On Nov 15, 2:05*pm, "Saucer Man" wrote:
"Joe" wrote in message

...
On Nov 15, 11:38 am, "Saucer Man" wrote:

I have screens that snap into a track on the outside of my CertainTeed
vinyl
windows. I want to remove the screens and make storm panels to fit into
the
track to reduce radiant cold air and sound.

Does anyone know what I can build the frame out of? I'm thinking I'll use
1/8" thick glass.
--
Thanks.

You're better off using a lighter weight material than glass to make
fabrication and installation easier. My choice would be acrylic
(Plexiglas) glazing. Check with a plastics supply house (like Cope
Plastics, for example) for suitable frame material. There are stock
shapes (square, rectangular, round) available that can be shaped with
regular wood working tools. Thermoplastics like Plexiglas require
quite sharp saw blades and easy-does-it feeds for good results. It and
PVC can be solvent bonded to make very strong joints. You could also
make cedar or redwood (even teak) frames if you have the woodworking
skills and equipment. If you decide to take on the project, let us
know how it turns out and good luck.

Joe

Hi Joe.

I thought about acrylic but read that after a short time, it will be so
scratched by the small dirt particles in the wind and also with the fading
in the sun it will be more translucent than transparent. *Any thoughts?

--
Thanks.

If that were the case why have they made aircraft windows out of it
for some eighty years? I suspect the author of that article is a bit
light on the facts. So far as UV resistance is concerned, any plastic
can be so misformulated or adulterated and poorly manufactured to fail
practical tests. Imported plastics (not naming any countries here)
have a known record of performance failures.
Of the other common plastic glazing materials, consider polycarbonates
like Lexan for impact resistance. Pricier, but tougher. UV resistance
is built in for the application, just like it is for PVC found in
windows, soffits, gutters, electrical conduit (but not necessarily
plumbing).
HTH

Joe