PVC in the construction and housing sector

Why is PVC important?

PVC is adaptable, which enables it to satisfy the diverse demands of contemporary building. PVC is frequently utilised in renovations as well as new construction, frequently taking the place of conventional materials like wood and metal.

Key properties

Strong and lightweight – PVC is strong and light, and these features are crucial technical advantages for its use in building and construction applications. It also has outstanding mechanical strength and durability.

Easy to install – PVC is simple to install since it can be simply cut, shaped, welded, and linked in a variety of forms.

Durable – PVC is resistant to shock, abrasion, chemical corrosion, weathering, and rotting. As a result, it is favoured by a wide range of customers for a variety of outdoor and long-lasting items. In fact, almost 85% of PVC produced for the building and construction industry is used for medium- and long-term applications. For instance, PVC pipes may last up to 100 years in service, according to estimates. Studies show that more than 60% of them will have working lives of more than 40 years in various applications, such as window profiles and cable insulation.

Cost effective – Due to its physical and technological characteristics, which offer good cost-performance advantages, PVC has been a popular material for construction applications for decades. A recent study on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of PVC products in window profiles, pipes, and floors revealed that PVC is typically the most cost-effective alternative. As a material, it is quite competitively priced.

Environmental impact – The excellent thermal insulation of PVC windows, siding, and roofing considerably improves a building’s energy efficiency. Systems made of PVC have very smooth surfaces, which lower the cost of pumping fluids and aid in preventing leaks.

PVC products consume significantly less energy and resources both during production and when being transformed into finished goods. Since they are lighter than those made of concrete, iron, or steel, they require less energy to transport and install, which results in less emissions. PVC has been proven to have a more favourable environmental impact than other manufactured building materials in lifecycle analysis and independent investigations. Additionally, PVC goods are so resilient that regular replacement is not required.

In addition, PVC is a thermoplastic, making it simple to separate from other plastics after usage so that it can be reused in new applications. Because of well-established programmes, a significant amount of PVC utilised in construction applications, such as pipes, window profiles, and flooring, is now recycled after serving its purpose. Additionally, more PVC waste recycling plants are being built throughout Europe each year. In the absence of recycling, PVC can be burned to recover energy.

Safe – PVC is a non-toxic inert polymer, making it safe. It has been utilised for more than 50 years and is a resource with high social value. The plastic has undergone the most extensive testing and study in the entire world. For the products and uses that it is used for, it complies with all international safety and health regulations.

Benefits of PVC over other materials

Traditional building materials including wood, concrete, and metals are being replaced by PVC in numerous applications. Because of its adaptability, affordability, and successful track record, it continues to be the most significant polymer for the building industry, which accounts for over 70% of PVC resin production in Europe. If PVC were to be replaced with another material for environmental reasons, it would require more research, which would be more expensive.

The three main materials utilised to create window frames are PVC, wood, and aluminium. According to how well they perform in terms of energy saving, UK market windows are rated by the British Fenestration Council. PVC is the dominant material in the top class (A), and it makes up a significantly larger percentage of this top class than it does in the lower classes, suggesting that this dominance is due not just to PVC window frames’ outstanding insulating capabilities but also to its high market share.