The Guide to the Different Types of Glass for Windows
PVCu Vinyl Windows
The long history of vinyl windows has proven itself for energy efficiency, durability, low maintenance and very friendly for the environment. Most of the vinyl windows available today are engineered to reduce energy transfer through the various window components and to perform as a complete unit to lower energy bills and lessen the heating and/or cooling demands of a building. Modern welding technology used in the manufacturing adds greatly to the performance characteristics and increases the durability and low maintenance aspects with a vinyl window.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is currently the third-most manufactured synthetic form of plastic. The history of vinyl goes back to 1838 when it was first discovered by accident. The chemist Henri Victor Regnault didn’t patent it because he didn’t know what to do with it. It was accidentally re-discovered in 1872, but again, the chemist didn’t know what to do with it. Then in 1913 it is patented by a German chemist, Friedrich Klatte but he can’t find a commercial use for it. It was not until 1926 that BF Goodrich Co began mixing additives to make it flexible for manufacturing. And in 1959, the first unplasticized (PVCu) windows were manufactured in Germany.
Vinyl windows – a natural choice
Vinyl windows are a natural choice for a clean look because they always look freshly painted. They have unmatched durability against harsh weather so is often the material of choice by home owners that want to eliminate routine maintenance. Cleaning is particularly easy as vinyl won’t degrade with time or exposure to harsh chemicals.
Vinyl windows are now available in a wider range of color options than ever before. Coloring pigments may be added to the frames during the extrusion process. Acrylic colors may be offered in this fashion as well. Cladding, foils and paints offer the greatest range of color options and is very appealing for design conscious home owner.
At Hawkeye Windows & Doors, we offer a wide range of PVCu vinyl windows and doors with some of the latest European technology and color ranges available to personalize your design.
