What is PVC-U?

Ageing

Because the time and modalities in which PVC-U ages is so slow, it can be reasonably stated that PVC-U doesn’t “age” like many normal materials do. Considering that laboratory test stimulating accelerated ageing have yielded minimal effects, and that a perfectly assembled PVC-U piece requires no maintenance work or superficial treatments, supports this claim.

Impact Resistance

PVC-U is remarkably shockproof, showing excellent results during tests carried out with different profiles at different temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 20°C with an impact force of 50 J. (1J = 10kg/cm)

Resistance to Temperature changes

Compared to other materials such as wood aluminium and steel, PVC-U has the highest coefficient of linear expansion, making it perfect for windows and doors.

Material Stiffness

When testing for stiffness of PVC-U windows and doors, the resistance of PVC-U extrusion is not taken into consideration, as the stres is supported only by the metal reinforcement elements inside it. This does not mean that PVC-U cannot support the usual load to which frames are generally subjected; on the contrary, metal reinforcement elements are not absolutely necessary for window and door frames of regular dimensions. For security reasons, however, when assessing the resistance, PVC-U is not taken into account.

Acoustic Insulation

PVC-U is thermoplastic, efficiently absorbing waves and vibrations caused by noise, thereby making it one of the most insulating materials. This can be further improved through special profile sections and adjustments in its inner space.

Fire Reaction

There are six classes determining the fire conductivity of materials, ranging from CLASS 0 for totally incombustible material such as metals and mineral fibres, to CLASS 5 for means highly inflammable material. Made with the correct compound proportion, a rigid PVC-U extrusion for windows and doors can easily be included into CLASS 2, which means it burns with the formation of carbons and a green flame, but the fire is immediately extinguished when the ignition source is taken away.

Electrical Behaviour

PVC-U is a good insulator, like the compund with which extrusion for windows and doors are made; therefore the products do not conduct electric power.

Resistance To Humidity And Other Agents

Rigid shockproof PVC-U has also good resistance capacities against chemical attacks. That’s why PVC-U is often used in paving, coating, impermeabilisation, for water ducts and discharge pipes, as well as for doors and windows. In fact, PVC-U is the ideal material in undesirable atmospheric and environmental conditions. For instance, it’s perfect for sea-side buildings because of its resistance to saltiness and sea water. Because it has no edible elements, rats and termites don’t affect it. It also requires no maintenance work, with just a bit of cleaning needed to keep it in perfect condition.

The following table show the resistance properties of PVC-U against aggressive chemical agents.

Click here to view table