Glazing Resists Damage and Weathering

Sheffield Plastics, a Bayer MaterialScience LLC Business, offers a new glazing material that helps provide longerterm clarity and damage resistance in the protective wall bordering the large patio area of a new Pacific Ocean-side condominium. The four foot and six foot high transparent railing sections allow unobstructed views of the coastline along the entire installation.

The sheet provides a warranty resistance to breakage, an advantage over glass. In addition, the new abrasion resistant material has up to 50% longer weathering life compared to prior polycarbonate-based glazing products. This preserves ocean views despite intense exposure to sunlight and salt spray.

Makrolon sheet also allowed for lower installation costs, a benefit of its lighter weight. In an equivalent thickness, glass is twice as heavy and would have required more manpower to install on the challenging site.

An in-depth survey conducted by Sheffield Plastics among major architectural firms led to the development of Makrolon MAK 15. Among the top requests were for longer weathering life and abrasion resistance coupled with the toughness of polycarbonate sheet. After a five-year development program, the product was introduced with a 15 year limited warranty against yellowing and degradation, a major increase over any current polycarbonate product.

For more information, contact Cindy Kahlstrom, Sheffield Plastics Inc., 119 Salisbury Road, Sheffield, MA 01257, 800-254-1707, Fax: 800-457-3553, E-mail: cindy.kahlstrom@bayerbms.com, Web: www.sheffieldplastics.com.