Technical Details
Composition
Cellular uPVC profiles are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9002 quality assurance scheme, using a inward foam of extruding uPVC. CFC’s are not used in the manufacture of uPVC and contains no lead or similarly hazardous material in its formula. The material produced is composed of an enclosed cellular uPVC capped by a hash smooth integral skin. Water absorption is nil.
Thermal Movement
The coefficient of linear expansion on white material is 5×10-5 per oC(3×10-6 per oF). Products should not be installed in temperatures exceeding 30oC (85oF). Fitting cellular products at temperatures below 1oC (33oF) should also be discouraged, unless adequate allowance has been made for subsequent expansion. When fixed as recommended, expansion of cellar uPVC profiles is controlled within the product fixing. However, a gap of 0.1% of the profile length is recommended at the end of each profile to allow for a degree of expansion
Thermal Conductivity
Cellular uPVC profiles have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. The profiles have insulation properties better than timber, brick or concrete, and the 0.035 W/MoC (0.02 Btu/Hr ftoF) value indicates a property having three times better insulation than a timber alternative.
Fire Rating
Cellular uPVC profiles do not burn freely in the absence of flame and they do not support combustion. The profiles tested to BS476 Part 7 1987 achieve a Class 1Y minimum surface spread of flame rating. Ignitability Test – self extinguishing – BS476 Part 5 1979.
Density
The density of cellular uPVC falls between 0.50 – 0.42g/CM3 (31 – 26Ibs/ft3)
Colour Fastness
Cellular profiles are assessed in accordance with BS 1006 1978 Part A0.3 and no significant change in whiteness should be expected for a minimum of 20 years. The profiles have demonstrated in test conditions excellent resistance to discolouration – known as “pinking” which is believed to be related to the use of titanium dioxide and lead stabilisers.
Calcium zinc is used instead which does not suffer discolouration. colour-fast properties use organic pigments chosen for their colour-fast properties. Fading cannot be eliminated, but will be general and uniform.
