PVC-fasad som alternativ för ett hållbart byggande i Sverige.

The choice of facade material is critical in today's construction industry as it determines the lifespan, environmental impact, and maintenance needs of the building. The traditional and most used materials in Swedish construction today are wood and brick. However, these materials have a common major disadvantage from the economic side where wood requires regular maintenance, and brick has excessive costs to manufacture. This thesis investigates alternative material solutions with a focus on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and the possibilities this material can offer in Swedish single-family house façade constructions. The aim is to analyze the potential of PVC in the Swedish climate from the same aspects as mentioned for wood and brick. The aspects are sustainability, environmental impact, and cost effectiveness, as well as the possibility to adapt the materials to the varying Swedish climate. The study is a qualitative comparison based on literature and interviews. The results of the analysis of PVC materials from different studies and interviews show good potential for PVC facades. The studies show that PVC facades have a long-life span, minimal maintenance costs and weather resistance, especially compared to wood. On the other hand, PVC can have a high environmental impact during production, which is based on two methods and what other substances are mixed with PVC during production to be able to withstand the weather conditions in Sweden. In conclusion, the study and analysis show that PVC facades have great potential technically, economically, and sustainably to replace wood and brick for Swedish houses.