Technical FAQs

What effect does UV exposure have on PVC pipe?

Exposure to sunlight can cause slight fading of PVC pipe surfaces. PVC pipe has not shown degradation of performance when exposed to sunlight for periods of time, up to two years. Physically blocking the UV energy from reaching the pipe surface prevents the fading. Methods of covering the pipe could include: permanently covering (‘wrapping’) the pipe, or painting with a light-colored paint that is chemically compatible with PVC (I.e., water based acrylic or latex).
 
Westlake Pipe & Fittings' Yelomine product line provides superior long-term UV protection and can be used outdoors. Yelomine contains an increased amount of high-purity TiO2 that is specially formulated to resist the effects of UV exposure.
 
Refer to Westlake Pipe & Fittings' Technical Bulletin: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Exposure of PVC Pipe Products