With energy bills skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to save. Making sure that your home is energy efficient can help to keep your monthly household bills under control. One way to conserve energy—and get the most bang for your buck—is to install plexiglass windows throughout your house.
What Is Plexiglass?
Acrylic—which is also known as plexiglass—is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer. This versatile plastic comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and can be used in several diverse ways. It was first produced in 1928 and was initially used during World War II to make airplane windows, canopies, and turrets. Today, plexiglass is typically sold in sheets and is available in styles such as frosted, mirrored, or non-glare.
Benefits of Plexiglass Windows
There are so many benefits to utilizing plexiglass windows in your home. Plexiglass windows are strong, durable, and dependable—especially during tough storms. The material is easy to cut and install, and also transmits light better than glass. And while it has a lower price point, plexiglass windows are 10 times more impact resistant than glass and holds heat better than its glass counterpart.
15 Steps for Insulating Plexiglass Windows
Acrylic is three to eight times more thermally insulating than regular glass windows, but you can also add insulation to increase your energy savings. While there are quite a few steps to insulate a plexiglass window, the process as a whole is not that complicated, according to HVAC Seer.
- Remove the frame of the window and detach its magnetic sub-frame by pulling them apart gently.
- Insert the frame back into the window, paying attention to where the top and bottom is.
- Use foam tape weather stripping for gaps, pulling off one side of the tape and placing the sticky side on the outside edge of the frame.
- Cut off the excess stripping.
- If there are still gaps, use another layer of stripping.
- Push taped frame into the window opening.
- Measure frame to front edge of windows. There needs to be a minimum of ½” of space from the edge of the frame to the edge of the window.
- Mark your window frame with pencil to make sure the distance is the same all around.
- Screw the frame on all sides where the pencil marks were made.
- Place the plexiglass window to test as dry fit, and then remove.
- Use silicone caulk, applying it to the outside edge of the frame.
- Allow 24 hours for the silicone to dry.
- Peel the backside of the plastic of the plexiglass and spray the back of it with an anti-static cleaner. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
- Attach the window and peel the plastic on the front side.
- Clean the front side.
Plexiglass Window Use-Cases
While plexiglass is perfect for commercial and residential windows, there are plenty of other uses for it. Here, a few ideas:
Greenhouse Panels & Skylights
Plexiglass windows are tolerant to both heat and snow. And since it’s so lightweight, plexiglass is easier to build with than glass.
Solar Panels
Plexiglass holds up better under extreme weather conditions and allows 90 percent of light to pass through.
Security buildings
Since it is so durable, it’s not surprising that plexiglass windows are used in most government facilities, detention centers, and other high-level security buildings.
Retail signs and displays
Plexiglass can easily be used as is for DIY retail signage or custom-made into indoor/outdoor bespoke business signs and display pedestals. A go-to choice for many retail outlets like jewelry stores and cannabis dispensaries, plexiglass boasts glass-like clarity with shatter-resistant security.
There’s no limit to how plexiglass can make your home and business more energy efficient, as well as save money and time. Ready to get started? Browse our collection of plexiglass products and contact our team for more information.
