What is uPVC and why do we use it for decking?
Mayfield are proud to offer two ranges of uPVC decking to our customers, our cost-conscious Focus Decking and the luxury Hampton Decking. But what is uPVC? What is the difference between uPVC and PVC? Why use uPVC for decking? Find out more about the benefits of uPVC in construction and it’s environmentally-friendly properties in this blog post.
What is uPVC?
What is the difference between uPVC and PVC?
The uPVC that we use for decking is a sustainable thermoplastic, which can be re-melted and is therefore recyclable. uPVC stands for Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride, and offers more durability and longevity than PVC. Due to its rigidity, uPVC (sometimes referred to as PVCu) is widely used as a replacement for timber in the construction industry. As well as decking and deck boards, you might also find uPVC in vinyl windows and doors.
Why use uPVC for decking?
Benefits of uPVC:
uPVC is Versatile and Durable
uPVC is a trusted material that is widely recognised as safe for usage in packaging and construction. There is an extensive list of uses for PVCs, including, packaging, pipes, flooring, windows, leisure, cables, medical and tensile roofs. Light, durable and long-lasting, uPVC is ideal for decking and other construction applications.
uPVC has a Good Carbon Footprint
The British Plastics Federation, found that PVC is made from 57% common salt and only 43% oil, meaning that is took less non-renewable fossil fuels to make PVC than any other commodity plastic. They also found evidence that PVC used less primary energy in production and had a relatively small carbon footprint. When producing our decking, we use up to 80% recycled uPVC, which uses much less energy that sourcing and importing virgin materials.
Better Value and Energy Efficiency
When it comes to windows, uPVC is so popular because of its excellent cost-to-performance ratio and impact on BFRC profiles. PVC-based windows account for the most BFRC ‘A’ rated energy efficient windows. uPVC can also offer this to flooring and decking projects, for instance, our uPVC skirting can help you prevent heat loss to your property.
Our Decking Fully Recyclable
The British Plastics Foundation predicted that over 800,000 tonnes of PVC would be recycled annually by 2020. Mayfield is proud to offer 100% recyclable decking to our customers. Our uPVC reprocesses well and can be broken down and reintroduced into the uPVC production process. When purchasing a sundeck from Mayfield, our customers can be assured that they are investing in top quality, eco-friendly, fully recyclable decking products with the very best ‘green’ credentials.
Recommended: Recycled vs Recyclable Decking: Mayfield continues to ‘Push the Green’
Resistant to Weathering and Fading
Mayfield uses uPVC for decking board and accessories as the thermoplastic is lightweight and well-equipped to withstand the harshest weather conditions, decreasing the maintenance requirements and costs to our customers. The composition does not biologically decompose, retains its shape and can resist weathering and dampness. You won’t need to worry about fading either, the composition does not discolour in extreme sunlight.
uPVC Decking by Mayfield
To find out more about our uPVC decking solutions and sundeck accessories, contact Mayfield on 01202 233959. Download our brochure for decking inspiration and to see our wide range of Hampton Decking accessories. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
FAQs
Q: What is uPVC, and how is it different from PVC?
A: uPVC stands for Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride, and it is a sustainable thermoplastic material used for decking and other construction applications. The key difference between uPVC and PVC is that uPVC offers more durability and longevity due to its rigidity.
Q: What are the benefits of using uPVC for decking?
A: Some of the benefits of using uPVC for decking are:
- Versatility and durability: uPVC is a trusted material widely recognised as safe for various construction applications.
- Good carbon footprint: uPVC has a relatively small carbon footprint and uses less non-renewable fossil fuels in its production compared to other commodity plastics.
- Better value and energy efficiency: uPVC offers an excellent cost-to-performance ratio and is known for its energy-efficient properties.
- Fully recyclable: uPVC used in Mayfield’s decking products is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed and reintroduced into the production process.
- Resistant to weathering and fading: uPVC decking is lightweight and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing maintenance requirements and costs.
Q: What are some common uses of uPVC besides decking?
A: uPVC is used in various applications, including packaging, pipes, vinyl windows, doors, flooring, cables, medical equipment, and tensile roofs.
Q: How does Mayfield ensure its decking’s eco-friendliness?
A: Mayfield uses up to 80% recycled uPVC in the production of its decking, which helps conserve energy compared to sourcing and importing virgin materials. Additionally, their decking is 100% recyclable, contributing to its eco-friendliness.
Q: Is uPVC decking resistant to weathering and fading?
A: Yes, uPVC decking used by Mayfield is lightweight, resistant to weathering and dampness, and does not biologically decompose. It also retains its shape and does not discolour in extreme sunlight.
Q: What is the composition of uPVC, and why is it considered environmentally friendly?
A: uPVC is made from 57% common salt and only 43% oil, which means it requires fewer non-renewable fossil fuels for its production than other commodity plastics, making it environmentally friendly.
Q: How does uPVC compare to other materials in terms of cost-to-performance ratio?
A: uPVC offers an excellent cost-to-performance ratio, making it popular for various applications, including windows, flooring, and decking projects.
Q: How can customers be assured of the quality and eco-friendliness of Mayfield’s uPVC decking products?
A: Customers can be assured of top quality, eco-friendly, and fully recyclable decking products from Mayfield, as they use up to 80% recycled uPVC and offer 100% recyclable decking options.