Polycarbonate Sheets

Polycarbonate roofing sheets

Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are structured with thin layers of polycarbonate and air spaces in between them. These run down the sheets and are known as flutes. The structures give additional strength while being able to keep the weight of the sheets lower. The thicker the polycarbonate sheet the more walls and cavities they have making them stronger and more rigid. This means they can achieve larger centres between supports. These qualities make polycarbonate roofing sheets a very practical choice.

Polycarbonate sheets are used for a wide variety of roofing applications. They are perfect for domestic projects like car ports and canopy roofs. Polycarbonate roofing sheets are also a great option for large industrial applications, commercial canopies or school canopies. 

When choosing the best polycarbonate roofing for your job there are a number of things to consider. There are many thicknesses and a variety of colours. Each offer benefits of their own. The extra layers as the sheets get thicker also make the sheets more thermally efficient lowering the U-values.

What colours are available in Polycarbonate sheets?

One of the first things considered when choosing the colour of your polycarbonate can be the appearance you want to achieve. There are, however, other important aspects as each has its own benefits that it can bring to your project.

One important consideration would be the level of light you want to allow in. Another the amount of heat you want to let through or block. The different polycarbonate sheeting colours give different degrees of both light transmission and insulation. This, in conjunction with your choice of sheet thickness, allows you to tailor the roof to the benefits you are trying to achieve.

Clear polycarbonate lets in the maximum amount of light. It also allows heat to build up and is an excellent choice for darker, colder areas. Clear is the most popular colour for car ports. Clear polycarbonate is ideal for greenhouse glazing in thinner 4mm and 6mm sheets.

Opal tinted polycarbonate is a great all-rounder. Its ‘whitish’ appearance is like that of an opal light bulb, allowing softer light through. It helps to reduce the creation of hot spots by reducing heat build-up. The opal tint is excellent for obscuring a view, giving privacy while still keeping the space light and bright. This is popular for canopies which may overlooked from a neighbouring property. It is also excellent at obscuring leaves and debris which can fall onto the roof.

Bronze tint polycarbonate is great for use in bright spots.Helping to reduce glare and heat build-up. It helps to keep areas cooler and allows let light to pass through. It is very popular for wooden carports and pergolas helping to give a more subtle natural look. It is often paired witrh brown glazing bars.

Heatguard Opal polycarbonate is dual extruded with a grey outer and an opal inner layer. This dual tint polycarbonate is especially suited to very sunny south facing conservatories. The outer heatguard layer reflects and repels heat. This helps to keep the conservatory cooler in the hotter months. It also works to retain heat in the colder months. The opal interior helps to keep things lighter under the roof. This is due to artificial light bouncing off the inner opal surface. This colour option is available for 25mm, 32mm and 35mm polycarbonate
sheets.

Bronze Opal polycarbonate is another dual extrusion which is suited to sunny conservatories. The bronze outer layer reflects light and repels heat well, though to a slightly lesser degree than Heatguard. The opal interior surface keeps the interior space looking lighter & brighter as artificial light is bounced around the room. The bronze external appearance is often teamed with darker glazing bars like brown. These dual tint sheets are available in 25mm, 32mm and 35mm polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate sheet FAQs

What is polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate (PC) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional impact resistance.  Durable and transparent, it is widely used across many industries. It is highly resistant to impact damage, heat and water. Polycarbonate is easy to fit and work with. It can be cut, drilled, molded and thermoformed.

What is a ‘multi-wall’ polycarbonate sheet?

Polycarbonate sheets can be solid sheets or multiwall sheets.  Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet is a structured sheet. This means it is made up of multiple walls and cavities known as flutes.  The thinnest sheets, from 4mm to 10mm are known a twin wall. This means they are made from two layers, or walls, of polycarbonate with one cavity in between. They then increase to triple wall which is three layers of polycarbonate with two sets of cavities. They increase in walls as the sheets get thicker. The thickest sheet which is 35mm polycarbonate has seven walls.

Which are the length and width of a polycarbonate multiwall sheet?

The width is across the flutes of the sheet, and the length follows the lines down them. The maximum size of polycarbonate sheets is x 2.1m width x 7m length.

Are polycarbonate sheets insulating?

Multi wall polycarbonate sheets are insulating as the cavities in the sheet help to prevent heat transfer. The thicker the sheet, the more layers of insulation it offers. The required level of thermal insulation should be considered when choosing the thickness of polycarbonate for a project. If you need a high level of insulation e.g. in a conservatory roof you would choose a thicker more thermally efficient sheet like 35mm. In a greenhouse you may still want some insulation but 4mm or 6mm are much more commonly used in this respect.

Can polycarbonate roofing sheets be cut to bespoke sizes?

Yes, we offer a full cut to size service on our polycarbonate sheets. This saves you the job of cutting them down on site. This is completely free of charge meaning you only pay for what you need. It is possible to cut the sheets yourself, but this gets progressively more difficult once the sheets get thicker. To do this you would use tools such as a fine-toothed circular saw or jigsaw. Ensure you secure the sheet to minimise vibration. Electronic saws should be used on a slow to medium speed. If you get swarf (tiny pieces of polycarbonate) in the channels of the sheet this can be blown out with compressed air.

Are polycarbonate roofing sheets UV protected?

Polycarbonate sheet is co-extruded with a layer of UV protection. This offers protection from the sun’s UV rays. The layer prevents discolouration of the sheet and extends its life. It also reduces the rays penetrating the space beneath.

Do polycarbonate roofing sheets need to be installed a particular way up?

As polycarbonate roofing sheets are exposed directly to the suns rays, they need to be installed the right way up. The top side of the sheet has co-extruded (built in) UV protection.  The sheets are delivered with a peel off protective film covering both sides. There is writing on the film. If only one side of the sheet has this, that will be the top of the sheet. The roof sheet should be fitted with that side facing the sky. If there is writing on both sides the top will be identified e.g. this side up'.

Do the open ends of multiwall polycarbonate sheets need to be closed off?

The open ends of a polycarbonate sheet should always be taped to prevent dust and insects getting into the flutes of the sheet. Our sheets 10mm and upwards are all taped for your convenience. The top edge is taped with a solid aluminium tape, and the bottom is taped with perforated anti-dust tape to give breathability. If you will cut your sheets down on site you will need to retape them with a roll of anti-dust tape. 

Are sheet closures needed for polycarbonate sheets?

If the polycarbonate sheet is going to be fitted externally for example on a roof, then you will need to add sheet end closures. These PVC trims are placed over the tape on the ends of the sheet to help keep moisture out. They are easily cut to size and fitted. Simply push the sheet closure over the tapes with a bead of low modulus neutral silicon (LMN.)

What do you need to fit polycarbonate roofing sheets?

Glazing bars and polycarbonate accessories are used to fit the polycarbonate sheets in a roof. 

What are the best glazing bars for polycarbonate roofs?

Glazing bars for polycarbonate roofing are split into two main types. Rafter bars are used on roofs that have a wooden framework of 'rafters' that the bars will be supported by and fixed on to. Self support glazing bars do not need rafters for support as they are structural bars with a strong aluminium core. Both types of bar are available for a range of sheet thicknesses and in various lengths and colours.

Is polycarbonate sheet durable and is there a warranty?

Polycarbonate is an extremely durable material. With the correct maintenance you can expect polycarbonate roof sheets to last around 10 to 20 years. All of the polycarbonate sheets from the Glazing shop have a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

How are polycarbonate sheets maintained?

Polycarbonate is not difficult to maintain. Have a look at this maintenance sheet for more information.

How Eco-friendly is polycarbonate, can it be recycled?

Polycarbonate can easily be recycled and can be processed many times before there is a significant loss of quality. It has a melting point of 155 degrees Celsius and when heated polycarbonate becomes a liquid and can be cooled and reheated repeatedly without significant degradation. The recycling of the product reduces the need for virgin materials which are derived from oil. This makes it a more sustainable option. Our sheet supplier grinds all of their waste for recycling, making them a greener choice.

What is the fire rating of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate has a Class 1 fire rating to BS476/7.

How are the polycarbonate roofing sheets delivered?

Roofing sheets are often large and can be difficult to transport. Our sheets are well packaged and are delivered direct from the manufacturers who cut the sheets. They are transported on their own vehicles and are experts at handling and delivering sheets of this size and structure. They are never delivered by couriers.

Why buy from The Glazing shop?

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in our work and strive hard to provide the best service around. We love speaking with our customers so you always get to speak to a real person who will take the time to give the help and advice you need. Whether it be technical information or product selection we are here to help to make your project a success. We are always competitively priced and for larger orders we can often provide bulk discounts. Does that mean the sheets are low quality? Absolutely not. Our sheets are of the highest quality whilst still offering excellent value for money. We clearly identify the brands of sheet we supply, and their specifications can be found on each product page.

 
Do you have any other queries that aren't answered here? Please give us a call on 01536 446395 and we will be happy to help you. 

 

More specific information for UV values and light transmission for each thickness and colour can be found in the technical information tab for that product.

For more information on the best polycarbonate roofing sheets for your project take a look at our Polycarbonate buyers guide.