What is CPVC | Cellular polyvinyl chloride

by admin on November 23, 2012

Cellular polyvinyl chloride, also known as CPVC, is a kind of plastic that is designed to imitate wood. It has a number of construction applications and is commonly found in siding, trim, and decking. CPVC is both more lightweight and hardier than wood. Made from PVC in its “whipped” form, and thus less dense and rigid than solid PVC, CPVC is hard and smooth on the outside with microfoam on the inside.

See a project where Cellular polyvinyl chloride was used on a historic home

CPVC is sometimes called “PVC lumber” due to its similarity to wood. It possesses most of wood’s virtues but none of its maintenance requirements. CPVC can be cut, milled, nailed, shaped, and routed with standard woodworking tools. Unlike wood, however, it is nonporous and resists damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles, humidity, salt, and insects. CPVC will not rot, split, twist, mold, or warp. It is suitable for contact with concrete, brick, and stucco. Because it can be heat-formed into a variety of shapes, including arches, it offers possibilities that wood cannot.

CPVC is paintable, but it can also come precolored or with faux wood grain. Because it contains no pores, it may not require priming. However, only acrylic paint properly “sticks” to CPVC, so oil paint should be avoided. Paint with a reflective value of 55 percent or higher is best.

Learn more about CPVC

Back when most decks were made of wood, composite was the next big thing. Now CPVC is a major player. This should come as no surprise, as it is extremely stain and scratch resistant. CPVC is also used in many window and door components.

  • Rob.

    CPVC = Chlorinated PVC?
    Cellular PVC as used in some thicker products. internal pockets reduce material usage and weight.

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