Regular PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction. It is made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers. If no plasticizers are added, it is known as uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), rigid PVC, or vinyl siding in the U.S.

UPVC, also known as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, is a low-maintenance building material.uPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in the U.S. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made to look like other materials (e.g., wood). uPVC is also used instead of cast iron for certain types of heavy-duty plumbing and draining.It has many other uses including fascia, and siding or weatherboarding. The same material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being used for waste pipes, drain pipes, guttering and downpipes.

The difference between pvc and upvc

Windows

PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use “PVC” to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames, as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.

uPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be reshaped at very high temperatures. uPVC windows are more energy-efficient than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for door frames and conservatories.

Durability

Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.

Other Uses

Small and slender PVC pipes are sometimes found in medical equipment. PVC is also used in leather-like or waterproof clothing materials, vinyl flooring, shoes, toys, car interiors and car cables, shower curtains, and numerous other plastic products.

Because uPVC has fewer health concerns associated with it, it is found in medical and dental pieces. For example, uPVC is sometimes used for dental retainers.

Cost

It is very cheap to manufacture many PVC and uPVC products, which is why they are so ubiquitous in a wide variety of affordable products.

Safety and Risks

PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire, which can be a health hazard. Plasticizers may leach out of PVC into the environment.

Phthalates are what allow PVC to be flexible. Some of the phthalates used in PVC have been restricted or banned over the years, and many others are being replaced with safer phthalates. Dibutyl, benzyl butyl, and DEHP are some of the more commonly banned or restricted phthalates.

To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, which does not use phthalates or BPA.

Disposal

Neither PVC nor uPVC are biodegradable. However, uPVC is recyclable and can be reshaped into new products or pipes at very high temperatures.

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