What types of doors are made from UPVC?
UPVC or 'vinyl' can be used to make completely solid doors of lightweight construction, but it is more commonly used as a framing material around glass panels in sliding doors, stacker doors, bifold doors and French doors. When used as a base material for a door, it can be inset with glass, pressed and specially coloured to imitate wood grain and is a very pliable material to work with.
UPVC's longevity, high sound and thermal insulation qualities, along with its low weight and decent impact resistance have seen this relative newcomer to the market become much more widely used in homes. It should, however, be noted that the production of UPVC can release harmful toxins into the atmosphere so there is an environmental factor to consider here too.
How are UPVC doors constructed?
Solid UPVC doors are typically moulded to specifications and assembled at the factory with additions such as glass and wood being incorporated where called for. This is also what happens with UPVC framing for sliding doors and the like, however some UPVC doors which do not contain solid panels, for example screen doors, may require some internal steel framing to provide additional support.
How do UPVC doors perform?
- Security – UPVC doors are incredibly strong and can withstand sustained punishment.
- Weatherproofing – New methods of manufacturing UPVC mean that it no longer discolours, cracks or grows brittle after repeated and extended exposure to the sun.
- Soundproofing – This material rates very highly as a sound insulator and is good for blocking internal and external noise alike.
- Cost – Though generally a little more costly, the difference in price compared to other doors isn’t so significant when also comparing the performance.
- Weight – These doors are very lightweight and easy to transport, install and use.
- Thermal insulation – UPVC is a great insulator and performs as well with heat as it does with sound.
