Plexiglass Windows For Sale | Acme Plastics (2024)

FAQs

Are plexiglass windows cheaper? ›

While plexiglass windows tend to cost more than glass, prices can vary — so shop around to find affordable customized plexiglass window replacements. Plexiglass windows are made of acrylic, a clear plastic material derived from petroleum. Glass is an inorganic, solid compound that cooled from a molten state to a solid.

Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA) is cheaper than polycarbonate. It is more transparent and has a high-gloss finish. Acrylic can be used as a safe, lightweight alternative to glass in applications where better optical properties are the most important consideration.

Plexiglass is a colloquial way to refer to clear acrylic sheets---making acrylic and plexiglass the same product. The origin of the term "plexiglass" comes from a brand of clear cast acrylic sheets called "Plexiglas," but today plexiglass and acrylic are often used interchangeably.

Both acrylic and glass windows have their own advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic windows are less expensive and easier to install, but glass windows are more durable and have a longer lifespan. Ultimately, the decision of which type of window to install depends on the specific needs and budget of the homeowner.

Plexiglass and Lexan are brand names for the plastics commonly known as acrylic and polycarbonate. Acrylic is less expensive and easier to fabricate, but can shatter if impacted with enough force.

As a general rule, 2mm thick sheets can be used in any application where it won't lie completely flat, such as non-frame type shed windows and mildly curved applications. The mild curve can be used to actually increase rigidity in this case.

Polycarbonate plastic, often branded as LEXAN™, is an amorphous thermoplastic known for being virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate offers very similar optical qualities to glass, but is 250 times stronger and significantly lighter.

Acrylic (Plexiglas®, Lucite®, and Acrylite®) comes from natural gas and is completely inert when in solid form. American-made acrylic does NOT yellow in the sunlight. Witness the protective canopies and bubbles in the World War II bombers- they are still clear after 50 years in the sun!

Polycarbonate is the stronger material at 250 times the impact resistance of standard glass. Polycarbonate offers much more resilience than acrylic, making it ideal for highly demanding applications like bullet-resistant windows.

Glass tends to cost less than plexiglass, and can be more scratch resistant and more easily recycled. Though the benefits of plexiglass are that it is stronger, more shatter-resistant, and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass.

What are the disadvantages of plexiglass for windows? ›

Plexiglass is just a brand name for acrylic sheets. It also breaks easily on impact or when cutting or drilling, and you should avoid using it in areas of high impact. The more popular choice is clear polycarbonate sheets which are over 10 time stronger and available in many thicknesses and sizes.

Plexiglass and acrylic windows are strong, durable, and reliable. They do not shatter like glass and have better storm resistance.

Glass tends to cost less than plexiglass, and can be more scratch resistant and more easily recycled. Though the benefits of plexiglass are that it is stronger, more shatter-resistant, and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass.