As a homeowner, it can be challenging to choose between ordinary glass and plexiglass because they each have unique qualities. Glass is cheap, easy to clean and maintain, and better for the environment because it is 100% recyclable. On the other hand, plexiglass is more resistant to shattering.

Let us explore the qualities of each to help you make a good choice.

• Materials used

Ordinary glass comprises abundant natural raw materials, including sand, soda ash, and limestone, heated at high temperatures and cooled to form glass. The manufacturer heats the materials to liquid then cools it to a solid, making it brittle and transparent.

Plexiglass comprises plastic acrylic sheets made from petroleum called polymethyl methacrylate. Plexiglass is transparent, making it a transparent thermoplastic.

• Cleaning and maintenance

Glass is easier to clean and maintain than plexiglass. You can use ordinary cleaning solvents to clean glass, but you need special cleaning solvents for plexiglass because plexiglass cracks when cleaned with ordinary household cleaners. In addition, glass is scratch-resistant, making cleaning simple, unlike plexiglass which you can easily scratch during cleaning.

• Recycling

Glass comprises abundant natural raw materials and is 100% recyclable and more sustainable for the environment. You can easily recycle glass by heating it. On the other hand, plexiglass comprises petrochemicals that are harder to recycle and more dangerous to the environment.

• Cost

Glass is cheaper and easier to find than plexiglass. However, the cost also depends on the thickness, size, and features such as UV-coating and antiglare properties. Since glass and plexiglass have similar benefits, and it is challenging to find plexiglass for sale, it is more convenient to buy glass.

• Fragility and durability

Glass is brittle because it does not pass the crystalline state. Plexiglass consists of acrylic sheets making it harder to crack and break. Therefore, it is easier and safer to handle acrylic sheets than ordinary glass. In addition, due to its fragility, glass is harder to cut because it easily breaks, while plexiglass is easier to cut, and you can use easy to find tools such as a router or a table saw.

Glass is an ideal building material because it is not affected by water or chemicals in the air and does not wear out quickly because it is abrasion-resistant.

The advantages of using glass are;

• Glass is transparent and transmits light

The see-through quality of glass allows natural light to flow into your house even when the windows are closed. Glass transmits natural sunlight without any yellowing or clouding, thus brightening the home and enhancing the mood.

• Glass is dustproof and waterproof.

The smooth glossy surface of the glass makes it dustproof and waterproof, which makes it ideal for you to use both indoors and outdoors. Glass is easy to clean and maintain.

• Glass is available in many colors.

Different colored glass tints and films make it possible for you to change the appearance of glass. You can get a laminated glass with colored interlayers for a striking lighting effect.

• Glass designs are aesthetically pleasing.

Glass makes a building look sophisticated, modern and adds to its beauty. You can complement any design with glass to take the aesthetic of the building to the next level.

• Glass is sustainable and 100% recyclable.

Glass is 100% reusable, and you can recycle it several times without reducing its quality. You save energy, reduce water and air pollution, and conserve natural resources when you recycle glass.

• Glass is UV stable

We all have concerns about climate change, which makes it essential to find a material that shields us from harmful UV rays from the sun. Glass is not affected by ultraviolet rays and will not crack or discolor. It will also protect you from dangerous UV rays.

• Glass is rust and weather-resistant

Glass is resistant to corrosion and most chemicals since tempered glass is durable and can withstand most weather conditions. It will retain its appearance and quality through the seasons without degrading. Glass is stable in both cold and hot weather.

• Glass is an insulator of electricity.

Glass is a poor conductor of electricity that ensures that you are safe from electrical hazards without free electrons. This insulation property makes glass versatile, and you can use it for ceiling lighting, and it is safe to use with other electrical appliances.

Glass is an ideal building material because it is weather and chemical resistant, protects from harmful UV rays, and is 100% recyclable and sustainable. Glass complements most designs and styles and elevates the room’s aesthetics. In addition, there are a variety of glasses that you can choose from, such as insulated glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, and frosted glass.

Contact us at Glassupply.com for the highest quality glass panels for all your project needs. You can conveniently order and check out online, and we will ship the products to your doorstep. We have the best market prices, and our one-year manufacturer’s warranty guarantees you the highest quality products.