Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs) on uPVC Double Glazing
What is uPVC?
UPVC is unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. The main component of uPVC is salt. The extrusion process of PVC uses 3 times less energy than aluminium smelting. Our uPVC contains no traces of lead.
What is Double Glazing?
Double glazing is an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), which is made up of two pieces of glass; joined though an IGU’s which is argon gas. The argon gas has many great thermal attributes. The unit is sealed to prevent any dust or moisture to get between the glass.
What type of glass is it?
Our standard Glass unit is 24mm (4mm+16+4mm) float or toughened however this can be increased and customised to each individual customer depending on the requirements and needs. We have a wide range of standard obscure glass, coloured glass etc. If you require a different type of glass, you can discuss that with our consultant.
Will it reduce noise issues?
Yes. You can achieve a noise reduction of 80% for windows. But you have to look at other aspects of noise insulation in the house such as floors, walls and ceilings.
Are uPVC Double Glazed windows and Doors UV resistant?
Our profile is produced from “Tropical Mix” panels, specially designed by Deceuninck, for high UV countries; such as Australia. The extrusion mix is completely different from the mix used for European countries, as they have different climate conditions. Our white profile will not become yellow over time. Coloured Lamination film (Solex), is produced and design by a German company, by the name of “Renolit”, for Deceuninck; with 10 years warranty.
Can I have uPVC if I am in a bush fire prone area?
Our windows have Galvanized steel reinforcement and are made suitable for BAL- 40. Contact us for the Guide for windows in bush fire affected areas.
Is uPVC suitable for coastal areas?
UPVC windows are your best option, as they will not corrode, and are water and weather tight. They also do not require painting and are easy to maintain.
Can my builder install uPVC windows and doors?
Yes. Builders or qualified carpenters can install our windows. We will supply frames without glass to your construction site, then the builder will install frames and we will come and install IGUs after frame installation is complete.
Do you use Safety Glass?
Safety glass is a type of glass which is safe for human impact. It is either Toughened or Laminated glass. Laminated glass has a minimum thickness of 6.38mm; toughened glass has a 4mm minimum. We mainly use Toughened glass, due to the fact that toughened IGUs weigh less.
Will it improve my home security?
For your protection, our windows are glazed from the inside. It means that glass can be removed only from the inside of the premises. You can choose windows and doors with multiple locking hardware (Tilt and Turn to be the best option) and you may install lockable handles to all windows.
Which window style is the most cost-efficient?
The most cost-efficient option of UPVC windows would be Tilt and Turn windows, as they are less labour-intensive to manufacture.
What Is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
Visible Light Transmission is the percentage of the visible spectrum of sunlight that is passing through a piece of glass. It is expressed as a figure between 0 and 100 – a glass with a VLT of 0 would transmit no sunlight whatsoever, while a glass with a VLT of 100 would transmit all of the sun’s light.
What’s the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how well a window blocks (or shades) the heat from sunlight. SHGC is the fraction of solar radiation transmitted through a window or skylight, as well as the amount that is absorbed by the glass and reradiated to the interior. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability.
What’s a u-Value?
The U-value (expressed as Uw in windows) measures how readily a window system conducts heat. It is a measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through it. The rate of heat is indicated in the terms of the U-value of a window assembly which includes the effect of the frame, glass, seals and any spacers. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.