How PVC-U Windows and Doorsets Are Made

PVC-U is a rigid version of the polyvinyl chloride polymer. In order to make the material suitable for use in the manufacture of windows and doorsets, a number of special additives are included in the material to give it impact resistance, colour fastness and long-term performance.

An extrusion process is used to create profiles designed to incorporate the detailed features necessary to enable the fabrication and assembly of the many components required for high performance windows and doorsets.

The profiles are cut to size and have a number of machining operations carried out on them to enable the finished product to have hardware fitted and for water drainage paths to be formed. They are then joined together using heat fusion welding and/or mechanical fixings to form the desired configuration of product. Steel or aluminium reinforcement sections are fixed inside the PVC-U profiles, where required, to provide additional strength. Other inserts can be used to improve thermal performance and increase screw retention.

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Informative Videos

The following video shows the manufacturing process of PVC-U windows. The video has been supplied by the BPF Windows Group's member Veka Plc.

Resources

1. BPF Windows Group Factsheet 1: Environmental Matters
2. Metallic Stabilisers and PVC
3. Life Expectancy
4. PVC Incineration
5. Hydro Polymers: Closed Loop Recycling Opportunities for PVC
6. A Brief History of Windows - Guide to Sympathetic Replacement Design