UPVC vs. PVC Windows - Whats So Special?

Jake demonstrates the Schueco windows in this project and explains the difference between UPVC and PVC windows. The European made Schueco windows feature a minimum of 10% recycled content and no plasticizers, a far healthier option. You get all the efficiencies of a PVC window without the harmful plasticizers.

[griffsrearmountturbothemod]

I just retro fitted these windows and doors throughout my personal home. There amazing to say the least.

[markstipulkoski]

We have UPVC windows here in the USA. We call them vinyl. You don't have to buy European to get uPVC. The Europeans use the more precise term, uPVC, while we just call them vinyl or PVC.

Here is an exerpt from the Defen website on the difference between uPVC and PVC. Many other sources say the same thing.

"Windows
PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use “PVC” to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames, as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.

uPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be reshaped at very high temperatures. uPVC windows are more energy-efficient than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for door frames and conservatories."

I guess here in the US, we need to verify what we are actually buying, PVC, uPVC, vinyl, or whatever.

[marcelosantana]

Would love to see the cost comparison. Sure a small increase most people can consider but if is 5x then is not accessible for most people.

[TrogdorBurninor]

There were apparently never any plasticizers in window vinyl, because it never needed softening, and it's all the same stuff, according to Martin Holladay.

[TruthSee-Ker]

How does the cost of these windows and doors compare to more typical "American style" windows? Say Marvin, Pella, Anderson type

[johnnywayne]

00:14 It looks like someone put a "KICK ME" sign on the guys back.

[swampwiz]

There was hardly any mention about the difference in the vinyl.

[nrml]

They really should have used bifold doors instead of sliding doors. It would really have enhanced that property.

[johnnywayne]

Alright, I decided to look into this whole "UPVC" window thing...

Of course I may be wrong, and there are probably outliers, but my online research of UPVC versus PVC windows leads me to the belief that this simply comes to down education of window salesmen and consumers. By this I mean that it appears that UPVC is a bit of a Red Herring in that "plasticizing" PVC is an additional process to make it more suitable for certain applications, and given that windows are not one of the applications that benefit from this plasticization process it is likely that they are "Unplasticized" (I believe in this context, plasticization, or plasticity is the materials physical property that enables a solid under the action of external forces to undergo permanent deformation without rupture). The correct terminology would have plasticized PVC designated as PPVC, and knowing that we are conditioned to hate and distrust our own culture the marketing team is taking advantage of this and pushing the "European is better" narrative to uninformed consumers, and charging premium for something that they were already getting for nothing. Keep in mind that I'm talking about the extrusion material only, not the entirety of the window assembly.

[andrewhillstrom]

Did you order your windows and doors with the 30 mm base profile?

[curtcmiller]

Still not sure what upvc is. Is it stiffer, does it handle sun better?

[maciejfassa]

If anyone is looking for PCV European windows for a buck, I suggest Dako.

[andycapper]

The guy with the expert knowledge doesn’t appear to know what he’s talking about. ‘Plasticisers are bad’ lol. Plasticisers make pvc pliable so it can be used for things like electrical cabling. UPVC is the same product but it’s stiff.

[UrmiAktar-ny]

Martinez Kevin Martin Anthony Wilson Maria

[NettieRodriguez-ry]

Jones Angela White David Lopez Cynthia

[NettieRodriguez-ry]

Smith Anthony Hall Shirley Davis Shirley

[NettieRodriguez-ry]

Davis Karen Johnson Dorothy Young Anthony

[HannahMartinez-zf]

Moore Jessica Jones Patricia Thompson Dorothy

[johnnywayne]

"Ten percent recycled ... blah, blah, blah" Gawd, a salesmans job is such bullsh!t. Like either of these guys gives a sh!t about anything beyond functionality, cost and what is my commision....and rightfully so. Just start by asking the client what are your "preferred pronouns", and if they they say "What's that?", then leave all of the BS out of the discussion.
I guess my take away from this is don't lick my PVC windows...M'kay.

[ThiruSiva]

Guys, love your work. But this is pandemic time, so avoid physical contact please. It will save a lot of lives.