Choosing windows and doors is an important decision which will have an impact on your house for years. Therefore, it's important to choose the right solution. If you were wondering about uPVC apertures, check what you can expect from it and if it's the right choice for you.

uPVC

Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride is known for its durability and, unlike PVC, it's not flex. Because of that, it's used for different purposes, including window and door frames and drainage pipes. uPVC functions well in different temperatures, it's resistant to chemical erosion and various weather conditions. It's also recyclable, making it more eco-friendly than PVC.

Advantages

uPVC has good sound and thermal insulation, making it an appropriate material for both residential and commercial solutions. It's used to replace wood, as it requires little maintenance and can serve well for years. If white uPVC is not fitting well with the buildings' architecture you can choose from different styles and designs. You can get your uPVC with a wood effect, which will give the aperture an appearance of a wood your choice. Often uPVC is also chosen as a replacement of aluminium, as it's more energy efficient and it's the safer solution.

Types of windows

 

 

Apart from standardized sizes, you can have custom-made frames, including different designs like arched windows. You can also choose from a variety of colours, or have a special appearance such as wood effect. You can also choose how you would like to open your window, depending on the space you have available. You can choose sliding, bottom hung, fixed or folding windows if you have limited spacing. Tilt and turn and hinged, if opened inside, need more space. Even with large sizes, you can opt for opening, such as lift and slide solution.

Types of doors

uPVC can be used for both entrance and terrace doors. You can choose from many designs and additional safety features. Same as windows, PVC doors can have a wood effect. You can choose designs with or without glass, which can come as patterned glass or clear glass. Safety features can include hook bolts and multipoint locking. For terrace doors, depending on your needs, you can choose a French style, which gives you a panoramic view of your backyard.

Glass

You can choose between single, double and triple glazed windows. Amount of layers depends on your needs. The standard option is the double glazed window, which provides good thermal and sound insulation. If you have special requirements as for example, you want your windows to be soundproof, you can choose from different profiles specially adjusted to different needs.

Energy efficiency

 

 

Level of energy efficiency of windows is measured with U-value. Lower the value the better. Single glazed window has around 5 on the scale, while modern double glazing is estimated to have around 1.6 U-value. Triple glazing has even lower scores, but this kind of insulation does not make a big difference to double glazing unless you want to minimize the U-value difference between your windows and doors.

Installation

Installation of this kind of apertures requires special knowledge and skills. Ask if your provider offers this service and if his staff has appropriate training. Correct installation is the key for good insulation and ensures hassle-free, long lasting life of your windows and doors.

Warranty

Ask about guaranty offered and terms and conditions of it. Products with a long warranty provided by a manufacturer will most likely be of high-quality and durable. Ask if there is a service provided in case you find a faulty feature and need assistance.

Maintenance

uPVC apertures are easy to care for. You can easily clean it with gentle detergent and soap and you don't have to repaint it or worry that rain or sun will damage it.

 

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This article is brought to you by Styles Apertures Ltd, leading provider of uPVC apertures in Malta and Gozo.

Styles Apertures has over 25 years experience with supplying aluminium apertures to the residential market. Thanks to its success with aluminium, the company expanded their services to uPVC as well. Using only trusted and high-quality suppliers, Styles Apertures offer a vast range of uPVC windows and doors, as well as steel works, garage doors and aluminium apertures. You can choose from different designs and styles and have a custom-made aperture fitting to your needs. If you need more information make a call or visit the premises in San Gwann