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!

Recently, Ian Jack wrote a piece in the Guardian - titled ‘Beware the Double Glazing Salesman’ postulating that the biggest threat to conservation areas is not new development, it’s PVC windows (or indeed perhaps PVC double glazing salesman).

The conservation movement back in the UK way back in 1877, when William Morris founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Initially the conservation movement was primarily concerned with protecting the heritage of cathedrals, churches, large country manor houses and so on.

However in 1968, the creation of conservation areas began touching the lives of us everyday folk, when some Victorian terraced homes also became protected.

England alone has 9,300 conservation areas, of which English Heritage claim one in seven are ‘at risk’.

At risk of what?

Well, essentially conservation areas are created to preserve the distinctive character of the locality, mainly via protecting the existing architectural features of the buildings.

Seemingly, in many areas the conservation rules are ignored, and the local authorities are either unwilling, or unable to step in to try to enforce them.

According to English Heritage the biggest threat to conservation areas is ‘unsympathetic’ replacement windows and doors. The Government’s English House Condition Survey seemingly backs this assertion as they found that 40% of houses built in the last half of the 19th century has replaced their wooden sash windows with PVC double glazing by 2006.

Now, whilst we wouldn’t dispute that indeed double glazing has increased in popularity, it seems to me to be a massive leap to blame double glazing, and indeed double glazing salesman for what is essentially a failing in local authorities to enforce these conservation rules.

At SEHBAC we believe that replacement double glazing should be sympathetic to the character of a home. It should enhance rather than detract from the house’s appearance. In any given part of the country there are of course examples of poorly selected double glazed windows which do not complement the character and style of the original structure.

However, we resent the notion that all double glazing suppliers are out to sell ugly windows which spoil the appearance of protected architecture. Our business certainly would not have succeeded for past 38 years if that was our raison d’etre.

We offer a wide range of double glazed windows in a variety of styles, and indeed in a variety of materials.

We’re not alone.

There are many other reputable companies out there like us who offer homeowners the opportunity to install modern double glazing, with all of the associated benefits - improved security, savings on heating bills, etc, without compromising on how their home looks.

It’s seems to us to be both a gross generalisation, and indeed pretty sensationalist journalism from what is supposed to be a ‘quality’ newspaper.

Whilst PVCU is exceedingly durable and therefore requires very little maintenance, in order to keep your PVCU windows looking their best (and indeed functioning well), we’ve pulled together some simple cleaning and maintenance tips.

Have you got a tip you’d care to share? Please let us know in the comments!

How to clean PVCU surrounds:

When researching this article we were amazed at the number of tips out there for cleaning PVCU. For the most part it is safe to use any light household cleaners on PVCU, and a little washing up liquid diluted in warm water will remove most of the dirt from the PVCU surrounds.

However if you have heavier soiling and need to use something a little stronger we would recommend the use of a cream bathroom style cleaner such as Cif, or a specialist PVC cleaning fluid. Whatever you’re using it’s best to double check the suitability of the product prior to going ahead (most cleaning agents will tell you which materials their product can be used on). If in doubt, test the cleaner on a small inconspicuous area first.

Whichever type of cleaning agent you use, make sure that your rinse the PVCU surrounds thoroughly to ensure that no residue is left.

Likewise consider which type of cleaning cloths you are using - ideally use a soft cloth or a sponge. If you have to remove very stubborn dirt, then you could try a non-scratch washing up sponge. But under no circumstances use a very abrasive cloth - e.g. a steel cleaning pad as you run the risk of scratching the PVCU.

How to clean your windows:

We could talk top glass cleaning tips forever and a day (but you might get bored, and we wouldn’t want that).

Personally, I use warm water with a little washing up liquid to get rid of surface dirt, then dry the window. To get rid of streaks polish with crumpled newspaper.

Alternatively there are many specialist glass and window cleaners on the market that also do an excellent job.

How to clean window sills:

Again, most light cleaning agents are perfectly safe to use on wooden window sills, provided that they do not react with the lacquer or paint which they have been treated with - again check the manufacturers recommendations - if your cleaning product says do not use on painted or varnished surfaces, then find a suitable alternative.

Basic Maintenance:

Around once a year check the moving parts of the window fittings and (if required) apply silicone grease or vaseline to the moving parts so the window continues to move smoothly.

Likewise cheack that none of the screws in the fittings are loose - tighten them if necessary.

Please note, most windows are supplied with a guarantee, and in order for it to remain valid you may find that any repairs need to be made by the company who originally fitted the windows. Therefore, if when checking your windows you spot something which you suspect might be a little more serious then it’s best to contact your window supplier directly, rather than trying to fix the problem yourself, as you may render your guarantee invalid. If your windows are still under guarantee then you’ll probably find that the original supplier will come out and resolve any problems for you.

Image credit newlivinghouston