PVC properties & benefits
PVC properties & benefits - Vinyl Council Australia
| For many applications, PVC is the material of choice in the building and construction sector because of its performance, affordability and environmental properties: |
| A Strong Performer |
| Light in weight, PVC performs well in lightweight construction systems where durability and strength is needed, such as for large area roofing membranes. Its light weight also facilitates transportation, handling on-site and safe construction. |
| Slow to ignite |
| Rigid PVC is inherently difficult to ignite because of the chlorine from which the polymer is made. It stops burning once the source of heat is removed. Compared with other common plastic, PVC performs well in terms of: • lower combustibility • lower flammability • less flame propagation • less heat release. The natural fire resistance of PVC may be reduced by the additives which are blended with the resin to make PVC flexible, but this, in turn, may be offset by the inclusion of flame retardants. Newly developed, fire retardant PVC formulations (FR-PVC) have significant advantages in terms of lower acid emissions, smoke generation and enhanced fire resistance. |
| View more information on PVC and fire |
| PVC saves money |
| Low cost is an important advantage for this high performance material. In a 2008 study, BIS Shrapnel found that home owners faced significantly higher building costs if they avoided PVC usage in building, adding between 2 per cent and 3 per cent in costs for alternatives to the most commonly used PVC building products, and between 5.4 per cent and 8.0 per cent compared to a house using PVC products in all possible applications. Ease of installation of many PVC products compared to alternatives, greater durability and lower maintenance requirements also make PVC competitive on a life cycle cost basis. |
| Safe buildings |
| PVC has been in widescale use for over 50 years. It is one of the most researched and thoroughly tested building materials in the world. It meets Australian and international standards for safety and health for the applications for which it is used. |
| Protecting our properties |
| PVC is a very good electrical insulator and, therefore, an excellent material to use for applications such as insulation sheathing for electric cables. With low conductivity, it is an effective heat insulator, providing thermal efficiency in applications such as window and door profiles. |
| Useful products |
| PVC is versatile. The physical properties of PVC allow designers a high degree of freedom as they design new products and develop solutions using PVC. PVC can be cut, shaped, welded, coloured and joined easily in a variety of styles. Its light weight reduces manual handling loads and installation difficulties. PVC products are suitable for renovations, new builds or restorations in any style. |
| Designed for life |
| Many PVC products are expected to last for decades. The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Sewer Drain Code gives PVC a Category A rating, signifying a life expectancy of over 100 years in the application. WSAA also gives PVC a Category A rating for water reticulation. |
