Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Plastics ~ the term plastic can be applied to any group of
substances based on synthetic or modified natural polymers which
during manufacture are moulded by heat and/or pressure into the
required form. Plastics can be classified by their overall grouping
such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or they can be classified as
thermoplastic or thermosetting. The former soften on heating
whereas the latter are formed into permanent non-softening
materials. The range of plastics available give the designer and
builder a group of materials which are strong, reasonably durable,
easy to fit and maintain and since most are mass produced of
relative low cost.
Typical Applications of Plastics in Buildings ~

Application Plastics Used

Rainwater goods unplasticised PVC (uPVC or PVC†U).

Soil, waste, water and

gas pipes and fittings

uPVC; polyethylene (PE); acrylonitrile

butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP).

Hot and cold water

pipes

chlorinated PVC; ABS; polypropylene;

polyethylene; PVC (not for hot water).

Bathroom and kitchen

fittings

glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP); acrylic

resins.

Cold water cisterns polypropylene; polystyrene; polyethylene.

Rooflights and sheets GRP; acrylic resins; uPVC.

DPC's and

membranes, vapour

control layers

low density polyethylene (LDPE); PVC film;

polypropylene.

Doors and windows GRP; uPVC.

Electrical conduit and

fittings

plasticised PVC; uPVC; phenolic resins.

Thermal insulation generally cellular plastics such as expanded

polystyrene bead and boards; expanded PVC;

foamed polyurethane; foamed phenol formalde-

hyde; foamed urea formaldehyde.

Floor finishes plasticised PVC tiles and sheets; resin based

floor paints; uPVC.

Wall claddings and

internal linings

unplasticised PVC; polyvinyl fluoride film lami-

nate; melamine resins; expanded polystyrene

tiles & sheets.

Plastics in Building