Polycarbonate is an attractive, lightweight roofing option. It’s also durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s also highly effective at blocking UV rays.
Polycarbonate roof sheets are ideal for pergolas, as they’re partially transparent and allow light through. They can also be used as cladding or skylights. Corotherm polycarbonate sheeting offers excellent protection from harmful UV rays, whilst allowing natural light through, compared to glass.
Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are a strong and resilient thermoplastic material that is shatterproof, able to withstand extreme heat and cold, and allows a significant amount of natural light into the building. This makes them ideal for a wide variety of shade solutions such as pergolas, carports and sheds.
This versatile roofing is also available in a number of different finishes and colours. There are tints that reduce the level of sunlight allowed through the roof and a range of standard colours including black. There are also sheets that are finished with an insulating layer, allowing you to keep your space cooler in the summer.
The polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable, with up to 250 times the impact strength of float glass and 30 times that of acrylic. These features make them ideal for shading outdoor areas from harsh UV rays. They are an increasingly popular option for pergolas and can also be used as a component of aluminium framed carports and kit patios.
Clear Polycarbonate Sheets
Clear polycarbonate sheets are partially transparent, allowing natural light to filter through. They are also durable and lightweight. This makes them ideal for building roofs. You can use them to build skylights and greenhouses. They can also be used in outdoor pergolas, carports and gazebos.
Polycarbonate roofing offers many colour options. Choose the shade that best suits your area. The sun’s orientation may affect the shade you need. For example, a west facing area will receive more intense sunlight than a north or south facing area. You can also consider the height of your roof. A higher roof will be warmer than a lower one because hot air rises.
You can also choose a polycarbonate sheet that has a protective IR solar ray filter. This allows for a better flow of sunlight and can reduce the amount of heat transferred into your living space. This can help lower your cooling costs and prevent damage to plants.
Foam-Backed Polycarbonate Sheets
Foam-backed polycarbonate sheets are popular among industrial buildings, such as warehouses, due to their strong insulating properties. They also do not corrode and can withstand snow, ice and varying temperatures. They are also easy to install. Homeowners commonly use them to build sheds and carports, as well as structures with slightly sloped roofs.
When using these sheets, it is important to pay attention to the prevailing wind direction. Otherwise, they may tear away from the structure. It is also advisable to use purlin tape on all surfaces that come in contact with the timber. If you don’t, the sheets will sag, which can cause water to collect and pool in the sagging areas.
It is also important to use a high-quality Aluminium Endstop Bar. This should be sealed with a low modulus neutral cure silicone to ensure that it does not damage the polycarbonate sheets. Also, make sure that you don’t use a PVC drip trim, as it can crack, move or twist causing water ingress into the polycarbonate sheet.
Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are very durable and a popular choice for roofing, carports, patio covers, and sunrooms. They offer a high level of transparency and light transmission, making them ideal for applications that require natural lighting. They also provide excellent thermal insulation, which helps reduce energy costs and improve comfort levels indoors.
The colour you choose for your roof or cladding will impact the amount of heat it transmits. If your area is exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day you may wish to choose a lighter colour to reflect the heat and keep it cooler in your space.
