BARRETT BONDED WINDOWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Barrett Bonded Windows can vary in price depending upon the design and circumstances of the installation. Size, complexity and design considerations can greatly vary from project to project. Barrett Bonded Windows are made using only the absolute best materials available to insure the window will last as long as possible. Barrett Bonded Windows will typically be about twice the cost of a soft-vinyl window, but will last 2 to 3 times as long. Therefore, the long-term cost is actually the same or less. Ask your local Barrett Bonded Window Dealer for an estimate.

How long do Barrett Bonded Windows last?

All enclosure windows will last in proportion to how well they are maintained. Barrett Bonded Windows are designed to withstand the assault of almost any outdoor environment particularly harsh marine conditions. In addition, Barrett Bonded Windows carry a 5 year limited manufacturers warranty. Please refer to the written warranty for specific details.

How are Barrett Bonded Windows made?

Barrett Windows are constructed using a patented bonding technique. The windows are permanently bonded between two full sheets of marine vinyl, including Ferrari Stamoid, or acrylic canvas, such as Glen Raven Sunbrella. No gluing or overlapping techniques are used. The viewing area is cut away to leave a seam free, watertight window. The window itself is glass-coated (for scratch resistance), flexible polycarbonate.

What is polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic. It is widely used in many window applications including airplane windows, marine hatches, and architectural windows. Also, polycarbonate is used for eyeglasses and as bulletproof limousine windows. Polycarbonate can be treated with special coatings to improve its scratch and UV resistance. Barrett Bonded Windows use specially coated polycarbonate to offer enhanced durability and protection from the elements. The coatings are applied to both sides of the Barrett Bonded Window to offer protection inside and out.

What is recommended to clean Barrett Bonded Windows?

Barrett offers a cleaning kit that can be purchased through any of our dealers. In addition, you can use non-solvent based cleaners. For occasional use, most boat soaps should not harm Barrett Bonded Windows, but refer to the manufacturer instructions for a list of approved cleaners. We recommend using non-abrasive, lint-free cloths to wipe the windows clean.

What fabrics are Barrett Bonded Windows made with?

Barrett Bonded Windows can be made with many types of acrylic canvas or outdoor vinyl. For marine applications, Barrett offers Sunbrella acrylic canvas and Stamoid vinyl. Barrett Bonded Windows are available in all standard Sunbrella and Stamoid colors.

Can Barrett Bonded Window panels be removed?

Yes, Barrett Bonded Window panels can be safely and easily removed from an enclosure. Barrett Bonded Windows can be flexed slightly without shattering, so there is no need to worry about breaking them when removing. Barrett Enclosures offers window storage bags made with breathable, lint free fabric to store the windows on the boat.

Why is polycarbonate used for Barrett Bonded Windows instead of acrylic?

Polycarbonate has a number of benefits over other materials – it is shatter proof, bendable and is certified by the National Transportation Safety Board for transportation applications. When special coatings are applied like those used by Barrett Enclosures, polycarbonate will resist most scratches, yellowing and hazing. Other materials like acrylic will often shatter and crack when pressure is applied, especially in cold temperatures. In addition, acrylic is not easily bent and requires heat molding to take curves.

Are Barrett Bonded Windows made with Isen Glass?

Isen Glass is a name commonly used to describe traditional clear vinyl marine enclosure windows. The first clear vinyl windows were produced with a brand of vinyl called Isen Glass. Clear vinyl is a soft product that can be rolled, but also scratches easily.

In addition, when exposed to sunlight, soft vinyl will haze and yellow, becoming increasingly opaque and difficult to see through after only a year or two unless covered. Also because clear vinyl is stitched to fabric to create the window, dirt and mold are easily lodged in the border of the clear vinyl window. Without a watertight seal, water can leak through the windows as well.

Will Barrett Bonded Windows rollup like soft-vinyl windows?

Barrett Bonded Windows are flexible, but they cannot be rolled. There are a number of ways to design an enclosure to offer the same benefits of rollable windows. A vinyl window is primarily rolled up for ventilation or to see more easily. Since Barrett Bonded Windows are as clear as glass, visibility is not an issue anymore. Enclosures using Barrett Bonded Windows can easily be designed to provide ventilation. For instance, Barrett Bonded Windows can be designed to flip up and fasten or zip to a soft or hard top. Another popular design incorporates track systems that allow the windows to function like sliding doors.

What happens when looking through polarized sunglasses?

Barrett Bonded Windows are made with polycarbonate that is coated to inhibit UV-rays. The UV coatings block 97% of the UV rays from passing through the window. Blocking UV rays is important for personal health issues as well as protecting your upholstery from excessive fading. When looking through polarized sunglasses, the slight effect of a rainbow appearance is the same effect you sometimes notice with car windows. The rainbow effect lets you know a special coating is protecting you.

Can windshield wipers be used?

The manufacturer does not recommend the installation and use of windshield wipers. Though Barrett Bonded Windows have abrasion resistant coatings, windshield wipers can cause dirt to etch and scratch the windows. This is especially true if salt buildup occurs on the windows.

Can Rain-X be applied to Barrett Bonded Windows?

While some customers have used Rain-X, it has not been tested and therefore is not recommended at this time. Instead, you can use a simple paste wax such as those from 3M, which will have similar results. For specific questions, please contact Barrett Enclosures.