PVCu windows – your buyer’s guide
If you are thinking about upgrading your home with replacement windows, PVCu windows are an enduringly popular choice for homeowners – and with good reason.
Well known for their durability and energy-efficiency, PVCu window are low maintenance and give you the peace of mind of a secure, warm home that will look great for many years to come.
PVCu windows are also incredibly versatile – from Georgian to Edwardian houses, from townhouses to rural homes, there are PVCu windows to suit every style and period of property.
Here we answer all your questions about PVCu windows.
Construction of PVCu Windows
What are PVCu windows made from?
PVCu (Poly Vinyl Chloride un-plasticised) is a tough, weather-resistant material that will not rot or rust. Galvanised steel or aluminium is used in many PVCu window frames for extra strength.
This incredibly versatile material can be moulded into different profiles to provide a breadth of styles to suit every home.
For example, our PremierGOLD PVCu Classic casement windows feature a ‘softline’ ovolo moulding throughout the frame and sash, creating a sculpted appearance to emulate traditional, period style.
How secure are PVCu windows?
With PVCu windows, security is built in.
Multi-point locking systems, robust frames, sealed units incorporating double or triple glazing, along with reliable PVCu window handles in range or contemporary or traditional styles, work together to keep your home safe.
For added reassurance, you can also choose to incorporate laminated or toughened glass into your PVCu windows.
What about ventilation for PVCu windows?
Good ventilation is essential for every home to maintain adequate airflow for freshness, and to ensure that condensation is both minimised and proactively managed.
Read more about the causes and cures of condensation.
Trickle vents are a required feature of all replacement windows, to ensure adequate natural ventilation for homes and other buildings. Therefore, all new and replacement PVCu windows include trickle vents.
Trickle vents are positioned at the upper frame of a window to ensure constant, natural airflow into the room – even when the window is closed.
Read more in our guide to ventilation.
Aesthetic options
Do PVCu windows only come in white?
While fresh, white PVCu windows are always a popular choice for their versatility and classic aesthetic, modern PVCu double glazed windows are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
With our PremierGOLD PVCu Classic casement windows, you can choose from the limitless range of bespoke RAL and Farrow & Ball colours.
Our PVCu sliding sash windows come with a choice of six colours and finishes as standard, with a wide range of spray-finished RAL colours available as an optional extra.
What about timber-effect PVCu windows?
PVCu windows come with woodgrain effects of exceptional quality that faithfully mimic the look of natural timber, so much so that it’s almost impossible to tell the difference!
Can you tell which of these sliding sash windows is timber, and which is PVCu?
With our range of sliding sash windows, our Heritage and Ultimate styles include a precision woodgrain effect alongside period features such as sash horns, joinery-style mechanical joints, a deep bottom rail and external putty lines – painstaking details which make these windows almost indistinguishable from timber originals.
Can I have decorative features on PVCu windows?
Absolutely! PVCu windows lend themselves perfectly to imitating decorative and period features such as Georgian and astragal bars.
Contemporary Georgian bars are set inside the sealed unit, between the layers of glazing. They emulate traditional styling, but with the increased strength and security of modern materials.
While Georgian bars are an internal bar within the sealed unit, astragal bars are applied externally on the surface of the glass, as well as internally between panes. This gives the impression of the glass being held by the bars.
Our sliding sash windows offer the versatility to emulate the style of Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian properties, giving you the flexibility to enhance your home with an authentic upgrade.
What are the benefits of PVCu sash windows?
PVCu sash windows combine period style with modern performance.
They replicate the look of traditional wooden sliding sash windows as well as their functionality, but offer the low maintenance and energy efficient benefits of PVCu.
Our PremierGOLD range includes flush and slim sash options:
- Our PremierGOLD FlushSASH PVCu windows sit flush within the frame, recreating the traditional look of timber casements, providing low maintenance, security, sound insulation and energy efficiency.
- Our SlimSASH windows are designed to let natural light flood into your home. They feature a slimline profile with an increased glass area and, despite their slender frame, they offer exceptional thermal efficiency due to their advanced six-chamber design.
PVCu window handles and furniture
What window furniture options are available?
With our PremierGOLD windows, we fit white key-locking handles as standard. These can be upgraded to a variety of contemporary or traditional handles, such as chrome, graphite or black with ‘monkey tail’ end, to suit your preferred style.
With our sliding sash windows, we offer two styles of window furniture, depending on the model you choose:
The Heritage and Charisma models have window furniture available in satin, white, gold and chrome; whereas our Ultimate model includes bronze, chrome, satin, gold and antique black options.
Extra window furniture is available in gold, chrome and white for all three models.
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Are PVCu double glazed windows energy efficient?
Modern PVCu double glazed windows include specialist features that mean they offer excellent thermal efficiency:
- Multi-chamber frames
- Energy-efficient glass
- Warm edge spacer bar
- Argon filled sealed units
These aspects combine to give excellent U-Values, and a BFRC Window Energy Rating of ‘A’ for energy efficiency for PVCu windows such as our PremierGOLD Classic casement windows.
Are PVCu windows environmentally friendly?
PVCu is fully recyclable and many manufacturers use recycled materials in new frames.
Our PVCu windows are constructed from 100% lead-free, high-impact modified PVCu, making them incredibly robust and resistant to discolouration and cracking.
Alongside their energy-saving benefits, these factors make double glazed PVCu windows an option that’s both eco-friendly and long-lasting.
Maintaining PVCu windows
Do PVCu windows need a lot of maintenance?
Replacement PVCu windows are very low maintenance.
A wipe with warm, soapy water keeps them looking their best.
Hinges and PVCu window handles benefit from the occasional drop of lubricant to keep them functioning perfectly.
Will the colour and finish last?
Today’s coloured and woodgrain finishes are designed to resist fading and should keep their good looks for many years ahead.
PVCu windows and period properties
Can PVCu windows be used in conservation areas?
It depends on local regulations, but many conservation areas allow PVCu windows with authentic features and woodgrain finishes, as they closely replicate original windows.
Read our guide to replacing windows in period homes.
Do PVCu sash windows suit older homes?
By choosing heritage colours, features such as astragal and Georgian bars or woodgrain finishes, PVCu windows can preserve the charm of a period property while adding the comfort and security of modern technology.
Period property transformations
Take a look at some examples of where replacement PVCu windows have transformed our customers’ homes with warm, secure and low maintenance windows, whilst retaining their character and charm:
Enhance your home with PVCu windows
At our welcoming Haywards Heath showroom you can experience the quality and extensive options offered by our stylish range of PVCu windows.
Please call our team on 01444 457 145 to book a design consultation at our showroom or in your home.