PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a high-strength and multipurpose thermoplastic material made of ethylene, which is derived from crude oil or natural gas, and chlorine, which is extracted from salt or sodium chloride. One of the common applications of PVC is in various construction materials. These range from water pipes and electrical conduits to wall and ceiling panels, flooring, door and window frames and panels, and cabinet components.
Using Polyvinyl Chloride in Residential and Commercial Construction: The Pros and Cons of OVC Materials
Advantages of PVC Materials and Notable Applications in Construction
PVC was accidentally discovered in 1835 by French chemist and physicist Henri Victor Regnault and further in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. The real breakthrough began in 1926 when American chemist Waldo Semon at B.F. Goodrich developed a method to plasticize PVC to make it more flexible and workable. It was first used as pipes in the 1930s. Further improvements in the manufacturing process resulted in the production of different construction materials. Below are the advantages of PVC materials and notable applications in construction:
1. Water and Moisture Resistance
One of the earliest and strongest use cases for PVC was in applications where water resistance was valued. This was the main reason it was adapted to plumbing and electrical networks. PVC materials are impervious to both water and moisture. They do not swell nor rot unlike wood or rust unlike steel in damp or high-moisture environments.
Hence, in both residential and commercial constructions, PVC materials like floorings or ceiling panels are ideal for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and basements. PVC floors are also becoming common in splash-prone exterior environments like pool decks. Note that this same resistance to water and moisture prevents mold and mildew growth.
2. Relative Durability and Longevity
Another advantage of PVC materials is that they are durable and can last long. They are robust materials that can resist impact, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. A particular PVC panel can demonstrate a long-lasting finish that can withstand the rigors of a busy household or commercial setting. This reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
Earth-based materials like natural stone and ceramics have extremely long lifespans. However, PVCs can rival composite materials in terms of lifespan. PVC pipes can last for 50 to 100 years. Floors and panels made from the same material tend to have 25 to over 50 years of manufacturer warranty. Higher-quality materials can outlast wood with less maintenance.
3. Heat Insulation and Fire Resistance
PVC is not a primary insulator but it still provides some level of thermal resistance. It is not a good conductor of heat. A rigid PVC material has a low thermal conductivity coefficient of around 0.15 to 0.19 watts per meter-Kelvin. This makes it suitable for materials like window panels aimed at slowing down heat transfer from inside and outside a structure.
Another advantage of PVC is that it is fire-resistant because of its chlorine content. Chlorine acts as a natural flame retardant. It also has a higher ignition temperature than wood. It ignites at 190 degrees Celsius. Wood ignites at around 260. Moreover, when a direct flame source is removed, it tends to self-extinguish. It also releases less heat when burned.
4. Various Cost-Effective Characteristics
PVC floorings and panels are generally more affordable than wood and stone. They are also easier to handle and install because they are lighter. This means less structural load on structural elements like walls and ceilings. The ease and speed of installation translate to reduced labor costs that make construction, including renovation, faster and less disruptive.
There are different PVC materials available for construction. PVC floors come in various designs and colors. The same is true for PVC wall claddings and ceiling panels. Most finishes replicate the natural grain pattern or color of natural wood. Some imitate natural stone or earth-based materials like ceramics and porcelain. They can also be customized with unique patterns.
Disadvantages of PVC Materials and Critical Limitations in Construction
PVC is a better alternative to natural wood and engineered wood like medium-density fiberboards in certain cases. It is inexpensive. However, for several property developers and homeowners, it is not a premium material. Some still prefer using materials like wood for ceiling panels or floorings and ceramic or porcelain tiles in indoor flooring. There are also other alternatives to PVC. These include stone veneers, metal for frames, and composite materials that blend wood fibers and resins. Below are the disadvantages of PVC materials and their limitations in construction:
1. Temperature Sensitivity and Stability
Remember that PVC provides some level of thermal resistance and is fire resistant by default but this does not mean that it is not sensitive to heat. It begins to soften at around 80 degrees Celsius and can decompose above 140 to 160 degrees Celsius. It also has a moderate coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that its dimensions change with temperature.
Moreover, while it is generally durable, it is not ideal for external use in hot weather conditions because prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can break down its chemical bond. This leads to a process called photodegradation. Discoloration is one of the most noticeable effects. Further and prolonged UV exposure results in brittleness and cracking.
2. Relative Durability and Longevity
Another disadvantage of PVC materials is that their durability and longevity depend on various factors. The most basic materials are less durable and have shorter lifespans because they are more susceptible to temperature issues, mechanical stress, and chemical exposures. There are better PVC materials with additives that aim to address these inherent limitations.
The formulation of PVC greatly influences its resistance to aging and degradation. This means that not all PVC materials are created the same. It is important to look for a particular type of PVC with certain characteristics that are applicable to a particular use case. For example, for outdoor floorings, note that PVC floors made for indoors are not suitable.
3. Concerns Over Environmental Footprint
The manufacturing of PVC is energy-intensive, especially in the synthesis of chlorine and ethylene feedstocks, and can generate hazardous chemical byproducts such as dioxins, furans, and other persistent organic pollutants. The use of fossil fuels in production also means it has a high carbon footprint. It contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate emergency.
Furthermore, when it comes to disposal, PVC is not biodegradable and can persist in landfills for centuries. The degradation of a PVC material due to weathering or mechanical stress results in the release of microplastics that end up contaminating soils and bodies of water. It is also challenging to recycle and is often downcycled because it often contains additives.
4. Notable Health-Related Issues
Several researchers have noted that having PVC materials in residential and commercial spaces poses several health-related issues. New PVC materials can release volatile organic compounds like vinyl chloride, phthalates, and formaldehyde and affect indoor air quality. These are irritants and long-term exposure increase risks of cancer and endocrine disruption.
PVC might be water resistant but it can still trap moisture due to improper installation that prevents water evaporation. Moisture buildup encourages the growth of molds. This can trigger allergies and other respiratory issues. There are brands that aim to address these issues. These include mold resistance features and phthalate-free or low-VOC certified products.