PVCu / uPVC Conservatory
If you want a conservatory that will not demand a regular coat of paint, will
not fade in the sun but will help keep the cold out during the winter months
then look no further than one with a PVCu frame.
WHAT IS PVCu / uPVC?
The technical name for PVC is Poly Vinyl Chloride with the u meaning unplasticised.
Which in turn just means that no chemicals, known as plasticizers, have been
added to soften the material.
And basically that’s what PVCu is - plastic, but a plastic with a host
of advantages.
WHAT’s IN A NAME?
PVCu is also called UPVC by some people who are a little behind the times.
It changed its name in the 1980s when Britain decided to fall into line with
other European countries.
So, no matter how it is written PCVu, uPVC PVC-U… they all mean the
same thing.
IS IT A GOOD MATERIAL FOR A CONSERVATORY?
Around the world 50 per cent of the basic PVC material is used in construction,
which must say something for what the experts feel about it.
In the form of PVCu it has been gaining in popularity for years with doors,
windows and conservatories constantly being chosen for their look, hard wearing
qualities and the knowledge that no DIY skills are needed for maintenance.
Before PVCu is made into frames a small amount of stabilisers and additives
are added. These help with longevity, resistance to weather and harmful UV
rays from the sun, and they also produce its trademark brilliant white colour.
HOW STRONG IS A PVCu / uPVC CONSERVATORY?
It is worth asking the salesman one or two questions. Make sure that the frames
of the conservatory are made especially for the job and aren’t just window
frames which are being bolted together.
All PVCu frames should have a thickness of at least 55mm, the thicker the
wall the more strength it has.
Ask to see a cross section of the wall. You may be surprised to see that it
isn’t solid but has a multi-walled or chambered construction. That multi-wall
must be strengthened with aluminium or galvanised steel to add extra strength
and load bearing properties.
If your conservatory is to have a glass roof rather than a polycarbonate -
then good load-bearing walls are essential. If you look around you will find
that some company’s frames are nearer 80mm in thickness.
The strength and construction of the profile is also an important factor when
comparing price. Is a low-priced version, which may look similar to a more
expensive one, cheaper because the frame quality is less?
It could pay to see if the profiles carry British Standards marks:
BSEN 12608 (Previously BS 7413) - means that the materials are of high standard,
impact resistant, corners have great strength and are colour fast
BS 7412 - must meet tolerance requirements in construction, the standard also
covers safety, security and weather-tightness.
WHAT ABOUT THE GLASS?
By its very nature a conservatory is a glass room. You should specify that
the glass is toughened to ensure the safety of anyone who might trip and fall
against it.
Toughened glass becomes small pieces without sharp edges on breaking and not
the terrifying long, sharp shards that have the potential to cause serious
injuries.
Having laminated glass is another alternative, although very expensive, as
the two panes of glass have a plastic coating between again it means that the
glass doesn’t shatter.
How the glass is fitted is also a serious consideration. If the glass is fitted
internally, you will find this is probably referred to as internal beading,
that means it can’t be removed externally by a would-be intruder.
Some externally beaded frames do have extra safety features to ensure they
are also secure. If frames are externally fitted ask if they have either internal
wedge gaskets or double-sided tape to hold the external bead in place.
DOES IT HAVE TO BE WHITE
Many conservatories are a brilliant white colour. If that isn’t to your
taste you will find that an alternative is one coated with a foil, which gives
it the appearance on freshly painted white wood.
This version could find favour with some planners who do not like bright white
PVCu conservatories in conservation areas.
Alternatively, if you just don’t like white or the windows and doors
of your house aren’t white - there are PVCu frames which resemble the
deep rich tones of mahogany or the lighter look of oak.
JUST REMEMBER
Adding a conservatory to your home is an excellent way of adding an extra
room that your whole family will enjoy.
But, like most things in life you get what you pay for. Use our advice and
look around, ask the questions to ensure you are getting good value for your
money, and a PVCu conservatory that will live up to its claims of being virtually
maintenance free, and will look good for years to come.
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