Poor PVC-U - it seems people never tire of bashing it. Over the years various claims have been made about the environmental credentials of PVC-U.

However, perhaps the times they are a changin’ - as Martin Randall, the Chairman of Crystal Direct has created a new initiative to promote the benefits of PVC-U with his new fact sheet: The Truth about PVC-U - Facts & Fibs.

As a consumer it can be really hard to know what to believe, so this new fact sheet really is a great resource. It’s been compiled using a variety independent sources including - Reco Vinyl; Vinyl 2010; PVC Awareness; BPF; PVC Aware; Public Sector News Line; & Friends of the Earth.

The factsheet aims to debunk the myths (or indeed ‘fibs’) we are told about PVC-U and instead present the facts. Highlights include:

Fib: PVC-U Cannot be Recycled

Fact: PVC compounds are 100% recyclable, in fact PVC-U can be recycled over and over again. In 2007 the UK recycled more than 42,000 tonnes of used PVC-U windows and doors.

Fib: PVC-U is dangerous

Fact: Numerous independent studies have been undertaken by such bodies as the World Health Organisation and the European Union, which have repeatedly shown that the material is safe.

“Ministers have made clear that independent evidence such as that from Professor Rappe, the independent scientific advisor to the EU and World health Organisation, demonstrated that PVC is a safe material” - John Battle MP, former Minister of State for Science, Energy and Industry.

Fib: Manufacturing PVC-U harms the environment

Fact: A typical European PVC production plant would have to operate for 30,000 years to produce the same amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere during bonfire night!

“The balance of evidence suggests that there is no alternative material to PVC in it’s major product applications that has less overall effect on the environment.” - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Fib: Alternative materials are just as good as PVC-U when it comes to energy-saving and durability.

Fact: PVC-U is far more thermally efficient than alternative materials and the PVC-U industry is at the forefront of the development of energy efficient window frames. In addition to this, the Building Research Establishment estimates that a typical PVC-U window will have a lifespan of 35 years.

Download the fact sheet in full here - it’s definitely an eye-opening read!

Right now we’re all looking for cost effective ways to add value to our homes and improve our standard of living. Below we’ve pulled together some great home improvement ideas to bring the outside in, whatever your budget.

Whether you’re looking to increase the feeling of light and space, or indeed if you’re looking to undertake a bigger project, look no further than SEHBAC.

Use your Conservatory as a Kitchen-Diner

Increasingly we are seeing more people installing kitchens in their conservatories. Whilst at first this might seem like a slightly strange idea, as the trend for kitchen-diners increases, and in many homes, the original space allocated for the kitchen is too small to accomodate a dining space, it really is an excellent solution. When you add this to wonderful feeling of light and space you get in a conservatory - it really is a great way to bring the outside in.

For many, the kitchen really is the heart of the home - not only do they want to be able to cook in their kitchens, they also want to be able to eat and entertain in them. It also means that if you are entertaining friends, whoever’s playing chef isn’t holed up in the kitchen - instead, they are in the thick of it - even whilst they are preparing the food. Of course if you’re a messy cook or are concerned about your guests witnessing your kitchen nightmares first hand, this might not be the best option for you!

French Doors

If you don’t have the funds to stretch to a conservatory, then installing french doors is a great alternative. We have a wide range of styles and finishes, so there’s bound to be something to suit you.

Obviously in the Summer you can open the doors to bring the outside in, and on cooler days simply enjoy the view and the additional light they let in.

Bi-Fold Doors

For others who want to bring the outside in, and increase the feeling of light and space in their kitchens and dining rooms, but want to go a step further than french doors without making the leap to installing conservatory, bi-fold doors are an excellent alternative.

Bi-Fold doors are also known as folding or multi-fold doors. Unlike traditional french doors, they run along a track rather than being hung from traditional wall mounted brackets.

Bi-Fold doors offer more flexibility than French Doors, as you can elect to fully open the doors to really bring the outside in; or you can simply open one or more doors for ventilation. They can be configured to open either inwards or outwards, and right or left hand opening.

They are also available in a wide range of finishes, colours and styles - so it’s easy to achieve the look which you want for your home.

If you’re looking to undertake a home improvement project why not call into one of our fantastic show centres for ideas? We’ve show centres located in Romford, Ipswich, Chelmsford, Colchester, Sidcup and Worcester Park.

Our experienced staff will be happy to talk you through the various options open to you, and whatever your budget, we know that you’ll be delighted with the results. Alternatively arrange a home visit and we’ll come to you!