| A bout PVC-U double Glazed indows This is an | | | | generalisation Internally beaded windows (where the |
| excellent, highly insulate material, which benefits from | | | | glass is held in from the inside) are considered more |
| little or no external maintenance. It is readily available | | | | secure and burglar resistant. That said there are a lot |
| and well tested and is usually the lowest cost option | | | | of satisfactory externally beaded PVCu systems |
| of all three materials. It is mainly seen in white but | | | | about - many of which feature either internal wedge |
| also available in Mahogany and Oak woodgrain styles. | | | | gaskets or a "double sided" tape which holds the |
| PVCu is by far the most popular material for | | | | external bead firmly in place. You should investigate |
| windows and doors today. There are many | | | | this particular issue with your supplier. Thickness of |
| well-proven PVCu extrusions available. Problems with | | | | PVCu walling? Most PVCu systems for window and |
| discoloration are virtually unheard of and most | | | | door construction are "multi-walled" with internal |
| suppliers will warrant against this. The design of the | | | | reinforcement by means of either Aluminium or |
| windows varies from company to company. Here are | | | | Galvanised Steel box section. Wall thickness can vary |
| a few of the main points. You may like to raise them | | | | from system to system - most are around 3 - 3.5 |
| with your supplier. cheap furniture, coffee tables, | | | | mm thickness. Generally speaking the "thicker" the |
| furniture stores | | | | walling - the stronger the section. Ask your supplier |
| | | | | for an example section and enquire if the frames are |
| Internal or Externally glazed windows Most PVCu | | | | fully reinforced. Note also that the greater the |
| systems will now give you this option. As a | | | | number of internal walls - the greater the strength. |