The following lists
performance standards which windows
must meet when tested:
Performance
Standards
Conformity
with BS 6375 Part 1 1989 for weather
tightness
Conformity
with BS 6375 Part 2 for operation
and strength characteristics
Specification
BS 7412 1991 for windows made from
PVCu extruded hollow profiles
PAS
O11 1994 - for enhanced security
requirement
Recyclability
Contrary to popular opinion, PVCu is
recyclable and can be reused 100% several
times over. The reuse of PVCu in window
profiles is strictly controlled and
limited by British Standards, but there
are a number of products which can use
large amounts of recycled PVCu. At one
time PVCu was simply dumped after use
or possibly burned in refuse combustion
plants. However, used PVCu now has a
residual value which covers the cost
of its return and reprocessing. Wright
Window Systems support the recycling
and reuse of PVCu window profiles.
PVCu
Cost Comparisons
Several recent studies have shown
that, in the long term, PVCu windows
cost less than aluminium, hardwood
or softwood. These studies assume
that the PVCu profiles do not have
any additional external finish that
may need redecoration. Under these
circumstances the finish should perform
no worse than a polyester powder coated
finish on aluminium and certainly
better than hardwood or softwood finishes.
Finishes
The most common finish for PVCu window
profiles is white. Our Diamond Suite
profiles are produced in brilliant
white, a unique blend creating a unique
colour. A mahogany or light oak woodgrain
can also be supplied as a standard
finish. The permanent woodgrain effect
is achieved by a foil applied to the
external surfaces of the profile.
Windows can be supplied with a white
finish internally like a timber window,
a woodgrain finish inside and out.
Maintenance
There is no such thing as a maintenance
free window or door. Whatever the
frame materials, some maintenance
will be required. All moving parts
including handles and hinges should
be checked, preferably annually and
lubricated where necessary. All PVCu
profiles whether white, woodgrain
or colour coated should be washed
down using a mild detergent in water
at intervals of 6 to 18 months, depending
on location.
Duraflex
holds certificate number FM 10093
and operates a quality management
system which complies with the requirements
of BSEN ISO 9001:1994 for the following
activities:
The
supply of plastic window components
and the production of PVCu profile
extrusions
The
design, development, manufacture
and supply of various building products
and systems
The
blending processing of PVCu powder
for use in extrusion processes
The
design and development of various
building products and systems
Sales
and marketing of various building
products and systems
Quality
systems department and administration
centre
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a chemical
compound of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen.
The components of PVC originate from
the naturally occurring raw materials
of petroleum or natural gas and common
salt. The 'u' stands for unplasticised
and means that the material has not
been softened by the addition of chemicals
known as plasticisers.
PVC was produced
for the first time in 1935 and has
been industrially manufactured in
large quantities for over 50 years.
It has been developed into a material
which can offer a wide range of properties
and therefore has many different applications.
Total PVC production can be split
approximately into the following applications.
55%
Construction
Industry
16%
Packaging
Industry
4%
Furniture
4%
Cars
2%
Electricity
Industry
19%
Others
(including
Medical and Horticultural)
The production process
starts with sodium chloride, (common
salt) from which chlorine gas is obtained
by electrolysis. Petroleum or natural
gas is used to produce ethylene, one
of the many products of the process
known as cracking. Bringing together
chlorine and ethylene, liquid vinyl
chloride (VC) is produced which is
immediately changed in the process
by polymerisation to polyvinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride is toxic and therefore
a closed production process is used
producing PVC as a white powder that
is chemically stable and has no known
adverse effects on humans.
PVC
for Diamond Suite Windows and Doors
Pure PVCu is not quite suitable for
window profiles. A small amount of
stabilisers and additives are required,
the mix of which differ between manufacturers.
Our PVCu has a unique blend to provide
longevity, high weather and UV resistance
and the unique brilliant white colour.
