In construction, there are many different materials that are being used, all with their individual properties and benefits.
uPVC – Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, and PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride, are both types of vinyl which are commonly used in the construction industry but for very different purposes.
So, what is the difference between the two?
Whereas uPVC is used in windows, doors and cladding manufacturing, PVC is used for things like fencing and siding. This is because PVC contains toxic compounds and therefore, isn’t suitable for window and door construction.
Let’s take a closer at these two building materials and their different benefits.
PVC in detail
Containing phthalates and BPA, which are both toxic, PVC can be harmful. It also requires extra maintenance over time to keep it in optimum condition, which makes PVC unsuitable for windows and doors.
Not only can the toxicity of PVC affect our health but can also be damaging to the environment. When exposed to higher temperatures, PVC releases toxic fumes into the air which, if inhaled, can cause damage to numerous organs.
Benefits of PVC
- Extremely flexible
- Low cost
- Resistant to weathering, rotting and corrosion
- Enhanced durability
- Easy to install
uPVC in detail
As the name states, uPVC is unplasticised and, therefore, unlike PVC, is safe for the environment and our health. However, uPVC doesn’t compromise on its robustness and is still a durable material.
Due to its strength and thermal efficiency, uPVC is commonly used material in window and door construction
Benefits of uPVC
- Low maintenance
- High thermal efficiency
- Long-lasting
- Extremely durable material
- Recyclable
Our uPVC windows and doors
As you can see, although similar in name, uPVC and PVC are used for very different reasons.
Whereas previously PVC may have been used for windows and doors,, uPVC is now the standard.
If you’re looking for high-quality uPVC windows in Hertfordshire, get in touch and a member of our friendly team will assist you, you can also request an online quote today.
What our customers say
This fantastic door was supplied and installed last year by E&A Windows. This year I noticed that the door was sticking and becoming difficult to open. I called and the very next day Arthur arranged for a team to stop by and adjust. Fantastic service and the door is opening and closing beautifully 😍
Very professional company that we would highly recommend. From initial conversations with Rob, Alan for all our measurements, and John and his fitting team, we couldn’t be happier with the end result. E&A provides a first class service and helped us with organising bespoke stained glass for our front door and side windows, as well as good recommendations for further works not linked to their services. The fitting team were exceptionally polite, extremely tidy, and considerate. We chose Timberlook windows in Painswick and an Endurance door in the same colour. Happy customers! Thank you 🤩
I wish I’d read the one star review. I also received bully, harassment and intimidation from a member of the team on a dark night with no one else around. Can’t be bother to spend the time writing more details. Disgusting behaviour. Should be reported to the police for the way they acted. Don’t go near this company.
Very professional experience from start to finish with all parts of the process through to installation delivered efficiently. Adrian did a fantastic job when installing, professional, polite & helpful and could not have asked for any more from him.
Great experience, dealing with Erez was a joy from start to finish and very happy with my windows! Highly recommend
E&A Windows replaced all of the windows and front door in my house as well as replacing the framing and glass panels of my conservatory. The price was very competitive and the project was executed professionally and efficiently. The fitting team were excellent, very considerate as well as careful and tidy. I can't fault them at all and I would recommend E&A windows.
Brilliant company. Everything was spot on from start to finish. A pleasure to work with Eres. Nothing was too much trouble. The product looks brilliant and the fitters were real professionals. Highly recommend!!!!
We bought our new windows and doors from A and E and the whole experience was a pleasure. Extremely professional, excellent service, competitive prices and brilliant attention to detail. But what sets them apart from the rest is their customer care. Two and half years on we had a slight problem with the lock on one of the doors, I called and someone came that afternoon and fixed it immediately. Amazing company and Amazing service, thankful to a good friend who recommended them to us!
From start to finish, from our initial visit by Erez, then Arthur the surveyor & the fitting team, John Peter & Andrew E&A exceeded expectations. We are delighted with the windows & the finish. I think my Husband is now convinced we did the right thing after his initial reluctance to replace our windows. We chose Timberlook windows which have a wood effect finish & are perfect for our old house.The team from E&A Windows who did the fitting did a fantastic job. We were really impressed by the attention to detail at every stage of the job, but particularly the last day where they took such care to get all the trim right & looking good. Our house was built in 1890 & nothing is easy as no wall is even but they really took time to get it right & looking good. Andrew spent a long time cutting back & filling & sanding the rotten wood around the kitchen window so it is all ready for our decorator when he comes to paint the rest of the house & the excellent work he has done will ensure we have no further rot! The tidying up after they finished was again, well beyond our expectations - they even swept the grass! Every day they tidied & swept before going home.All three guys worked so well as a team. They also work so hard, not taking any proper breaks! On talking to them, they said that they are able to do such a good job as they are given a realistic time scale for each job by E&A (unlike other companies} so they have plenty of time to make sure the job is done to the highest standard without rushing! They did the job with such enthusiasm & clearly take much pride in their work!I cannot recommend this company enough!
From the first moment when Arthur came round to advise, measure-up and quote for the job we felt we were in good hands. And his team of installers provided the best service. I always think that the best test is if something needs further attention and in this case they returned promptly to fix a small issue and nothing was too much trouble. Our new doors have transformed the back of our house and we highly recommend this company for work of the highest quality. Thank you Arthur and team!
They have fitted a new back door, front door and front room and kitchen window. Great service, price and quality. We are very happy!
We got our back and front doors replaced by E&A Windows and we couldn't be happier with the job they did. Erez was so helpful as took the time to come to our home to give us a quote, explaining all our options thoroughly and clearly without being pressuring in the slightest. The quality of both doors was fantastic and Adrian’s installation was fast and completed to a very high standard. He was also very helpful. We would highly recommend E&A Windows and will definitely use them again for any future double glazing needs. Thanks so much!
Very professional service! During my initial consultation, I was fortunate enough to deal with the owner of the company. He visited my property and spent a few hours talking me through design options and his recommendations. His recommendations were very insightful and ensured my build looked elegant and modern while retaining the functionality required for an active family of 4. The build process was equally professional with the construction team arriving when they said, treating my property with respect and cleaning up after they finished each day...something not often done by today's tradesmen. I've recommend this company to my parents.
I have just had new windows installed by E&A Windows and I must say I was very impressed. Arthur the owner of the company was so helpful and supportive throughout the process. I don't know much about windows so was skeptical at first, but I felt at ease very quickly. The guys who came to fit the windows (John, Christie and Peter) were absolute legends. They were extremely friendly and so so helpful, and the respect they gave me, my elderly parents and our home was exceptional. They took care of our home as if it was their own. I have never come across such professionals, not only did they do a fantastic job , but they went well beyond, seemed like nothing was impossible. They were with us only for 3 days but my parents were actually sad to see them go. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to fit new windows.
This fantastic door was supplied and installed last year by E&A Windows. This year I noticed that the door was sticking and becoming difficult to open. I called and the very next day Arthur arranged for a team to stop by and adjust. Fantastic service and the door is opening and closing beautifully 😍
Very professional company that we would highly recommend. From initial conversations with Rob, Alan for all our measurements, and John and his fitting team, we couldn’t be happier with the end result. E&A provides a first class service and helped us with organising bespoke stained glass for our front door and side windows, as well as good recommendations for further works not linked to their services. The fitting team were exceptionally polite, extremely tidy, and considerate. We chose Timberlook windows in Painswick and an Endurance door in the same colour. Happy customers! Thank you 🤩
I wish I’d read the one star review. I also received bully, harassment and intimidation from a member of the team on a dark night with no one else around. Can’t be bother to spend the time writing more details. Disgusting behaviour. Should be reported to the police for the way they acted. Don’t go near this company.
Very professional experience from start to finish with all parts of the process through to installation delivered efficiently. Adrian did a fantastic job when installing, professional, polite & helpful and could not have asked for any more from him.
Great experience, dealing with Erez was a joy from start to finish and very happy with my windows! Highly recommend
E&A Windows replaced all of the windows and front door in my house as well as replacing the framing and glass panels of my conservatory. The price was very competitive and the project was executed professionally and efficiently. The fitting team were excellent, very considerate as well as careful and tidy. I can't fault them at all and I would recommend E&A windows.
Brilliant company. Everything was spot on from start to finish. A pleasure to work with Eres. Nothing was too much trouble. The product looks brilliant and the fitters were real professionals. Highly recommend!!!!
We bought our new windows and doors from A and E and the whole experience was a pleasure. Extremely professional, excellent service, competitive prices and brilliant attention to detail. But what sets them apart from the rest is their customer care. Two and half years on we had a slight problem with the lock on one of the doors, I called and someone came that afternoon and fixed it immediately. Amazing company and Amazing service, thankful to a good friend who recommended them to us!
From start to finish, from our initial visit by Erez, then Arthur the surveyor & the fitting team, John Peter & Andrew E&A exceeded expectations. We are delighted with the windows & the finish. I think my Husband is now convinced we did the right thing after his initial reluctance to replace our windows. We chose Timberlook windows which have a wood effect finish & are perfect for our old house.The team from E&A Windows who did the fitting did a fantastic job. We were really impressed by the attention to detail at every stage of the job, but particularly the last day where they took such care to get all the trim right & looking good. Our house was built in 1890 & nothing is easy as no wall is even but they really took time to get it right & looking good. Andrew spent a long time cutting back & filling & sanding the rotten wood around the kitchen window so it is all ready for our decorator when he comes to paint the rest of the house & the excellent work he has done will ensure we have no further rot! The tidying up after they finished was again, well beyond our expectations - they even swept the grass! Every day they tidied & swept before going home.All three guys worked so well as a team. They also work so hard, not taking any proper breaks! On talking to them, they said that they are able to do such a good job as they are given a realistic time scale for each job by E&A (unlike other companies} so they have plenty of time to make sure the job is done to the highest standard without rushing! They did the job with such enthusiasm & clearly take much pride in their work!I cannot recommend this company enough!
From the first moment when Arthur came round to advise, measure-up and quote for the job we felt we were in good hands. And his team of installers provided the best service. I always think that the best test is if something needs further attention and in this case they returned promptly to fix a small issue and nothing was too much trouble. Our new doors have transformed the back of our house and we highly recommend this company for work of the highest quality. Thank you Arthur and team!
They have fitted a new back door, front door and front room and kitchen window. Great service, price and quality. We are very happy!
We got our back and front doors replaced by E&A Windows and we couldn't be happier with the job they did. Erez was so helpful as took the time to come to our home to give us a quote, explaining all our options thoroughly and clearly without being pressuring in the slightest. The quality of both doors was fantastic and Adrian’s installation was fast and completed to a very high standard. He was also very helpful. We would highly recommend E&A Windows and will definitely use them again for any future double glazing needs. Thanks so much!
Very professional service! During my initial consultation, I was fortunate enough to deal with the owner of the company. He visited my property and spent a few hours talking me through design options and his recommendations. His recommendations were very insightful and ensured my build looked elegant and modern while retaining the functionality required for an active family of 4. The build process was equally professional with the construction team arriving when they said, treating my property with respect and cleaning up after they finished each day...something not often done by today's tradesmen. I've recommend this company to my parents.
I have just had new windows installed by E&A Windows and I must say I was very impressed. Arthur the owner of the company was so helpful and supportive throughout the process. I don't know much about windows so was skeptical at first, but I felt at ease very quickly. The guys who came to fit the windows (John, Christie and Peter) were absolute legends. They were extremely friendly and so so helpful, and the respect they gave me, my elderly parents and our home was exceptional. They took care of our home as if it was their own. I have never come across such professionals, not only did they do a fantastic job , but they went well beyond, seemed like nothing was impossible. They were with us only for 3 days but my parents were actually sad to see them go. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to fit new windows.
