It goes without saying that a home is often a reflection of its occupants. The furnishings, trinkets, keepsakes and colours with which we fill our spaces help us to feel comfortable, safe and secure. A home is much more than four walls and a roof; it is a place from which we anchor our lives and extend our personalities, both internally and externally.
While the inside of a home may feel like the most important space, the external features, entrances and exits deserve equal attention; doors are one such feature. Whether they sit front and centre or are hidden away, a high-quality door adds character, value and appeal to a property.
Among the many styles of door on the market today, uPVC is one of the most popular and widely used materials. Since the material’s invention, uPVC doors have been used up and down the country, favoured for their strength, versatility and energy efficiency.
Here at AKN Home Improvement, we’ve put together a complete guide to uPVC doors, outlining their benefits, uses and versatility.
Read on to find out more.
What is uPVC?
First things first, you’d be forgiven if you’re unfamiliar with the term uPVC. If you’re on the hunt for new doors, you may be wondering, ‘what does uPVC actually mean?’. It’s useful to know that uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, a strong, lightweight and low-maintenance building material, and is commonly used in doors and windows around the world. It is worth noting that uPVC and PVC are not the same material. PVC contains plasticisers, changing the material properties to make it softer and more flexible. uPVC, on the other hand, is much more rigid.
Since its introduction in 1935, uPVC has proven incredibly popular for a range of building applications; both commercial and residential properties utilise this versatile material. uPVC became increasingly popular throughout the 1990s and 2000s, as windows and doors up and down the country began utilising this great material as an alternative to aluminium and timber. Of course, the method through which uPVC is manufactured has been developed and refined since its invention.
Properties & Benefits
So, what are the benefits of uPVC, as opposed to older materials such as wood or metal? As we mentioned briefly, PVC is a material favoured for its flexibility and softness, whereas uPVC is utilised owing to its incredible strength and durability. Of course, there are a multitude of benefits associated with the use of uPVC doors, so we’ve outlined them below.
Strength
Starting with the obvious, uPVC was developed and implemented due to its brilliant strength and durability. As doors are often exposed to the elements for great periods of time, the materials used to construct them need to be up to the task. uPVC is resistant to the most extreme weather conditions; be it wind, rain, heat or snow, doors made from this material will stand strong for years to come. What’s more, uPVC is not affected by rot or corrosion.
Easy To Maintain
Owing to the strength and durability of uPVC, it is incredibly easy to maintain, as opposed to natural materials such as wood, which require repainting, sanding and varnishing. Doors constructed using uPVC can last for decades without any signs of degradation or weathering, so you’ll save money too.
Environmentally Friendly
It would be easy to assume that natural timber is far more eco-friendly than synthetic materials such as uPVC, but this is not quite the case. As we touched upon earlier, a uPVC door can last for multiple decades without needing replacement. Moreover, uPVC’s thermoplastic structure means that it can be melted, reformed, and repurposed up to 10 times with no loss of quality or performance.
Energy Efficient
Last but not least, uPVC doors are incredibly good insulators, making them very energy efficient. As heating bills soar and we all look for ways to save, this is often a top priority. Thankfully, uPVC is an extremely low conductor, meaning that heat will not pass through and escape, and cold air will be kept at bay. When fitted properly, a uPVC door’s weatherstripping and tight seal prevent drafts from entering your home. This makes them especially beneficial for homes in colder seasons, creating a closed air system, minimising heat loss and saving energy from within the home.
Where is uPVC Applicable?
Those on the hunt for new doors to complete their home might be wondering, ‘where is uPVC applicable?’. Essentially, uPVC doors are used for a multitude of purposes; they provide aesthetically appealing entrances to homes, openings between internal and external spaces and also make beautiful additions to outbuildings and offices.
So which doors are available? Here at AKN Home Improvements, we pride ourselves on our range of high-quality uPVC doors; discover a few common applications for these brilliant doors below.
Front Doors
Among the most popular uses for uPVC is front doors. Thanks to the design of uPVC front doors, they’re impressively strong. This is ideal for those looking for added security, heat retention and aesthetic appeal.
What’s more, uPVC front doors are available in a range of bespoke solutions, so you’re sure to find one to suit the style of your home.
Bifold Patio Doors
Additionally, uPVC is often used in the construction of bifold patio doors. Those with this style of door in their home will be well aware of their many benefits; bifold doors are a beautiful way to open up a home, connecting internal and external spaces.
uPVC is a perfect choice for bifold patio doors as they can be designed with double-glazed glass panels, ideal for retaining heat and letting in natural light.
Sliding Doors
Additionally, uPVC is a sure choice for sliding doors, owing to its strong yet lightweight characteristics. Similarly to bifold doors, a sliding design is great for making the most of a space and allowing natural light to flood into a home.
As a sliding door is constantly being rolled along its runners, it is crucial that they are made from tough materials; uPVC is an ideal choice.
A Door For Every Home
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from our years of experience, it’s that no two homes are the same. Therefore, it is important to find doors that suit your property and bring a sense of style and personality. Of course, there are no wrong answers, and it is wholly dependent on personal preference.
Here at AKN Home Improvement, we’re pleased to offer customers a huge selection of doors, designed to suit every home. Whether you’re looking for natural finishes, sleek modern styling or something a little understated, you’ll find it here.
AKN Home Improvement: uPVC, Composite & Aluminium Doors
Choosing the right doors for your home is no small task, and there are a number of things worth considering. Practicality, cost, efficiency, durability and aesthetic appeal are among the most important factors to keep in mind.
With that in mind, uPVC is a sure choice for those seeking value, quality and reliability. Here at AKN Home Improvement, we’re pleased to offer a huge range of styles and designs, so you’re sure to find the right doors for your home. Be it front, bifold, patio or conservatory doors, we’ve got just the thing.
No matter your requirements, get in touch with a member of our friendly team. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and take pride in finding solutions for each and every customer.
Call us today on 01482 508702 or 07707 026914.