Your Ultimate Guide to uPVC Windows and Doors

Everything you need to know about this lightweight, high-performance building material

If you’re in the market for double-glazed windows and doors, you’ve probably come across the acronym “uPVC” more than once.

uPVC windows are increasingly common as more people become familiar with this innovative low-cost building material. At the same time, the quality of uPVC frames continues to improve.

There’s a lot to unpack about uPVC, from its insulating performance to its environmental impact. Let’s dive in.

What is uPVC?

Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is a lightweight construction material prized for its strength, durability, and relatively low cost.

The “u” in “uPVC” is important. Adding plasticisers softens the material into PVC, a flexible material used in everything from wiring to washing-up gloves and medical tubes to floor mats.

It goes without saying that plasticised PVC would make a pretty poor window frame.

Unplasticised PVC, on the other hand, is rigid and robust. 

How it’s made

uPVC is extracted from a chemical process and turned into a powder. That powder is heated to a molten state and poured into a mould to make uPVC window frames.

UV protection and heat stabilisers are then added, making the uPVC frame resilient and durable. uPVC windows can withstand Perth’s summer sunlight and winter rains for over a decade without fading, warping, cracking or corroding.

A quick history of uPVC in construction

uPVC first appeared nearly 100 years ago, in 1935. Since then, it has been used in commercial applications for almost 50 years, especially in the USA and UK.

Here in Australia, we’re quickly catching up to the rest of the world as uPVC becomes more widely available and affordable. As well as uPVC windows, the material is used to make downpipes, gutters, trim, fascia, and weather-resistant wall cladding.

uPVC is a popular construction material because it is:

Rigid.

Weather-resistant.

Insulating.

Strong.

Durable.

Impervious to moisture and corrosion.

Plus, modern techniques mean uPVC windows come in a wide range of colours, including natural timber looks, to suit any design scheme.

uPVC vs aluminium vs timber: Which frame is best?

Aluminium and uPVC are the most common frame materials for double-glazed windows and doors. Some bespoke and boutique builders still offer timber frames, so we’ll compare timber to see how it stacks up.

Cost

Aluminium

Medium

uPVC

Low

Timber

High

Expected lifetime

Aluminium

30-40 years

uPVC

30-35 years

Timber

10-20 years (cheap)

60 years (premium)

VLTw

VLTw = visible light transmittance for windows (lower values mean less available light)

Aluminium

0.72

uPVC

0.65

Timber

0.65

Uw

Uw = conduction for windows (lower values mean better insulation - more resistance to heat flow)

Aluminium

4.2

uPVC

3.0

Timber

3.0

SHGCw

SHGCw = solar heat gain coefficient for windows (lower values mean less heat gain)

Aluminium

0.69

uPVC

0.61

Timber

0.61

Corrosive

Aluminium

No

uPVC

No

Timber

No

Weather resistant

Aluminium

Yes

uPVC

Yes

Timber

Can warp and crack over time

Maintenance requirements

Aluminium

Low

uPVC

Almost none

Timber

High

Operating weight

Aluminium

High

uPVC

Low

Timber

Medium

Recyclable

Aluminium

Yes

uPVC

Yes

Timber

Yes

Security*

*Assuming the door or window is fitted with a good multi-point lock.

Aluminium

High

uPVC

High

Timber

High

Coating options

Aluminium

Powder coated

uPVC

Solex Radiant Barrier; pigment applied in manufactuing

Timber

Natural; painted

You can find a more in-depth comparison of aluminium vs uPVC windows here.

The lifestyle benefits of uPVC windows

Double-glazed doors and windows are not something you buy every day. They’re an investment in your home’s comfort and resale value.

What makes uPVC double glazing such an exciting innovation are the lifestyle benefits, including:

Lower upfront cost.

Excellent durability.

Secure against break-ins.

Virtually no maintenance.

High energy efficiency.

Lower heating and cooling costs.

UV-blocking to preserve furniture (and skin).

More comfortable to open and close.

Finished to suit your home.

Customisable design.

uPVC vs aluminium windows: The cost question

With the rising price of building materials, the cost of double glazing is a crucial consideration for Aussie families who are building or renovating. 

Aluminium is more expensive than uPVC. Timber is typically more expensive again.

But a bigger concern, in our opinion, is the return on your investment. Is it worth shelling out for aluminium windows now to get more value in the future?

The simple answer is no.

uPVC outperforms aluminium on insulation, energy efficiency, opening and closing weight, and aesthetics. The two are neck-and-neck on durability.

uPVC windows are not only more affordable in the short-term, but the energy savings and lower maintenance costs make uPVC a better long-term investment. 

Double-glazed window styles

Fixed

Fixed uPVC double-glazed windows are a low-cost solution to maximise natural light while cutting heating and cooling costs.

Sliding 

uPVC is the ultimate material for space-saving sliding doors and windows. It’s lighter than aluminium, with a thinner profile.

Tilt and turn

With two opening options and a secure multi-point locking system, tilt and turn windows are fast becoming a favourite in Perth.

Casement

Side hinges allow you to open casement windows in or out depending on the space (and weather).

Awning

Ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms, awning windows are hinged at the top with a convenient lockable handle at the bottom.

How to know you’re getting a good quality product

Your checklist for high-quality uPVC double-glazed windows

Once you start sourcing quotes for aluminium and uPVC double-glazed windows, you can quickly tell which company will offer the best service and value for money.

Go with your gut. And use this checklist to ensure you’re not missing anything essential.

Australian made.

Unit (frame and glass) meets AS2047 standards.

Glass meets AS 1288 thickness standards.

Long manufacturer’s warranty.

Made to your exact measurements.

Steel reinforcement for strength.

Compression seals to prevent water penetration.

Secure multi-point locking system.

Low-E glass or UV-blocking coating.

Choice of colours and finishes.

Cost and quality are two of the most significant considerations when renovating or building. Naturally, you want the best building materials available for your budget.

Thankfully, uPVC is both affordable and impressive.  

When it comes to double-glazed windows and doors, uPVC is the best all-around frame material. But there are uPVC windows and ARCO uPVC windows.

ARCO Double Glazing manufactures high-quality uPVC windows and doors locally in Bibra Lake. We are proudly certified members of the Australian Made campaign, Australian Glass & Window Association, and Window Energy Rating Scheme.

With European-designed profiles, robotic precision manufacturing, and local insight, our made-to-measure uPVC doors and windows are the best in the business.

Get an instant quote using the tool below, or contact the ARCO team for more information.