Upvc Roofline Products - Enviromental Impact

Upvc boards and the Enviroment

Upvc (Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) roofline products are manufactured from a rigid form of coextruded plastic where chlorine constitutes approximately 50-60% of the final product. This is significanty less than other plastic products which typically contain up to 100% oil.

The expected lifespan of rigid Upvc materials is around 150-200 years with over 60% of the underground water distribution pipework in the United States being pvc based. The material does not easily degrade which makes it highly suitable as an alternative for building products but perhaps the mass usage of pvc products such as disposable gloves and clothing accessories is a questionable one - at least from an enviromental perspective.

An internet search will reveal two schools of thought with regards to the enviromental impact of pvc products. It is worth considering that fascia and soffit boards manufactured in Upvc are designed to outlast traditional timber in practical life expectancy and without the need for gloss re coating every 5 years or so there is a strong argument for Upvc having green credentials - at least in long life applications such as window frames and boards.