Why do architects vouch for uPVC Doors and Windows?
14th April, 2015
If someone wants to improve their home but does not know the best way to go about it, they can put their trust in UPVC as it is their best bet! It is environmentally friendly, rust and corrosion resistant and thus lasts very long time. This product is truly the revolutionary innovation by man in the field of architecture alone today. That is why top architects vouch for a revolutionary product knows as the UPVC technology.
why?
Windows in residential and commercial constructions in India have mainly been looked at merely as simple carpenter assembled contraptions to fill the aperture in the wall, and traditionally made of Mild Steel, Wood or Aluminium and simple float glass apart from some basic hardware such as handles, shoot-bolts, hinges, etc. Globally, windows have come a long way from being insignificant to being recognized as the single most important area in the envelope or shell of the building for preventing energy loss and providing inhabitant comfort. Apart from this, windows today also have to ensure low/high Solar Heat Gain (depending on climate) day lighting, noise attenuation, low dust ingress, air/water tightness, aesthetics, low maintenance requirements, and the like. Accordingly, windows today are judged on the basis of following parameters:
uValue (W/m2K)
This measures how well a window is able to prevent heat transfer across itself either from outside to inside, or vice-versa. The lower the u value, the better is the Windows insulating value. Today, State-of-the-art window making technology ensures u values of even 0.2 W/m2K.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
This measures how well a window blocks heat caused by sunlight. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window transmits.
Visible Transmittance (VT)
These measures how much light comes through the window? VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1; the higher the number, the more light is transmitted.
Air Leakage (AL) cfm/sq ft
When air infiltrates through cracks in a window, heat gain from outside or cooling loss from inside can happen. AL rating is expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area. The lower the value, lesser the AL.
Water Tightness
Is the way to measures how much water can infiltrate through cracks/joints in a windows. This is an important test for coastal and/or heavy rain areas.
Noise Attenuation or Reduction
Due to their better seal ability and product integrity, uPVC Windows ensure that noise from outside does not come into habitable area. This property is important for Hospitals, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Constructions close to noise centres, etc.
Wind Load Suitability
Windows have to withstand higher wind loads particularly in windy locations, coastal areas, high rises, etc. uPVC Windows are designed and reinforced to withstand even 3000 Pascals of wind speed (equivalent to 245 km/hr of wind velocity).
In keeping up with the advancements in technology and how the rest of the world specifies windows to deliver far more than just filling the aperture in the wall, we in India also have to progress and go up the learning and value curve in Fenestration Products (broad term for products filling the openings in the Building Envelope or Shell) so that they can deliver higher inhabitant comfort, safety and aesthetics at affordable prices as well as restrict heat transfer/energy loss in commercial as well as residential air-conditioned spaces.
Based on the above and the fact that Indian Sub-Continent is designated into five distinct climatic zones, it is important to understand what windows are expected to deliver in each of the zones so as to improve overall inhabitant comfort as well as save energy by preventing heat gain or cooling loss, as the case may be as shown below in Table 1.
Indian Sub-Continent is designated into five distinct climatic zones:
Climatic Zone
Solar Heat Gain (SHGC)
Heat Transfer (u value)
Air Tight
Water Tight
Heavy Squall &/or Rain
Comfortable to Touch
Noise Reduction
Dust Reduction
Condensation Free
Hot-Dry
Should Prevent
Low u value required
Yes
Yes
Should Withstand
Yes
Yes
Should not let in dust
NA
Humid-Warm
Should Prevent
Low u value required
Yes
Yes
Should Withstand
Yes
Yes
Should not let in dust
NA
Composite- Hot in Summer, Cold in Winter
Should Prevent in Summer, Allow in Winter
u value may not be as low as in above
Yes
Yes
Should Withstand
Yes
Yes
Should not let in dust
Yes in winter
Temperate
Should Prevent when hot, allow when cold
u value may not be as low as in above
Yes
Yes
Should Withstand
Yes
Yes
Should not let in dust
Yes
Cold
Should Allow
Low u value required
Yes
Yes
Should Withstand
Yes
Yes
Should not let in dust
Yes
Table1
Given below are some of the Key Attributes and Value Proposition that uPVC Windows offers:
a) Does not allow rains to come in due to double glazing superior quality gaskets and water drainage design – Ideal for rainy and coastal locations.
b) Does not let outside heat in (and vice-versa in cold climate) thereby providing inhabitant comfort & saving heating/cooling energy to the extent of 20-25% due to insulating multi-chambered profile and air-tight sealing design ; Also comfortable to touch in hot as well as cold climate; are condensation free – Ideal for cold locations. e.g. Siachen, as well as hot locations like Thar desert
c) It Provides Sound & Dust insulation , reducing noise to the extent of 20-30 decibles thereby providing user comfort – Ideal for Schools, Colleges, Canteens & Messes, Hospitals , Community Centres, airports and offices etc..
d) Does not Rust, Corrode, Rot or Swell, are Termite proof, need no Painting – Ideal for coastal and rainy locations
e) Design flexibility and versatility – Any shape, form and size can be made; can be customized to blend with the architecture of the building
f) Stylish , elegant and aesthetically pleasing – Available in a choice of colours, printed patterns, laminates and colour- coordinated grilles
g) Easy to fabricate, and install – Can be drilled, nailed, sawed, etc. and no finishing needed
h) Durable & Long Life – Have high impact strength, dimensional stability and weather stability ; Do not fade or get discoloured ; Water and chemical resistant ; No warpage or expansion/ contraction due to changes in humidity
i) Looks like new even after year – No paint or varnish needed; occasional cleaning with soap and water. In fact , if uPVC Windows are installed as replacement in old buildings, the buildings get a face-up and look almost new
j) Secure – Safety locking arrangements and metal reinforcements meet the common standards for forced-entry resistance
k) Meet stringent Fire safety requirements – PVC is inherently flame retardant, difficult to ignite and resists sustained burning
l) Convenient cleaning – Tilt in sashes allow for safe and easy cleaning from inside. Windows open effortlessly and balances never need adjusting
m) Act as Project Differentiator from a Builder’s perspective
n) Increase asset and resale value from a home-owner’s perspective
o) Save Forests and Environment – Replacement for Wood and Energy Intensive metals
p) Made from plentiful natural resource – 57% of PVC comes from common salt
q) Can be recycled at the end of their useful life
One has to understand that glass fitting is just as important as installation of UPVC doors and windows. That is exactly why this technology also comes with an offer and choice of an entire range of glass that can easily be fitted into these UPVC frames. There are choices of laminated, tempered, sound resistant, insulated, bent and yes, even bullet proof glasses that are available in the market today and this range of glass is known for its strength and sturdiness.
There is a reason why UPVC products are so much in demand today. Unplastisized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) is a rigid and chemically resistant form of PVC. It has various advantages which are enhanced to meet the customers’ expectations. For one, these products need very less maintenance. They are much stronger than traditional wooden and aluminium products. Unlike wooden products, when exposed to damp weather conditions, UPVC products do not swell or warp. UPVC’s durability is absolutely unquestionable. When compared to the aluminium counterparts, UPVC doors and windows are hands down better in terms of security, appearance and most importantly, value for money. Apart from temperature, UPVC products remain unaffected by termite, rust, corrosion and dust.
Conclusion:
uPVC Windows are increasingly becoming the material of choice for achieving economic and environmental balance as well as meeting higher demands on inhabitant comfort . With natural resources dwindling fast, traditional products are becoming more expensive. At the same time the requirement of building materials is increasing many folds. uPVC Windows and other PVC Products are making an enormous contribution to many different aspects of infrastructure development and hence need to be on every Architects, Interior Decorators or Builders radar screen.
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