Windows can be made of acrylic or glass. Both have pros and cons, but which one is the better option for your home? In this article, we take a look at whether acrylic sheets block more light than glass panes.
What are Acrylic Sheets?
Acrylic sheets are made of a plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a clear, colourless, and transparent thermoplastic often used as an alternative to glass. It is shatter-resistant, lightweight, and easy to work with.
How do Acrylic Sheets Block Light?
Acrylic sheets block light by absorbing and scattering the light that hits them. The amount of light scattered depends on the thickness of the sheet and the type of acrylic material.
When light hits an acrylic sheet, some of the light is reflected off the surface while some penetrates the sheet and is scattered inside the sheet. This scattering causes the sheet to appear opaque.
Glass is the other material commonly used for windows. It is heavier than acrylic and more prone to shattering, but is also more durable overall.
Glass has good light transmission properties, but not as good as acrylic. Glass can also be tinted to reduce the amount of light that comes through the window.
So, which material is better for your home? If you are looking for a window that lets in a lot of light, then acrylic is the better option. However, if you are looking for a more durable window that is less likely to shatter than glass is the better choice.
How Do You Install an Acrylic Sheet?
Acrylic sheets can be installed using various methods depending on the intended application. There are four methods for installing acrylic sheets.
Solvent Cements
This is the most common method of joining acrylic. A small amount of cement is applied to one surface and then the two pieces are pushed together and held in place until the cement cures. The joint should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours before being put into service.
Mechanical Fasteners
This method is used when a more permanent joint is required, or when working with thicker sheets of acrylic. Fasteners can be either screwed or bolted into place.
It is important to ensure that the fasteners are compatible with the acrylic, as some metals can cause the acrylic to discolour.
Bonding with Adhesives
This method is similar to solvent cementing but uses a different type of adhesive. The adhesive is applied to one surface, then the two pieces are pushed together and held in place until the adhesive cures.
As with solvent cementing, the joint should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours before being put into service.
Welding
Acrylic can also be welded using a variety of methods, including ultrasonic welding and hot plate welding. This method is for joining thicker sheets of acrylic, or when a more permanent joint is needed. In most cases, a qualified expert is required.
Glass and acrylic are both popular choices for windows. But which one is better at blocking light? We’ve looked at the pros and cons of each material and provided you with our recommendation.