Q & A of the Day – PVC-U is not very sustainable and isn't LSOH, is it?

Question: Some architects tell us that PVC-U is not very sustainable and isn't LSOH? Is this right?

Answer: Sustainability - Actually PVC-un-plasticised is a material that is 100% recyclable with the difficulty being that it has such a long life that it's not always easy to find enough recycled material. However, year-on-year, recycled tonnage is increasing rapidly. The best manufacturers will rechip all their waste material, only buying in virgin material when absolutely necessary.

Fire performance - An independent report from BEAMA shows that the fire performance of PVC-U is excellent and has all the characteristics required of Fire Escape Time. The material is highly resistant to ignition and does little to contribute to the spread of fire (classified to Building Regulations, Class 0).

PVC-U has a low rate of smoke production during the early stages of a fire and acts as an effective barrier to flame spread from malfunctioning electrical components contained within them. The material chars and is self-extinguishing and does not produce flaming droplets or burning debris.

To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:

www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions