uPVC Windows Buyers Guide | DIY Megastore

uPVC Windows: Everything You Need to Know

uPVC windows are an excellent addition to your home for a variety of reasons. Innovative, efficient, resilient, and reliable, they are vastly superior to several older window types, and they are often less expensive too. With a host of benefits and features that are demonstrated throughout the year, uPVC windows are ideal for new builds as well as renovations.

We’ve put together this guide to give you all the information you need on uPVC windows, whether you’re a homeowner looking to breathe new life into the rooms of your house, or a tradesperson weighing up the pros and cons of different window types.

Read on to find out more about these terrific windows, from the different types available to other factors such as energy efficiency and price!

An Introduction to uPVC Windows

What is it about uPVC windows that makes them stand out from the competition? One of the main reasons behind their ever-increasing popularity is their price compared to their lifespan. Most windows have a shorter lifespan if they are cheaper in price, but compared to some more traditional alternatives, uPVC windows cost less, and have a lifespan comparable to their predecessors.

uPVC is a revolutionary plastic subtype well known for its versatility. It is a common material in the world of construction and DIY, as anyone who has partaken in either, as a trade or a hobby, will likely know. uPVC is commonly used in products that need to resist external environmental conditions, as such it is commonly used in the production of doors, guttering, and many garden features as well as windows.

Without uPVC windows, your home may be more vulnerable to a number of problems, such as damp and mould ingress. Older windows tend to let these problems manifest and fester, especially if they are approaching the end of their lifespan.

Pests are also more attracted to wooden windows, while metallic windows are more prone to rusting over time. uPVC can experience minor issues, but so long as maintenance is kept up to a reasonable degree, it is a much hardier material with fewer weaknesses.

The Types of uPVC Windows

uPVC is as versatile as it is durable. Just about any window type can be made from uPVC. Understanding the differences between each window style and design is important, as different windows serve different functions. It can be tricky getting to grips with all these variations!

Below is a breakdown of the most common types of uPVC window, how they function, and even the types of rooms they are best suited for. Remember that one of the most important factors of a window model – whether it is hinged or fixed – is determined by the style. Let’s take a look at the different window styles:

Bay and Bow

Prominent protrusions - These windows emerge from the walls of your home, creating eye-catching protrusions that give the illusion of a miniature extension of sorts.
Vary greatly in size - Modern and more traditional variants to choose from, no matter time period of the design utilised, it can still be made from uPVC.
Premium choice - They are often some of the pricier windows, and installation will almost certainly need to be completed by an expert.

Tilt and Turn

Dual function – These windows can be opened traditionally like a door or tilted open like most modern windows.
Different shapes and sizes – A wide range of styles to suit a multitude of building aesthetics.
Innovative and modern - Window designs that are more-or-less only achievable thanks to the versatility of the uPVC material.

Sash

Traditional appearance – Complete with a pane that can slide upwards alongside another fixed pane and lock into place.
Ideal for renovations – Great for older homes, but they are also popular on many new builds, especially those based on classical aesthetics.
Sturdy and reliable - Traditionally made of wood, uPVC is hardier, and wears down at a slower rate along the rails, increasing the lifespan of the window.

Windowscape

Outstanding and grandiose - Perfect for those with a flair for the dramatic, windowscape windows are usually double-door windows that open up to present an impressive view that can be as wide as the wall the window is built into.
Centre of attention - They are far less common in smaller homes but can serve as centrepieces and talking points in many urban apartments whether modern or traditional.
Professional installation - They are also some of the most challenging windows to install, with the process likely requiring experienced professional assistance. However, the ending results are well worth the efforts.

Fixed

Classically straightforward - One of the simplest window designs, these windows don’t pivot at all, and are fixed in place.
Visually versatile - Popular in roofs as well as corridors and a range of community buildings.
Straightforward application - Easily installed, with the most challenging aspect of their upkeep being exterior maintenance.

Casement

Familiar design - A window that opens with its hinges at the side, often part of a larger group of windows.
Town/City window - Particularly common in urban and suburban homes, where they will often serve as the main viewing window in a kitchen or lounge.
Room with a view - Usually utilised as the main ‘streetside’ window but can also be used as a highly effective way to enjoy the garden from within the home.

Awning

Convenient and user-friendly - A window that opens with its hinges at the top or bottom, often part of a larger group of windows.
Smaller in size – In most cases, with the exception of their presence in some community buildings, they are likely to be smaller than casement windows, though this is by no means always the case.
Versatile placement - Effective on their own or as a set, depending on your preferences. Installation and maintenance similar to that of casement windows.

Sliding

Running on rails - As the name suggests, these are windows that slide open on rails rather than on hinges. They are popular on both traditional and modern builds.
Ideal for ventilation - Popular choices in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where they can be easily adjusted to keep the room ventilated.
Straightforward installation - Fairly easily installed, though it can be difficult to maintain any ‘fixed’ panes that may accompany the sliding pane from the exterior.

Flush

Recognisable style – These Windows are installed flush to one another, creating a singular cluster of different panes within one frame.
Various appearances - Usually made from a number of awning or casement windows along with fixed panes, though any of the above styles can be utilised.
Highly versatile – sees utilisation in just about any house build no matter age, size, or style.

Is uPVC Energy Efficient?

uPVC windows are considered some of the most energy efficient of all window types due to their modern designs and the thermal benefits and features of the plastic used. It has low thermal conductivity, meaning it doesn't readily transfer heat – perfect for keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

uPVC windows are often used in conjunction with double or even triple glazing. This involves two or three layers of glass with a layer of air or gas (such as argon) in between. This significantly improves the insulation properties of the window. They also include tighter seals and gaskets that help to prevent drafts.

The windows don’t require painting or sealing, and the material itself is recyclable, making it a much more environmentally friendly option to use on your home. If you consider yourself environmentally conscious, be sure to check up on product descriptions accompanying each window model, as many manufacturers will be keen to highlight any environmental benefits.

uPVC Window Accessories

There are more to uPVC windows than the window itself – there are a number of excellent accessory pieces to accompany them. Here are a selection of some of the most important uPVC window accessories you need to know about, with a brief introduction to each one as well as key functions and benefits:

Vents

Vents are designed to keep air ventilated between the interior and exterior of your home.
They are particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens where steam can be an issue, but all rooms in a home can benefit from vents.
Most uPVC window vents can be operated separately from the window itself – you don’t have to keep your window open to benefit from ventilation.

Stays

These help to keep an open window propped open.
Ideal for use in blustery weather, though your window should remain closed, and the stay deactivated if gusts get too strong.
Tend to also be made from uPVC, though can be made from a number of other materials too, including a few metals.

Handles

Allow for easier operation of your window and compatible with the majority of window styles.
Particularly useful for ‘pulling’ your window shut, which can otherwise prove tricky.
Most windows already come with handles, but additional ones can make the window far more accessible.

Hinges

Additional hinges can drastically improve window efficiency and durability by taking equal amounts of strain when window is opened or closed.
Additional hinges can also act as stand-ins should one hinge or more start to wear.
In some cases, hinges can be installed onto ‘fixed’ windows to make them able to pivot, though this will depend on the specific of window.

Interlockers

Keeps your window more securely locked.
A great way to provide extra security for your window.
Sturdy and resilient, made from high quality materials to ensure longevity.

Customisation Options

uPVC windows are also highly customisable. While other window materials such as wood and metal have also boasted plenty of customisation options, they usually have to be treated or painted in order to achieve a particular colour or style. This is not the case with uPVC windows – they can be produced in the intended colour, meaning it lasts longer – in fact, the window can retain whatever colour it is produced in for the entirety of its lifespan.

The predominant colour used for uPVC windows is white, and the majority of the windows available on the market will use this particular finish. Meanwhile, black and grey are also often utilised. However, these are far from the only colours that the window can be produced in – red, blue, yellow, green, and many other colours are available, though due to their unusual nature, will need to be commissioned rather than brought from a store.

Like traditional windows, the glazed pane can also be customised. Clear is the most common and popular option, but frosted and translucent panes are also used in rooms such as bathrooms, where they offer light transmission while allowing privacy at the same time.

Conclusion

As we have seen, uPVC windows are fantastic modern alternatives to traditional window designs. Keeping many of the same styles and models as their predecessors, these windows are ideal for just about any home. Their resilient build makes installation all the easier, while the durable materials from which they are made ensures a lengthy lifespan. They are one of the top window options currently available on the market.

If you have any questions about uPVC windows, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team will be on hand to tell you anything you need to know about uPVC windows, as well as the different brands and manufacturers you can find supplied here at DIY Megastore. Whether you are looking for a new set of windows to serve as a centrepiece within your living room, or you would simply like to allow light into a corridor or loft space, we can help you find the ideal uPVC window for you.