Acrylic windows also referred to as plexiglass, are an excellent option if you’re looking for durability as well as a clean and elegant look. Additionally, acrylic windows also block UV rays from the sun allowing only a fraction of it to get inside. However, like most types of windows, they are prone to the degradation effects of sunlight. In this article, we will be discussing ways to help you get the most out of your acrylic windows by preserving their durability.
How does sunlight damage Acrylic windows?
Before we get into preservation, we need to have an understanding of how exactly sunlight affects windows. Acrylic windows react to heat and there is no source of heat more consistent than the sun. Prolonged exposure can cause your window to fade, reducing the quantity of light it will allow passing through. It could also possibly cause your window to acquire a yellowish tint. These factors make it difficult to see through the glass, and isn’t that the primary purpose of windows? Goes without saying, your room will get dark a lot quicker than normal.
How to use Plexiglass for longer durability?
Based on the discussion above, the best way to improve the durability of your color plexiglass is by avoiding direct contact with sunlight. This is easier said than done but there are ways which can effectively tackle this problem;
- Positioning is vital for your windows. Install them in a place that gets moderate exposure to sunlight such as 4-5 hours a day. Any longer would accelerate the fading process causing your windows to degrade faster. Ideal positions would be on your patio, near a tree, or towards the west side as rays from the sun decrease in intensity as it sets. Moreover, UV emissions also tend to increase around this time which is no cause of concern if you are using plexiglass thanks to its ability to block UV rays.
- One word. Shades. A simple shade supported by pillars emerging from the ground or by metal bars stemming from the wall itself. There are several architects that make use of shades to compliment the house as well as providing protection to the windows both from rain and the sun. A more classic example would be the roof over your front porch that not only gives your house a grand entrance but also protects your windows. There are also plants that are able to climb the pillars of your roof or shade, giving it a wonderful natural accent.
- Maintenance is also a vital step in increasing the lifespan of plexiglass. After a few years, a thin layer forms over your glass that is not pierced by regular cleaning. This layer also decreases the amount of light entered by scattering light rays in different directions. There are cleaning agents for this available at most stores that effectively deal with this layer and prevent it from forming as long as you maintain the regular use of the cleaning agent.
- There are many cases where none of the above will work and you simply must install your window in an area that gets constant exposure to sunlight. If you find yourself in this predicament, go for colored plexiglass! Colored acrylic windows make it extremely difficult to discern the effects of fading and your window will most probably still be exuding a fairly new look even after years of use. Pick a color that synchronizes with your house, or one that palatably contrasts it. If nothing works, go for a generic dark tint that works in almost all settings.
- Finally, the durability of your plexiglass will also depend upon how solidly it is manufactured. Some manufacturers keep appearance in mind while others prioritize durability. Seek out a good supplier that will give you a reasonable price without compromising on quality. We would recommend getting your plexiglass from Fab Glass and Mirror. This website gives you a sizable selection to choose from and a great deal on each option. Furthermore, each option is guaranteed to give you the durability and class you had in mind. The buying process is incredibly simple and you will have purchased the window(s) you came for in the matter of a few clicks. Shipping is also handled by this website.
Do not let the increasing temperature dissuade you from obtaining plexiglass. It is still as viable an option as it was years ago and will most definitely be in fashion many years later.
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