At Fairco, our Performance uPVC windows are engineered to deliver exceptional quality in every sense. Choosing the right windows for your home is more than a design decision, it’s an investment in comfort, performance, and long-term peace of mind. From thermal efficiency to durability, they offer a standard of excellence that’s built for Irish homes and designed to last.
But what exactly is uPVC? And how does it differ from standard PVC windows? Understanding these differences is key to making the right choice for your home.
PVC vs uPVC: what’s the difference?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a widely used plastic material found in everything from plumbing to packaging. However, standard PVC contains plasticisers, added chemicals that make it flexible. While this flexibility may be useful in certain applications, it makes PVC unsuitable for building materials, particularly for windows and doors, where structural strength is essential.
uPVC, on the other hand, stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It contains no plasticisers, making it far more rigid, stable, and durable. This rigidity gives uPVC the strength and structural integrity required for window frames, without compromising on weather resistance or thermal performance.
uPVC is also highly resistant to corrosion, moisture, and the effects of ageing. It doesn’t warp, rot, or fade, even after years of exposure to sun, wind, and rain — making it an ideal choice for the Irish climate.
Mechanical Properties
Property |
PVC |
uPVC |
Flexibility |
High | Low (rigid) |
Tensile Strength |
Lower | Higher |
Impact Resistance |
Moderate (varies by type) | High |
Structural Use |
Unsuitable | Suitable for load-bearing |
Performance that speaks for itself
At Fairco, we’ve elevated uPVC to a whole new level. Our Performance uPVC windows are not just built from better materials, they’re built to a higher standard. Every frame is precision-engineered to ensure maximum energy efficiency, long-lasting strength, and a refined aesthetic that complements both modern and traditional homes.
These windows are fitted with multi-chambered profiles, a key feature that helps to insulate your home more effectively. The chambers trap pockets of air, reducing heat transfer and creating a thermal barrier between the indoors and outside. When combined with double or triple glazing, this design ensures exceptional energy performance all year round.
The result? A more comfortable home, reduced heating bills, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Built for the Irish climate
Irish weather is famously unpredictable, which is why your windows need to be as resilient as they are beautiful. Fairco’s Performance uPVC windows are crafted to withstand everything from heavy rain and coastal air to frosty mornings and the occasional summer heatwave. Our uPVC range is engineered for exceptional longevity and performance, making it a smart investment for any property. Renowned for its remarkable durability, uPVC is resistant to weathering, corrosion, and rot, ensuring it maintains its structural integrity and appearance for decades.
uPVC requires minimal maintenance; a simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep your windows looking like new. There’s no risk of warping, flaking, or swelling, just long-lasting performance you can rely on.
Engineered for security
At Fairco, we never separate design from security. Our Performance uPVC windows come equipped with multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames, offering robust protection against forced entry. Each unit is internally glazed for added strength, with PAS24 and BFRC-certified components that meet or exceed the most rigorous safety and performance standards.Your peace of mind comes built-in.
Learn more about home security here.
Quiet by design
If you live near a busy road or in a built-up area, noise reduction is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. Fairco’s Performance uPVC windows are designed to reduce unwanted outside noise, helping to create a calmer, more restful indoor environment.
By combining tightly sealed frames, acoustic glass options, and precision installation, we help to keep the world outside where it belongs, quiet, distant, and unobtrusive.
Timeless design to match your unique style
While performance is key, style matters too. Our uPVC windows are available in a wide selection of designs, from classic casement and sash styles to tilt-and-turn and fixed frames. You can choose from a refined palette of finishes and colours, including realistic timber-effect options that mimic the warmth and texture of natural wood, without the upkeep.
Whether you’re upgrading a period property or building a contemporary new home, our team will help you select the right window style and finish to match your vision.
Redefining uPVC with Spectral
SPECTRAL is an advanced surface technology that brings a refined, velvety texture to modern window and door design. Its ultra-matte finish resists glare, fingerprints, and everyday wear, offering both visual depth and a tactile experience that feels effortlessly elegant. When applied to uPVC, SPECTRAL enhances the material’s already impressive performance with a sculpted, architectural character. The result is a finish that combines resilience with beauty, highly resistant to scratches, fading, and marks, yet soft to the touch. Together, SPECTRAL and uPVC offer a seamless blend of innovation and aesthetics, creating windows and doors that are as luxurious as they are durable.
Learn more about SPECTRAL here.
The Fairco difference
Fairco is more than a name. It’s a promise of quality, service, and attention to detail. With over two decades of experience in premium windows and doors, we offer expert consultation, flawless installation, and support every step of the way. Our Performance uPVC windows are fabricated in our custom-built production facility in Co. Antrim, ensuring complete control over quality and lead times.
We don’t just meet standards, we set them.
See a recent installation of Performance uPVC in Malahide:
View this post on Instagram
Explore the Performance uPVC range
Fairco’s Performance uPVC windows offer a powerful blend of aesthetics, efficiency, and security. Whether you’re renovating your existing home or starting from scratch, these windows are a smart, stylish, and sustainable choice.
Visit our showrooms in Deansgrange or Santry to see the quality in person, or get in touch to request a consultation today.
