Garden sheds have transformed from simple storage spaces to multifunctional areas such as small workshops, hobby rooms, home offices, art studios, or even retreats for relaxation. In the modern era, sheds have been evolving to become multifunctional spaces. One imperative upgrade that most homeowners neglect is the sort of windows to install.
Single-glass windows were the standard for garden sheds. They were maintenance intensive, provided poor insulation, and prone to breakage. Meeting the evolving standards of safety, durability, and energy efficiency, Plastic shed windows have emerged as a popular option.
Plastic windows made from uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), acrylic, or polycarbonate glass plastic, offer a myriad of advantages over traditional glass windows. They are cheaper, lighter, safer, and specifically designed to endure the demands of outdoor structures such as garden sheds, making them a more appealing option.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the top five advantages of installing plastic windows on garden sheds and the reasons that deem them a beneficial investment for the modern homeowner.
Benefits of Enhanced Security and Safety Features
Importance of durability in garden sheds
Sheds are built in the backyards of homes and are, therefore, more prone to damage than houses due to:
- Debris from Winds
- Children playing nearby
- Unintentional damage from tools, ladders, or gardening equipment
Such glass windows are hazardous because they can shatter easily. Plastic, on the other hand, can resist breakage.
Categories of glass windows that are more durable than the standard
- Polycarbonate Windows: Ideal for family gardens because they are impact-resistant and nearly unbreakable. They are also nearly 200 times stronger than glass.
- Acrylic Windows (Perspex): They can be easily cut, are light, and 50 times stronger than glass, making them suitable for DIY shed projects.
Safety advantage
When plastic does break under extreme conditions, instead of the sharp glass shards that can severely injure people, it shatters into blunt fragments that renders it safe for children and a household hazard.
A plastic window shed that is used as a home gym or playhouse is a great example because it would not pose a risk of children being glass injured from windows.
2. Minimal Upkeep Required and Greater Longevity
The issue with conventional windows
The upkeep associated with wooden frames and single-glass pane windows includes:
- Painting that requires upkeep every few years
- Cloudy, damp climates can lead to mold growth
- Repainting and repainting every few years can incur mold growth in damp climate
Why plastic windows have the edge
Plastic windows, particularly uPVC, stand above wooden frames and single-glass panes due to their moisture and rot prevention, along with their resistance to UV rays. So, where washing uPVC and polycarbonate windows with soapy water is sufficient, plastic windows will not peel or fade over the years.
Long lifespan advantages
Provided that windows are correctly uPVC and polycarbonate windows are installed, these can offer an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
DIY Advice: For those who dislike cleaning and upkeep, plastic windows are ideal as their strength ensure windows remain unsoiled.
3. Superb Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Importance of shed insulation
Insulation is key for modern shed gardens being used as offices, artist studios and other recreational uses, as windows alone will not contain a comfortable internal temperature.
Like all plastic shed windows, these windows provide strong insulation when double-glazed:
- Keeps warmth inside during winter
- Avoids heat accumulation during the summer
- Minimizes condensation and dampness
- Reduces energy expenditure
The energy expense for heating and cooling a shed is relatively minimal, but the amount spent on electric heaters, fans, or even air conditioning in an office shed makes the expense worth it.
Real-world example: Holdings plastic windows converted a shed into a home office and it remains warm during January, and cool during June, all without expensive climatization.
4. Natural Light, Better Ventilation, and Balance
Brightness is essential and adds a personal touch
Natural plastic windows transform a shed, instantly brightening it and removing the dark and cramped feels.
Daylight is important not only for cosmetic reasons. It also aids in:
- Boosting productivity (especially for office or workshop sheds
- Enhancing mood and alleviating stress
- Creating a healthier environment by reducing the need for artificial lighting
Ventilation Benefits
Windows made of plastic materials can be designed to open, enabling the circulation of fresh air. Good airflow helps prevent:
- Stagnation of air
- Dampness and mold
- Musty odors in stored tools and garden equipment
Pro tip: For better airflow, two small, adjustable, plastic windows can be installed on opposite sides of the shed for cross-ventilation.
5. Security and Peace of Mind
Issues concerning shed security
Many sheds are used to store valuable items, such as lawnmowers, bicycles, power tools, and even electronics. Weak glass windows can serve as an easy point of access for burglars.
Plastic as a security feature
- Polycarbonate sheets are extremely resilient; it is nearly impossible to break them with casual force.
- uPVC frames are usually equipped with solid locking features.
- Double glazing adds additional difficulty for break-ins.
Real world example: A shed secured with uPVC plastic windows and locks would be far less prone to attacks than one decorated with fragile glass panes.
Bonus Advantages of Shed Windows Made of Plastic
Besides the five main advantages, the windows made of plastic have additional benefits for garden sheds:
- Easy to Install: Plastic sheets, unlike glass, are easier to handle because of their lightweight nature.
- Flexible Design Choice: Frosted, tinted and patterned finishes to plastic makes matching the windows with sheds an easy and flexible design choice.
- Eco-Friendly: Numerous uPVC and acrylic items have insulation properties which make them eco-friendly.
- Affordable: Windows made of plastic are cheaper to ship and install compared to their glass counterparts.
FAQs On Plastic Shed Windows
- Q1: Are windows made of plastic cheaper than glass ones?
Windows made of plastic are cheaper to both purchase and maintain than glass ones. - Q2: Will plastic windows yellow over time?
Windows made of plastic with polycarbonate and uPVC frames are treated with special coatings to ensure they are yellow resistant. - Q3: Can I replace my old glass shed windows with plastic?
Window frames made of glass can be replaced with ones made of plastic since the latter can be adjusted to fit. - Q4: Are the windows made of plastic secure for expensive equipment items?
With reinforced frames and double-glazing, windows made of plastic provide great resistance against break-ins making them suitable for expensive items.
Q5: What is the most suitable type of plastic for shed windows?
- Polycarbonate plastic is the best for shed windows due to offering strength and security.
- For ease of installation and clarity, acrylic (perspex) is the most suitable option.
- For uPVC shed windows, it is the best all-rounder for energy efficiency and low maintenance.
Summary Table – Shed Windows: Plastic Versus Glass
| Feature | Plastic Windows | Glass Windows |
| Durability | Impact resistant, shatter proof | Fragile, easy to break |
| Safety | Child friendly, safer if broken | Cuts and sharp shards, danger risk |
| Maintenance | Easy upkeep, low maintenance | Regular upkeep needed |
| Insulation | Excellent with double glazing | Poor insulation |
| Security | More difficult to break through | Easily broken into for theft |
| Cost | Higher cost print barriers | More affordable |
Conclusion
Enhancing the windows of your shed may appear to be a minor detail, but the transformation that it brings to your garden building is immense. Compared to traditional glass windows, plastic windows are far superior.
Regardless of whether you use the shed to store items, for your hobbies, to work, or as a small office, with the installation of plastic windows, you can expect shed enjoyment all year, and with far less trouble.
Plastic sheets and materials we offer are uPVC, polycarbonate and acrylic that are ideal for shed windows. Best fit is possible for your next shed upgrade as we offer customizable sizes, thicknesses and finishes. For more details Contact us at our website Wholesale Pos.