Acrylic Secondary Glazing
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Bespoke Fabrication
We have the machinery and expertise to manufacture bespoke items in acrylic, polycarbonate and many other plastics, from one-offs to large production runs. Read more about the various services we offer, or complete the form below to request a quote.
CNC Routing
Our advanced Multicam Apex 3R (3 Axis) CNC routers allow us to provide an extensive range of precision CNC routing services. Read more
CNC Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, intensely focused stream of light to cut through a range of different materials, including plastics and acrylics. Read more
Diamond & Flame polishing
Edge polishing is a fabrication process that polishes the edges of acrylic panels, removes any cutting marks, and achieves a smooth, glossy finish. Read more
Rotary & Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a fabrication process that uses a laser beam to physically remove the surface of a material to create an indentation that is noticeable to both the eye and touch. Read more
Line Bending
Line bending is a process that’s used to make precise folds in plastic and acrylic components. Our line bending fabrication service allows us to bend plastic and acrylic sheets along a defined ‘line’ – without any need for gluing or joining. Read more
Have bespoke requirements?
Complete this form and we will get back to you with a quote.
Unlike double glazing, which involves fitting completely new units (with all the associated expense and disruption), fitting secondary glazing is a fast and simple DIY process which helps to reduce heat loss in your home. You simply attach the acrylic panel to your existing windows or window frame using magnetic adhesive tape.
Key features
- Excellent optical clarity
- Strength
- Light weight
- Cost-effective
- Excellent insulating material
- DIY installation
- Cut to size
- Reduced sound levels
- Shatterproof
Detailed description
High optical clarity
Acrylic sheet benefits from excellent optical clarity, it's as clear as glass so lets light through while keeping the cold out.
Temporary/Seasonal
Once installed and supported by the magnetic tape, acrylic glazing panels can be easily removed and stored when not required.
Insulation
Acrylic performs well as an insulating material, providing superior insulation to a sheet of glass of the same thickness, in addition to being cheaper and easier to install and maintain. The thermal conductitity of a material is measured by a property called the 'K value' which refers to the ability of a material to conduct heat. A low K-value is advantageous for insulating materials, as this means heat energy cannot easily pass through. Traditional single pane glass has an average K value of 0.96 whereas our Acrylic and Polycarbonate sheets have a K value between 0.19 and 0.21 which demonstrates why these materials provide superior insulation, in addition to being cheaper and easier to install and maintain.
Installation
Fitting secondary glazing is a fast and simple DIY process. You simply attach the acrylic panels to your existing windows or window frames using a magnetic adhesive tape kit. The kit, which must be purchased seperately (see Magnetic & Steel Tape) has two parts, a steel tape which is applied directly to your window or window frame, and a magnetic tape which is applied to the clear acrylic panel. You can alternatively choose to have holes drilled in the panel, however you will need to ensure that a foam tape is also fitted to all edges of the panel to ensure there are no gaps that allow the heat to escape.
Important fitting information
- When fitting panels larger than 1.4m x 1m, you must use the 19mm wide tape, as the panels may be too heavy for the 12.7mm wide tape.
- Magnetic tape is not suitable for environments that may experience gusts of wind or strong breezes, instead consider using another fixing method such as screws.
- The tape should be applied to the panels on all four sides without any gaps.
- Ensure that all surfaces of the magnetic tape are completely dry and free from contaminants.
- It is advisable to wear gloves while fitting to avoid cuts from the edges and corners of the acrylic.
Sound reduction
In addition to reducing heat loss acrylic secondary glazing also reduces noise levels. Acrylic sheet offers sound loss characteristics comparable to glass.
Flexibility
Acrylic secondary glazing is ideal for all homes that have single glazing, period properties with sash windows, buildings where renovations are not possible, and schools, offices and large areas that are difficult to heat adequately during the colder months.
Cut to size
Ordering acrylic glazing panels is easy, simply measure up and order the exact sizes required ready for fitting. Ordering cut to size is not only convenient but reduces waste material keeping costs down.
Please note: This product does not include the magnetic tape which must be purchased seperately.
Brand
Perspex®
Country of Manufacture
Various
Stock sheet sizes
3050mm x 2050mm, 3050 x 2030, 2050mm x 1520mm, 2440mm x 1220mm
Minimum panel size
50mm x 50mm
Maximum panel size
2000mm x 1000mm
Relative density
1.19 g/cm³
Manufacturers thickness tolerance
+/- 5% (e.g. 3mm Extruded acrylic sheet could vary from 2.85mm to 3.15mm)
Cutting tolerance
+/- 1mm
Material protection
Protective film on both sides
Fire rating
UK class 4
Service temperature
-40°c to 80°c
Vicat softening temperature
>105°c
Water absorption
0.2%
Material Name / Scientific Name
Poly(methyl methacrylate) "PMMA"
Recyclable
Yes
Maximum recycled content
25%
Light transmission
92%
Data sheets
We provide a fast delivery service throughout the UK using recognised Couriers such as Royal Mail, DHL, and Parcel Force.
Delivery prices are calculated based on the length of the longest side of the material ordered i.e. the delivery price of a panel measuring 1500mm x 1000mm would be based on the 1500mm dimension. Only one delivery charge is charged per order regardless of how many items are ordered.
UK Delivery costs
Longest side | Standard Delivery | Express Delivery | Order value for FREE delivery |
---|---|---|---|
Samples (100mm x 100mm) | £2.95 | £9.95 | £150 |
Less than 500mm | £5.95 | £12.95 | £150 |
500mm to 1499mm | £9.95 | £19.95 | £150 |
1500mm to 2499mm | £14.95 | £24.95 | £150 |
2500mm or greater | £19.95 | £29.95 | £300 |
Standard delivery for all accessories is £7.95, or £12.95 for Express delivery.
All prices listed include VAT.
Delivery Times
Our guidelines for delivery times are listed below:
- Standard delivery (3-5 working days)
- Express delivery (2-3 working days)
Express Delivery
If you require faster delivery you may wish to consider choosing our Express Delivery option at the checkout. Express Delivery orders are prioritised over standard orders and delivered using a recognised nationwide courier.
Next Day Delivery
Next Day delivery is not available via our website due to the volume and bespoke nature of orders we receive on a daily basis. However, if you need to place an order and require Next Day delivery please contact us – we will make every effort to meet your requirements and deadlines.
European/EU Delivery
We have temporarily disabled European delivery for orders placed through our website whilst we make changes to ensure that the correct rate of EU VAT is being charged. Our team can however manually process orders so please contact us if you require delivery to the European Union.
Remote Areas
Due to the nature of the ”made to measure” products we supply, we provide delivery prices at a standard rate and reserve the right to cancel an order should it become economically unviable to fulfill the order. In these extremely rare circumstances, the customer will be contacted first to discuss alternative options.
When delivering to some locations we can incur increased Courier delivery costs. Should delivery be required to one of the locations listed below a remote area supplement will be automatically added to the price of delivery during the checkout process.
Longest side | Remote area supplement |
---|---|
Samples (100mm x 100mm) | £0.00 |
Less than 500mm | £0.00 |
500mm to 1499mm | £10.00 |
1500mm to 2499mm | £15.00 |
2500mm or greater | £20.00 |
All prices listed include VAT.
Examples of delivery locations which may incur a remote area supplement are:
- Channel Islands
- Isle of Man
- Isles of Scilly
- Isle of Wight
- Scottish Islands
- Scottish Highlands
- Remote areas of Scotland
- Northern Ireland
If you require delivery to one of these areas please get in touch to discuss your order.
Third-Party Deliveries
Some products are dispatched directly from the manufacturer and delivered by a third-party courier. If applicable, this is clearly stated on each Product page under the 'Delivery' tab/section.
Can I collect my order from Simply Plastics?
Yes, of course. Orders can be collected from our premises in Colchester, Essex. At the final stage of the checkout process there is a delivery option labelled "Collection/pickup" which is free. Once your order is complete, you will be notified by email along with our address and collection times.
I need my order urgently, can I pay for faster shipping?
Yes. We offer an express delivery service which aims to deliver all orders in 1-3 working days. Orders are delivered by a recognised courier company and may require a signature on delivery.
Whats the difference between Plexiglass and Plexiglas®?
These two terms are pronounced the same and spelt almost identically, however, Plexiglass is the genericized trademark or proprietary emponym that has become synonymous with acrylic sheeting in most of Europe and North America whereas Plexiglas® is the brand name for acrylic sheets manufactured by Röhm GmbH in Germany. Whilst Plexiglass has become the generic trademark for acrylic sheets in Europe and North America, the brand name Perspex® is synonymous with acrylic sheeting in the UK.
Whats the difference between Plexiglas® and Perspex®?
Both Plexiglas® (most commonly spelt Plexiglass) and Perspex® are brand names of Acrylic sheet. Röhm GmbH, based in Germany, are the manufacturers of Plexiglas® whereas Perspex® is manufactured in the UK by Perspex International Limited. Both manufacturers supply a wide range of colours and thicknesses. Whilst the brand names Plexiglas® and Perspex® are different, ultimately the acrylic sheet that they manufacture is the same albeit each manufacturer might tweek the formulation to increase or enhance UV-resistance, light transmission or colour.
Which applications are best suited to Cast or Extruded Acrylic?
When deciding whether Cast Acrylic or Extruded Acrylic is best for your project it’s worth considering the specific application and desired finish you hope to achieve. The table below provides some examples of the most suitable type of acrylic sheet to use for specific applications.
Cast Acrylic | Extruded Acrylic | |
Application |
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In our experience, whilst some projects/applications will require specific characteristics of either Cast or Extruded Acrylic, in most cases the choice can be made based on either colour, thickness or cost, as below:
- Clear or Colour: Extruded acrylic is generally only manufactured in clear, black and white and therefore if there is a requirement for any other colour, Cast Acrylic is the only choice.
- Thickness: Cast acrylic is commonly manufactured in thicknesses up to 100mm whereas extruded is generally available in a maximum thickness of 20mm (Simply Plastics stock up to 50mm in Cast and 10mm in Extruded).
- Cost: Extruded is marginally cheaper and therefore any requirement for a large quantity of sheets/panels, where the benefits of cast acrylic are not important, is likely to be more cost effective produced in Extruded acrylic.
How can I calculate the weight of a Perspex Panel?
All of the different types of plastics that are available on our website, whether they be a panel, a disc, tube or rod, show the weight of the piece you require once you have entered your dimensions, shown in grams or kg.
The weight of any plastic can be calculated using the simple formula: Weight = Volume x Density
Read our blog post on how to calculate the weight of a variety of different plastics covering panels, discs, road and tube.