Plexiglass is a substitute for glass. It is not glass; it is made of acrylic. Acrylic is plastic and was developed in 1928. It looks just like glass and can be used just as glass because of its clearness and sturdiness.

It is produced with different UV and other coatings, and it is also versatile, just like glass. Plexiglass is used for number things: 

  • Lights

  • Signs

  • Furniture

  • Screens

  • Windows, among other things.

PLEXIGLASS WINDOWS 

Since plexiglass is just as bright and sturdy as glass, it makes sense to use them in place of home glass windows. They are resistant to breakage, easy to maintain as they do not accumulate dirt and are not prone to cracks. 

Why Should Plexiglass Be Used in Commercial Buildings

Windows are an essential part of any building, and this is no exception for commercial buildings. Windows in commercial buildings are used to showcase the business or eye-catching products to people outside the building and to potential clients. Glass windows have been used as the dominant window material. Now that plexiglass is in the picture, what are the pros of using one in a commercial building?

1. Plexiglass Is Shatter Resistant

    Frequent breakage and low shatter resistance of glass windows have been a significant cause of concern for commercial building owners. Compared to glass windows, Plexiglas has a higher shatter resistance. Improved shatter resistance means lower maintenance cost and increased durability, which is what retail store and building owners are after https://www.fabglassandmirror.com/plexi-and-acrylic-glass. 

    Even when placed under the high impact, the plexiglass won't shatter like glass windows would and if breakage was to occur, unlike glass windows that leave sharp shards, plexiglass will only leave behind blunt, broken pieces.

    2. It's LIGHTWEIGHT In NATURE

      Plexiglass is not heavy and weighs lesser than glass windows. The fact that it is lightweight compliments the ease of handling and accessibility. The lightweight feature reduces the chances of breakage or damage to the glass during movement from one place to another. This advantage makes it a better option and makes it loved by commercial store owners.

      3. Improved Protection

        Plexiglass windows give better protection against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It can also withstand extreme storm conditions better than glass would primarily where there exist risks of breakage. If you cannot compromise on strength, plexiglass is the better option.

        4. Can Be Customized Easily 

          Plexiglass can be produced in different sizes and shapes. It is a material that can be easily customized to the needs of the user. It gives room for commercial store owners to imbue creativity and personality into their designs. 

          5. VERY DURABLE:

            Plexiglass can withstand the test of time more than glass windows. It is more durable, and it offers some of the benefits that come with using a glass window. Also, a part of its durability is the fact that it has lower maintenance costs and helps save up a lot in the long run.

            Why Do People Choose Traditional Glass Windows in Commercial Buildings?

            Glass windows may seem out of tune with modern designs, but it is still very much present in the commercial sphere. Commercial building owners and store businesses prefer glass windows. 

            Tempered glass is used widely as glass windows in commercial buildings. It is more durable than the glass used in residential areas. There are lots of reasons why glass windows are preferred in commercial buildings. Some of them are:

            • Glass windows, unlike any other material transfer and reflect light. The ability to transfer and reflect light gives it the quality of being transparent and translucent. This characteristic adds unique beauty to buildings hence the reason why it is preferred.

            • Glass windows can reflect and transfer 80% of daylight around the room or building. 

            • Since the type of glass used for glass windows are tempered glass, it makes it resistant to weather elements without visible wear.

            • Glass windows have a glossy and smooth surface which makes them dust-proof and easy to keep clean.

            • Glass windows are also rust-resistant and are environmentally friendly.

            • Glass windows have enhanced scratch resistance which makes them difficult to scratch compared to plexiglass. Scratch resistance is an essential factor for commercial building owners as glass windows are exposed to outsiders and are always at the risk of scratches from the hands of the people passing by.

            • Glass windows are excellent insulators which makes them impossible to conducting electricity. This means you are safe from electrical accidents.

            • It is especially excellent for showcasing items and the business, which is what commercial building owners want to achieve with their windows.

            • Glass windows are sustainable and can be recycled. Standard glass is made from amorphous material that is super easy to recycle. This may not be a concern for commercial store owners but would be highly considered by people who share interests for the sustainability of the environment.

            Drawbacks of Glass Windows

            Glass windows have lots of benefits, but it comes with a couple of drawbacks as well.  

            These include:

            • Glass windows have a low resistance to impact. 

            • It is a brittle material that is not resistant to shatter. It breaks into pieces when impacted.

            • It is heavy and weighs a lot when compared to plexiglass. It reduces the ease of handling and accessibility. As a result, there is a high chance the glass could get damaged when it is moved from one place to another.

            • As a result of its transparent and translucent nature, it does not offer optimal protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.

            • In comparison with plexiglass that can be customized with ease and simplicity, the way glass windows can be customized is not close to that. There is the risk of breakage during customizations and is available in several irregular and regular shapes.

            • Glass windows when impacted and breakage occurs, it breaks into thousands of sharp shards which may be potential harm in waiting especially in commercial buildings.

            PLEXIGLASS VS GLASS WINDOWS

            Commercial windows crave materials that are durable and sturdy, which can withstand the adverse effects of the elements and damages. 

            Plexiglass has enhanced durability when compared to glass windows.

            Plexiglass is lightweight and relatively easy to handle while glass windows, on the other hand, are massive and this restricts the ease of handling.

            Plexiglass is resistant to shatter, unlike glass windows that are brittle and prone to break.

            In the event of a breakage, plexiglass leaves dull edges that cannot harm anyone while glass windows leave sharp shards that could be harmful, especially in a commercial building.

            Plexiglass is made with coatings that protect against harmful ultraviolet rays while glass windows as a result of their translucent nature offer little to no protection against harmful UV rays. 

            Which is Best - Plexiglass or Glass Windows?

            Plexiglass windows offer lots of benefits compared to glass windows. A switch to plexiglass as opposed to the use of glass windows will not only save up a lot of money when it comes to maintenance, but also provide a stronger and more reliable material for windows in commercial buildings.

            Fab Glass and Mirrors will provide you with precisely what you need, whether you are rooting for plexiglass or would like to remain with the standard glass windows.