uPVC is the acronym of Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. uPVC or Rigid PVC is often used in the building industry as a low-maintenance material, particularly in Ireland, the UK anf in the United States where it is known as Vinyl or Vinyl siding. The material comes in a range of colors and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish and is used as a substitute for painted wood, mostly for window frames and sills when installing double glazing in new buildings, or to replace older single glazed windows. It has many other uses including fascia and siding or weather boarding. The same material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage being used for waste pipes, drain pipes, gutters and down pipes. Because of its varied applications it is rapidly gaining prevalence in India as well.