Around 52% of the British population own a shed. Despite over half the country’s properties having a shed, homeowners still struggle with the common problem of costly replacement shed windows.
Why? Brand new sheds are often sold with poor quality plastic shed windows which are prone to cracking and haziness.
So, whether you are replacing your plastic shed window yourself or getting a professional in, it is important to choose the correct material for your shed to avoid these expensive repairs. Within this article, we shall explore the three common sheet types used for plastic shed windows: Solid Polycarbonate, Acrylic and Twin wall.
Twinwall Polycarbonate Shed Window
Twinwall polycarbonate sheets provide a lightweight and robust option for glazing your garden shed windows. Their lightweight structure makes them easy to install, with the weight of 10mm polycarbonate roofing sheets being only approx. 1.5kg per m2.
The structured design of twinwall polycarbonate also provides a good amount of thermal insulation. Something solid plastic sheets don’t offer as much of.
If you purchase from a reputable manufacturer, like Axiome, the polycarbonates will be produced with a UV protection coating. This UV protection coating protects the sheets from becoming brittle and yellowing which increases life span and clarity - ideal for shed windows. They also have an excellent estimated life span of 20 years.
All polycarbonate sheet types have an unbeatable strength advantage. By using a twinwall 10mm polycarbonate sheet you are choosing a robust material which reduces the chance of breakage from vandalism.
Another great benefit of Twinwall sheets for your shed windows is they are readily available in a selection of tints:
- Clear
- Opal
- Bronze
A twinwall sheet is a budget option and although it is a good selection you should think of this as a temporary solution to replace it with a better and stronger material such as a solid polycarbonate sheet.
It allows daylight to pass through and makes any shed a bright and spacious option.
Perspex Shed Window
Acrylic sheets offer the same visual appearance as solid polycarbonate, clear and glass-like. Although Perspex does have the same visual look it is vital to understand that these sheets are not the same and there are significant disadvantages to using acrylic. Hence all the shed window breakages!
Not all acrylic sheet has UV protection which means they will discolour fast. This yellowing not only looks bad but also causes brittleness as the material cannot withstand the UV rays of the sun so it breaks down.
Disadvantages of using a perspex shed window
- Low impact strength and break easily
- Tends to crack when cutting
- Goes cloudy in a short amount of time
Acrylic sheets are hard to cut without chipping/cracking. The breaking occurs easily on impact which makes it a poor glazing sheet to use for outdoor projects. Clear perspex sheet is not shatterproof meaning frequent replacements and of course, this will be expensive and time-consuming.
Buying replacement shed windows is costly so consider swapping to solid polycarbonate, a shatterproof glazing sheet.
Needing help deciding what shed roof material to use? Check out our blog on the best shed roofing options.
Solid Polycarbonate Shed Window
Solid polycarbonate has a very high impact strength and, unlike acrylic, it doesn’t shatter making it the perfect sheet for cutting and installing! In the roofing industry, polycarbonate is the most popular plastic sheet material due to its incredible strength and durability.
Solid polycarbonate looks like glass giving you a modern look, that is more affordable than glass. This ‘glass look’ will make any shed stand out so it is considered the premium sheeting to use.
They say, “A man’s home is his castle”, the same could often be said of their sheds. Selecting the best plastic windows for garden sheds is a no-brainer to protect your sacred shed space.
One of the key benefits of this sheet is the anti-vandalism aspect. 200 times stronger than a pane of glass of the same thickness (virtually unbreakable) For homeowners looking to protect any tools and goods they have it makes sense to use a sheet that will keep vandals out. For even more privacy use the patterned solid sheet!
Just like the twinwall sheets the solid polycarbonate is also available in a selection of tints:
- Bronze
- Clear
- Opal
- Patterned
Common Questions about Shed Windows
What thickness sheet is best for Shed Windows?
If you are choosing to use solid plastic sheets then 3mm or 4mm thickness is the best option to use. They are the mid-range thickness options so strike a good balance between strength and cost. Ultimately it depends on the window size and location as on a larger window in a windy location you might need to consider 5mmm or 6mm plastic sheets.
If you are choosing twinwall polycarbonate then 10mm is the best thickness to use for glazing the shed windows. This roofing sheet is more cost effective but doesn’t offer the same visual clarity.
What is the best alternative to perspex shed windows?
Axgard solid glazing sheets are the best alternative to perspex shed windows as they are shatterproof and don’t go brittle or yellow.
Additionally, Axgard clear plastic sheet is significantly easier to cut and drill during fitting. The material is over 20x stronger compared to similar products such as acrylic sheets. Not only are these sheets stronger but they are also fully UV protected – a challenge often faced by lower grades plastics like acrylic and pet-g.
What is the cheapest material for shed windows?
Twinwall polycarbonate is the best budget shed window sheet. Ultimately, either polycarbonate option is better than acrylic or perspex sheets.
As you’ll know, the cheapest does not mean the best and you do get what you pay for. By spending more on a premium Axgard sheet you will have a stronger lasting plastic sheet that will save you money in the future.
What sheets to use for Tinted Shed Windows?
Using a bronze polycarbonate sheet is the best way to create a level of shading. People tend to choose this option to reduce the sun glare. As the bronze polycarbonate has a dark tint this allows for sun shading into the shed area and increased privacy.
Both solid and twin wall offer tint versions available to order.
Reducing the amount of heat going into the shed, especially if you are going to be working in the shed, is important to some shed users. To reduce heat absorption, opal polycarbonate is the material to use.
Finally, a patterned polycarbonate sheet is another fantastic option for privacy. When homeowners have sheds one of their main concerns is protecting their possessions stored in there, and what better way to achieve this than by using a patterned sheet which will assist you with that safety and privacy.
Is Solid or Twinwall polycarbonate better for Shed Windows?
Solid polycarbonate is the best option to use on plastic widows for sheds. It provides a very similar visual to glass while also having a high impact resistance making it the perfect option for a shed window.
Installation is also an advantage when using this polycarbonate as even the most basic DIYer can complete this with ease.
| Plastic Shed Window Type | Benefits |
| Solid Polycarbonate |
Highest Clarity with Glass 'look' Excellent light transmission Strongest - shatterproof and robust |
| Twinwall Polycarbonate |
Lowest Cost Lightweight for installation Insulation from layered structure |
Appearance and light transmission are excellent in both glazing sheets. Solid polycarbonate almost totally blocks harmful UV radiation whilst still allowing exceptional levels of visible light transmission.
Solid polycarbonate has been manufactured with a special resin which makes this sheet virtually unbreakable. This sheet is often used for security glazing and riot shields which makes it more than capable for a shed window!
If you are on a budget, then select the Axiome twin wall polycarbonate. This polycarbonate sheet is still a superb choice for your shed widows and although won’t include all the benefits of Axgard it will do a great job of securing your shed.
Need Help Buying Shed Window Plastic?
If you are needing help building a quote for our plastic sheet ranges please get in touch. Our Team will be happy to assist on our Live Chat or contact us where our we will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
