Increasingly, consumers are thinking ‘green’ and are looking for more information on the environmental impact of their purchases. As such, many people are concerned about the use of PVC, and as such seek alternative materials for their replacement windows and doors; or if they are planning to have a conservatory built.

However, a recent press release from PVC Aware aims to highlight the environmental creditials of PVC, and address the concerns of those consumers. 

Jon Skinner who chairs the PVC Aware committee says “PVC’s environmental credentials are well proven, but as yet, they are little known, in part because the majority of the tests are relatively new. Equally, few people are aware how recyclable PVCU is. The double benefit is that it has environmental advantages and is affordable.”

The Facts about PVC:

1. It’s 100% recyclable.
2. It’s manufactured using 57% chlorine (sea salt) and a comparatively small amount of oil.
3. Very low maintenance (i.e. unlike wood, it never needs re-painting!)
4. The PVC Industry has committed to recycle 100% waste by 2010.
5. Old PVC window frames can be recycled to fabricate new ones - with a minimal impact on the environment. Plus, PVC window frames may be recycled up to 10 times - offering a potential lifespan of more than 350 years!
6. PVC windows are energy efficient and will help you cut your carbon footprint and your utility bills.
7. PVC is available in a wide choice of colours and finishes so you’re bound to find something to suit the style and character of your home.
8. PVC manufacture releases very few dioxins into the air. In fact the average European PVC plant would need to run non stop for 30,000 years to produce the same level of emissions as are released on a single Bonfire Night!
9. PVC is totally inert in the environment.
10. Today’s advanced PVC products already include a high proportion of recycled content.

The good news is, that today’s advanced performance PVC windows and doors can deliver significant energy savings. As such they can play a positive role in making homes more sustainable by cutting carbon emissions, not to mention heating bills. And while glass remains the most important single factor in window energy efficiency, PVC remains far more thermally efficient than alternative materials.

Here at SEHBAC we offer a wide range of PVCU double glazing, doors and conservatories. We’ve over 38 years experience and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.

PVC Aware is an organisation set up to promote the sustainable values of PVC as a material for window frames and other building applications. They are committed to implementing and promoting procedures to ensure that all off-cut and post-consumer PVC material is recycled into new products, thus preventing waste.

All images, and stats from this post were sourced from the PVCAware.org website.

If you’re considering replacing your front door, you’re probably pretty overwhelmed with the options which are open to you.

There are a vast number of materials and finishes available, and of course you need to select something which suits the style and character of your home. In addition to this, you also need to consider security - everyone wants to feel safe in their home, so in addition to looking good, your front door also needs to provide adequate security features.

If that wasn’t enough,  with the cost of heating your home ever increasing, you might also be thinking about the most energy efficient option. A draughty, ill-fitting door, will most certainly allow precious heat to escape; and if heat’s escaping - you could be paying more for your heating than you need to; not to mention the impact on the environment.

At SEHBAC we supply and fit a vast range of doors in a variety of materials. Below, we’ve highlighted the key options open to you, and pros and cons of each:

PVCU Doors

PVCU doors are an excellent choice in terms of security, and energy efficiency. Plus, PVCU is very hard wearing, and as such will resist weathering for many years - unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular sanding and repainting in order to maintain their looks.

Previously, there were some concerns over PVCU doors warping in cases of fire - however thanks to modern manufacturing methods, all SEHBAC PVCU doors meet fire safety standards.

Wooden Doors

For some people, only the look and feel of real wood will do. Whilst timber doors do require more maintenance than PVCU, our doors are triple coated with sealant which provides long lasting protection and helps to prevent distortion.

In addition to this our wooden doors will not let the elements in, so you can rest assured that you’ll not find yourself with a door which lets draughts in.

Perhaps best of all, our timber is all sustainably sourced - so it’s a planet-friendly option all round!

Composite Doors

Offering perhaps the best of both worlds, composite doors are as secure, energy efficient and hard wearing as PVCU, but with the great look and style of real wood. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles; and with a variety of glass options, there’s bound to be a composite door which suits the style and character of your home.

Plus, unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular maintenance, to preserve the good looks of your door, all you need do is wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Aluminium Doors

As with PVCU, aluminium doors are available in a wide range of styles and colours, and of course they offer excellent security and energy efficiency.

At SEHBAC we’ve over 38 years experience in providing replacement doors and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.