Landmark New Paarl Developments Get all Weather-Proof, Noise Resistant uPVC Window Systems

Residents at two new developments at Paarl in the Western Cape are to enjoy power cost savings, better protection from the Cape’s worst weather, and comfortable, quiet interiors, thanks to the developers’ decision to specify REHAU uPVC window systems throughout.

The developers of the contemporary Bergendal Country Villas and the Bergenhof Estate and Villas have specified REHAU PURELINE 36mm uPVC casement window systems by fabricator Trinity uPVC and Aluminium for all apartments and houses.

Theo Butler, founder at Trinity uPVC and Aluminium, says developers Skyward Housing and Habikon Housing have opted to give residents of these developments all the benefits of high quality, modern uPVC window systems in line with their focus on energy efficient design, cost effectiveness and ‘maximum livability’.

While uPVC may be dubbed ‘architecture’s best-kept secret’ and specified only by the most pioneering architects, developers are seeing numerous benefits in choosing uPVC over aluminium window systems.

Superior thermal and sound insulation  

Butler notes: “REHAU’s PURELINE uPVC just performs better than aluminium at a comparable cost, so the developers chose to give customers a higher quality product that won’t cause maintenance problems in future. In Paarl, the weather can be very hot in summer, with severe storms in winter, so uPVC helps to keep a comfortable temperature, where aluminium conducts heat and cold too much which means the external ambient temperature has a bigger impact on the inside comfort level.”

He explains: “uPVC offers superior sealing compared to aluminium, and its performance can be further enhanced with options like double glazing. For instance, a customer in George recently shared that his uPVC windows, combined with double-glazed glass, allowed him to maintain a comfortable 18 degrees indoors, even when the temperature outside dropped to 5 degrees. His underfloor heating system, set to activate when the internal temperature fell below 18 degrees, never kicked in – resulting in significant savings on heating and energy consumption.”

uPVC is also ideal for areas prone to storms and wet weather, he says: “Whereas some aluminium system designs date back to the 1970s and don’t support drainage, PURELINE uPVC systems are sealed units with drainage systems built in, so contractors – and homeowners – don’t have to worry about leaks.”

Another benefit is noise reduction. Butler says some of the Bergendal apartment units overlook the N1 freeway, yet residents enjoy peaceful homes. Butler says: “The people are amazed that the sound of traffic is barely noticeable.”

Pioneers move forward despite myths and misconceptions

Butler says uPVC is gaining traction in South Africa, despite some myths and misconceptions that remain.

“A common misconception in the market is that uPVC discolours over time. This is based on the PVC used 40 years ago, when white products tended to turn yellow. REHAU uPVC is UV balanced so this is no longer an issue. Now with the new extrusion REHAU has developed and the recipes they have in relation to the northern and southern hemispheres, the extrusions we receive are extremely well balanced,” he says.

Butler says a good example is a boutique hotel in Cape Town, where uPVC was fitted 25 years ago: “There has been hardly any discolouration after 25 years – it’s a brilliant example of how good it is. REHAU also offers a warranty. There is a 10-year warranty on discolouration, vs very limited warranties on aluminium powder coating. But we have been fitting REHAU uPVC in houses for 10 years and we have had no comebacks – they all look the same as when they were installed.”

Thanks to its superior quality, longevity and thermal and sound insulation properties, uPVC should be considered for all environments, Butler concludes.

Contact: REHAU