S POT L IGHT
Tackling the myths of PVC-U
in period properties
Russell Hand, head of marketing & technical at Rehau Windows, sets the record straight on concerns about
the use of PVC-U in conservation areas.
With over , conservation
areas in the UK, including
everything from characterful
rural landscapes to historic town
centres and residential streets, it is clear that we
value maintaining this country’s heritage. With that
in mind, it is unsurprising that timber windows are
still popular, as their authenticity is considered
key to maintaining the look of these traditional
properties.
Yet while these timber windows offer curb
appeal, they do not share the long-lasting durability
of PVC-U. Indeed, with continued innovation
around polymer solutions, it is now possible to offer
the best of both worlds with a level of performance
and aesthetic appeal that’s not possible with
traditional materials. Such advances should help
dispel the following common myths around the
PVC-U industry.
MYTH: ‘PVC-U LOOKS DIFFERENT’
When PVC-U was first introduced to the UK
market in the €8s, with limited foil colour options,
this criticism may have been valid. However, there
are now a vast array of foil ranges and solutions
available and advances around specialist designs,
flush casements and Georgian bars have served to
consign this criticism to history.
Previously, PVC-U window profiles have also
come under fire for being seen as excessively large.
However, continued technological innovations have
made it possible to very accurately replicate what
could once only be produced with timber.
MYTH: ‘PLASTIC IS NOT SUSTAINABLE’
As PVC can be recycled several times before
any significant loss in performance, windows
made in the material actually enjoy a high level of
sustainability. This has been enhanced by suppliers
such as Rehau, which has invested in its PVC
recycling solution at PVCR. Indeed, with a lifecycle
of ‹Œ years, Rehau windows can be recycled up to
six more times, including everything down to the
glass and hinges.
The sustainability benefits of PVC-U windows go
beyond recycling – as well as replicating period-style
properties, they can also improve a home’s thermal
efficiency, thanks to double and triple glazing.
Another key consideration is that period
properties were not built to withstand the increased
noise levels of modern life. The fact PVC-U doubleglazing
units can keep noise levels to a minimum is
vital to ensuring homeowners remain undisturbed.
In many cases, new windows can be glazed to meet
current building regs set for new properties, despite
the original building being over € years old.
MYTH: ‘APPLICATIONS WILL
GET DECLINED’
The scepticism councils and trusts hold toward
the use of PVC-U materials in heritage properties
largely stems from The Conservation Act €,
which states that local authorities, housing
associations and building owners are charged with
preserving heritage structures and conserving the
materials and workmanship. As the technology has
evolved, the industry has therefore worked hard to
counteract these outdated views.
In turn, it appears the opposite is becoming
true – that rather than PVC-U disrupting existing
structures, it is timber which may not be suitable
to some applications. This is because without a
continual maintenance regime, timber may rot
and deteriorate over time. By contrast, PVC-U
technology has developed to the point where it is
sympathetic to existing structures, while remaining
extremely durable.
PVC-U also complies with Article “ of the
Permitted Development Rights Act, which, crucially,
states the dimensions of how windows should look,
rather than stipulating the type of material they
must be made from. However, it must be noted
that customers are often left to the final approval
of the conservation officer to confirm their choice
of materials. In addition, PVC-U windows can now
have the cleaning operation completed from within
the building, which is a far safer option than the
original timber window allowed. Rehau’s Heritage
window range, for example, is designed to allow the
opening sashes to tilt inwards for safer cleaning.
Additionally, it is possible to fabricate Rehau
windows to meet the enhanced security measures
required by current building regulations. Crucially,
this includes Approved Document Q for security.
OFFERING REASSURANCE
It is vital that installers offer reassurance and best
possible advice to customers who require planning
permission for replacement PVC-U windows. This
includes advising where and how to make an online
planning application and keeping them aware of
potential delays to the council’s decision.
Good imagery and literature should also be
submitted as part of the application to bolster
reasons for using PVC-U, and section drawings of
the profile should be included to allow comparison
of new and existing windows. Finally, efforts
should be made to preserve the look of the
original windows, so they are sympathetic with
neighbouring properties.
Suppliers such as Rehau work closely with
installers to ensure less stressful window design and
installation processes that meet current building
regulations and performance requirements. The
company also works with the Heritage Windows
Group of GGF. Furthermore, Rehau works with
English Heritage and Conservation Officers
to ensure all the benefits of new materials are
considered while remaining sympathetic to the
building’s existing structure.
It is understandable why owners of periodstyle
properties would opt for timber in certain
heritage applications. Yet due to the continued
advancement of PVC-U technology, there is no
longer a compromise to be made between aesthetic
appeal, sustainability and thermal efficiency.
May www.ggpmag.com
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