Unlocking the potential of uPVC Windows

The Construction Industry & the uPVC Windows
The construction sector in India has experienced a notable shift in the past few years due to the growing utilisation of cutting-edge building materials and technologies.

Since its introduction to India in 2000, uPVC (unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) windows have become a popular option for architects, real estate developers, and homeowners alike.

The rise of uPVC windows in India can be attributed to their ability to meet the varied needs of the Indian market and its growing emphasis on sustainable, low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing building solutions that fulfil the parti-cular requirements of the nation’s diverse climatic conditions and architectural preferences.

The rise in industry size & the fall in trust
In 2005, there were just 5 uPVC window manufacturers in India; today, there are over 5000 companies in this industry. However, this sharp rise in the quantity of uPVC window producers has led to an increase in unhealthy competition that leads to the production of inferior goods at cheaper prices.
As a result, end users and architects began to lose faith in uPVC windows .This lack of trust has primarily impacted the businesses performing high-end work. The luxury market is gradually leaning towards aluminium windows.

The need of benchmarks & standards
Despite being a superb building material, uPVC windows are becoming less popular due to a lack of standards that make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the many options on the market. All white windows are uPVC windows in their eyes. They are ignorant of information such as if they purchase a window with an untested uPVC profile, it will eventually turn yellow and have performance issues.

The uPVC profile standards

The technical team at UWDMA is working tirelessly in this direction, and in March 2023, after 15 years of perseve-rance, standards for uPVC profiles (IS 17953_2003) were published with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). At this point, buyers can verify whether or not the uPVC profile has undergone the specified testing. Also the standards for ‘uPVC Windows & Doors’ are expected to get published by end of this year.

Benchmarking in the manufacturing processes & raw material

In order to establish benchmarks for the production and installation processes, respectively, UWDMA Fabrication Guidelines were introduced in 2016 and Installation Guidelines in 2021.

Now, UWDMA is set to launch a highly special auditing and certification programme for the uPVC window manufacturers, which will further clarify things for the buyers. This programme will entail quality control checks on raw materials, a variety of manufacturing processes, wind load calculations, and lots of other factors that actually affect how well windows perform. This certification will eliminate unhealthy competition by making it more simpler for consumers to choose the best uPVC window manufacturer and for window manufacturers to defend their higher prices for premium products.

UWDMA – In need of more hands to join in
In UWDMA’s mission to make uPVC windows a star once again, UWDMA needs the key influencers of the construction industry, the architects and builders to join hands with us.
UWDMA extends an invitation to architects and builders magazines to serve as brand ambassadors. Together, we can inform readers about the aspects of a quality uPVC window and the technical details that should be considered before making a purchase.
UWDMA believe in the potential of this spectacular product called uPVC Windows and will continue in the direction of strengthening and backing up this industry.

UWDMA India
Web : www.uwdmaindia.org