When it comes to choosing Perspex over glass, there are many benefits that have resulted in this material being used for museums, galleries and for security screens instead of traditional glass. In many situations, Perspex can actually be superior to glass – here are some of the advantages of this tough yet affordable material.
Weight
The lightweight properties of Perspex are one of the key features that make it a preferable material to work with compared to glass. Particularly in larger sheets, glass can be unwieldy and heavy, requiring several people to handle and install it. Perspex, on the other hand, is very lightweight which makes it much easier to work with, weighing less than half of that of glass.
Impact-Resistant
Glass is a notoriously fragile and precarious material in many applications – it’s easily broken and shatters, making it hazardous. The risk of injury with glass is very high compared to Perspex which is shatterproof but also impact-resistant. In fact, it’s around 17 times stronger than conventional glass so it can be used in applications such as security windows, riot shields and protective casings.
Excellent Clarity
Perspex is popular for use in windows and casings as it offers incredibly clarity for optimal viewing. This is one of the reasons why it’s so popular in galleries and museums, delivering a great viewing experience for visitors without the need for glass. It can also be used to great effect in boat windows, hatches and even for greenhouses to allow as much light as possible to pass through. 80% of light can pass through a sheet of glass, compared to 92% through plastic – plus, acrylic and Perspex filter out UV light as well for added benefits.
Cost
Perspex is a more cost-effective material compared to glass, as it’s longer lasting and lighter which makes it cheaper to transport from location to location. If you’re looking to purchase larger or thicker sheets for a bigger project, Perspex will typically be a cheaper option in contrast to glass. It also requires less maintenance and is more resistant to weathering and erosion, so your initial investment will last longer without the need for replacement panes.
Insulating
A benefit that often gets overlooked when comparing Perspex and glass is the insulating properties that plastic provides. When used for windows, greenhouses, cold frames or other applications where heat retention is important, Perspex delivers excellent insulation and can help to keep the cost of heating down. It can even be used for secondary glazing panes to help make homes more energy efficient and to keep heating costs down in the winter.
Versatility
While there’s no denying that glass can be used for a number of different applications, Perspex is a very versatile material that is used in a host of industries. On a daily basis, we use items made from plastic and with good reason. Perspex can be cut to any size or shape, plus it’s easy to fabricate and bend for different applications.
