In recent years, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has become a common plastic material used for many industrial and commercial applications. As one of the most versatile building materials currently available, PVC is used in the roofing, plumbing, and medical industries to name a few in a variety of different ways. With all of these different applications and uses, it’s only natural for a few myths and misconceptions to emerge over time regarding this incredibly durable and multipurpose material. As experts in the plastic production industry, we’re more than happy to dispel the following six common myths about PVC, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing materials for your next professional project.
Myth #1: PVC Can’t Withstand Hot or Cold Temperatures
On the contrary, PVC contains strong chemical compounds that actually enhance its weather, temperature, and UV-resistant capabilities. It’s an all-season material that can withstand strong winds, hail, snow, ice, heavy rain, and practically anything else Mother Nature can throw at it. With the right combination of chemical preservatives and stabilizers, PVC is more than capable of holding its own and maintaining its shape in all kinds of weather conditions. In addition to remaining structurally sound, PVC also has a much longer lifecycle than most other building materials that are traditionally used for the same applications.
Myth #2: PVC Doesn’t Work as a Cool Roofing Product
PVC is specially formulated to be able to tolerate all kinds of weather conditions and temperatures ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold. It’s commonly used for residential and commercial flat roofing applications due to its high UV-resistance, energy efficiency, and durability when faced with a variety of weather conditions. Additionally, PVC reflects up to 80% of the radiant energy to which it’s exposed, and it prevents the formation of heat islands in industrial areas. This reduces the amount of heat your roof absorbs and helps keep your building cooling costs low.
Myth #3: PVC and Vinyl Aren’t the Same
Oftentimes, when people think of PVC, they think of plumbing. Black PVC pipes are certainly one of the most well-known incarnations of this versatile plastic, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only use for it. Despite what most people think, PVC and vinyl are actually one and the same. Although it’s often used in its rigid form for specific applications such as piping, fencing, decking, vinyl siding, and even as a replacement for glass, PVC can also be made flexible for certain applications.
Flexible or vinyl PVC is typically used in various industrial and commercial applications such as roofing, PVC warehouse or strip curtains, swimming pool liners, upholstery, and more. In fact, PVC has so many diverse applications, that it’s currently rated as the third most commonly used polymer resin in the world.
Myth #4: PVC Is Too Expensive
Another common myth or misconception is that PVC is too expensive to produce and purchase when actually, the opposite is true. PVC is one of the most cost-effective polymer products currently on the market. Plus, PVC roofing and piping could actually end up saving you money on your monthly energy bills. PVC is formulated to be energy-efficient. It’s insulated with special coatings that help regulate the temperature of the material according to seasonal weather changes and climates. That means it helps keep your structure warm in the winter and cool in the summer months to prevent your furnace or AC unit from going into overdrive.
This protective coating also prevents the pipes and other PVC materials in your building from freezing and becoming brittle when exposed to below freezing temperatures for long periods of time. As a result, PVC building materials are designed to last for a very long time. In most cases, they can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. Other building materials such as glass may require more frequent repairs and replacements, and these are costs that can add up tremendously over time. PVC, on the other hand, is cost-effective, lightweight, versatile, and incredibly easy to install and maintain with minimal effort on your part.
Myth #5: Thicker PVC Piping Is Always Better
When it comes to PVC pipes, there are two fittings and thickness levels:
- Schedule 40, which is distinguished by its white colour
- Schedule 80, which is distinguished by its grey colour
Schedule 80 is thicker than schedule 40. While a greater thickness level is certainly necessary for certain industrial applications such as chemical processing, deionized water lines, industrial plating, wastewater treatment systems, and chemical drainage, it can also cause water flow issues and backflow in certain systems with which it’s incompatible.
Applications such as pool and spa water systems, residential and commercial irrigation, and potable water all require a much thinner pipe fitting which is provided by schedule 40 pressure systems.
Avoid combining schedule 40 and 80 water pressure systems as this can lead to uneven water flow and perhaps even damage the piping system by putting too much pressure on the changing internal diameter.
Myth #6: PVC Is Worse for the Environment Than Other Materials
This myth may technically have some merit to it, but only under specific circumstances. After carefully examining the PVC production process used by a number of facilities, the EPA determined that PVC that’s “produced by the suspension, mass emulsion/dispersion and solution processes” does in fact emit potentially hazardous pollutants into the air.
As a result, the EPA has created strict rules that are designed to regulate the manufacturing and production processes used to fabricate PVC. When manufacturers adhere to these standards, they can actually significantly minimize the amount of hazardous emissions coming out of their production facilities.
Moreover, when compared to other common building materials that are derived from questionable resources, PVC is the most energy-efficient and long-lasting. Integrating PVC into construction projects ensures longer lasting and more durable structures that require fewer material replacements over time, which reduces waste that typically ends up in landfills.
PVC Strip Curtain Door Distributors in Toronto
You can officially end your search for “PVC strip curtains near me.” Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading suppliers and distributors of PVC strip curtain doors and other industrial and commercial building products in Toronto and the GTA. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or visit our showroom to personally peruse our extensive product line.