UPVC vs. Traditional Materials: Which Performs Better During Heat Waves?

prac4356
Apr 30
5 min read

As the heat blasts through the hotter days of summer and heatwaves become more common, our homes and buildings show just how hardy (or not) they are, indeed just how sweaty they might be from the humidity. Whether it’s keeping the interior cool, managing energy efficiency, or maintaining durability, the choice of materials matters more than ever. Among the options available, two major contenders are UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) and traditional materials like wood, aluminium, and steel. So, which one performs better during heat waves? Let's explore the differences in performance between UPVC and traditional materials when faced with extreme heat.

What is UPVC?

UPVC, or Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, is a versatile, low-maintenance plastic material primarily used in windows, doors, and piping. UPVC does a grand job of standing the test of time and using less energy, bustling builders these days are increasingly choosing this kind of stuff for all their new projects. Unlike regular PVC, UPVC does not contain plasticisers, which makes it more rigid and stable, making it an excellent choice for external building components.

Traditional Materials: Wood, Aluminium, and Steel

Traditional materials refer to the classic building substances such as wood, aluminum, and steel. For centuries people have been using these materials and each one of them excels in some ways and struggles in others when we're talking about managing heat really well.

Wood: A natural insulator, wood has the ability to regulate temperature in both hot and cold conditions. And through the day it soaks up heat, and then at night it lets it out slowly too. Long exposure to heat can dehydrate wood and make it crack or bend out of shape.
Aluminium: Aluminium is a highly durable and lightweight material, commonly used for window frames and doors. Interestingly, aluminium isn’t a very good insulator and can be good at absorbing and conducting heat when things cool off too much or when things heat up too much. That means it’s not energy efficient for extreme temperatures. In heat waves, aluminium windows and doors can become hot to the touch, contributing to higher indoor temperatures.
Steel: Steel is strong and tough and doesn’t mind weather at all, just like aluminium, because it conducts heat well. Steel frames are movers of heat into a house which means more air conditioning will probably be needed to keep things comfy inside.

How Does UPVC Perform During Heat Waves?

Insulation Properties: UPVC is a fantastic insulator, making it an excellent choice for homes during heat waves. This stuff has that super special quality to shield us from heat, helping to keep rooms nice and cosy by blocking that outside hot air from sneaking in. Windows and doors made out of polyurethane vinyl, or "UPVC" for short, to use the chemist's abbreviation, are frequently built with several chambers in their profiles. By trapping air inside all those separate spaces, insulation properties are enhanced a whole lot more. This helps to keep the interior cooler, even during the hottest of days.
Energy Efficiency: Because of its knockout performance in insulation, UPVC really helps us avoid using air conditioning when it super hot outside meaning overall energy use gets way down. This material keeps cool air in and helps house keep comfortable temperatures without needing to burn through too much energy. This makes UPVC windows and doors more energy-efficient compared to traditional materials like aluminium or steel.
Durability and Low Maintenance: UPVC is resistant to the elements, including extreme heat. It doesn't warp, crack, or degrade under heat stress, unlike wood, which can suffer from sun damage and moisture loss. UPVC is also highly resistant to corrosion and unlike aluminium, which can fall apart under really harsh weather. This kind of PVC takes care of homes in super hot weather and lasts for a long time, and is pretty low fuss too.
UV Resistance: UPVC is special because it's made to resist UV rays well, and this stops the material from turning ugly and being ruined. This stuff always holds up under long exposure to the shining sun. So, while durable materials like wood, steel and aluminum can show signs of fatigue after prolonged sun exposure, wood might turn slightly dodderish, aluminium can rust or turn an unattractive dark colour, and steel often rusts.
Soundproofing: In addition to heat insulation, UPVC provides excellent soundproofing, which can be particularly beneficial during heat waves when people may want to close their windows to keep the heat out. Lots of UPVC windows and doors do come with double glazing, which not just makes it really nice and cozy by keeping temperature inside steady, but also super quiet compared to out there.

How Traditional Materials Perform During Heat Waves

Wood: Wood is a natural insulator but it just can’t match UPVC for high temperatures really. While wood can absorb heat slowly, it can also warp, crack, or swell due to moisture loss and exposure to high temperatures. That can really dampen energy efficiency and raise the price tag for maintenance. Besides, wood needs ongoing maintenance and care to keep it looking good and healthy especially where there are big temperature swings.
Aluminium: Aluminium, while strong and lightweight, can become a major weakness in heat waves. Its poor insulation means heat just goes right through it easily. This results in higher and higher temperatures inside buildings and households count on their air conditioners a lot more. Additionally, aluminium can become very hot to the touch during a heatwave, potentially creating an uncomfortable environment in the home.
Steel: Steel can struggle when the temps really soar. Like aluminium, it conducts heat easily, which can make the interior of a home much warmer. While steel is very strong and resistant to weathering, its ability to absorb and transfer heat makes it less ideal for energy efficiency in hot climates.

The Verdict: UPVC vs. Traditional Materials

When it comes to heat waves, UPVC outperforms traditional materials in several key areas. Its super insulating quality helps keep houses nice and cool, cuts down on energy use, and needs less upkeep too. UPVC also offers enhanced durability, resistance to UV radiation, and long-term reliability in extreme heat. Sure, while things like wood, aluminium and steel are along for the ride, these materials can't compete really when a heatwave hits and they just can't keep from overheating and breaking down much better with plastic PVC UP.

In conclusion, if you’re considering building or renovating a home in a heat-prone area, UPVC is the better choice for windows, doors, and other structural components. It’s not just that it will keep your home cooler during hot spells, it will also save you gobs of cash on your energy bills too and it will reduce the need to constantly bust out the tools and spend time on repair and maintenance.