The Guide to the Different Types of Glass for Windows
What is uPVC?
uPVC is an inexpensive replacement for wooden and aluminum windows. uPVC is unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. uPVC window is a type of vinyl window. It is environmentally friendly because it does not consist of any phthalates or BPA. Both of these components are toxic to the environment and our health. The absence of these components in uPVC windows makes them advantageous over any other vinyl window. uPVC is an inexpensive window and does not cost a huge amount for its installation and maintenance. uPVC is better than PVC or aluminum windows and is the most prioritized choice of homemakers.
How uPVC window is beneficial?
uPVC comes with a myriad of advantages. Homeowners prefer uPVC windows because of the advantages that it offers. uPVC windows are weather resistant, easy to maintain, customization, energy efficient, recyclable, cost-effective, long-lasting, provide thermal insulation, and offer various security options.
Weather resistant: uPVC windows have a less porous surface. This is why it can resist heavy tropical rains, and harsh winds, and does not allow moisture to contact the surface. It does not peel, rot, fade, or warp. It does not work against the chemical composition if the temperature is high or low.
Durable: uPVC windows are known to have a longevity of 25 years up to three decades. It is long-lasting because of the stiffness, and rigidness.
Maintenance: uPVC windows are easy to maintain. It has a less porous surface so it does not attract a lot of dust or bacteria. It does not need to be repainted every decade. One can clean the windows only with a piece of cloth with warm water or any other cleaning spray.
Energy efficient: uPVC windows are highly energy efficient and eco-friendly. These windows are an excellent insulator and do not conduct heat. It helps the indoors keep warm in winters and cool in summers. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly as it does not contain a toxic chemical that might harm human health or the environment.
Security: uPVC windows come with a lot of designs ad locks that are efficient for security purposes.
Types of uPVC windows
The versatility in uPVC windows fulfills aesthetic and functional purposes. The variety of windows makes it easier for homeowners, architects, and interior designers to choose the uPVC windows for home, commercial, or office purposes.
Tilt and turn uPVC
Tilt and turn windows are used in airy or spacious locations at home. The name depicts the working of Tit and turns uPVC windows. It tilts away or turns inside for opening. This kind of function allows controlled ventilation. These uPVC windows are low maintenance and give a modern look.
- Size: The average size of tilt and turn uPVC windows is 2-4ft width and 3-5ft. The maximum glass thickness ranges between 5mm-48mm.
- General properties: High security, multiple glazing, heat insulation, ventilation
- Material: profile, friction stay, handles, multipoint lockers, glass, silicon, screws
- Colors: Black, white, brown, black-brown, golden-brown
French uPVC windows
These windows are traditional windows blended with French aesthetics. The uninterrupted expanded glass allows maximum airflow to enter your home. Moreover, these are the most visually appealing uPVC windows, and the view across the glass is visible.
- Size: The average width of these windows is 1.5ft to 5ft. Height is between 1.5ft to 5ft.
- General properties: noise reduction, uninterrupted view, low maintenance, energy efficient
- Material: profile, friction stay, handles, multipoint lockers, glass, silicon, screws
- Colors: Black, white, brown, black-brown, golden-brown
- Configurations: sliding French window, casement French window
Sliding uPVC windows
Sliding uPVC windows are the best choice for your home if you have limited space. These windows consist of two panes. One is a fixed pane, and the other is a movable pane. The movable pane can be moved and slides in front of the fixed pane when opened. Such windows are difficult to clean but are durable. Although, it does not provide good insulation yet customization is possible. The customers can add heat reflective glass in their sliding uPVC windows.
- Size: The standard sizes are 36in, 48in, 60in, 72in. Vertical sliding in height is 24in, 36in, 48in, 60in. Maximum glass thickness is 5mm-48mm.
- General properties: smooth sliding, long-lasting and good grip, uninterrupted airflow, noise reduction
- Material: profile, rollers, handles, pop-up lock, glass, silicon, screws
- Colors: Black, white, brown, black-brown, golden-brown
- Configurations: center-fixed, 2 shuttered, 4 shuttered, top-fixed
Fixed uPVC window
Fixed uPVC window as the name portrays is permanent. These windows allow no ventilation but are great insulators. These windows are for pleasing visuals, they are installed in basements or rooms for the influx of natural light. As such windows do not allow airflow, so they must be installed in rooms that already have ventilation systems. Fixed uPVC reduces the influx of noise pollution. They are long-lasting, and requires low maintenance.
- Size: average size of fixed uPVC windows is 5 by 5ft. Average frame thickness is 15-20mm. Single pane glass is 5-7mm. Maximum glass thickness is 4mm-48mm.
- General properties: Heat insulator, grip, noise reduction
- Material: profile, handles, multipoint lockers, glass, silicon, screws
- Colors: Black, white, brown, black-brown, golden-brown
- Configurations: horizontal, vertical
Casement uPVC window
Casement uPVC windows are the most popular of all uPVC windows. In appearance, these windows look like a door. Casement uPVC windows are the most common type of window and are found in homerooms. These windows give a vintage look merged with the modern visual appeal.
- Size: Average size is 1.5ft to 5ft width. 1.5ft to 5ft height. Maximum glass thickness is 4mm-36mm.
- General properties: Multiple glazed, noise reduction, Insulation, ventilation
- Material: profile, handles, cylinder lock, 3D hinges, glass, silicon, screws
- Colors: Black, white, brown, black-brown, golden-brown
- Configurations: Top-fixed, three shuttered, center fixed, left and right fixed, right fixed, left fixed, fixed casement uPVC window
Customization/ Configuration in uPVC windows
Homeowners can now customize their space that reflects their style by choosing from a wide range of customization options. From a big object-like frame to a small object-like hinge, the uPVC is customizable according to your liking.
Glass
A wide range of glass types is available. If you want to gaze at appealing visuals then clear glass is the best option. If you want privacy then a frosted glass is good to go. Tinted glass, laminated glass, and other kinds of glass are available to go with your liking, and interiors of your home or office.
- Tinted
- Laminated
- Frosted
- Clear glass
Frames
There are different types of uPVC windows. These types include casement, French, tilt and turn, slide, and fixed uPVC windows. One can choose a frame that suits your taste and the interiors of your house.
Grills
Grills are optional. It gives a modern look and even provides security. Pertinent grills with an appealing frame can grant an enhanced aesthetic look. It is not necessary to have additional space for grills. They can be installed on the uPVC window frame itself.
Lamination
uPVC windows offer a lot of texture patterns and designs. One can choose the natural white color or wooden pattern. uPVC windows are not just limited to bright white windows. Now, homeowners can choose the pattern they like.
Glazing
uPVC windows are single-glazed. But now manufacturers provide double or triple-glazed windows. People choose double or triple-glazed windows for noise reduction and thermal efficiency. More panes of glass ensure thermal efficiency. It captures thermal heat in the house.
- Single glazed: only one pane is installed.
- Double glazed: two panes of glass are installed.
- Triple glazed: Three panes of glass are installed.
Colors
uPVC windows are not just restricted to customize patterns or white color. Now you can choose any paint color you want. One can either choose dark, light, or neutral shades. uPVC windows can be cladded with aluminum. The cladding colors are:
- Brown
- White
- Pearl white
- Traffic white
- Blue
- Ash black
- Gray black
- Bottle green
- Scarlet red
Hardware
The handles, locks, knobs, or even hinges can be customized according to your taste. The hardware comes with distinct designs that will match the type and color of the frame.
Handles variety includes:
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Chrome
- Titanium
- Light bronze
- Dark bronze
