Why Are Reinforcements Needed? Aren’t UPVC Materials Strong Enough?
Before we discuss the need for reinforcements, it is important to understand what reinforcement is. Steel reinforcement is the process where steel bars are used to provide strength and support to a particular structure, and is a widely used technique in construction industries.
uPVC materials used in doors and windows are strong enough to protect the house. However, over time, these doors and windows constantly interact with heavy pressures from environmental factors like sunlight, massive wind, rain and storms. It is here that steel reinforcement for upvc window comes into the picture. The reinforcement ensures the bars, shields and frames do not bend or become weak in the long run, and helps retain the strength.
Detailed Benefits Of Reinforcement
- Reinforcement strengthens the profiles
- This process helps in holding other structural parts.
- The quality of uPVC isn’t good enough if it isn’t completely reinforced.
- Controls rate of expansion
- Maintains rigidity of frames
- Helps in flexible locking mechanisms
- Ideal for doors and windows with large frameworks
PS: If the frames are small, the uPVC can stay stronger and doesn’t need reinforcing.
Aluminium Vs Steel Reinforced Upvc: Which Is Better?
Both galvanised steel and aluminium are the best reinforcement materials as they can be bent and made into ‘L’ or ‘U’ shapes that will provide additional protection for these structures. Both can be made into these shapes during welding because there is no interference in the joints.
That said, steel reinforcement is mostly used in uPVC. That brings us to the question of which material is better for doors and windows: aluminium or steel-reinforced uPVC? There is no definite answer as both have their pros and cons, and the differences aren’t extreme. While aluminium has a modern style, uPVC gives a more subtler appearance; likewise while aluminium is quite expensive to install, it lasts for a very long time, making it a viable choice in the long run.
However, uPVC has a quality shelf life and is very affordable. Listed down are a few of the differences you must consider between choosing one among the two.
Price – Aluminium materials are more expensive than steel-reinforced uPVC when it comes to price and installation charges. But aluminium is more robust than uPVC.
Thermal Efficiency – Steel-reinforced uPVC windows and doors are great insulations and offer better thermal efficiency when compared to their aluminium counterparts. That said, aluminium is well-insulated as well. To power its thermal efficiency, aluminium windows and doors are made using a thermal break, which separates the inside aluminium and outside aluminium in your window and keeps your place warmer.
Security – Both these varieties are flexible and accommodate many advanced lock mechanisms, which makes them extremely secure.
Maintenance – Like security, there isn’t much difference between aluminium and steel-reinforced uPVC materials when it comes to maintenance. Both do not rot and have a longer lifespan and are so much easier to clean – all you have to do is wipe those with a cloth regularly.
Budget – Budget is a major factor that will push you to choose between the two varieties. As we earlier discussed the price details, it is indeed better to opt for uPVC if you have a limited budget.
Property style – Both aluminium windows and steel-reinforced uPVC windows are available in different varieties, be it in colour, size, design and more. So, it all boils down to your property, how you want your house to look and which material exactly fits your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Steel reinforcement helps in extending the lifespan of the materials while ensuring our houses are extra-protected and secured. At the end of the day, we want our homes to be more stylish and secure which is why steel-reinforced materials are a better choice. Aparna RollForm offers several reinforcements for uPVC doors and windows, which increases the strength and stability of the products manufactured. Since reinforcements are used, the products are more resistant, robust and have a longer life. Therefore, steel-reinforced uPVC doors and windows are energy efficient, corrosion and storm-resistant, noise-insulated, and very easy to maintain.