Polycarbonate Sheets – The Complete Buying Guide

Whether you are building a conservatory, creating a lean to roof or roofing your garden pergola, polycarbonate sheeting will likely be one of the top roofing options you will consider. As a lightweight and stronger alternative to glass, polycarbonate is a cost-effective glazing solution that is easy to install whilst creating a stunning finish.

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Buying polycarbonate sheeting online or in-store can be overwhelming so in this buying guide we are going to cover everything you need to know when purchasing polycarbonate roof sheets for your project. We are going to cover common questions about choosing polycarbonate for your project, comparing alternatives, installing polycarbonate and more!

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Polycarbonate Sheeting Overview

What is polycarbonate sheet?

Polycarbonate Sheeting is popular compared to other lower grades of plastic sheets, such as Pet G and Acrylic, due to its durability and installer-friendly properties. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic sheet that was first discovered in the mid-s but only really came into more mainstream use in the early s when more modern technologies allowed it to be manufactured with crystal clear clarity! Prior to this polycarbonate was made with a brown tint, or cognac coloured as they called it.

Fast forward to today and polycarbonate sheeting is one of the most popular plastic sheets manufactured and used in millions of applications globally every year.

Where can polycarbonate be used?

Due to Polycarbonate&#;s unique mix of qualities, it is one of the most versatile materials you will find. It can be used in a wide range of applications both at home and commercially, from canopy glazing to carports to cloches! Since the spread of Covid, people will have been used to seeing it being used as cough screens and protection barriers in shops, offices and public areas more regularly, however, polycarbonates most common use is a roofing sheet. Popular places where polycarbonates sheet is used include:

• Lean tos
• Canopies
• Pergolas
• Porch Roofs
• Greenhouses
• Carports
• Verandas
• Cold frames
• Potting sheds
• Orangeries
• Shelters

Polycarbonate sheeting also is used on many other glazing projects such as stadium dugouts, screening, car wash bay screens and a host of more unique uses! This is why it is unbeatable as a glazing sheet option.

What types of polycarbonate sheeting are there?

Broadly speaking there are two main types of polycarbonate sheets which are solid polycarbonate and multiwall polycarbonate. When considering multiwall polycarbonate, it is often split into Twinwall polycarbonate sheets and multiwall polycarbonate sheeting, however, in essence, these are the same, just different quantities of internal walls!

Both types of polycarbonate sheeting as equally as durable and easy to install meaning the choice between them is more about looks, budget and strength.

What is Solid Polycarbonate?

In a nutshell, solid polycarbonate is a plastic sheet that looks like glass but is a stronger and lighter alternative. At up to 200x stronger than standard glass of the same thickness, solid polycarbonate has the &#;glass look&#; but is virtually unbreakable and only weighs half as much as glass.

Solid Polycarbonate sheets come in a range of thicknesses from 2 to 12mm with the 6mm thickness tending to be the most popular and widely used. To suit different applications, solid polycarbonate is manufactured in a range of tints including clear, bronze, opal, black and patterned.

What is Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting?

Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are manufactured from various layers which create a honeycomb type structure. Ever popular, multiwall sheeting is the most common type of polycarbonate sheeting due to its affordable cost and superior thermal insulation. Much like Solid Polycarbonate sheets, multiwall polycarbonate comes in a range of tints including clear, bronze and opal. The most popular thickness of multiwall polycarbonate is 16mm, however, we also manufacture multiwall bigger thicknesses of 25mm and 35mm.

What is Twinwall Polycarbonate?

Twinwall polycarbonate is identical to multiwall polycarbonate but just has two layers rather than multiple layers &#; as the name suggests! Twinwall polycarbonate is available in a range of three thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm and 10mm giving different strength options for different types of roofs.

Primarily used for smaller projects, the Twinwall polycarbonate comes in clear mainly but also opal and bronze in the 10mm thickness. It is worth noting that 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate sheets are not recommended for roofing projects but rather as cost-effective plastic sheeting for smaller garden applications like cloches and cold frames.

Polycarbonate Sheeting Pros & Cons

Benefits of Polycarbonate Sheeting

Both solid and multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheets provide a wide range of benefits for installers making them an excellent choice for a variety of roof projects.

• Virtually unbreakable
• Lightweight
• Easy to cut and drill
• Long-lasting clarity - UV Protected
• Insulating
• Fire-resistant
• Sustainable

Virtually unbreakable: A key benefit of polycarbonate sheets is their robustness and impact resistance which means they are virtually unbreakable! Be aware most plastics are not like this as, unlike acrylics and other plastic sheeting, polycarbonate can be hit with a base bat or football and survive! Homeowners can comfortably install polycarbonate, more so solid sheets, without worrying about the fragility to hail or a stray football coming from the garden!

Lightweight: Ease of installation is a key consideration when you are choosing a roofing sheet to use and a big part of that is weight. Heavy options like glass can cause handling challenges, especially when high up on a roof. Solid polycarbonate is around half the weight of glass of the same thickness and multiwall polycarbonate around is 1/10 the weight of glass of the same thickness! For example,

Glazing Type 6mm Glass Axgard 6mm Solid Polycarbonate  Axiome 25mm Multiwall Polycarbonate Approx. Weight Per Square Metre 15 kg 7.2 kg 3 kg

Easy to cut and drill: Another area polycarbonate shines in is how easy it is to cut and drill. Polycarbonate is undoubtedly the easiest plastic sheet to cut and drill. No need for installers to worry if a sheet is needing to be trimmed down as it can be down easily and neatly. Read on to find out how to cut polycarbonate and how to drill polycarbonate in later sections. Clear Amber Shop can also cut to size for you if you are still unsure.

Long-lasting clarity: UV Protected: Proper UV protection is important on clear roofing sheets to ensure long lasting clarity and light transmission. All our polycarbonate sheets, Twinwall, multiwall and solid, are UV protected on one or two sides to give a great roof lifespan! UV protected sheets are not to be confused with UV stable or UV resistant which are seen on some sheets (like PVC) and aren&#;t as effective. You may well have noticed cracked and mouldy bus stops and bike shelters in your area when non-UV protected plastic has been used and the difference is stark!

Insulating: Polycarbonate naturally retains heat very well and so has great thermal insulation qualities. Multiwall polycarbonate in particular provides great levels of thermal insulation, making it ideal for lean to home extension and conservatories. In general, the bigger thicker gauge multiwall sheets offer higher insulation levels.

Sustainable: Polycarbonate has a great lifespan and the plastic roof panels are fully recyclable once finished!

Fire-resistant: Polycarbonate is fire resistant and unlike acrylic is self-extinguishing.

How long do polycarbonate panels last?

A well-maintained polycarbonate roof can last between 10 and 20 years! Ensuring your roof will last its full expected lifespan is dependent on using the correct glazing bars and installation methods. It is well worth investing a little more time and money into purchasing the correct fixtures and fixings before starting your project.

Is Polycarbonate UV Protected?

Yes, multiwall and solid polycarbonate comes UV protected as standard. We often get asked: &#;Why is UV protection required on plastic sheets?&#;. UV protection is essential to protect roofing sheets from going brittle or yellowing over time.

All our Solid Polycarbonate Sheeting is UV Protected on both sides to give a high-quality finish. Our Multiwall Polycarbonate is UV protected on the outer side so it should always be installed with that that side out towards the sun.

What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?

There are honestly very few disadvantages to polycarbonate sheets which is why it is a popular roofing solution for DIYers and trade. The only disadvantage is that it can scratch if not handled carefully. This isn&#;t a deal breaker because solid polycarbonate sheets come with sheet protective film on both sides to help protect it whilst you are installing. Once installed you simply peel the protective film off.

Does polycarbonate crack?

No! Polycarbonate is a very robust plastic so is virtually unbreakable. The Solid type of polycarbonate is often used in high impact scenarios such as vandal-proof shelters, riot shields and prisons etc. There is no need to worry about your roof panels shattering when installing polycarbonate on your roof!

Can you bend polycarbonate sheets?

Yes, polycarbonate sheeting can be bent and installed on a curved roof. It is quite easy to install with curved glazing bars on a wide range of radii. Common curved installations include bike shelters, barrel roof lanterns and greenhouses. As a rule of thumb, the thinner gauge sheets bend more easily.

Choosing Polycarbonate Sheeting

Polycarbonate Versus Glass

Glass is still a popular glazing choice for many projects due to its high clarity and clean modern style. However, if you are looking to achieve the clean &#;glass look&#; on your glazing then there are actually glazing sheet options two options: solid polycarbonate or glass. Solid polycarbonate sheeting is increasingly becoming a more popular alternative to glass panels due to its similar style but wider range of benefits.

 Polycarbonate

Glass

High clarity High clarity Virtually unbreakable - 200x stronger Fragile Light - 50% less or more Heavy Easy to Cut and Drill Difficult to cut and drive Low to medium cost High cost Wide range of sizes  Limited sizes on standard delivery Vulnerable to scratches (if badly handled!) Scratch Resistance Degree of flexibility Rigid

Weighing up the pros and cons of glass versus solid polycarbonate roofing sheets, it is clear to conclude that for domestic projects solid polycarbonate is the better choice. Reduced installation challenges and ease of handling make polycarbonate a no-brainer for home and garden projects like pergola lean-tos, verandas and oak gazebos.

Even on commercial projects, solid glazing sheets have become a viable alternative to the inconveniences and costs of installing glass sheets.

Multiwall polycarbonate versus Solid Polycarbonate

Deciding between multiwall and solid polycarbonate sheets is easy as they have distinct pros and cons. Generally, solid polycarbonate glazing is considered a more premium option for a quality finish and multiwall is a more economical option for those on tighter budgets. Both are an installer&#;s dream, being easy to install, cut and handle.

Solid Polycarbonate

Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate

££

£

High Clarity (glass look)

Medium Clarity

Limited thermal insulation

Great thermal insulation (especially thicker gauges)

5 tint options

3 tint options

Medium Weight

Lightweight

 

For exterior options, if you are looking for a first-class finish that will elevate your home then solid polycarbonate offers unbeatable value.

What are the differences between Twinwall and Multiwall?

Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are the same types of sheet, however, as the name suggests have varying quantities of internal walls. The reason sheets are made with internal walls is to enhance their strength and insulation factor.

Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheeting is extruding with two external layers and internal connectors. On the other hand, multiwall polycarbonate sheets have two external layers and then multiple internal layers, ranging from 3 layers total upwards.

The thicker the sheet the more walls they tend to have. 4mm, 6mm and 10mm thickness are considered to be Twinwall and 16mm, 25mm and 35mm are Multiwall. Thicker gauge sheets have better thermal insulation (lower U Value) Also thicker multiwall sheets tend to have greater sound reduction compared to the thin 6mm and 10mm, although this is less of a factor.

What thicknesses are polycarbonate sheets made in?

We manufacture Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting in a range of thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm, 25mm, and 35mm. Solid Polycarbonate is available in a wider range of thicknesses including 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. There is plenty of choice no matter the application!

What is the best thickness of polycarbonate roofing?

The best thickness of polycarbonate sheet for your roof entirely depends on the type of roof you are constructing. However, as a guide, our 6mm Axgard Solid Polycarbonate sheets and 16mm Multiwall Polycarbonate sheets tend to be the most popular thicknesses of each type. 

In the next section, we give a few common application types for each thickness as an approximate guide.

What thickness of polycarbonate should I use?

When choosing a polycarbonate sheet thickness there are two main factors to bear in mind; strength and insulation. Quite simply, the thicker the sheet the greater the strength and higher the thermal insulation. It is worth noting that thermal insulation is more of a consideration when using multiwall type sheets. Here are some common uses for each thickness:

Solid Polycarbonate

2 mm &#; Wall protection, Secondary glazing

3 and 4mm &#; Screens, Bike shelters, curved dugouts, shed windows

5 and 6mm &#; Oak Pergolas, canopies, lean tos, gazebo glazing

Goto songmei to know more.

8,10 and 12mm &#; lean tos, verandas

Multiwall Polycarbonate

4mm &#; cloches and temporary glazing (not suitable for roofing applications)

6mm - cold frames and greenhouses (not suitable for roofing applications)

10mm &#; potting sheets, pergolas

16mm &#; lean to, gazeboes, canopies, carports

25mm &#; lean to extension, garden buildings

35mm &#; conservatory roofs, orangeries, extensions

At the end of the day when choosing the best sheet thickness for your project it is always dependent on your project&#;s factors, such as the location, wind loading, exposure, structure etc, so you are always best to make a judgement based on your project!

Which colour polycarbonate sheet is best?

When choosing what colour polycarbonate is best for you roof the three points to considering are the light transmission, heat rejection and visual appearance.

Light transmission simply means how much light is let through by the sheets. Clear sheeting has the greatest light transmission (and clarity) which is why it tends to be most popular. Then Bronze has less and opal the least light transmission.

Bronze and opal sheets are opposites with bronze reducing sun glare and creating shader and opal sheets providing some heat rejection and a clean white glow. Check the overview tables below for a complete comparison.

To learn more about the solid Axgard Glazing Sheet tint options compared to glass please read our &#;Glass or Plastic Sheets &#; Which is Best?&#; Blog.

Where to buy polycarbonate sheeting

Installers often search for polycarbonate sheets near me however, with the fast paced improvement of ecommerce your best option for ordering polycarbonate sheeting is online. With the widest range of sizes and rapid delivery direct to your door Clear Amber Shop makes ordering your roofing sheets hassle free.

To order, simply choose from our range of Multiwall or Solid sheets, add the required glazing bars for your project and then place via our checkout. With a nationwide delivery network your order will be with you in a couple of days from placing the order!

Have an unanswered question about polycarbonate sheets?

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4 Different Types of Roofing Sheets: Pros and Cons

Both aspiring and existing property owners should pay attention to one important part of the roof. We are pertaining to what we call roofing sheets. More than the visual value that they add, they are installed for a reason. Different types of roofing sheets shield the actual roof from external elements. When mounted correctly, it helps prevent leaks and potential damages to prolong your roof&#;s lifespan.

Roof sheeting has different variations that can match your needs and requirements. Each has its own pros and cons that you can take into consideration. Remember that roofs are a huge financial investment so it is better to be hands-on. Hence, it is a vital step to know what types of roofing sheets are available before you decide.

At Sterling Roofing Group, we commit to deliver the highest quality of service that you deserve. Since , we have been around the industry providing superior roofing products and services to homeowners and commercial property owners. Because we value our clients, we give full attention down to the smallest details.

Today, let us talk about the different types of roofing sheets. Know what to expect and see what options you have.

1. Corrugated

From the word corrugated, this type of roofing sheet has repetitive folds. The corrugation that it forms intensifies the roof&#;s integrity. This option is for people looking for environmental-friendly materials.

This is widely used for various purposes due to its proven durability (as compared to its flat counterparts). It is ideal for garages, sheds, carports, porches, etc.

You can narrow down your choices under these categories by choosing which material and finish you would like to go for. We have highlighted four types of corrugated roofing sheets to expand your options:

Galvanized Steel Sheet

It is a carbon steel sheet coated with zinc produced through continuous hot dip process. This can be used either bare or painted. 

Polyester Painted Sheets

This is most commonly used for agricultural structures due to its medium-length lifespan. Although it is a cheaper option, it needs to be maintained every five or ten years. Installation and maintenance are crucial for it is prone to scratches.

PVC Plastisol

Plastisol is a steel sheet that treated with a primer paint. PVC is then rolled on top of it. Known for its durability, PVC plastisol coated sheets do not fade or scratch easily. It is expected to last up to 30 years. It is also weather-resistant and lightweight.

Bitumen

Corrugated roofing sheet made from bitumen is waterproof. It is long-lasting and highly durable.

2. Sheet Metal

Sheet metal roofing sheets are similar to the corrugated ones in terms of composition. However, they have significantly fewer curves manufactured from metals like stainless steel or aluminum. Metal roofing sheets have a protective layer made up of zinc. Then, they are reinforced with another layer of chromatic acid that prevents rusting.

Characterized by superior roof coverage, they are mostly used for garages, backyard sheds, garden buildings, household cladding, industrial roofing, and many more. Despite its strength and durability, they are lightweight and easy to install. It comes in various finishes and colors to match your requirements.

Sheet metal roofing sheets are extremely weatherproof with excellent insulating capabilities. The standard thickness of the material prevents leakages.

You can expand a metal roofing sheet&#;s lifespan by coating it with aluminum asphalt.

3. Polycarbonate

These types of roofing sheets are often used in large commercial and industrial buildings due to its promising performance. Polycarbonate is fire-resistant. Although it is more durable than other roofing materials, they have the tendency to crack.

Made from high-impact polypropylene resin, polycarbonate roofing sheets are lightweight, extremely durable, and easy to cut. Being pH neutral, these roofing sheets have the ability to withstand contrasting temperatures while maintaining stability.  Even harsh chemicals have no effect on them. Another advantage of polycarbonate is that it could act as an insulator reducing the heat that passes through the roof.

Property owners can choose from a wide variety of special finishes like UV protection, corrosive inhibitors, and anti-static. Apart from this, there is also a variety of customizable colors available.

4. Plastic

Plastic roofing sheet may be the least durable among the choices you have but it has its own advantages. Most people use the plastic material for smaller structures and for temporary constructions. Its durability is dependent on the type of plastic that you will use for the roofing sheet. The more robust the material is, the more it will cost. Another good thing about it is that it costs a lot cheaper than slate roofs.

Conclusion

It is a good idea to explore what other roofing materials are out there. Expanding your knowledge will help you come up with more informed decisions as an existing or future property owner. Moreover, it also empowers you as an individual giving value to your hard-earned money.

Apart from the traditional roofing materials like shingles, tiles, felt, etc., there are other options in the form of various types of roofing sheets. The next time you plan for a new roofing construction for your property, you can always go back to this list and see what material fits you best.

While it is good to be familiar with what materials are available, it is equally important to hire a trusted roofing contractor. Your convenience and security rely on your ability to partner with a company that will treat your property as their own. Hire only experts that have proven reputation in the industry.

Are you looking for a reliable roofing contractor for your roofing requirements?

Sterling Roofing Group is a team of professionals trained to deliver highest-quality roofing service. From inspections, repairs, installations, and replacements, you can rely on our excellent workmanship coupled with the use of premium materials.

Feel free to contact us today for further assistance or inquiries. You may call or text us via 902-702-. We will discuss your needs and provide a free estimate.

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