What Types of Plastic Are Used for Windows?

What Types of Plastic Are Used for Windows?
Written By
John Papiewski
John Papiewski
Published: Aug 8, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Acrylic

Also known as Plexiglass, acrylic is used as a substitute for glass in window panes. While more expensive and less scratch-resistant than glass, acrylic is lighter and less prone to shattering.

Polycarbonate

Sold under trade names including Makrolon and Lexan, polycarbonate windows are up to 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic. Its greater strength justifies its higher cost.

PVC

Window frames made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resist weathering, insulate well against heat and sound and are termite-proof. Since PVC has its color built into the material, it needs no painting.

Photo Credits

window image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com

John Papiewski

Chicago native John Papiewski has a physics degree and has been writing since 1991. He has contributed to "Foresight Update," a nanotechnology newsletter from the Foresight Institute. He also contributed to the book, "Nanotechnology:…

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