Acrylic block window casements are ideal for providing lighting and ventilation into your home; the lightweight construction lends itself to easy use without placing any strain on the user (something to bear in mind for those who are elderly or have a disability – very little effort is required to open and close them). A simple turn of the wrist is all that is required with acrylic block compared to the more traditional glass window units that require a “push and lift” operation from the user.
Acrylic block windows also provide greater privacy for your home and certainly provide increased security due to the operating mechanism. Designed on a “crank” system they do not provide an easy mode of entry to opportunistic intruders as traditional opening window systems do – with acrylic block windows, there is no such thing as “an open window” for a thief but ventilation is still delivered; air can get in and out but no intruder can.
Acrylic block is also highly durable and given the ease of manufacture, the windows are custom designed for fitting to deliver a touch of customized individuality. Being man made does not mean you cannot have natural looking finishes either with wood effect finishing complimenting white and tan color finishes. Acrylic block also provides excellent protection from the effects of condensation and provides comparable thermal insulation performance as a traditionally constructed double-glazed window.
The acrylic that is used in their construction is scratch resistant and hard wearing, however, in order to maintain their look and stylish appearance you do need to carry out some maintenance of the unit to keep it looking its best. This is very simple and as easy as using a soft sponge with some mild soap and water; a wipe down to remove dirt is all that is required but for an extra sparkle, using a simple furniture polish will give an extra gleam and sparkle and like waxing your car, it will make it harder for dirt and tarnish to gain a hold as well as making it easier to clean the next occasion. You must ensure you never use an abrasive cleaner or scourer, no bleaching agents or ammonia as these will all damage the acrylic block work and lead to rapid deterioration in looks and integrity.
On the plus side, acrylic will never need to be painted and it is has no attraction for insects and wildlife such as termites that will readily attack wood. Acrylic is also highly suitable for high humidity areas such as down in the south or on the coast where salt can rapidly increase erosion and tarnishing; acrylic simply does not react with water or salt and is perfect for the job in these areas. Acrylic also has a high tensile strength, so being lightweight does not mean any sacrifice in terms of structural integrity and used properly will actually improve the overall structural integrity of your home when it has to face the elements over time.
Lawrence Reaves is a freelance writer. Accent Building Products are direct distributors of acrylic blocks and acrylic block windows. Find them online at accentbuildingproducts.com or call 1-800-237-7470.
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