Alexei Volkov
Plastic is an increasingly popular alternative to glass windows. Known as acrylic or plexiglass, it is cheaper, stronger, and more lightweight than traditional glass. It is also more transparent, allowing for more than 90% of light to pass through, and does not show glare and reflections. Acrylic plastic sheets are also safer than glass, as they do not shatter into tiny, sharp shards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Acrylic/Plexiglass |
| Cost | Cheaper than glass |
| Strength | 17 times the impact strength of glass |
| Safety | Less likely to shatter and does not shatter into sharp pieces |
| Light transmission | More than 90% light transmission |
| Glare and reflections | No glare or reflections |
| Discoloration | Does not become discolored with thickness |
| Versatility | Can be manufactured to be mirrored, coloured, fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, light-diffusing, anti-static, bullet-resistant, UV-filtering, etc. |
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Acrylic/plexiglass
Acrylic, also known as plexiglass, is a popular alternative to glass windows. It is a type of plastic that is crystal clear, lightweight, more shatter-resistant, and easier to work with than glass. Acrylic sheets have numerous advantages over traditional glass windows.
Firstly, in terms of strength and safety, acrylic plastic sheets have 17 times the impact strength of glass. This means that it takes a lot more force to shatter plexiglass, providing better protection against hurricanes and tornadoes, and burglaries. Moreover, even if acrylic windows do break, they will not shatter into many small and dangerous shards like glass, making it a safer option.
Secondly, acrylic offers improved light transmission. Clear acrylic sheets allow more than 90% of light to pass through, while also reducing glare and reflections. Unlike glass, acrylic does not become discolored as the sheet thickness increases.
Thirdly, acrylic is highly versatile and customizable. It can be manufactured in various forms, including mirrored, coloured, fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, light-diffusing, anti-static, bullet-resistant, and UV-filtering. Acrylic sheets can be easily cut with lasers or saws, and machined with routers, drills, and sanders.
Finally, acrylic is a more cost-effective option than glass. It is cheaper to produce, and its lightweight properties reduce shipping costs.
Overall, acrylic/plexiglass is a superior choice to traditional glass windows due to its strength, safety, light transmission, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.
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Polycarbonate
Overall, polycarbonate is a durable, transparent, and versatile plastic material that serves as an excellent alternative to traditional glass windows. It provides enhanced strength, impact resistance, and design flexibility, making it a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
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Cost savings
Window plastic film, or window insulation film, is a thin film made of polyester that can be adhered to the interior side of windows with adhesive tape. It is a common tactic used to reduce uncomfortable temperatures and energy waste.
While some sources claim that window insulation kits do not work, many others attest to the cost savings they have experienced from using window plastic film. One source states that their heating costs were reduced by 20% during the winter months. Another source claims that their plastic film paid for itself in lowered summer AC bills.
The cost savings of window plastic film can be attributed to its ability to create an airtight seal between the window and the interior of the home. This seal traps the air between the window and the film, reducing the transfer of cold or hot air from outside into the house.
Window plastic film is a more budget-friendly option compared to replacing windows entirely, with films costing between $5 to $20 per square foot, or enough to treat multiple windows. Replacing windows can range from $200 to $1,800 per window.
Additionally, window films can make windows more energy efficient, potentially leading to a 30% to 40% decrease in utility bills. Solar window films, for example, can insulate the home while also blocking harmful UV lights. Depending on state and local programs, rebates may be available for using window films, further increasing the cost savings.
Overall, while the effectiveness of window plastic film may vary, it can be a cost-effective solution for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.
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Strength
Plastic windows are an increasingly popular alternative to glass windows, offering several advantages, including cost savings, increased strength, and design flexibility.
Acrylic plastic, also known as plexiglass, is a popular choice for window replacement. It is cheaper than glass, as it requires less energy to produce and is lightweight, reducing shipping costs. Acrylic plastic also offers superior impact strength, with up to 17 times the impact resistance of traditional glass. This enhanced strength makes it ideal for hurricane or tornado-prone regions, providing better protection against extreme weather events. Additionally, the higher impact strength of acrylic windows can deter burglars, as they cannot be shattered easily. Even if they do break, acrylic windows do not shatter into dangerous shards like glass, making them a safer option.
Polycarbonate sheeting is another plastic alternative to glass windows. While more expensive than acrylic, polycarbonate windows offer even greater strength and impact resistance. Polycarbonate windows are 250 times stronger than glass, making them ideal for facilities that require high-impact resistance, such as schools, subways, bus shelters, and psychiatric facilities.
Reinforced PVC windows, also known as metal-plastic windows, offer increased strength and durability compared to conventional plastic windows. The metal frame built into the PVC profile enhances the stability and reliability of the window, making it suitable for high-rise buildings where resistance to strong winds is crucial. Metal-plastic windows also provide excellent protection against heat loss and noise penetration, making them a versatile option for various buildings, including private houses, apartments, and offices.
Using plastic sheeting to cover windows can also improve insulation and reduce drafts, although it may not significantly impact the R-value (thermal resistance) of the windows. This method is often used as a temporary solution to improve the energy efficiency of old or leaky windows.
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Light transmission
Plastic window alternatives, such as acrylic sheets, offer better light transmission than glass. Clear acrylic sheets allow for more than 90% of light to pass through them, whereas glass reduces light transmission by reflecting and refracting light. Acrylic windows do not show glare and reflections, and they do not become discoloured as the sheet thickness increases.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a term used to describe the amount of sunlight that passes through a window film. The VLT percentage tells you how much visible light will pass through the glass. The higher the percentage, the more light is allowed to pass through. For example, a 70% tint allows more light to pass through than a 5% tint. VLT ratings can range from 0% to 100%. A rating of 0% means that all incoming light has been blocked, while a rating of 100% means that all incoming light is allowed to pass through.
Window films with lower VLT ratings are darker and provide more privacy. For example, a window film with a VLT of 5% will block most of the visible light and provide more privacy during the day. Films with higher VLT ratings, such as those rated at 45%, are almost invisible and are ideal for those who want UV protection without reducing the amount of natural light entering a room.
VLT ratings are important when choosing a window film as they affect the amount of sunlight, glare, and heat that enters a space. Lower VLT ratings can reduce heat and glare in a room, while higher VLT ratings can provide more natural light.
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Frequently asked questions
Window plastic is most commonly referred to as plexiglass, which is short for acrylic plexiglass.
Plexiglass is a more cost-effective, durable, and versatile alternative to traditional glass. It is also lighter, making it cheaper to transport and ship. Plexiglass is also safer as it does not shatter into tiny shards when broken.
Plexiglass can be more prone to scratches and discolouration over time. It may also not provide the same level of sound insulation as traditional glass.
Plexiglass is commonly used in windows, but it can also be used for point-of-purchase displays, casinos, toys, and more. It is especially useful in hurricane or tornado-prone regions due to its impact strength.
Installing plexiglass windows is similar to installing traditional glass windows. However, due to its lightweight and flexible nature, plexiglass may require additional support or framing to ensure it stays in place. It is always recommended to consult a professional for proper installation.
