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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About PVC-u WINDOWS
 
(Frequently Asked Questions)
 
Q: What is PVC?
A: Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride is an extruded or molded thermo-vinyl material. It is highly durable and acts as an effective heat and sound barrier. Unlike traditional PVC it can be welded and therefore results in much stronger joints and connections.
Q: Why are the windows called ‘High Efficiency'
A: The materials and construction used in these windows is aimed at preventing heat transfer from both sides. This means that whether you are heating or cooling the inside of your house, the windows act as barrier from outside elements while locking in the climate you choose.
Q: What do Fusion Welded Corners Provide
A: Fusion-welded corners add strength and create an impenetrable seal that enhances thermal performance. All welded edges are precision-cleaned for smooth and even finish.
Q: What is a multi-layered frame and sash? Why do I need it?
A: Carefully engineered air spaces strengthen and insulate the sash and frame allowing the window to adjust to heat and cold without losing its shape. This feature also reduces condensation because the temperature affecting one side of the window is unable to pass through to the other side and attract moisture.
Q: What safety features are on the windows?
A: The window hardware is made of metal and reinforced plastic, therefore the locking systems are durable and reliable. Our casement windows have the option of multi-locking systems for added convenience.
Q: How popular are PVC-u windows when compared to wood or aluminum?
A: According to recent statistics PVC windows account for 47% of all windows sold in Europe . Aluminum represent 15% and wood has 36% of the window market. The numbers five years ago were: PVC 36%, aluminum 22% and wood 41%. You can see that PVC is becoming increasingly popular and accepted by homeowners.
Q: Is PVC-u the same as plastic?
 A: No. Vinyl windows and doors are made from unplasticized poly vinyl chloride (u-PVC), which is an entirely different chemical composition than plastic toys. U-PVC is much stronger, durable and more weather resistant than plastic.
Q: Will I ever have to paint my u-PVC windows and doors?
A: No. That is the beauty of PVC and particularly the high quality PVC material Comfort Window Plus Ltd. uses in the manufacture of their product.
Q: What should I expect to pay for my windows?
A: The cost will, of course, vary depending on the type of windows required for your home. You will receive a complete written estimate when you arrange a free in-home consultation.
Q: Are CWP windows and doors made with insulated or some type of thermal glass?
A: Yes, we manufacture our windows and doors with a thermally efficient 24mm thick insulated glass panel.
Q: Why should I consider insulated glass windows and doors?
A: The insulated glass provides greater insulation value than single pane glass. The air trapped between the glass reduces the conduction of heat and cold through the window. Single pane glass has an R value of about 1.0 and clear insulated glass in a PVC window has an R value or 2.0. You can also improve on the R-value with Low E glass and argon gas.
Q: What is Argon gas? (Supplied on Request)
A: Argon gas is a harmless, colorless and inert gas that further improves the thermal efficiency of your new construction or replacement window or door.
Q: Can Argon gas leak out of the window or door?
A: Over a period of twenty years, 1% per year of the argon gas will escape. This does not have a material effect on the thermal benefit of the Argon gas, and it is harmless to people pets and the environment.
Q: What types of options are available in the look of the glass of CWP windows and doors?
A: You can get Grey or brown tinted glass to reduce the effect of bright sun on the interior of your home and there are a variety of grid patterns available to match exterior architecture and interior decor. 
 
 
Environmentally Friendly
PVC-u doors and windows make environmental good sense even before they're installed.   In the manufacturing process, relatively little energy is used.  In fact, production of all PVC-u world- wide represents less than 0.3% of all oil and gas consumption.
Doors and windows account for an even smaller fraction of the total.  The use of PVC as a construction material actually saves over 40 million barrels of oil per year.
Installed in the home, PVC-u windows and doors are Eco-friendly in yet more ways.  Their marvelous energy efficiency saves huge amounts of heating fuel.
Since they never need painting; stains, strippers and thinners are eliminated.   And, since they last such a long time, replacement and the resulting construction debris are minimized.
 
Recycled
Both pre- and post-consumer PVC are recyclable.  In 1999 an estimated 300 million pounds of pre-consumer PVC scrap was diverted from landfills and recycled.   When the useful life of a PVC product is finally ended -- a long, long way down the road -- it can be recycled into brand new products.
About 10 million pounds of post-consumer PVC was recycled in 1999 and this figure is growing.  The PVC industry helped develop the machinery that separates PVC from other packaging materials and strongly supports efforts to expand recycling of other PVC products.
 
PVC-u Windows & Doors: Fire Performance
Because polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is so widely used as a building material, its behavior in fire conditions has been the subject of extensive study.
All windows and doors must, of course, conform to all appropriate building and fire codes.  But, PVC as a building material exhibits especially good fire performance characteristics because of its unique chemical make up.
Not Just Any Plastic
There are many kids of plastics, and not all plastics are PVC.  PVC windows and doors are constructed of rigid PVC.
PVC Will Not Support Its Own Combustion
All PVC products are inherently flame retardant.  Rigid PVC is even more so.   It will burn, but it will not support it's own combustion.  If the source of the flame is removed, rigid PVC will cease to burn.