My Basket Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or uPVC) is a very popular plastic material widely used in the construction industry for various purposes. It is highly versatile and offers a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. In this blog, we’re explaining why PVC is widely used in the construction industry, and why we think you should consider using it in your project.
For anyone who is interested in the technical side of things – PVC is a thermoplastic material made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. It is one of the most widely produced synthetic plastics globally, with a vast range of applications across various industries. In the construction industry, PVC is used for various purposes, from window frames to guttering, and soffit boards to fascia boards.
One of the biggest reasons why plastics are so widely used in construction is its low maintenance requirements. PVC is highly resistant to weathering, corrosion, and decay, which makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications. It does not rot, warp, or splinter, and it does not require regular painting or staining, unlike traditional materials such as wood.
uPVC is also highly durable, which makes it ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as windows and doors. It can withstand heavy use and is resistant to impact and scratches, making it a suitable material for both commercial and residential buildings.
Another benefit of PVC is its high quality. PVC is manufactured to meet strict quality standards, which ensures that it is of a consistent and reliable quality. It is also available in a range of colours and finishes – for example, smooth, matte or woodgrain, making it a versatile material that can be used to complement the design and style of any building.
UPVC is another way of saying unplasticised PVC – this is a type of PVC that has been specifically engineered for use in the construction industry. It is a more rigid and stronger material than standard PVC, which makes it an ideal choice for use in window frames and doors. UPVC is also highly resistant to UV damage and impact, which means it is less likely to discolour, crack or break, even in harsh weather conditions.
One of the most common uses of PVC in the construction industry is for fascia boards and soffit boards. These boards are used to cover the eaves of a roof and provide a neat and attractive finish to the building. PVC fascia and soffit boards are an excellent choice as they are lightweight, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance.
PVC is also widely used for window trims, which are the decorative pieces that cover the gaps between the window frame and the wall. Plastic window trims are available in a range of colours and finishes, making them an excellent choice for both modern and traditional buildings.
Windows and doors are perhaps the most significant use of PVC in the construction industry. PVC window frames and doors are an excellent choice for both new builds and renovations, as they offer a range of benefits. Plastic windows and doors are energy-efficient, which means they help to keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer. They are also highly durable, low maintenance, and available in a range of styles and finishes.
PVC windows and doors are also an excellent choice for sound insulation. PVC is an excellent sound insulator, which means it can help to reduce noise pollution from outside the building. This is particularly important in urban areas, where noise pollution can be a significant problem.
Another benefit of uPVC windows and doors is that they are highly secure. Plastic window frames and doors are fitted with multi-point locking systems, which make them extremely difficult to break into. This is an essential consideration for homeowners, who want to ensure the safety and security of their property.
In addition to the benefits of PVC, it is also an environmentally friendly material. PVC is recyclable, which means that it can be reused to create new products. PVC can also be produced with fewer emissions than other materials, which makes it a more sustainable choice for the construction industry.
At Edge, we supply a vast range of building plastics. Why not get all your roofline and window fitting plastics from one place? Email [email protected] with your enquiry today or give us a call on 03450213333.
This month, we are delighted to be awarding Dowling Carpentry & Construction with their second Installation of the Month award in two years.
Reuben Dowling has been working alongside Little Blue Door nurseries to create a stunning pre-school childcare space in Westhampnett for 3-month to 5-year-olds.
This nursery space is the second to open in the Chichester area and is a highly sought-after pre-school. With four indoor and two outdoor spaces, The Little Blue Door has been designed to promote learning through play, with an over-arching mission to ‘develop little minds’.
The project, which has been running for approximately six months, has a footprint of over 5,000 sq ft. The design of the space is centered around wellness and child development, and will open its doors this Spring. The works have been carried out within the time scale and budget set, which is very pleasing to all involved.
Dowling Carpentry and Construction have installed our dark grey aluminium windows, aluminium doors, dark grey aluminium curtain wall, steel guttering, fascias and soffits, whilst using many of our PVC Trims, silicone, fixings and site welfare products.
Ultimately, the building was designed with safety and ease-of-use in mind, and Dowling Carpentry and Construction have achieved this and beyond. The space is an attractive setting for children and carers alike, with its modern, minimal designs coupled with our high-quality, low-maintenance products.
Congratulations again to Dowling Carpentry and Construction – another fabulous project. We look forward to seeing more of your great work in the future.
Our bifold and sliding doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to maximize space and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. However, like any home improvement project, the installation of these doors can come with its fair share of potential problems, and our customers often ask us – how can these problems be avoided so we don’t waste time and money on site?
So, this blog covers some of the most common problems that can occur when installing bifold and sliding doors, and offers you some solutions!
Improper Measurements
One of the most common problems with installing bifold and sliding doors is inaccurate measurements. The doors must fit perfectly in the opening, and even a small mistake can lead to significant issues. If the doors are too big, they will not fit in the space, and if they are too small, there will be gaps that can cause air and water leaks.
Solution: The key to avoiding measurement issues is to get a professional installer on board take accurate measurements. It is essential to measure the opening width and height, as well as the depth and width of the walls surrounding the opening. This information will help the installer determine the right size and type of door for the space.
Uneven Flooring
Another issue that can arise when installing bifold doors and sliding doors is uneven flooring. If the floor is not level, it can cause the doors to sit at an angle, making them difficult to open and close.
Solution: If the flooring is uneven, you will obviously need to level it before installing the doors. This can be done using a self-levelling compound, which will create a smooth, even surface for the doors to sit on.
Poorly Installed Track Systems
Bifolds and sliding doors rely on track systems to function properly. If the tracks aren’t properly installed, the doors can be difficult to open and close, and they may not slide smoothly.
Solution: To avoid problems with the track system, it is essential to use high-quality tracks and hardware. A professional installer will have the expertise to install the track system correctly, ensuring that the doors operate smoothly.
Warping and Misalignment
Bifold and sliding doors are made of multiple panels that can be heavy, especially if they are made of wood. Over time, the weight of the doors can cause warping or misalignment, leading to problems with opening and closing.
Solution: To avoid warping and misalignment, it is important to choose high-quality doors made of materials that are resistant to warping. For example, our aluminium range is an excellent choice for bifold and sliding doors, as they are highly resistant. Also, occasional maintenance and adjustment of the doors can help prevent warping and misalignment over time.
Insufficient sealing
Bifold and sliding doors are often used as exterior doors, which means they must provide adequate insulation to keep out drafts and moisture. Insufficient sealing or gasket can lead to air and water leaks, which can cause significant problems, such as mould and mildew growth and higher energy bills.
Solution: To avoid weather sealing issues, it is important to choose doors that come with high-quality gasket pre-installed and use weather-proof silicones. Additionally, regular maintenance and replacement of weather-stripping can help ensure that the doors provide adequate insulation over time.
In conclusion, bifolds and sliders are a popular choice for homeowners, but they can come with potential problems. Improper measurements, uneven flooring, poorly installed track systems, warping and misalignment, and insufficient weather-stripping and sealing are all issues that can arise when installing these doors. The key to avoiding these problems is really to work with a professional installer who has the expertise and certification to ensure that the doors are installed correctly. Additionally, choosing high-quality doors made of durable materials and keeping them in good condition can help ensure that they function properly over time. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the many benefits of bifolding and sliding doors in your project without worrying about the doors jamming shut or leaking.
At Edge, we supply the Origin and Korniche bifold and sliding doors. We’ve selected our range carefully to give you the best quality products and the best prices. You can come and see the doors for yourself in our Chichester showroom!
If you have any queries, or you would like a quotation – our bespoke team would be happy to help you! Simply email your queries or requirements to [email protected] and one of our helpful staff members will assist you.
Why is guttering so essential for any property?
Guttering is an essential part of the roofing system for all properties and can help protect the entire property from a range of problems. A very small percentage of properties in the UK are without guttering and they are the exception, not the rule. Having a good quality drainage system in place is important for any homeowner looking for peace of mind when it comes to keeping their property safe.
Guttering plays a key role in helping to keep rainwater away from the property, particularly in the UK, where discussing if it’s going to rain or not is a national obsession! Without proper drainage solutions, rainwater could be left to run off the roof into areas around the house, possibly eroding the foundations and causing water damage to walls or even leading to flooding inside the home. Water damage to any property is costly and difficult to repair and can, if not treated quickly, lead to major building or repair work.
Guttering works because it directs the water away from the property and minimises the chances of this damage. In short, guttering catches rainwater that is running off the property’s roof surfaces and then safely diverts it away from the property via drains or other drainage systems.
Additionally, rainwater is often captured and stored by householders for gardening. Guttering redirects water into water butts and storage tanks. Furthermore, water can be channelled into larger storage tanks for use in the home, although special care is needed to ensure it is safe for human consumption.
What are the different types of metal guttering?
With a range of different types and materials of guttering available, each with its own set of benefits, it can be difficult to decide which type of guttering is right for your clients’ property. In this blog we will look at the benefits of metal guttering to help you guide homeowners in their decision.
When choosing which type of metal guttering is best for the property, there are several options available.
Steel gutters are one of the most widely used options as they provide excellent corrosion resistance, meaning they will last longer than many other types of material even when exposed to prolonged amounts of moisture or humidity.
Aluminium gutters are also a popular choice due to their light weight and ease of installation, while remaining strong enough to handle heavier rains and storms without becoming damaged or misshapen over time.
Cast iron gutters are also an option but may require more maintenance than the other two types of metal due to their susceptibility to rust if not sealed properly against moisture exposure.
What are the benefits of metal guttering?
One of the main advantages of using metal guttering is its strength and durability. This type of guttering can withstand extreme weather conditions including high winds, heavy rain and snowfall without being damaged or compromised. This makes it a great choice for properties that are exposed to harsher environments than others, as metal guttering won’t succumb to damage like plastic or wood could.
Another major benefit of using metal guttering is that it requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials. Unlike plastic or wooden alternatives which may need regular cleaning and repair, metal can be left alone for years without needing much attention at all. This makes this type of guttering an ideal option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance solution that still provides effective drainage solutions.
Aluminium guttering can also be considered as largely beneficial for the environment as it is non-toxic and less at risk to chipping and breaking than uPVC pipes. It is also considered a safer option as it does not alter the acidity of rainwater. Aluminium is considered by some to be the most eco-friendly alternative for guttering material and is often a favoured product for roofers. It is a largely durable product, surviving adverse weather conditions and lasting for years without repairs or maintenance.
Steel guttering also has multiple benefits, including its ability to resist thermal effects. Galvanised steel is made by coating regular steel with a layer of zinc oxide to protect it from corrosion and rust. The process of galvanizing the steel gives it superior protection against extreme temperatures, moisture, oxidation, corrosion, fire, and other factors that can damage or destroy other metals over time. It doesn’t experience expansion or contracting like other metals and steel guttering therefore has excellent lifetime value, and, unlike uPVC guttering, it is recyclable.
If properly maintained, metal guttering can last a very long time. Not only is it strong and less at risk to sagging, it is also a fantastic option for maintaining Victorian and character buildings. However, it’s important to note that metal guttering is, of course, a heavier option, which can make transportation and installation harder.
In summary, metal guttering is a fantastic solution to keep buildings protected from water damage and to reduce the levels of maintenance required compared to other cheaper materials such as uPVC. Though metal guttering can be more of a financial commitment, and is heavier, it’s durability and strength make it a better choice. If sealed properly and cleaned regularly, metal gutters are likely to be longer lasting, and for the environment-conscious homeowner, the non-toxic materials will have less environmental damage.
A wide range of rainwater & drainage solutions
At Edge Building Products, we have guttering and drainage to suit any project, including domestic PVC guttering, Industrial PVC, Cast Iron PVC, Galvanised Steel, and aluminium. In addition, we have a range of rainwater accessories including gutter balloons, gutter guards, gutter brushes and all of the necessary brackets to ensure they are safely and effectively attached to your clients’ property. We also have your full underground drainage needs covered too, meaning you can source everything you need for your project from one centralised point.
With trade counters in Chichester, Horsham and Croydon we can help you with questions or queries about our products in person. You can also contact us via email on [email protected] and we will do our very best to help you.
The Britmet Liteslate tile is a high-performance, synthetic, lightweight roofing solution will bring many benefits to your project. In this blog, we’re giving you the top 7 reasons why you should install the Liteslate tiles.
1 – Convenient– Britmet’s Liteslate tile is lightweight, making it super easy to store and carry around on site. The tiles are compression moulded, and even have pitch finder marks impressed into the tiles showing you where to fix the slate. This makes installation a simple task for DIY installers and qualified roofers! Liteslate is a completely dry-fix system, and on top of all that – you only need a fine-tooth saw or sharp blade to cut it with!
2 – Beautifully authentic appearance – real Welsh slate was used in the design process of the Liteslate tiles, and you can tell – it is so realistic! The overall finish and riven front edge of each tile gives the perfect impression of an authentic slate. There is a wide range of colours to choose from too, ensuring you have the right style for your project, and many accessories and flashings available – all designed to give the same effect as the traditional slate tile.
3 – Liteslate is versatile. It can achieve a minimum pitch of 14° and a max pitch of 90° – making it suitable for a very wide range of applications. Lean to’s, garages, holiday homes, vertical cladding solutions, and stables are just some of the installation suggestions we have up our sleeve – these tiles can literally be installed anywhere!
4 – Care for Quality – The Liteslate tiles are British manufactured using a whopping 90% recycled materials (an expert blend of polypropylene and limestone). In addition to this, they have 40-year weather penetration guarantee, plus full technical support available for any concerns or queries regarding the specification or installation of the tiles.
5 – Britmet tiles are Safe & Strong – with a BS476-3 fire rating. Liteslate tiles don’t break, warp or crack, even when exposed to extreme weather conditions over a long period of time. This gives you the ultimate peace of mind when you install the tiles, as you know they won’t let you down.
6 – Cost Effective. Yes. With 18-22 slates per square metre, Liteslate tiles are designed to save you time and space, which ultimately saves you money. Each tile weighs 1/7th the weight of traditional roofing tiles – making them cheaper to transport and meaning you could load more onto a pallet at once. Furthermore, you’ll save money by not needing to have annual checks and repairs, as we’ve mentioned before – the tiles are designed to be very robust.
7 – Liteslate tiles are Virtually Maintenance Free. Due to the expertly-blended materials that make up these tiles, they are very resistant to damage, mould, pests and many other factors that could impair their appearance. This means there will be no need for anyone to risk life and limb and climb up onto the roof to clean it or repair any faults. The tiles look after themselves.
So, there you have it, the beautiful looking, modern day version of a traditional slate tile – with heaps of advantages for your project. Let us know if you have any queries or if you would like a quotation! Just pop an email to [email protected] or give us a call on 0345021333 and we’ll do our best to help you with your enquiry.
You’re also very welcome to come and view samples at any of our 3 branches.