Let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Polycarbonate roofing systems
So what is Polycarbonate Roofing?
Polycarbonate is a strong thermoplastic material that is lightweight, can withstand extremely temperatures (highs and lows), is relatively simple to install and is available in a multitude of colours and variants.
This durable and practical roofing material is perfect for conservatories, patios, and deck areas, but it’s not practical to cover the entire roof of a house.
Where is Polycarbonate Roofing used?
There are a variety of uses for polycarbonate roofing sheets that commercial and industrial applications can take advantage of. You can choose between clear polycarbonate, foam backed polycarbonate roofing, corrugated polycarbonate sheets, multi-coloured. Here is some information about the two available types and the advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate sheets.
Different Types of Polycarbonate Roofing
Polycarbonate roofing is available in many different forms - Flat, floam-backed, corrugated, clear, coloured... The choices are enormous. But which is best for your next project?
Let's take a closer look and explore the most popular Polycarbonate roofing sheet options.
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Foam-backed Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets
Foam-backed Polycarbonate roofing is a lightweight option that is often used for industrial buildings such as factories and warehouses. The foam-backed nature of the sheets help to insulate the building, helping it stay warm in the winter. The protective coating helps reflect UV rays, keeping it cool in the summer.
Nowadays, it is becoming more common for homeowners to use Foam-backed Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets for carports, sheds, or other slightly sloped roofs due to its flexibility, appearance, ease of installation and thermal properties.
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Clear Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets
This type of roofing is often used in sun rooms, patios, and other areas that require natural light to be let in through the roof. Most roofing panels also come with a protective film layer to filter out the sun’s UV rays.
In addition, clear Polycarbonate roofing sheets are available in hundreds of colours, allowing you to show your flair
Other Uses of Polycarbonate
Blu-rays, DVDs and CDs are perhaps the most readily recognised examples of polycarbonate in the wild. If you’ve ever tried to break the CD before throwing it away you will know just how tough it can be. Quality sunglasses that block UV rays also consist of polycarbonate lenses, making them high impact resistant.
Pros & Cons of Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets
Benefits of Polycarbonate Roofing:
- Polycarbonate sheets can be made to withstand huge forces and are virtually unbreakable. This is why they are used in the construction of bulletproof police shields.
- The UV blockage is another huge advantage of these panels, making them the perfect material choice for constructing awnings in commercial buildings.
- Polycarbonate panels are extremely light in weight, they can be easily transported and installed wherever they are required.
- The excellent properties of polycarbonate panels make them the preferred material for building greenhouses.
- Polycarbonate roofing panels are resistant to all four seasons - heat, sunlight, snow, and rain; Which enable Polycarbonate sheets to last for many years without fading, discolouring and distorting/deforming.
Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Roofing:
- The biggest disadvantage is their high price - certainly higher than plastic or glass and as a result, customers opt for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) which is tougher, but not impact and heat resistant. Although ABS is cheaper and offers a good solution to consumers, it is only recommended for people who don’t need the extreme toughness of polycarbonate panels.
- Although Polycarbonate is extremely strong, it is generally not scratch resistant and denting on the surface is possible if extra care is not taken.
Professional Polycarbonate Roofing Installation
Installing Polycarbonate roofing systems is quite straightforward, however, to avoid potential roofing disasters it is best to hire a professional roofers.
Morgan Asphalte are the leading providers of roofing services in the South East, offering repairs and renovations on a wide range of roofing materials.
Call us on 0800 998 1378 today to book your free consultation or drop us an email at enquiries@morganasphalte.co.uk.