Some people hardly remember a time when single pane windows were the norm. Not only were these structures incredibly inefficient, but they also lacked any significant amount of overall durability. In some homes, even slamming the front door too hard could cause these flimsy sheets of glass to fall or shatter out. Now, however, uPVC windows and double, triple and even quadruple glazing are the standard. If you are currently shopping for new windows for your home, you might want to know more about when were uPVC windows first made.
The double glazing industry really took off in the 1970s. This was a direct result of the introduction of aluminum windows, aluminum sliding glass doors and services for secondary glazing. It was also a time when the average consumer was becoming more cognizant of home energy use, energy spending, and strategies for limiting environmental impact. As property values and sales prices began to rise in the early and mid 1980’s, these products become the new trend.
Unfortunately, aluminum happens to be a very cold material. Moreover, the thermal break systems within these window designs were not effective at all. As a result, the windows were known to sweat frequently and many households began to experience pervasive problems with moisture and mold, particularly during the colder months of the year. It was only a very short matter of time before uPVC was recognized as being a clearly superior material in this application.
Windows made from uPVC that opened outwards could be glazed externally. This simply means that the outside of the pane was fit with the glazing beads. These design strategies were quickly improved over time and thus, the current uPVC designs that people are commonly installing are quite a bit different from those of twenty to thirty years ago.
By the 1990s, this was a fast-spreading trend. Moreover, more people were interested in the instant benefits of double glazing. With this design, two panes were used rather than one and argon gas or another inert gas is used to fill them. This creates a reliable barrier that prevents sweating and condensation.
The most important benefit of this particular window style, however, is its ability to lower energy use and energy spending. People can immediately feel the difference after having had double, triple and quadruple glazing installed. In addition to these benefits, there are also the undeniable aesthetic benefits of these products. Many consumers love the fact that these frames can be chosen in a vast range of colors and styles. There are even woodgrain options that have been available since the early 2000s.
A lot of major construction companies are using these products in their floor plans due to their visual appeal, cost-effectiveness and overall reliability. In general, structures like these are warranted for a period of 20 to 25 years. As such, consumers recognize the reliable value associated with these investments.
For many years, wood was thought to be the most superior insulating material for this particular application. Now the subject is one that is hotly debated among environmentalists and window designers throughout the world. What is understood, however, is that uPVC allows for the seamless construction of high-quality, long-lasting windows that effectively insulate the home and prevent problems with moisture, mold and mildew among many other things.
