Polycarbonate Roofing

Types of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate comes in a wide range of forms. At Acme Plastics, we carry the following:

• Polycarbonate Sheets - Polycarbonate sheets are impact resistant and strong. These are often used in greenhouses or as windows. Custom sizing is available.
• Bullet-resistant sheet - Also commonly referred to as "bullet-proof glass", our sheets come in three levels of resistance and a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses.
• Polycarbonate Rods - Our rods are durable and a great alternative to materials like glass or acrylic. We offer a wide range of diameters and sizes.
• Polycarbonate Tubes - Able to withstand various elements (including fire), our polycarbonate tubes are able to endure high stress and impact. A wide range of sizes are available for purchase.
• Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets - This material is ideal for builders and architects looking for an environmentally friendly and economical way to install roofing and siding.

FAQs

What are the advantages of polycarbonate roofing?

Polycarbonate blocks harmful UV rays while maintaining similar transparency to glass. Polycarbonate is also a lightweight material yet has excellent strength.

What is the best clear roofing material?

Polycarbonate is the ideal roofing material due to its durability and its ability to block harmful UV rays.

Does polycarbonate roofing cut out UV light?

Polycarbonate blocks out UV rays, making it ideal for patios and decks. You can still enjoy the outdoors without exposing yourself to dangerous rays from the sun.

What is the best thickness for polycarbonate roofing?

Since polycarbonate roofs are available in a variety of thicknesses, a safe baseline for their thickness exists somewhere between 4mm and 8mm. The thickness decided upon often depends on the weather patterns in the area they will be utilized.

How long will polycarbonate roofing last?

If well-maintained, polycarbonate roofing can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years before requiring replacement. Its longevity is dependent on the weather. Colder areas usually have more inclement weather leading to the need for more frequent replacements when compared to polycarbonate roofing that exists inside of milder, warmer climates.

How do you cut polycarbonate panels?

When cutting polycarbonate panels or sheets the most effective type of blade to use in all cases is a fine-tooth blade. There are a variety of ways to cut polycarbonate sheets using a fine-tooth blade including a circular saw, saber saw, or table saw. When using a circular saw or saber saw, clamp a straight edge to the polycarbonate sheet to guide the saw and make sure you are steadily cutting the plastic. When using a table saw to cut polycarbonate panels move the sheets through the saw as you would a piece of plywood paneling. A circular saw is the best tool for cutting larger polycarbonate panel lengths. Polycarbonate's durable properties allow it to not crack or splinter around the cut.

How do you install polycarbonate roofing panels?

You can install the polycarbonate roofing panels with specially designed aluminum or polycarbonate profiles to adhere the sheets together. When installing these roofing panels, it's best to check the frame structure, which will help you determine the proper width of the sheets to use for your project.

How do you seal polycarbonate roofing sheets?

We recommend using silicone sealants for polycarbonate roofing sheets. Silicone sealants are durable, adhere well to the material, and are highly resistant to the sun, weathering, and temperature fluctuations.

How do you clean polycarbonate roofing panels?

It's best to avoid harsh and abrasive detergents when cleaning polycarbonate roofing panels. The best way to maintain and clean the panels is to use a mild soap that contains no strong chemicals. Mix the soap with lukewarm water and the dirt will begin to break down on the polycarbonate panels.

What are the shipping options for polycarbonate roof panels?

Since polycarbonate roof panels are lightweight, especially when compared to their metal counterparts, they can easily be shipped to your home.

Polycarbonate Roofing Use Cases

Greenhouses: Durable, versatile, transparent, and weather-resistant, polycarbonate panels are an excellent material for greenhouse construction as they offer the perfect balance of light transmission and thermal insulation.

Pergola Roofs: Polycarbonate roofing is a durable and shatterproof clear thermoplastic material. It offers glass-like clarity. Clear roof panels for pergola roofs provide optimal high-end aesthetics and UV protection.

Parking Garages & Shelters: Polycarbonate roofing is durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant, which makes it an ideal material high traffic environments such as parking garages and shelter roofs as it is also scratch-resistant and fire retardant.

Canopies: Due to polycarbonate's resistance to heat and cold, it is an ideal material for canopies. It is also lightweight and transparent allowing it to complement any environment.

Manufacturing Plants: Manufacturing plants favor polycarbonate over other materials because it has good electrical insulation properties and is heat resistant. It also is shatter resistant, which makes it ideal for potential high-impact environments or situations.

Partition Walls: Polycarbonate partition walls are an ideal choice because they are way less likely to absorb germs and bacteria than fabric, making them an effective barrier and shield.

Outdoor Retail Kiosks: Weather-resistant, lightweight, and sleek, polycarbonate panels are a durable and simple way to help build mobile outdoor sales stands.

Skylights: Strong and durable, polycarbonate materials have proven themselves to be practically unbreakable and shatter-resistant when compared to their glass counterparts. These qualities make polycarbonate an ideal material for skylights within educational institutions, homes, businesses, and other public places.

Resources

• The Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing Panels
• The Pros and Cons of Plastic Roofing Sheets
• Perfecting Your Patio: Using Plastic Roof Panels To Cover Your Outdoor Space