How Long Does uPVC Last?

uPVC windows have an expected service life of over 40 years.   UK National standards (under the auspices) of the British Standards Institution – BSI) are available governing various aspects of the technical performance of uPVC window frames.   One of the most recent of these is BS-7413 which annexe L sums up the maintenance requirements of such profiles and includes the possibility of recycling end-of-life profiles.   The key points of annexe L are:

• uPVC profiles manufactured in accordance with this standard only require an occasional wipe down for appearance purposes
• A gradual loss of gloss and slight change of colour may occur over time which has no effect on the functional performance of the profiles.
• As uPVC profiles have been successfully used for windows for the last 40 years, uPVC profiles manufactured in accordance with this standard are expected to last in excess of 40 years.
• Used uPVC profiles manufactured in accordance with this standard can be recycled, for instance, into the core of a co-extrusion as specified in this standard.

One important factor leading to the now well established position of uPVC in construction applications is its durability.  This has led to its use in long-life applications such as pipes and window profiles – the biggest applications for uPVC in Western Europe – accounting for over a third of total consumption.

The first commercially available windows were installed in Germany in 1959.   While the technology for producing these windows has naturally advanced over the years with, for example, the introduction of better performing acrylic-based impact modifiers, some of these earlier uPVC windows are actually still in use.   The main reasons why uPVC windows would be replaced over time are:

1. Renovation/redesign/demolition of the whole building
2. Upgrading from single to double-glazing
3. Upgrading to improve insulation properties (eg increasing the internal webbing which improves heat insulation and energy conservation properties)

Modern stabliser systems allow a service life of over 40 years to be given to the uPVC material component of replacement and new-build window systems.  As windows are intended to be exposed to the elements, including wind, rain and UV light, some limited, superficial changes can occur.   However, the only effect this could have would be a loss of gloss on the surface finish of the frame.   There would be minimal loss of impact strength not affecting the performance of the window, and the colour would also remain white.   In short, the window system will remain an extremely useful building component. 

uPVC can be successfully maintained by following the guidance provided by the British Plastics Federation’s Window Group.   It is important to remember that timber window frames are also subject to weathering, and they will require cleaning just the same as uPVC.   uPVC windows, however, do not rot, warp, peel or chip.

Source: British Plastics Federation