After the first PVC window profile was developed in the 1960s, their popularity quickly grew across Europe, replacing many traditional wood and aluminium models. Following their decades-long success in Europe, PVC windows have also become increasingly popular in New Zealand. Here’s what you should know about this versatile window material.

Affordable in Every Shape

The scientific name for PVC is polyvinyl chloride. It’s ideal for window profiles due to its thermoplastic properties and excellent weather resistance.

PVC can be formed into almost any shape by heating. Thanks to this flexibility, even individual frame shapes such as triangular or round windows can be created.

Because it is easy to process, the production costs for PVC windows are significantly lower compared to other window types made of wood or aluminium. As a result, they are available at a more affordable price point.

 

Excellent Thermal Insulation

The multi-chamber profile gives PVC windows impressively high thermal insulation values. The small chambers in the material are visible in the profile cross-section. These cavities break up thermal bridges, reducing heat transmission.

A helpful rule of thumb: the more chambers in the profile, the better the heat protection for your home.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a PVC window is particularly easy as the material is highly resistant to the elements and does not corrode, swell or rust.

Another advantage is that, unlike wooden windows, they don’t require repainting, as PVC frames are highly weather-resistant. Routine care involves cleaning with gentle household detergent. The best cleaning approach is to rinse the surface with warm water, gently wash it with a pH-neutral detergent and a soft cloth, then rinse again.

Thanks to their weather resistance, PVC windows are very durable. With proper care, you can expect them to last for decades.

Unique Colours and Surface Protection with Acrylcolor

In addition to the energy-related advantages, PVC windows also offer a wide variety of colour options. An enhancement with acrylcolor will add a unique design accent to your house facade and significantly further increase the durability of your windows.

Windows with acrylcolor require very little maintenance and are extremely easy to care for. The silk-matt, smooth and pore-free surface is insensitive to dust and dirt build-up. Therefore, peeling, chipping, and repainting are not required.

Acrylcolor is created in a co-extrusion colouring process. This process enhances and protects PVC window systems in a long-lasting fashion. The white PVC base body and the coloured acrylic glass are permanently connected. As a result, the surface of the acrylic glass is inseparable from the primary body, giving PVC windows a long-lasting finish and extra protection.

The fusion of the two materials creates a satin-matt outer acrylcolor surface that can withstand any weather condition for decades to come. The colourful acryl coating is exceptionally durable and provides the window with high resistance against scratches and the effects of the weather.

 

UV Radiation Levels in New Zealand

Despite their decades-long proven durability worldwide, there are still occasional misconceptions about PVC windows in New Zealand. Most predominantly, it is said that PVC windows may not be suitable for the high UV radiation we experience here in New Zealand. However, PVC window systems have been used internationally for many years in climates with even harsher UV levels than those in New Zealand.

A comparison of irradiation maps of Europe and Oceania shows that the solar irradiation in New Zealand is comparable to those in Spain and Italy. In some areas in Spain, solar irradiation is even higher than in New Zealand. Still, these PVC windows are in perfect condition decades after their installation.

Our PVC window systems carry the internationally accredited Tropical S Severe Climate certificate, which proves the PVC material withstands extreme and higher UV radiation levels than those in New Zealand.

Titanium Dioxide for Ultimate UV Resistance

The resistance of PVC windows is primarily guaranteed by using calcium-zinc stabilisers and titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide is a versatile substance used in many outdoor products continuously exposed to the elements. Its many useful features include refractive properties, robustness and colour vibrancy, making it an ideal additive for PVC window profiles.

In addition to being naturally resistant to the elements, titanium dioxide exhibits good UV absorption and light scattering properties. Therefore, when titanium dioxide is incorporated into the synthetic resins of PVC, it ensures that UV rays can’t penetrate and damage the product and its appearance.

This protection from weather, heat and UV damage is crucial for building materials such as windows, as they are expected to last for decades.

PVC Recycling Process

Today, PVC windows can be almost completely recycled to manufacture new profiles. Old PVC is converted into pellets, allowing it to be reused without losing quality. A single window can be processed and reused several times while maintaining performance and quality.

ECOWINDOWS PVC windows are made using a high proportion of recycled material and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

Conclusion

PVC windows offer an exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Their affordability, high thermal insulation values and the selection of colour designs of acrylcolor make PVC windows one of the most popular window materials.

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