The SNEP presents its study "Perception and use of PVC by architects"

A word from architects

When they are given the floor to talk about PVC, the following points emerge:

• PVC is a very interesting material kneaded of qualities,
• It is a good compromise between wood and aluminum,
• It remains necessary and irreplaceable,
• Its undeniable qualities are: ease of maintenance, high recyclability, thermal performance and durability.

This perception of PVC by architects makes it a material of choice on their sites. According to the study, 71,6% of the panel believe that PVC is an interesting material.

The qualities of PVC according to the architects

The intrinsic qualities of PVC are known and recognized by architects who spontaneously quote:

• Its economic aspect, which they prescribe both for social housing and for individuals
• Its technical performance, with its speed of implementation, its energy performance, its insulation performance, its excellent service life, its resistance to humidity, its ease of maintenance, or even the wide range of colors and customization it offers.

The use of PVC in the building

More than 75% of PVC is used in the building. This essential material finds its place in many applications, but what are those where architects see a priority interest? For windows for 69,7%, for floor coverings for 77,4%, and up to 90,4% for sanitary applications (plumbing ...).

The PVC window: the choice of architects

In France, almost 3 out of 5 windows are made of PVC. And the architects have something to do with it! For renovation, 52,1% of architects recommend the PVC window. For a new construction, they are 53,4% ​​to prescribe it. What reasons stand out among multiple motivations? Its unbeatable cost at 39,7%, its excellent thermal insulation at 11,1%, at the request of the customer at 9,5%, its excellent performance / price ratio at 8,5%.

PVC, wood or aluminum window?

When architects are asked to compare PVC, wood and aluminum joinery, the PVC window does its best on the price where it undoubtedly remains the most competitive material.

But its other particularities, which differentiate it from wood and aluminum, are also well known to architects:

• 92,7% of architects know the color PVC window which offers unparalleled choice and diversity.
• 83,8% know that there are large PVC windows, which makes it possible to imagine the best solutions in terms of openings, without technical constraints, and whatever the site.
• 63,9% know that the PVC window can be recycled. And they are right ! Since 2015, SNEP has contributed to the establishment of a chain of 200 collection points for end-of-life PVC products throughout France and educates construction, demolition companies and specifiers on the recycling of their products. PVC, in particular joinery profiles and window frames. In France in 2018: 105 tonnes of PVC were recycled (source VinylPlus 517).
• 62,6% know that there is a quality brand for PVC joinery. And they are right ! QualiPVC fenêtre is a brand created and registered with the INPI on March 25, 2016 by SNEP. This brand, a guarantee of quality, is a real recognition for the carpenters who benefit from it. Choosing a QualiPVC carpenter means benefiting from French manufacturing, strict quality control, proper application of the recycling charter, a qualified professional nearby, the expertise of a union professional.

PVC and PVC windows remain more than ever essential for building, whether in the residential or the tertiary sector, and architects will not say the opposite!