uPVC recycling for sustainable windows and doors
Here at Philip Whear Windows & Conservatories we place the environment and sustainability at the forefront of everything we do. uPVC recycling and replacing windows can provide an environmentally friendly solution to improving the energy performance of your home as well as offering the homeowner other benefits, most notably an updated aesthetic and increased house value offering greater resale potential.
uPVC windows
uPVC windows are made from a strong, rigid plastic and are commonly used in modern construction because of their durability, energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements. Compared to traditional wooden or aluminium windows, uPVC windows are a cost effective way to improve the thermal performance of your home helping keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. These sustainable windows are also less likely to rot or corrode than wooden or metal frames, requiring less overall maintenance. Available in a wide range of styles and designs including casement, tilt-and-turn, sliding and flush sash windows, you also have the option to customise your windows with different colours and finishes to match the look of your home or building.
uPVC recycling and sustainability
Although plastic gets a bad reputation these days, well-maintained uPVC can last in excess of 35 years. We selected our uPVC window supplier in part based on the fact that up to 75% of the plastic in their profile was recycled, making it one of the most environmentally friendly uPVC windows available. All of our timber products are FSC certified and glass and aluminium are both endlessly recyclable, so as far as our products go, we are very happy with their environmental credentials. While we can’t comment on the processes happening within the wider industry, at Philip Whear Windows & Conservatories we pride ourselves on our environmental credentials.
Recycled uPVC
Our profile supplier has a unique process that means the uPVC can be recycled up to ten times so the lifespan of a door or window can actually reach 350 years. Materials are separated from old frames then the uPVC is broken down into fragments of uniform colour. After this, it is compressed into uPVC pellets which go on to make up to 75% of the new profile, giving the recycled material a new lease of life. Pretty much everything taken out of a house during the removal and installation process is separated and recycled, from glass and uPVC to aluminium and plastic. Even the masonry and rubble removed from a site goes on to be crushed down and reused as aggregate.
Energy efficient
To ensure our windows and doors are as energy efficient as possible, our products contain the highest energy-rated double-glazed units. As the majority of heat lost in a house is through windows and doors, this has the biggest impact on improving energy performance. Many of our customers have commented on how much warmer their homes are after upgrading their windows and doors, and this has a direct impact on their energy bills. With soaring energy costs, keeping your house warm this winter without even flicking on a switch is a brilliant benefit to upgrading your windows. We work hard to integrate energy efficiency into our product design and manufacturing process by constantly monitoring our working practices and specifying the highest energy rated products possible.
Other benefits of uPVC recycling
As well as being energy efficient, our uPVC recycling, windows and doors offer a whole host of other benefits. They are easy to maintain and require very little upkeep. Unlike wooden frames, they do not need to be painted or stained and do not rot or corrode like metal frames can. The rigidity of reinforced uPVC means our windows and doors can withstand a variety of weather conditions including harsh sunlight and heavy wind and rain which can be all too common on the coast. Not only will these windows protect you from the elements but intruders too. Our doors are highly secure with multi-point locking systems and laminated glass options are available for extra security. Our double glazed windows and doors are also perfect for your home if you live in a busy neighbourhood or perhaps by a road; they help reduce outside noise, making it easier for you to relax in the peace and quiet.
From anthracite grey to Irish oak, or even a completely bespoke paint colour, the wide variety of style on offer give you the freedom and flexibility to choose designs that best match your home’s design and architecture.
Our customers are now more aware than ever of the importance of making sustainable choices and our uPVC windows and doors offer the positive impact of reduced energy bills without compromise on aesthetics. Manufactured locally at our factory here in Redruth, Cornwall, our windows and doors can be beautiful and energy efficient while our ten-year guarantee gives you the peace of mind that if anything goes wrong with your products, we will be on hand to fix it. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website if you are interested in installing or replacing your windows with a sustainable and stylish upgrade.