PVC Windows Reports

PVC is still the material most widely used for windows across Europe. Window profiles account for 13 per cent of all PVC used in Europe. The UK is the second largest consumer of PVC windows in Europe after Germany. PVC window sales have grown virtually continuously for many years in the UK (see diagram 2) and 5.7 million PVC windows were sold in 2001.12 In that year, 67 percent of PVC windows were consumed by the private sector and 33 per cent were bought by the public sector. A total of 83 per cent of PVC windows sold were used for refurbishment purposes and 17 per cent for new build applications. The total PVC market in 2003 was valued at ￡4 billion, with PVC windows accounting for more than ￡2 billion of this value. PVC remains the dominant frame material for windows. The net annual UK supply of PVC is around 790,000 tonnes (approximate value ￡392 million). The construction sector is the second highest user of plastics after packaging: 250,000 tonnes of polymers are used.16 Plastics in construction are mainly used for seals, windows, doors, pipes, cables, floor coverings and insulation.

In 1989, just under 100,000 tonnes of PVC compound were used for window production in the UK. In 2000, this increased to 240,000 tonnes.

PVC windows enjoy a reputation of being long-lasting, and of requiring little or no maintenance. The British Plastics Federation states that “PVC needs only an occasional wash and wipe”. However, this claim his since been proven unrealistic: PVC windows need to be cleaned every six months or they become irreversibly discoloured by dirt.
The performance of window frame materials is summarised in table 4 on page 15. Research shows that, on average, PVC windows tend to be disposed of after 18 years 38, a significantly shorter period than timber and aluminium windows. The London Borough of Camden Council’s experience with PVC windows shows that they are “extremely difficult to repair when components are worn or damaged and often have to be replaced as a result of vandalism”.39 This experience is also shared by Manchester City Council and Guildford Borough Council.40 The material is also turned yellow and brittle by sunlight and can even develop hairline cracks. Once degraded in this way, PVC frames are impossible to repair. Repairing PVC frames is not so straightforward, and requires employing a specialist and locating parts, which can be inconvenient and expensive According to BRE, PVC degrades when exposed to weather. The weathering process can cause changes in the appearance and robustness of the window. There are technical problems in producing paints suitable for PVC. The appearance of a coloured surface layer will be affected if the surface is damaged. Dark colours become hotter than light ones in sunshine and this can influence the shape and stability of the window. Existing windows should not be repainted in a colour significantly darker than the original. To do so may induce thermal stress with which the frame and profile were not designed to cope. The titanium dioxide pigment normally used to colour white PVC retains its colour, although changes in the polymer can lead to yellowing. Paint has been developed for redecoration of weathered PVC. The paint is water-based, and contains fungicides to prevent mould growth on the painted surface. There are also stain-removal products for PVC.

"Rectangular PVC Window Frames Celebrate Round-Numbered Anniversary"

PVC windows, which first went into production at Troisdorf, near Bonn, in 1954, are 50 years old this year. "We’re really going to celebrate this year," says Werner Preusker, spokesman for the PVC Sectoral Initiative. "We intend to kick off our celebrations at the Window Construction Trade Fair in Nuremberg at the end of March."

The PVC “birthday boy” is well-deserving of a suitable celebration. Of minor importance as late as in the 1960s, PVC windows now account for approximately of the 55 % of the market share in Germany, with an even greater market share in Great Britain – over 80 percent.

Due to constant innovations in the degree of thermal insulation achieved, accompanied by improved designs and enhanced recycling possibilities, growth remains steady, despite the poor economic climate in the construction industry. PVC windows are also making a considerable contribution to the growth of the plastics processing industry.