13. What are impact modifiers?

Impact modifiers are supplements added to the compounded material that provide performance features for vinyl.  Impact modifiers provide the product enough strength during impact to resist breaking; yet, also enough rigidity to prevent the product from warping or sagging under normal use and conditions.

Southern's product is constructed from a rigid PVC, also known as a uPVC or unplasticized PVC.  No phthalate plasticizers are included in the extruded lineals we purchase. The fabricated products you receive from Southern are made from these purchased lineals. Unlike the potential with flexible products, our rigid product can not leach phthalate softeners, since these additives are never part of the process.