Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal View™
Acrylic Block Windows

General Questions

Q: What differentiates Crystal View™ windows and makes them superior to other products on the market?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are manufactured with the most up-to-date technology, allowing them to outlast any other acrylic block on the market, offering lifelong performance for the Homeowner.


Q: How are Crystal View™ acrylic block windows sold to the public?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are sold through authorized dealers and distributors throughout the world.

Q: Can you purchase Crystal View™ acrylic blocks individually or do they have to be purchased in a window unit?
A: Because of the complexity of the manufacturing process, Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are only available for exterior use in a completed unit. However, they are available for interior design use through specific dealers across the world.

Q: Can you install Crystal View™ acrylic blocks as a shower enclosure unit?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows work well as an exterior window in shower and bathroom areas. However, Builders Accessories, Inc. does not recommend acrylic block for use in shower enclosures because of the care and maintenance issues surrounding the shower setting.

Product Questions

Q: What sizes and patterns are Crystal View™ acrylic blocks available in?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic blocks are available in: * ENGLISH 8 - 8" X 8" X 2¼" Thick Acrylic Block (Clear & Frosted Wave Patterns, ULTRA Low-E.) * METRIC 8 - 7½" X 7½" X 2¼" Thick Acrylic Block (Clear & Frosted Wave Patterns, ULTRA Low-E.) * METRIC 6 - 6" X 6" X 2¼" Thick Acrylic Block (Clear & Frosted Wave Patterns, ULTRA Low-E.) * Crystal View™ also offers three Color Wave Patterns in our METRIC 8 - 7½" X 7½" X 2¼" Thick Acrylic Block. * Crystal View™ offers Radiant and Elegant Patterns in our METRIC 8 - 7½" X 7½" X 2¼" Thick Acrylic Block.

Q: What colors, other than clear and frosted, are Crystal View™ acrylic blocks available in
A: Along with our clear and frosted acrylic blocks, we also offer three custom colors, which include Sky Blue, Spring Green and Burgundy. All are available in our METRIC 8 - 7½" X 7½" X 2¼".

Q: What frame types and colors are Crystal View™ acrylic block windows available in?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are available in: * 3100 Series, Thermal-Break Aluminum Frame (White, Tan & Bronze) * 4150 Series, Slim Line Vinyl Frame (White, Almond & Clay) * 5100 Series Classic Vinyl Frame (White & Almond) * 6100 Series Classic Vinyl Casement Frame (White & Almond) * 7100 Series Classic Vinyl Awning Frame (White & Almond)

Q: What window types are Crystal View™ acrylic block windows available in?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are available in: * Fixed Picture Windows in All Frame Types * Radius Tops Windows in Thermal-Break Aluminum Frames * Special Shape Windows in Aluminum Frame Types * Inverted Corner Custom Shape Windows in Aluminum Frame Types * Awning and Casement Windows in Classic Vinyl Frame Types * Retrofit Windows in Aluminum and Classic Vinyl Frame Types

Q: What window patterns or shapes are Crystal View™ acrylic block windows available in?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows can be made to order in almost any window pattern
or shape conceivable.

Q: Can Crystal View™ acrylic block windows be ordered to size for retrofit applications?
A: Yes, retrofit acrylic block windows are available in both aluminum and full vinyl window types.

Performance Questions

Q: Will Crystal View™ acrylic block windows yellow over time?
A: The largest manufacturer of acrylic in the world produces the special blend of acrylic used in the injection molding process for Crystal View™ acrylic blocks. This special blend of acrylic is made specifically for Builders Accessories and is guaranteed to have less than 1% yellowing over a period of 20 years.

Q: How strong are Crystal View™ acrylic block windows?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are molded with impact modifiers, making them four times stronger than other acrylic block window products, adding protection against intrusion, vandalism and abnormally harsh weather conditions.

Q: How does a Crystal View™ acrylic block window stand up against standard cleaning chemicals?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are built with a revolutionary Breathing Method™ that relieves block stress, making them less susceptible to failures from cleaning chemicals that are known to void the warranties of other acrylic block window manufacturers. ***i.e. Windex®

Q: What energy saving performance does a Crystal View™ acrylic block window offer over other block window products?
A: The insulating value of acrylic, combined with the optimum dead air space used in Crystal View™ acrylic block windows, give them insulated glass efficiency; a difference of 35% over standard block windows. With the ULTRA Low-E™ upgrade, Crystal View™ acrylic block windows' insulating value is increased by another 20% and offers a SHGC of 0.40 and a U-Factor of 0.35.

Q: How much of a weight advantage do Crystal View™ acrylic block windows have over other block window products?
A: Crystal View™ block windows come prefabricated and install easily in less time than glass block windows. By taking 75% of the weight out of block windows, Crystal View™ acrylic blocks make block windows a convenient option in applications where using glass block in unthinkable.

Q: Have Crystal View™ acrylic block windows been tested?
A: Yes, Crystal View™ acrylic block windows have undergone extensive industry testing, including NFRC and AAMA Certification and meet or exceed all national standards. See one of our brochures for specific test results.

Q: What kind of warranty do Crystal View™ acrylic block windows have?
A: Builders Accessories, Inc. provides a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects in material and workmanship for all complete Crystal View™ block window products. Crystal View™ individual acrylic and glass blocks are guaranteed against manufacturer defects for a period of 10 years. All warranties are extended solely and exclusively to the original Homeowner and become void if the product is subject to improper installation, abuse, neglect, misuse or harsh treatment.

Service Questions

Q: How do you install a Crystal View™ acrylic block window?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows are equipped with a standard nail fin with two different setback options; 1 3/8" or 7/8", for new construction or the nail fin can be snapped off for masonry or retrofit installation.

Q: How do you care for a Crystal View™ acrylic block window?
A: Crystal View™ acrylic block windows can be cleaned regularly with a mixture of mild dish soap and water or a plastic polish like Novus polish. 3M Adhesive Remover is recommended to clean off substances like paint, adhesives grease, etc. Refer to the care guide in one of our pricing catalogs for more information.

Q: Do Crystal View™ acrylic block windows scratch easily?
A: No, Crystal View™ acrylic blocks have a Rockwell Hardness that meets or exceeds that of any other acrylic products on the market. This added durability, along with the protective wrap that covers each window during delivery and throughout the construction process, eliminates any possibility of scratching during construction. Once construction is finished and the protective wrap is removed, the acrylic blocks can scratch if they come in contact with an abrasive material. Any scratches can be easily removed with an easy-to-use acrylic block scratch repair kit, available through any of our authorized dealers.

Q: Can an individual block be replaced in a Crystal View™ acrylic block window without replacing the whole window?
A: Yes, Crystal View™ acrylic block repair kits are available through any of our authorized dealers and come complete with fully-illustrated instructions and all the necessary materials.

Q: Can an entire Crystal View™ acrylic block window be replaced without tearing out the entire window opening?
A: Yes, there is a complete insert replacement window unit available, which slides directly into any Crystal View™ acrylic block window frame with little or no manipulation to the surrounding building materials.

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