Insights
Warm Weather Reminder: Handling and Storage Guidelines for PVC Products
March 31, 2025
As the weather warms each spring, we want to remind our customers of some important precautions for storing and handling PVC lineals and finished window and door products.
PVC is a high-performance material with excellent insulating properties—but like all materials, it has its limits. High temperatures, especially when combined with direct sunlight, can lead to softening, warping, or distortion.
Why This Matters
PVC products can begin to soften and distort at temperatures above 150°F. In many common scenarios, even on an 80°F day, direct sunlight or radiant heat can cause temperatures to rise 30–50°F or more above ambient, potentially exceeding 200°F.
High-Risk Situations to Avoid
Here are some examples of where PVC products can suffer heat-related damage:
Enclosed Storage in Direct Sunlight
- Inside trucks, vans, or other sealed or semi-sealed containers without good air circulation.
- Especially risky with dark-colored exteriors that absorb heat.
- Closed sunrooms or enclosed porches can also trap heat
Wrapped Products Left in the Sun
- Shrink-wrapped or plastic-bagged windows, doors, or lineals exposed to direct sunlight can trap heat.
- If storing wrapped bundles of lineals outdoors cut slits in the sides and open the ends to allow airflow.
Proximity to Heat-Absorbing Surfaces
- Products placed near metal trucks, vans, or buildings that are exposed to sunlight can absorb and radiate extreme heat—even in open spaces.
Stacked Like Books in Direct Sun
- Stacking finished windows or doors side-by-side can trap heat between units, magnifying the risk of damage.
Keep in Mind: Every Material Has Its Limits
While PVC is ideal for energy efficiency and durability, it shares a limitation common to all plastic materials: sensitivity to high temperatures. It’s important to store and handle PVC products in a way that minimizes prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat build-up.
Dark Colors = Higher Temperatures
The trend toward darker window and door colors has increased the potential for heat absorption and related issues. In some applications, the use of vent holes or additional reinforcements may be necessary to maintain long-term performance.
Need help?
The Deceuninck Engineering Department is available to provide guidance on best practices for product performance and durability.
In Summary
A few simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your investment:
- Avoid enclosed, unventilated spaces in direct sun
- Unwrap or ventilate bundled products stored outdoors
- Keep PVC products away from heat-reflective metal surfaces
- Don’t stack tightly in sunny areas
- Ask us about reinforcements for dark-colored installations
Stay cool and stay protected.
