When we talk about vinyl, the first thing that pops into mind is vinyl records. That is not a surprise, of course. These old-timey things have rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years. Record Industry Association of America reports that the sale of vinyl grew by 28.7% in 2020. But did you know that the use of vinyl doesn’t stop there?
Vinyl or PVC is one of the most versatile materials on earth, used in packaging, construction, medicine, and home decor. Vinyl can be a great material to work with, whether you’re a DIYer or a professional tradesperson. Its durability and easy-to-use nature make it an excellent choice for many different applications. In this article, we will take a look at some such everyday uses of vinyl.
Wiring
Vinyl is an excellent insulator, making it ideal for electrical wiring. It’s also flexible, which makes it easy to install. Aside from being used for electrical wiring, vinyl can be used as insulation in walls. This prevents heat from going through the wall, keeping your house cool in the summertime and warm during the winter months.
One of the main reasons people are hesitant to use PVC in such large amounts as it would require for wiring is the difficulty associated with recycling it. However, Science Daily reports that A research team out of the University of Michigan has discovered a much more environmentally-friendly way to recycle it using electrochemistry. This is one of the many ways PVC is turning more and more green with every passing day.
Flooring
Vinyl flooring is one of the most versatile and durable flooring available. It comes in a wide range of patterns, colors, and styles to match any decor. Vinyl flooring is also easy to clean and maintain, which makes it an excellent choice for families with kids or pets.
Vinyl flooring can be installed almost anywhere: bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements. Vinyl will not absorb moisture as wood floors do, so it’s safe for areas that are susceptible to moisture, like bathrooms with showers or sinks used regularly.
But the best thing about vinyl flooring is that it is very easy to install, making it the perfect choice for DIY enthusiasts. You can opt for Vinyl tiles which are easier to install, but you can also go with vinyl sheets which are classier. In that case, however, you need to get a vinyl cutter to trim any excess vinyl off the side and make it fit perfectly with the dimensions of your floor.
Packaging
Vinyl is one of those materials that are useful in so many more ways than you might think. One of its most common uses is as packaging for food items, like vacuum-sealed bags or plastic wrapping. The use of vinyl for storage and shipping containers has also been essential to the growth of online shopping. By making sure that your products arrive intact, you can help ensure customer satisfaction.
PVC is also used for food storage bags. You may have seen these before, but you likely didn’t know they were made from vinyl. They come in various sizes, from small freezer bags to larger ones that fit over the sink, and are great for storing fresh produce and leftovers alike.
Pipes and Building Materials
PVC pipe is a very common building material, especially in the plumbing and drainage industries. It is also used in the construction of buildings, as it’s lightweight, easy to work with, and durable. One of its more interesting qualities is that it can be formed into any shape by heating it with steam or hot water. This allows PVC to be used as an effective alternative to timber when building homes or other structures.
Global News Wire reports that the global market for PVC had a size of $60 billion in 2021, and it is expected to rise to $90 billion by 2028. The main driving factor behind this is the usefulness of PVC in construction.
Sliding Window Frames
Sliding windows are often found in homes and apartments, as well as schools and offices. But even if you don’t have any sliding windows in your home, chances are you still interact with them regularly. You might have noticed that the most preferred material for sliding window frames is PVC, and it is so for a good reason.
Forbes reports that PVC windows are very cheap and easy to install, making them, once again, the perfect choice for DIY enthusiasts. They are also scratch-free, climate-resistant, and can last for decades with only basic maintenance. Is there any doubt why people consider PVC their go-to choice?
We have probably covered enough examples for you to understand why PVC is considered one of the most versatile materials on the planet. In the end, it comes down to the fact that PVC is easy to use, durable enough to keep up with everyday wear and tear for years, and extremely pocket friendly.