PVC has been used extensively in a wide range of construction products for over half a century. PVC's strong, lightweight, durable and versatile characteristics make it ideal for many applications as outlined below.

Pipes

PVC pipes have been in use for over 60 years. When compared with traditional pipe materials, PVC offers valuable energy savings during production, low cost distribution and a safe, maintenance-free lifetime of service. PVC pipes will not degrade to damage the environment and suffer fewer breaks / leaks than other alternatives.

PVC is widely specified for pipeline systems for water, waste and drainage due to its a theoretical service life of hundreds of years for buried pipes. PVC pipes suffer no build-up, pitting, scaling or corrosion and provide smooth surfaces reducing energy requirements for pumping.


Windows

PVC has been used for fabricating window frames since the 1960s. The UK has seen dramatic growth over the past 15 years with over 85% of new and replacement window projects now using PVC.

PVC windows are tough and durable with a typical life span greater than 35 years (as assesed by the Building Research Establishment, BRE).

PVC windows have an essential role to play in sustainable construction as highlighted by the Building Research Establishment's "Green Guide To Specification" where they have achieved the highest grade A and A+ ratings.

PVC Windows - energy-saving examples:

• Northumbria University (UK’s first solar powered office) Download BPF Vinyl in Construction brochure (PDF 1.2mb)
• Low energy house at Nottingham University Department of Architecture www.house.basf.co.uk

PVC-U Windows have many different benefits and advantages over other window materials. For more information see www.bpf.co.uk/Windows/What_are_the_benefits_of_PVCU_windows.aspx

Why use PVC windows? Download BPF information sheet (PDF 259k)

See also www.pvcaware.org


Flooring

Vinyl flooring has been in use for over 50 years providing highly effectively flooring solutions in both public and private buildings whether large and small ideal for both domestic and durable applications.

Major benefits of PVC flooring:

• Durable
• Freedom of aesthetic effects – available in a wide range of colours and patterns
• Ease of installation, easy to clean
• Easily recyclable
• Variable thickness

PVC flooring is used extensively in housing, hospitals and hotels around the world.

The results of the Building Research Establishment's "Green Guide To Specification" awarded PVC flooring the highest ratings of A and A+.


Roofing

Reinforced PVC roofing is easy to install, has low maintanence requirments and lasts for over 30 years. Can be used to create ‘web-like’ ultra-light weight structures.

PVC tensile fabric is often used for ‘signature’ projects such at the Mount Canopy Stand at Lords Cricket Ground Download BASE information sheet (PDF 794k)

Inflatable structures

PVC can be made sufficiently strong and flexible to allow large inflatable structures to be made.
“PVC is simply the most versatile plastic” - Nick Crosbie, Designer, inflate.co.uk



Lighter structures

“Let’s not forget that the mass of a building per sq. metre has been divided by 50 since Roman times. With the latest textile architecture, it’s even now possible to construct web-like structures capable of withstanding identical constraints. Being lighter, their hold on the ground and their impact on the environment are reduced. The current trend towards lighter building structures is for me a major source of inspiration.” - Jacques Pierlot, Architect, A&A Associates