Are uPVC windows safe?

bats · 04-18-2010, 10:40 AM

I'm in the process of starting a new house and I've been reading up on uPVC or Vinyl windows but the information available is confusing and I don't know which is real and which is hype.

1. For windows in a location with strong sunlight and heavy rain which would be better. Aluminum, wood or uPVC?

2. Are uPVC windows safe to use on the exterior of the building?

3. Do uPVC windows pose any health hazards due to leaching of toxic chemicals?

4. One of my friends says that uPVC scratches easily and wears out fast despite claims to the contrary. Is this true?

5. What would be the comparative costs.

I am looking at a relatively low maintenance solution that will last many years and still look good. Initial cost is not a problem

Thank you

**kwikfishron** · 04-18-2010, 11:02 AM

Aluminum no, Wood no, Vinyl/PVC yes, uPVC? "They" say it's better but the only "They's" I can find are the sales reps.

Tom Struble · 04-18-2010, 11:05 AM

aluminum clad wood no good ron?

**kwikfishron** · 04-18-2010, 12:39 PM

I guess it’s all about your location is but out here aluminum is no longer allowed for residential.

Tom Struble · 04-18-2010, 01:41 PM

really? no clad marvins or kolbe,i didn't realize that

**kwikfishron** · 04-18-2010, 03:40 PM

Have see nothing but problems with clad windows “on the coast“, especially casements. Anderson, Pella and the like just aren’t made for extreme costal conditions. Anderson’s own tech sheets only rate their windows at 65mph. We see 70-80 every winter and up to 120mph of sideways rain every few years or so. Although this has started to slowly change over the past few years with stainless steel hardware and “coastal packages” as a add on that was never a option before. So between hardware rusting, seals failing, and other issues now your beautifully wood clad trim doesn’t look so beautiful any more. I’ve pulled out way more wood clad windows and replaced them with vinyl the I’ve put in.

Tom Struble · 04-18-2010, 05:45 PM

interesting,thanks for the input

bats · 04-20-2010, 02:15 PM

Thanks Ron but do you have any idea if uPVC/vinyl are safe from the health point of view in terms of leaching of additives into the air.

**kwikfishron** · 04-20-2010, 05:27 PM

I have no idea. Never heard of it until you brought it up. Did some searches like I’m sure you did and found nothing but a couple sales pitches. When it comes to new construction products in general I take a wait and see approach. You won’t get me to pay thousands dollars to be their Ginny pig.