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Acrylic Installation Guide

 

Wind Load
When glazing with acrylic sheet, the sheet thickness is dependent upon the sash opening and expected wind load. Refer to 1C to select the proper thickness.

Rabbet Depth
Rabbet depth is critical to accommodate the movement of the glazing under wind load and thermal expansion. Refer to table below to select the proper rabbet depth according to sash opening.

SHEET SIZE (UP TO)
RABBET DEPTH
24" x 36"
36" x 48"
48" x 72"
60" x 84"
72" x 96"
1/2" to 5/8"
5/8" to 3/4"
3/4" to 1"
1" to 1-1/4"
1-1/8" to 1-3/8"


Glazing Sealants

The type of sealants used to glaze acrylic sheet depend largely upon the sash size and design. When the glazed opening is 24" or less, a non-hardening elastic glazing compound is generally used in conjunction with glazing points or clips. Openings larger than 24" typically require non-oily filler tapes and non-acetic type silicone or polysulfide sealants. Primers may be required to achieve maximum adhesion by the sealant.

Fastening
When using mechanical fasteners such as bolts and screws, the movement of acrylic sheet due to temperature changes and wind load, requires that the mounting holes be oversized to allow this movement without restriction. Oversized metal washers with an elastomeric grommet or washer between it and the sheet should also be used to prevent over tightening the fastener. Refer to the coefficient of expansion to determine the required increase in diameter of mounting hole.

Figure 1C

 

Data applies to square and rectangular panels of acrylic sheet when the length is no more than 3 times the width. All edges should be continuously held. Sheet thickness selection is based on total deflection under uniform load limited to 5% of the short side, or 3", which ever is smaller.

WIND VELOCITY (PSF)
20 PSF = 73 mph wind velocity
30 PSF = 90 mph wind velocity
40 PSF = 103 mph wind velocity
50 PSF = 131 mph wind velocity


   
 
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