Polycarbonate is an amorphous thermoplastic material with beneficial transparency, making it ideal for marine windows. In addition, it has excellent dimensional stability and low moisture absorption.
These properties make polycarbonate an excellent material for marine environments where humidity and temperature fluctuate considerably.
Are polycarbonate glass windows strong?
Polycarbonate windows are one of the most robust materials available today. They are
incredibly durable and can withstand great force without breaking. As a result, it makes them
an ideal choice for various applications, including boats.
Thanks to their strength, polycarbonate windows can provide excellent protection against the elements and can help keep your boat looking great for years to come.
If you are looking for a material that can withstand the rigors of the marine environment, then polycarbonate windows are worth considering. Their strength and durability will keep your boat looking great and provide excellent protection against the elements.
What is polycarbonate glass?
Polycarbonate glasses are a type of plastic often used in eyeglasses and sunglasses. They are lightweight and durable, but they can also be easily scratched.
Polycarbonate glasses are also available in various colors and tints, which can be helpful for those with light sensitivity or other vision problems. In addition, polycarbonate glasses are a good choice for active people who need glasses that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Advantages of Using polycarbonate glass for boat windows:
Polycarbonate glass has some benefits that make it an ideal choice for boat windows.
1. Polycarbonate is solid and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for use in areas where traditional glass would be vulnerable to breakage.
2. Polycarbonate is also much lighter than glass, making it easier to work with and install.
3. Polycarbonate does not absorb UV light, making it an excellent choice for boat windows where sunlight exposure is a concern.
4. Polycarbonate is also highly resistant to scratches and other forms of damage, making it a durable option for boat windows.
5. Polycarbonate is available in a wide range of colors and tints, allowing you to customize the look of your boat windows to match the rest of your boat’s décor.
Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Glass
Vehicle or boat owners use it for bulletproof windows. In addition, some manufacturers use polycarbonate glass for eyeglass lenses, safety goggles, and industrial materials.
However, polycarbonate has several disadvantages when used as a boat window.
1. Polycarbonate is susceptible to scratches, which can cause optical distortion and impairment.
2. Polycarbonate is also prone to crazing, tiny cracks that develop on the material’s surface. Crazing can cause the polycarbonate to become opaque and reduce its strength.
3. Polycarbonate is a brittle material that can shatter if a hard object impacts it.
4. Polycarbonate is also a poor insulator, so it doesn’t block heat or cold very well. This can make a boat uncomfortable in extreme temperatures. But you can increase its thickness to insulate the temperature better inside.
5. Polycarbonate is one of the most expensive boat window materials on the market.
Despite these disadvantages, polycarbonate is still a popular choice for boat windows due to its strength and durability. However, weighing this material’s pros and cons before deciding on your boat is essential.
How long does polycarbonate last?
Polycarbonate is a highly durable material used in various applications, including boat windows. Polycarbonate lasts ten years when used as boat windows, sometimes more depending on sun exposure. However, there are a few factors that can affect its lifespan.
1. Type of Polycarbonate used
One is the type of polycarbonate used. There are two main types of polycarbonate, one with UV stabilizers and one without them. The UV stabilizers help to protect the material from degradation caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
2. The thickness of the Glass
The lifespan of a piece of polycarbonate glass is directly related to its thickness. The thicker the piece, the longer it will last. This is because thicker pieces are more resistant to breakage and wear and tear.
However, it’s important to note that the lifespan of a piece of polycarbonate glass also depends on how it is used. For example, if a piece is constantly exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals, it will break down faster than if used in more moderate conditions.
3. Quality of the Polycarbonate
The quality of polycarbonate glass affects its lifespan in boat windows in a few ways. Firstly, poor-quality polycarbonate is more susceptible to crazing- small cracks that form on the material’s surface. Crazing weakens the glass and makes it more vulnerable to breaking.
Lower-quality polycarbonate often contains impurities that can cause discoloration or other problems over time. It is also usually thinner and less durable than higher quality options, meaning it is more likely to scratch or break over time.
When choosing polycarbonate for your boat windows, it is essential to choose a high-quality option to ensure a long lifespan for your investment.
4. Location
Where the polycarbonate is located can also affect its lifespan. For example, polycarbonate in a shady location will last longer than polycarbonate in a sunny area.
The UV rays from the sun can cause the polycarbonate glass to become brittle and break down over time. So, if you are not sailing, you must place your boat in a shaded area to help prolong the life of your boat’s windows.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance of polycarbonate will also help to extend its lifespan. This includes regularly cleaning the material and inspecting it for signs of damage. In addition, you should repair any scratches or cracks as soon as possible to prevent them from deteriorating further.
When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as these can damage the surface of the polycarbonate. Instead, opt for a mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth. If you are cleaning boat windows made from polycarbonate, be sure also to rinse them with fresh water to remove any salt build-up.
If you need polycarbonate glass windows for your boat, then Boat Windows is the right choice for you. We specialize in making high-quality windows designed to withstand the rigors of marine environments.
In addition, we have polycarbonate and UV-resistant coatings to protect against fading and yellowing. We also offer custom-made windows to fit your specific boat model.
Call us today to learn more about our products and services.