PVC vs.
UPVC
Regular PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a common, strong but
lightweight plastic used in construction. It is made softer and more
flexible by the addition of plasticizers. If no plasticizers are added, it is
known as uPVC (UN plasticized polyvinyl chloride), rigid PVC,
or vinyl siding in the U.S.
Contents: PVC vs uPVC
1 Uses of PVC vs. uPVC 2 Durability
o 1.1 In Construction 3 Cost
o 1.2 uPVC vs. PVC Pipes 4 Safety and Risks
o 1.3 Windows
5 Disposal
o 1.4 Other Uses
6 References
Uses of PVC vs. uPVC
Stacked blue PVC pipes
In Construction
As a flexible plastic, PVC is used to produce a wide variety of piping. Larger PVC
pipes are often used in plumbing to distribute non-potable water. PVC piping
can also be used to insulate electrical cables.
UPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double
glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in
the U.S. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or
made to look like other materials (e.g., wood). UPVC is also used instead of cast
iron for certain types of heavy-duty plumbing and draining.
UPVC vs. PVC Pipes
PVC is used as a replacement for copper and aluminum pipes and is used in
waste lines, irrigation systems and pool circulation systems. It is easy to cut into
smaller pieces and can be fastened with glue, making it a good alternative to
metal.
UPVC is used for the majority of plastic pipes in the world, as it is incredibly
resistant to chemical erosion and has smoother inner walls that help to
encourage water flow. It also functions well in a wide range of temperatures and
operating pressures. It is incredibly strong, stiff and cost-effective, and so is
often used for sewage lines and exterior drainage pipes. Even so, uPVC piping is
much less common in the U.S., where PVC piping is preferred.
Neither PVC nor uPVC is used to transmit drinking water. CPVC (chlorinated
polyvinyl chloride) is used instead.
Windows
PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use
“PVC” to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames,
as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.
UPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be
reshaped at very high temperatures. UPVC windows are more energy-efficient
than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for
door frames and conservatories.
This video shows how a typical uPVC window is installed:
Other Uses
Small and slender PVC pipes are sometimes found in medical equipment. PVC is
also used in leather-like or waterproof clothing materials, shoes, toys, car
interiors and car cables, shower curtains, and numerous other plastic products.
Because uPVC has fewer health concerns associated with it, it is found in
medical and dental pieces. For example, uPVC is sometimes used for dental
retainers.
Durability
Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics,
PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight,
oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight
sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.
Cost
It is very cheap to manufacture many PVC and uPVC products, which is why
they are so ubiquitous in a wide variety of affordable products.
PVC pipe can be bought by length or weight. The thicker the piping, the most
expensive the pipe will be. Still, PVC pipe is very affordable, with many 10-foot
lengths costing less than $10.00 apiece.
Safety and Risks
PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire, which can be a health hazard.
Plasticizers may leach out of PVC into the environment.
Phthalates are what allow PVC to be flexible. Some of the phthalates used in PVC
have been restricted or banned over the years, and many others are being
replaced with safer phthalates. Dibutyl, benzyl butyl, and DEHP are some of the
more commonly banned or restricted phthalates.
To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, which
does not use phthalates or BPA.
Disposal
Neither PVC nor uPVC are biodegradable. However, uPVC is recyclable and can
be reshaped into new products or pipes at very high temperatures.
