60% to 70% of the energy consumption in a house goes into heating. The materials that Wymar use to maketheir profile systems were developed to have optimal thermal qualities and therefore out-perform all other materials used for window and door profiles. This means no extra materials are needed to achieve this high degree of insulation. In addition, the Wymar window profiles have 5 chambers, which increase the insulation value substantially. In addition to normal double-glazing, the Wymar profile system also makes it possible to install super-insulating or high-efficiency glass (even extra thick glass up to 45 mm is possible). Heat loss through a material is directly proportionate to the U value or heat conduction coefficient: a high U value means a high degree of energy loss.
The Uf value of a Wymar PVC profile is between 1.3 and 1.7 W/m²K. (as per EN ISO 10077-2).[ TOP ]The sound insulation is dependent on:
a) the type of window
b) the profile system (multiple chamber concept, reinforcements, profile thickness)
c) the concept of the closures
d) the manufacture of the window
e) the leakage density
f) the type of glazing.
Studies have shown that the average sound insulation index Rw for the same type of glazing, expressed in decibels (dB), is most favourable with a PVC window. In addition, the Wymar windows and doors have a specially designed acoustic closure that ensures increased sound reduction. Depending on the customer’s requirements, all of Wymar’s windows and doors can effortlessly be produced with the most diverse types of acoustic high-efficiency glazing.
[ TOP ]PVC profiles have an outstanding degree of fire-retardance. Over the years, the material has been subject to a number of fire tests with the result that it is ‘difficult to ignite and self-extinguishing’. This means that PVC windows definitely cannot be the cause of a fire and will not promote the spread of a fire. The European guidelines classify fire-characteristics by ‘M quality’. That means that a standard window profile made of an approved compound meets the requirements of an M2 quality.
[ TOP ]PVC is resistant to bases, non-oxidising acids, salts, alkali, mineral fats and oils. That makes PVC window profiles outstanding in the most aggressive atmospheric conditions such as coastal and industrial areas. PVC can be damaged by chlorinated solvents, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, esters and, to a lesser degree, oxidising acids. Window profiles do not normally come into contact with those substances, however.
[ TOP ]PVC window profiles have a negligible electrostatic charge, so they attract few dust particles. Washing the windows with soap and water regularly is sufficient. Do not use any abrasive cleansers or aggressive solvents, such as acetone and chlorinated solvents. Cement and lime spatters can be easily removed with water. In addition, PVC windows do not have to be painted, varnished or lacquered every so many years. That advantage is important primarily in locations where maintenance has to be outsourced, such as public buildings, schools, hospitals, public housing, apartments and offices.
[ TOP ]Care for the environment is a priority in our society. Everyone, including the synthetics industry, has a heavy responsibility in that regard. It is therefore normal that the environmental aspects of synthetics such as PVC get the attention they deserve. Environmentally friendly materials are materials that have the least environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. That falls under the category of ‘sustainable construction’. The synthetics industry is active in this area, partly by using lead-free stabilisers and through recycling PVC. In addition, PVC not only has a high resistance to the influences of weather, but also against chemicals and corrosion, making the material ideal for outdoor applications, where sustainability is important. A great many studies show that, from an ecological point of view, there is no clear winner in terms of material choice, and that PVC is equal to the other materials, contrary to many intuitive assumptions.
[ TOP ]