ACRYLITE® Glazing Fabrication and Technical Information

FABRICATION INFORMATION ACRYLITE Glazing This brief gives advice for Applications Planning and Design Fabrication and Installation Maintenance the architect designer or homeowner to choose a color density providing adequate daylight without excess glare or solar heat. Applications Glazing applications for ACRYLITE extruded Interior partitions Exterior storm windows Room dividers Sun and wind screens Skylights Interior insulating windows Storm door windows Picture frames Fascia panels Dome structures Planning and Design This section gives advice for Light Transmission Solar Energy Control Sound Transmission Thermal Conductivity Hardness and Rigidity Strength and Stresses Expansion and Contraction Compatibility The table lists light and solar energy transmission percentages for transparent colors. Transparent colored ACRYLITE extruded sheets transmit the same percentage of light though all thickness with the same color number data for white sheets apply to 18 thickness only. As shown in the right column. The formula for shading coefficients is as follows Shading Coefficient Solar heat gain of ACRYLITE extruded Solar heat gain of 18 clear glass. Transmission of Transparent Colored ACRYLITE extruded All Thicknesses Color Light Transmission Solar Energy Transmission Shading Coefficient Colorless 0A000 92 89 .098 Bronze 8C030 11 20 .045 Bronze 7C049 27 35 .061 Colorless smooth ACRYLITE extruded acrylic sheet 0A000 has glasss clarity and 92 light transmission. Colorless ACRYLITE extruded is warranted for 30 years. Contact POLYVANTIS LLC for a copy of the warranty. Bronze 7C024 48 56 0.76 Grey 7C026 13 26 0.61 Grey 7C025 25 42 0.72 Solar Energy Control White WT030 31 34 0.43 White WT031 41 63 0.74 Light Transmission Transparent ACRYLITE extruded colored sheets cut glare and solar energy transmission. These sheets are available in various densities as shown below. The density range helps ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112

024 White colors values listed for 3 mm thickness only. ACRYLITE Glazing Sound Transmission Heating. Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Engineers summer and winter design conditions. A barriers sound reduction depends on its weight per square foot surface area rigidity and air tightness. The latter is important-acrylic sheet with good sound reduction may not improve the performance of a non-airtight window. U-FactorsBTU hour sq.ft. F ACRYLITE extruded Summer Conditions Sheet Thickness Winter Conditions In airtight surroundings sound reduction increases with increased sheet thickness wt. sq. ft. and decreases with increased area. Doubling the area increases transmission several decibels. Use the following values of sound pressure and loudness reduction for acrylic in airtight resilient settings. 3mm 22 23 4mm 25 26 6mm 28 28 9.5mm 30 30 Sound Reduction Total heat loss or gain through a window due to temperature differences expressed in BTUshr. window area. sq. ft. x Indoor temp-outdoor temp F x U-factor from above table. Include solar-radiated heat gain within a structure to find total heat gain. ACRYLITE extruded Average Sound Transmission STC Rating Sheet Thickness dB Loss 100-3200 Hz 3mm 22 23 4.5mm 25 26 6mm 28 28 9.5mm 30 30 ACRYLITE extruded sheet insulates better than glass. When single-glazed its U-factor is about 10 lower than that of equally thick glass. This material is also more resistant than glass to thermal shock and stresses caused by temperature differences between the opposite surfaces of a window. Thermal Conductivity Hardness and Rigidity A materials thermal conductivity or ability to conduct heat is called the k-factor. This is an inherent property independent of thickness and surroundings. Handle and clean extruded sheet carefully. Plastic surfaces arent as hard as glass. Extruded sheet is less rigid than glass or metals but more rigid than such plastics as acetate vinyl or polyethylene. Under wind load deflection causes acrylic to bow and foresh

orten. The k-factor of ACRYLITE extruded 1.3 BTUhr. sq.ft Fin. thick The k-factor is a physical property of a material. The U-factor or overall heat transmission coefficient is the amount of heat which will pass through one square foot of a specific thickness of material per hour. This factor expressed in BTUs measures heat loss or gain through a window. U-factors depend on specific conditions e.g. single or double glazing and differ for summer and winter. Listed below are U-factors for several thicknesses of ACRYLITE extruded sheet for single-glazed vertical installations based on ASHRAE American Society of ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Consider maximum wind load and window size in selecting glazing panel thickness. Forming ACRYLITE extruded sheet into ribbed or domed shapes improves rigidity and reduces deflection. Large flat ACRYLITE extruded sheets if insufficiently supported may deform permanently due to their weight or continuous loads such as snow. Increasing rigidity by forming minimizes cold flow. Strength and Stresses Though ACRYLITE extruded sheets tensile strength is 10000 psi at room temperature ASTM D 638 continuous loads below this value can cause crazing numerous tiny Page 211 ACRYLITE Glazing cracks in the material. Frames can create continuous loads-keep such loads below 1500 psi. Avoid localized concentrated stresses. For this reason and due to thermal expansion and contraction install 4x4 or larger ACRYLITE extruded sheets in frames-dont use screws or bolts. Expansion and Contraction Like most plastics ACRYLITE extruded sheet expands and contracts 3 to 8 times as much as glass or metals. Allow for size variation in frame systems and other fixtures. A 48 panel expands or contracts about 0.002 for each F change in temperature. In outdoor use where summer and winter temperatures differ as much as 100F a 48 sheet expands and contracts almost 14 0.20or approximately 18 from mid temperature conditions. Calculat

e expansion and contraction allowances from your installing temperature measurements. To figure expansion and contraction use a constant the thermal expansion coefficient. The value for acrylic is 0.00004 in. in. F. Multiply panel length inches by the maximum possible temperature change and multiply the result by the coefficient. For example if the temperature difference is 100F 38C from winter night to noontime summer sun an eight foot 96 acrylic sheets length changes almost 38. Total Movement heet S Length 96 in. Temperature Difference 100F Coefficient 0.00004 Dark-tinted ACRYLITE extruded sheets bronzes and grays with light transmission less than 60 and facing the south or southwest expand more than colorless sheet due to solar energy absorption. Movement of these panels is about 1.4 times that of colorless or lightly tinted sheet. For 96 8 feet of 131-2 Bronze 29 light transmission it would be Total Movement Sheet Length Temperature Difference Coefficient 0.38 in. 96 in. For installation expansion clearance half total. Most installations occur in the mid-temperature range 55F 75F or 7C 22C. If you install outside this range figure clearances using the above formula. ACRYLITE extruded absorbs water in high relative humidities leading to expansion. At relative humidities of 100 80 and 60 respective dimensional changes are 0.5 0.3 and 0.2. A temperature andor humidity difference on opposite sides of a sheet may cause slight bowing toward the higher value. As the differential lessens the sheet resumes its original position ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 100F 0.00004 0.38 in. For dark-tinted sheet movement 0.38 in. 1.4 0.53 in. Use ACRYLITE extruded sheets at temperatures from -30F to 190F -34G to 88C depending on application. Dont exceed 160F 61C in continuous service or 190F 88C intermittently. All thermoplastics gradually lose tensile strength as the temperature exceeds 180F 82C. Page 311 ACRYLITE G

lazing Compatibility Cutting by Scribing ACRYLITE extruded is manufactured from polymethylmethacrylate based on oil and natural gas. Some gasketing materials used with glass contain plasticizers solvents. These can dissolve acrylic sheet as can nail polish remover paint thinner or alcohol. Cut ACRYLITE extruded sheet up to 316 thick as you would cut glass. Dont remove masking. Use a Scriber a scribing knife like the one pictured below a metal scriber an awl or sturdy craft knife to score the sheet. Draw the scriber several times 7 to 8 times for a 316-thick piece along a straight edge held firmly. Cut carefully using firm even pressure. Continue each stroke cleanly off the sheets edge. POLYVANTIS has tested gasketing products which may contact acrylic sheet for any potentially damaging material. These tests cover the products listed in the Equipment and Materials Suppliers section at the end of this brief. Forward questionable products to Roehm America LLC for testing. See the address and phone number for Technical Services at the end of this brief. Codes and Regulations Clamp the sheet or hold it rigidly under a straight edge with the scribe mark extending just beyond the table edge. Protect your hands with gloves and wear safety glasses. Apply a sharp downward pressure to the sheets overhanging edge itll break along the scribe mark. Scrape the edges to smooth sharp corners. Avoid this method for long breaks or material over 316 thick. ACRYLITE extruded sheet meets the requirements of ANSI Z97.1for use as a Safety Glazing Material in Buildings for thicknesses equal to or greater than 0.080 inches ANSI Z26.1 AS-4 5 6 7 for use as a Safety Glazing Material for Glazing Motor Vehicles. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302 Flammability of Interior materials Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 Safety Glazing Building Codes for use as a Light Transmitting Plastic ICC-ES Report -ESR-1260 Please contact POLYVANTIS LLC Technical Center for more specific inf

ormation. For more information refer to Fabrication Tech Briefs 2Cutting with Circular Saws. and 3 Other Methods of Cutting. Fabrication and Installation Interior Applications Windows This section gives advice for Handling and Storage Cutting by Scribing Interior Applications Exterior Applications Handling and Storage Because interior applications are not exposed to wind pressure you can use thinner sheets than normal for window glazing. Temperatures dont vary widely in interior applications so provide half the expansion allowances given for window glazing. Refer to Fabrication Tech Brief 1 Handling and Storage for storage recommendations or information about marking or removing masking caring for ACRYLITE extruded sheet or removing scratches. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 411 ACRYLITE Glazing Exterior Applications General Recommendation. ACRYLITE extruded sheet is not as rigid as glass. Follow the thickness recommendations below. ACRYLITE sheets expansion coefficient mandates clearances between the frame and the glazing panel. Cut panels shorter than the frame outside dimensions to provide the spaces listed in the table under Exterior Expansion Clearances. Provide a channel or rabbet depth large enough to prevent the sheet withdrawing from the frame during high winds or cold weather. The rabbet must allow the sheet to expand in summer. Install the panel without bolting so it can expand or contract. Use sealant compounds and tapes flexible enough to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. You can use mechanically held approved gaskets such as EPDM Santoprene and Closed-cell Neoprene as sealing materials. Exterior Applications Thickness Recommendations The thicknesses in the following drawing apply to rectangular windows with widths less than their lengths installed vertically. For larger widths use the next larger thickness. For long narrow windows whose length exceeds four times their width use the ne

xt smaller thickness Thickness for Outdoor Applications-30-40 PSI Design load Opening Size Recommended Thickness Up to 12 sq. ft 18 12 to 32 sq. ft 313 ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 At a design load of 30 psi glaze a 48x 36 window with 316-thick sheet. For a 76x 48 opening use 14-thick sheet for a 30x 12 opening specify 18-thick sheet. Consult local building code offices tor load requirements in your area. These thicknesses apply to vertically-installed windows only. If your installation is subject to a typical wind load above 30 psi refer to the following table taken from the drawing above. Page 511 ACRYLITE Glazing Thickness for Outdoor Applications Window Size Dark-Colored Sheet Expansion Clearances-Transmission 60 or less ACRYLITE extruded sheet thickness For Opening Cut ACRYLITE extruded sheet shorter outside frame dimension by 1 5 sq. ft 3mm 6 15 sq. ft 4.5mm Up to 27 116 15 32 sq. ft 6mm 27 45 18 32 50 sq. ft 9.5mm 45 63 316 63 82 14 82 100 516 100 117 38 117 135 716 135 144 12 In most places specify a design load of 25 to 40 PSI for windows up to 30 ft. above ground level. At low elevations ground drag reduces wind velocity thus design onestory-building windows for lower wind pressures. As a rule assume wind velocities from 100120 mph equal design loads of 30 to 40 PSI. The relationship between wind velocity and wind pressure. P 0.00256 x V In the equation P pressure in lb. sq. ft. against a flat surface perpendicular to wind direction and V wind velocity in mph. In choosing design wind load consider building height and safety. Exterior Expansion Clearances The tables below are for installations in the midtemperature range 55F 75F or 7C 22C. If youre installing in extreme temperatures or the installation is likely to encounter extreme humidity for long periods of time use the formula for thermal expansion and contraction and humidity expansion in the example on page 3. For an opening of 48x 72 cut colorle

ss ACRYLITE extruded sheet 47-78 x 71-1316 and dark colored sheet 47-1316 x 71-34. Sash Design and Rabbet Depth You dont need rubber setting blocks under ACRYLITE extruded sheets. If you use them allow block and expansion space. Because of gravity all vertical expansion or contraction may occur at the frame top. Make the top rabbet deep enough for total expansion and contraction. Expansion clearances for Colorless Sheet mid-Temp Range For Opening Cut ACRYLITE extruded sheet shorter outside frame dimension by Up to 36 116 36 65 18 65 90 316 90 117 14 117 144 516 ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 611 ACRYLITE Glazing The rabbet depths listed below allow for fore shortening by wind deflection. Use standard extrusions if they meet requirements. Channel Rabbet Dimensions Long Side of Panel Minimum Rabbet Depth D Minimum Rabbet Width RW 24 716 38 36 58 38 48 34 916 60 78 1116 72 78 34 84 1 34 96 1-18 34 Note R abbet width thickness of ACRYLITE extruded space provided for both sealant beads. See drawing above. Exterior Installation Instructions NOTE If there is any question about the compatibility of materials with ACRYLITE extruded sheet contact Roehm America LLC. Adjust plumb and square framing or sash. Remove rabbet projections to provide uniform clearance and prevent point loads. Clean aluminum sash with VMP naphtha to remove grease and protective finishes. Seal sash corners and intersections for a water tight sash. Prime-paint all sealing surfaces where necessary Measure opening precisely. Figure expansion clearance from the Expansion Clearances tables above and deduct from the opening to determine cut sheet size. Cut to size accurately. Remove protective masking before placing the panel in the sash or roll back masking edges. Remove masking right after installation to prevent bake on by the sun. Exterior Glazing-Small Lights Both Dimensions 24 or Less Thickness of ACRYLITE extruded sheet can be .118 Frame use

wood metal or rigid PVC with 716 minimum rabbet depth. Clearance cut the light 116 shorter than the opening allowing expansion. Glazing Methods Face glaze or channel glaze using approved elastic no hardening silicone glazing compound or butyl calk for channel glazing only. Apply enough glazing compound so it oozes out after youve pressed ACRYLITE extruded sheet into the opening. Center the light in the sash bed the removable stop in a face glazing design or fill in the front edge of a channel glazing with compound. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 711 ACRYLITE Glazing Sealant Recommendations Sheet Size Minimum Rabbet Depth D Up to 36x36 1. Gun grade acrylic latex calk allowing 15 movement 2. Dry gaskets EPDM Santoprene or Closed-cell Neoprene Up to 96x96 1. High performance Silicone Polysulfide or Polyurethane allowing 25 movement 2. Dry gaskets EPDM Santoprene or Closed-cell Neoprene Up to 96x144 Glazing Intermediate and Large Lights Glazing Methods For panel sizes up to 96x 144 use continuous wood bead metal stop or channel glazing-not points or clips. Use elastomeric sealing com pounds vulcanized butyl tape or dry gaskets as sealants. They work because they allow large panels expansion and contraction without breaking weather seals. Dont use ordinary glazing compound Be sure gunned in sealing beads are at least 14 wide by 14 deep. Set the 14 sealant bead by inserting a 14 continuous non-oily filler tape into the sash. If theres any question about a materials compatibility with ACRYLITE extruded sheet contact Roehm America LLC. 1. High performance Silicone Polysulfide or Polyurethane allowing 50 movement 2. Dry gaskets EPDM Santoprene or Closed-cell Neoprene Elastomeric System Installation Place ACRYLITE extruded sheet directly into the sash or on setting blocks. Attach a removable stop. Place the continuous non-oily filler tape in the channel to a depth of 14or 38 below the sight line top edge of sash. This depth sh

ould be equal to the required sealant depth shown below. Refer to dimen- sion S in the following drawings Sealant Systems These systems have been tested and work if properly installed. Contact manufacturers for limitations and recommendations. There are two types of system installations elastomeric or butyl tape. Elastomers are gunnable elastic rubber-like substances including highperformance silicone sealants polyurethane sealants and high performance polysulfide sealants. Butyl tapes are synthetic rubber supplied in roll form. Always specify a primerless system when using ACRYLITE extruded sheet. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 811 ACRYLITE Glazing Sealant and Filler Tape Dimensions for Large Panels Polysulfide Silicone Filler Tape or Polyurethane DimensiSealant Dimensions ons Thickness Long Depth Dimension S Width T Depth W Width T 316 72 108 14 38 34 38 14 72 108 14 38 34 38 14 108 144 14 12 78 12 38 72 108 14 38 34 38 38 108 144 14 12 78 12 12 108 144 14 12 78 12 If you use other filler materials such as neoprene foams butyl foams or glazing tapes contact manufacturers regarding compatibility with sealing compound. Butyl Tape System Installation This system offers advantages the tape is pre molded and fully cured its seal performs well you can install exterior and interior beads from the inside you neednt prime or clean. Coordinate channel shim and tape dimensions-see the chart below under Procedures. To work the tape must be slightly compressed when the removable stop is in place. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 911 ACRYLITE Glazing Butyl Tape and Spacer Dimensions Procedures Long Side of panel Tape Width TW Compressed Use Tape Tape Size Thickness TT Spacer Width SP 36 38 316 14 14 48 38 316 14 38 60 38 14 516 38 72 12 14 516 38 96 12 516 38 12 12 108 144 14 78 12 Adhere 1-long spacer shims SP every 12 around the fixed stops perimeter. Use at least two shims per edge.

Shim thickness and width are critical. The following table has required dimensions. See the following drawing. Leave release paper in place. Apply butyl tape TW to the fixed stop on the sashs perimeter position the tape 116 below the slight line top edge of sash. Overlap the tape at least 18 at corners and splices. Remove release paper. Place the ACRYLITE extruded sheet panel directly in the sill or on setting blocks. Center it in the sash and press firmly against the tape. Maintain correct head and jamb clearances. Position spacer shims on removable stops opposite those on fixed stops. Apply butyl tape to removable stops and cut flush with the stops ends. Remove release paper press stops in place and attach to the fixed stop. The rabbet width must equal twice the final tape thickness 2xTT plus the sheet thickness. See the Equipment and Materials Sources listing at the end of this brief tor sources. Provide a spacer shim 132 thinner than SP. Compress butyl tape when removable stop is attached. Maintenance Schedule acrylic glazing as almost the last step in a buildings completion. Protect ACRYLITE extruded sheet from paint plaster or tar splashes with suitable coverings such as drop cloths and from paint overspray using masking. Wipe off glazing compounds sealants and paint smears while still soft with a clean kerosene-moistened cloth. Additional maintenance and handling advice is included in Fabrication Tech Brief 1 Handling and Storage. Refer to that brief or contact POLYVANMTIS LLCs technical center for advice. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 1011 ACRYLITE Glazing Barrel Vault Construction Colored Framing Systems Attractive cold bent barrel vault skylights may be fabricated using ACRYLITE extruded acrylic sheet with limitations. Only single glazing is recommended. Double glazing may result in excessive heat buildup between the panels. Ambient temperature may not exceed 160F for continuous service. Mill finish or lig

ht colored framing systems are recommended. Do not use dark colored systems for colorless acrylic sheet. These can lead to heat build-up which could damage the sheet. Radius of curvature must equal or exceed 330 times the sheet thickness. Use only dry gasketing with a compatible glazing system. Sheet length must be 8 or less. The acrylic sheet must be free to expand and contract within the glazing system. Compression developed by the glazing system must be minimized by either positive spacing or applying a maximum of 30 inch pounds of torque on mounting fasteners on aluminum systems. Mill finish or light colored framing systems are recommended. Never use colorless sheet over tinted or colored sheet. POLYVANTIS Sanford LLC 1796 Main Street Sanford ME 04073 USA www.polyvantis.com www.acrylite.co Semi-finished polymethyl methacrylate PMMA products from POLYVANTIS are sold on the European Asian African and Australian continents under the registered trademark PLEXIGLAS in the Americas under the registered trademark ACRYLITE both owned by Rhm GmbH Darmstadt or its affiliates. Fire Precautions ACRYLITE sheet is a combustible thermoplastic. Precautions should be taken to protect this material from flames and high heat sources. ACRYLITE sheet usually burns rapidly to completion if not extinguished. The products of combustion if sufficient air is present are carbon dioxide and water. However in many fires sufficient air will not be available and toxic carbon monoxide will be formed as it will when other common combustible materials are burned. We urge good judgement in the use of this versatile material and recommend that building codes be followed carefully to assure it is used properly. Compatibility Like other plastic materials ACRYLITE sheet is subject to crazing cracking or discoloration if brought into contact with incompatible materials. These materials may include cleaners polishes adhesives sealants gasketing or packaging materials cutting emulsions etc. See the Tech

Briefs in this series for more information or contact your ACRYLITE sheet Distributor for information on a specific product. This information and all further technical advice is based on our present knowledge and experience. Such information or advice whether given at Buyers request or not implies no liability or other legal responsibility on our part including with regard to existing third-party intellectual property rights. In particular no warranty whether expressed or implied or guarantee of product properties in the legal sense is intended or implied. We reserve the right to make any changes according to technical progress or further developments. The customer is not released from the obligation to conduct careful inspection and testing of incoming goods. Performance of the product described herein should be verified by testing which should be carried out only by qualified experts in the sole responsibility of a customer. Reference to trade names used by other companies is neither a recommendation nor does it imply that similar products should be used. ACRYLITE Glazing Fabrication 1320-1C Technical Information 112024 Page 1111