Plastic is becoming increasingly common in windows, and for a variety of excellent reasons. Plastic is lighter, easier to form, and less prone to shatter than other glass. If you’re looking for a type of plastic for your windows, here are some alternatives you might want to look into.
Glass has been the most widely used material in windows since Roman Egypt’s 30 BCE, when it was first utilised. However, things have changed with the advancement of plastics in today’s culture. Alternative materials for traditional glazing applications are now accessible and typically preferred to homeowners and businesses, particularly because of their energy efficiency.
Contents
The following are some of the advantages of utilising plastic rather than glass for windows:
- Plastic sheeting is less expensive, insulating, and needs far less upkeep than other materials.
- Shatterproof — It shatters into tiny and non-harmful pieces. Plastic does not create any dangerous shards. As well as this it’s also 10 times stronger than glass and would never shatter into sharp, jagged pieces.
- There are many designs to select from, including bright and colourful ones.
- Plastic, like wood, maybe routed, scored, and cut on-site with ease.
- Plastic windows are significantly lighter than conventional glass.
- The blades are composed of polycarbonate, which helps to minimize reflection. This material has low-glare paint coats and excellent light transmission.
- Superior Transparency maintains a high level of transparency regardless of the sheet thickness.
- Multi-wall panels have higher insulating efficiency.
Acrylic Plastic Sheet
Acrylic is a popular replacement for windshields, drive-up windows, and other purposes. It’s especially resistant to UV light, making it ideal for outdoor activities like vehicle and boat usage. Acrylic is a lightweight and adaptable material that may be moulded and heated. Acrylic is less scratchprone than glass, and it’s simple to seal. Acrylic has the advantage of being a cost-effective alternative to glass.
Acrylic is a very common material for boat windshields. It’s impact-resistant and stress-proof, so it won’t shatter under the strain of the marine environment or during manufacture.
Polycarbonate Sheet
A polycarbonate is a form of polycarbonate plastic that has been employed in a wide range of applications, including car windows. It is far lighter than glass and has great clarity. Even in stressful situations, it resists shattering and breakage, much like acrylic. It’s also simple to thermoform polycarbonate, allowing you to create any form for the window, even if it is curved for aerodynamics.
Furthermore, polycarbonate is straightforward to tint and shade, allowing for windows to be tinted to keep passengers in a vehicle or building safe from heat and glare. Because it’s more cost-effective and easier, fabricators of camper shells and truck cap windows prefer to tint plastic rather than adding a tinged film after installation.
Simply Plastics may assist you in selecting the appropriate plastic sheet for your needs. Their knowledgeable sales agents will help you choose between acrylic, polycarbonate, and speciality sheets based on your demands to get the most out of plastics for your window applications.
