some of the options available on our website. You’ll find a wide variety of windows and doors, because we know every house has its own unique needs.
Are you ready to replace your old windows?
Book a FREE at-home estimate today:
Winnipeg: (204) 272-3725
Toronto/GTA: (905) 326-3444
Calgary: (403) 451-5756