uPVC, also known as rigid PVC, is extensively used in the buildingindustry as a low-maintenance material. The material comes in a range of colorsand finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, and is used as a substitutefor painted wood, mostly for window frames and sills when installing doubleglazing in new buildings, or to replace older single-glazed windows. Other usesinclude fascia, and siding or weatherboarding. This material has almostentirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being usedfor waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters and downspouts. uPVC does not containphthalates, since those are only added to flexible PVC, nor does it containBPA. uPVC is known as having strong resistance against chemicals, sunlight, andoxidation from water.
UPVC has high chemical resistance across its operating temperaturerange, with a broad band of operating pressures. Due to its long-term strengthcharacteristics, high stiffness and cost effectiveness, UPVC systems accountfor a large proportion of plastic piping installations. Unplasticized PolyvinylChloride Pipes (uPVC) can be used in a wide range of applications includingelectrical and telephone cables, sewer pipes and potable water supply. The uPVCversions often replace wood when building window frames and sills. The uPVCpipe variant also often replaces pipes made of cast iron for drains, wastepiping, downspouts and gutters.