Selecting the appropriate window material might come as a surprise, but it is a critical consideration. If you are adding a greenhouse, replacing windows in a home, or designing sneeze guards for a corporate environment, choosing between Perspex and traditional glass entails more than aesthetic; it involves security, functionality, and value over time.
They both possess the same advantages and disadvantages. Comprehending the strengths and weaknesses of each will help make the right selection for your next project. This installment focuses on analyzing Perspex windows through the lens of traditional glass concerning strength, safety, clarity, cost, and other pertinent factors.
What Is Perspex?
Acrylite, called Plexiglass, or acrylic glass, consists of an acrylic plastic sheet known for its impact resistance and low weight. It is made from polymethyl methacrylate, which is also referred to as PMMA and is shatter resistant.
Commercial signage, point of sale displays, home projects, greenhouses, sneeze guards, and even APIs use Perspex due to its unmatched weather durability and UV resistance alongside shatter resistance. Besides that, it also provides excellent optical clarity, making it favorable as both an indoor and outdoor application.
Comparing Perspex and Glass: Key Factors
Now let’s take a look at the criteria on which we can evaluate a Perspex window and compare it to traditional glass.
1. Weight and Handling
Perspex is much lighter than glass, weighing up to 50% less.
This facilitates easier installation, especially for larger panels or overhead applications such as skylights and awnings.
For home users and do-it-yourself enthusiasts, handling Perspex is much safer and less physically demanding.
=> Winner: Perspex
2. Strength And Impact Resistance
The impact resistance of a Perspex window is one of its greatest benefits. It is about 10-20 times stronger than glass in terms of impact resistance.
Glass, particularly float glass, is susceptive to shattering due to high impact.
Unlike glass, Perspex does not splinter or shatter dangerously which makes it the best choice for schools, public installations, high traffic areas, and playrooms.
=> Winner: Perspex
3. Optical Clarity
Quality Perspex transmits up to 92% of light compared to glass, which usually provides around 80-90% of light. Thus, high-grade Perspex is better than glass in optical clarity.
It can also remain clear and transparent for a long period of time even when exposed to sunlight.
Additionally, anti-reflective or UV resistant grades of Perspex also exist.
=> Winner: Perspex
4. Scratch Resistance
When it comes to scratch resistance, glass takes the lead. It is usually more scratch resistant than perspex.
However, in areas with more foot traffic, Perspex would be more susceptible to surface scratching.
On the bright side, anti-scratch variants do exist which can be polished along with scratched Perspex sheets.
=> Winner: Glass
5. Thermal and UV Resistance
Perspex windows are best for greenhouses and outdoor windows because they help keep the heat inside and don’t get weathered. They are also very good at preventing UV rays from coming in and heating the room.
Glass windows are also effective at blocking UV rays, particularly when treated with additional protective films.
=> Winner: Perspex (for most outdoor applications)
6. Cost and Affordability
In the case of custom cuts and thicker options, it is no surprise that perspex is a lot cheaper compared to glass.
Due to factors like weight, handling, and a high risk of breakage during transport, glass is likely to incur extra expenses.
When dealing with large projects or tight budgets, perspex proves to be a quality option that won’t break the bank.
=> Winner: Perspex
7. Customisation and Design Flexibility
From cutting and drilling to shaping and coloring, Perspex sheets can be crafted into any dimension or design.
Unlike Perspex, glass is harder to modify. Additionally, glass is usually cut and shaped with the aid of special professional tools.
For intricate designs or creative boundary-less projects, max flexibility is offered with a Perspex window.
=> Winner: Perspex
8. Safety and Environmental Concerns
Perspex is often used for children’s rooms, hospitals, and other commercial places because it doesn’t shatter into sharp fragments, making it safer than glass.
Both perspex and glass can be recycled, but perspex is lighter which means less energy is needed to color it, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
FDA-approved and food safe versions of perspex are available for use in food counters and medical looking areas.
=> Winner: Perspex
When Should You Choose Perspex Over Glass?
From a flexibility and cost point of view, perspex scores above glass. Whereas glass is more hardy, scratch-resistant, and durable.
Here are common scenarios where a Perspex window outperforms glass:
- Greenhouses: Light weight, UV resistant and durable.
- Sneeze guards and protective barriers: Shatterproof and easier to clean.
- Children’s play areas: No risk of injury from broken pieces.
- Retail and exhibition displays: Easy to customize and light weight.
- DIY and craft projects: Shaping and cutting can be done easier at home.
In industrial and high performance places like machine guards and anti vandal panels, perspex or polycarbonate sheets outplay traditional glass.
When Glass Might Be a Better Option
- Premium architectural buildings can still benefit from the scratch resisting properties of glass.
- Heated environments: certain glass types can endure higher temperatures than acrylic.
- Historic or traditional buildings: places where reproducing existing designs is important.
- Areas with abrasive cleaning: glass surfaces are able to endure harsher cleaning procedures than Perspex.
Real-World Applications of Perspex Windows
Here are a few practical examples where Perspex windows are in regular use:
- Public Transport – Used in bus shelters, train station panels, and ticket kiosks for their safety and durability.
- Retail and Hospitality – Frequently used for point-of-sale dividers and sneeze guards.
- Schools and Playgrounds – Acrylic windows in doors and notice boards for enhanced safety.
- Boats and Caravans – Ideal for lightweight and weatherproof windows that will not shatter during movement.
- DIY Greenhouses – Great for hobbyists as they can be cut and installed without risk.
Why Buy Perspex Windows from Wholesale POS?
Wholesale POS is one of the most trusted suppliers of plastic sheeting materials in the UK. Whether you are a professional builder, designer, or an avid DIY enthusiast, You can Contact Us to order products from our website, you will find everything you need from ready-to-order sizes to custom cut-to-size Perspex windows.
Reasons why you should buy from Wholesale POS:
- Custom and bulk orders are easily made for any size needed
- Unsurpassed delivery times throughout the UK
- Competitive rates with discounts for bulk buying
- Professional guidance on materials and other relevant issues
- Available in a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and finishes
Conclusion:
The selection of either a glass or a Perspex window should be guided by what is most important to you in terms of cost, strength, safety, and aesthetics. In most applications, especially where you need flexibility, safety, and ease of use, Perspex wins hands down.
Glass has its advantages in some areas of architecture or as part of the heritage, however, for the majority of projects, be it commercial or personal, Perspex is the all-around solution that is modern and cost-effective.
Reach out to the experts at Wholesale POS if you’re working on a project but don’t know which direction to take, as they will offer you their expertise based on your needs. You can trust that your next project is well handled with tailored solutions and dependable UK delivery services.
