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Polycarbonate For Roofing

Roofing is one of the key focus disciplines associated with polycarbonate plastic. The majority of people using polycarbonate sheets will work with it on building projects or structural builds and roofing is one of the most popular. But why is this plastic such a commonly used material for roofing?

It could be because aside from the many key benefits which include being lightweight and easy to install, polycarbonate is also stronger than most alternatives. With a strength which is 200 times stronger than glass and 30 times of acrylic plastic, polycarbonate is one of the most common-used materials in the World. However, we may not even notice it’s presence in many day to day items. Some of these include DVDs, sunglasses, electronic devices, lighting, packaging and bottles, to name just a few. It’s durability and flexibility for multi-use application make it ideal for easy roofing solutions and its strength, combined with its lightweight make-up make it the obvious option for many commercial and domestic roofing projects.

 

Polycarbonate Roofing Panels

Polycarbonate plastic has many benefits across various applications but roofing is one application where popularity has grown with using this flexible material.

  • Lightweight
  • Great climate control
  • Cut to size options
  • Easy to install
  • Varied application
  • Cost Efficient

Polycarbonate is one of the lightest materials that can be used for roofing, offering easy installation and effective insulation to help keep spaces warmer and cooler through changing seasons. The flexibility of the plastic enables it to be cut to any shape and size, providing custom-build options and the availability for use in all types of roofs. For example, it can be used for gable end roofs, lean-tos and Edwardian style roofing projects. Being able to custom-cut the size and shape of the plastic means it has much more flexibility for a variety of projects.

 

Polycarbonate Insulation

 

Insulation is a key factor and consideration when people choose Polycarbonate and because this plastic can be used across any build application, it makes it the perfect choice for a variety of projects including conservatories and sheds, as well as actual house roofing. The thicknesses can vary and with custom cut to size options, you can choose different thickness specifications for different projects. For instance, if you are roofing a greenhouse or shed, we’d recommend 4mm polycarbonate. For larger builds, such as conservatories, anything between 25mm and 35mm would be better suited, in order to give better insulation and support.

Essentially, polycarbonate has excellent heating and cooling abilities due to its physical properties which allow effective light dispersal and reflects the sun’s heat back out, to keep the room cool. Similarly, multiwall and twinwall polycarbonate can help insulate a room and maintain heat inside during cold seasonal periods.

 

 

Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate

 

Twinwall polycarbonate is where there are two layers of polycarbonate plastic, with multiwall offering multiple layers and even further insulation. These two types are often used for their insulated properties and benefits and so they are popular for use in greenhouses and conservatory projects. When roofing, you need as light a material as possible and even with twinwall or multiwall layers, polycarbonate is incredibly simple to install, whilst delivering durability, clarity, insulation and strength.

The reason twinwall and multiwall polycarbonate is often used for roofing projects is because of it’s UV protection and clarity. UV protection is delivered due to the even distribution of light which can help plant growth indoors and overall lighting influence inside.

Both twinwall and multiwall is up to 200 times stronger than glass but provides a clearer solution and also offers good light transmission. Depending on the type used, twinwall offers a thinner panelling and therefore distributes light more efficiently, whereas multiwall is effective too but with a thicker layer, still gives good light distribution and focuses on providing insulation where needed. Visibility is still efficient across both twinwall and multiwall and they offer clarity like no other plastic.

Twinwall and multiwall is generally quicker and easier to fit over traditional glazing solutions and it is much easier to clean than glass, offering low maintenance and cost efficient alternatives to glass-build projects.

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