Do you want a light-filled patio that’s also cool in the summer and protected from the sun? Polycarbonate roofing may be the answer. It’s composed of a durable thermoplastic and comes in a variety of shapes. It can be as transparent as glass, tinted, or completely blocked out by blocking natural light.
Polycarbonate roofing panels are made of translucent plastic with a range of colours, widths, lengths, and thicknesses. They’re meant to reduce harmful UV rays and radiation and have exceptional thermal qualities, reducing the sun’s heat by as much as 69% in the summer. Polycarbonate roofing panels are a fantastic option for safeguarding outdoor living spaces from the elements and are frequently utilized on pergolas and other outdoor living spaces, as well as greenhouses, shopping malls, sports complexes, and covered walkways.
Plastic sheeting is a versatile, lighter alternative for smaller outdoor roofing systems. While they are not robust enough to cover your home’s roof, they are an excellent choice when it comes to garden and deck areas. Consider adding pergolas, decking, or gazebos with visual appeal and gathering locations to your backyard. You might want to add roofing to these spaces, but without the increased costs, maintenance, or weight of other materials. That’s where polycarbonate roofing comes into its own.
What is Polycarbonate Roofing?
Polycarbonate roofing is composed of a durable, transparent thermoplastic with exceptional thermal qualities that reduce the sun’s heat in the summer by as much as 69%. A variety of colours and thicknesses are available.
It can be clear glass-like material or completely blocked out for privacy, security, shade (called Opal), or decorative purposes. You’ll find polycarbonate sheets in standard options like Lexan® and Makrolon®, which come in different sizes and thicknesses to suit your needs.
With most types of sheeting, you have the option of adding face caps that turn your flat sheet into an attractive mansard or Spanish mission-style design with architectural interest.
Benefits of Polycarbonate Roofing
Like other high-grade translucent materials, polycarbonate roofing is a great insulator. It’s been known to provide up to 25% energy savings for those who install it on their roofs and as much as 50% savings over other types of roofing materials like asphalt shingles, which can become very hot and uncomfortable during warm summer months. Polycarbonate panels reflect the sun’s heat and UV rays, reducing the amount of heat transferred through your roof, which means less cooling or heating required in your home and they also reduce glare. They’re great noise barriers and a co-extruded UV barrier too.
Less energy usage means lower energy bills and more money saved within a reasonable period of time. Unlike some weatherproofing products that only last 10-15 years without fading or discolouring, polycarbonate roofing panels have a lifespan of up to 50 years. Polycarbonate roofing comes with a limited warranty, which means you can enjoy peace of mind as it may be replaced if it starts to fade or crack. Because some types are clear and allow the sun’s rays through them, they also filter UV light from damaging objects below keeping your deck or surrounding areas cooler for longer.
It’s ideal for colder climates because ice accumulates less on roofs covered in this material than those covered in tiles or shingles made of conventional materials like asphalt. It also has excellent fire-resistant properties. That’s because melting snowpacks down traditional roofing products but not translucent ones. However, polycarbonate roofing isn’t meant for use in very hot climates because it can become too hot to handle.
Polycarbonate Roof Price
The price of polycarbonate roofing is one of its main advantages, especially when compared to Colorbond and other metal roofing materials.
- The cost of a polycarbonate roof ranges from under $20 to over $100 per square metre.
- Colorbond roof sheets are available for purchase at a cost of $24 per square metre.
A number of profiles are available, including curved polycarbonate roof panels, just like with Colorbond. Whatever style you pick, it may almost certainly be less expensive than the metal roofing version. If you’re confident in your building skills, you may put a Polycarbonate roof on your own. However, obtaining estimates from local roofers is recommended for the best results. They can also recommend the finest polycarbonate roof manufacturers and products to match your property.
Polycarbonate Roofing Panels Types
Polycarbonate sheeting comes in a variety of forms and is typically classified by the pattern or shape of the ridges. There are three distinct design types:
- Corrugated is a type of corrugating that has even ridges and grooves, with a wave-like pattern.
- The rib bones of a fifth-rib roast are relatively thin. They have bold, thick lines with delicate ridges and sloping sides, as well as a linear pattern.
- Angularity is created by sharp, steep slopes and peaks.
Each of these design types is available in a variety of colours, tints, and opacities. You may use a single option for your whole project or alternate colours throughout the same design type to add visual interest.
Polycarbonate Roofing Panels and Roofing
Acrylic and polycarbonate roofing panels are excellent choices if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly, long-lasting, low-maintenance solution to your roofing problem. Not only do they look stunning, but they also have a number of unique characteristics over other types of roofs that make them an appealing option:
- A polycarbonate roof transmits up to 85 per cent of all available light transmission more than other outdoor roofing materials.
- UV protection is excellent, keeping you safe from skin damage that can be detrimental.
- Superior thermal insulation minimizes summer heat by 69%, allowing you and your family to enjoy the Australian sun in comfort.
- It’s a better option for sloped roofs because it provides more freedom.
- Because of its low weight, the roof frame may be made from light-weight materials, such as aluminium or composite materials. Roofing installation is also less expensive than glass since it requires a shorter time to complete and causes no damage to your property.
- In the Australian sunshine, colours may not fade.
Polycarbonate Roof Sheets
The many colours and profiles that polycarbonate roofing panels offer allow you to express yourself freely. You may choose a design that matches in with the surrounding environment or one that makes a big statement. If you’re looking for something particularly interesting, consider the possibilities of a fantasy roof design.
Coloured polycarbonate panels are available in transparent and translucent options as well as opaque shades on white or black backgrounds. You may also choose to use cream-coloured sheets, which are often used with sandstone, granite, brick-paved porches, and other stone elements. By using white or grey rather than the traditional brown roofs found on most homes today, your place may stand out from the crowd.
Polycarbonate Roof Lighting
Many different types of lighting are available for your pergola or gazebo installation, including low voltage, LED lights that can provide mood lighting throughout any outdoor area. This is an ideal option for creating a serene atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing with friends and family.
With all of the benefits that outdoor lighting offers, it’s an excellent investment if you’re looking to improve your property. Polycarbonate roofing is not only beautiful but durable as well, making them the perfect choice for ensuring year after year of use in any setting.
If you are thinking about including polycarbonate sheets in your home renovation project, take some time today to discover more about this exciting material. With its many attractive features and decorative aspects, you may be amazed at how easy it is to make ordinary spaces extraordinary.
Polycarbonate Roofing Installation
There are several methods for installing roofs and existing structures might present their own set of problems or demands when it comes to polycarbonate sheet installation. A professional roofing contractor could always evaluate your specific demands and recommend solutions that fit your budget and your backyard. Here’s how professionals install roofs:
- They may begin the work with an initial consultation where they learn your requirements and assess the shape and size of your project.
- With the measurements for your project, they may create a design and plan on how they may install your roof. The team always considers the project size and the roofing type best suited for the structure and your budget.
- They confirm all of the project details with you to ensure that you are completely satisfied. They could make changes around your personal preferences and answer questions before anything is started.
- With your sign off, highly trained experts are set to work installing your roofing on the agreed time and budget. In the end, you’ll have a new roof that looks amazing and meets your exact needs.
Polycarbonate Roofing Options
There are two distinct types of polycarbonate roofing:
- Clear
- Foam-backed
Both are offered in a variety of colours and tints to complement your house or create various scenes. If you want the light to pass through the roof, choose clear polycarbonate instead of white polycarbonate. This is coated with an insulating gel to minimize heat and is treated to filter harmful UV rays and radiation.
Polycarbonate boards with foam backing have superior thermal and acoustic insulation. It’s more common in commercial environments and uncommon in homes, although it may be used for sheds and other tiny constructions due to its lightweight and low cost.
When to Use Polycarbonate Roof Panels?
Polycarbonate roof panels are usually used as a porch roof to cover the stairs and back porch. It is also great as an alternative for flat or mono-pitched roofs. As it is lightweight, installing polycarbonate roofing over existing roofs saves you money and time.
Manufactured in different styles and sizes, including clear and opaque sheets, you shouldn’t have any issues finding the right match for your home’s outer design. Whether you want something to tone with other structures or want to make a bold statement with striking colours, we’ve created a wide selection of pergola designs that are sure to please.
Even though they are made from plastic materials, they do not affect the overall lifespan of the structure. However, if you notice some visual changes in the material, just consult a professional who can assess the situation and recommend suitable solutions for you.
Polycarbonate Roofing Colours
Polycarbonate roof board is available in all of the standard colours.
- Black
- Brown
- Cream
- Blue Grey
- Green Grey
- Red Grey
- White
- Ivory
How Long do Polycarbonate Roof Panels Last?
As with most roofing materials, extended exposure to harsh weather conditions like rain and sunlight may lead to the material deteriorating. This may not be visible at first glance, but once your polycarbonate sheeting starts losing its transparency or yellowness, it’s time to replace them.
If you want to maintain your polycarbonate sheets in top condition for a longer period of time, there are several products that can help you achieve this purpose. For instance, protect your investment by applying Tuffshield UV stable coating on the surface of the panels. It may retain the look and quality of clear sheets considerably longer than untreated surfaces providing greater security against physical damage caused by hail, windblown debris and incoming threats from flying golf balls.
How do I Install Polycarbonate Roof Sheeting?
Installing polycarbonate roof panels is easy as long as you have a couple of tools handy. Here are some basic steps on how to go about it. Make sure the surface is clean. Sweep away any dirt, dust or debris from the area where you’ll be putting up these sheets. Give your structure a good pressure wash to make sure it’s free from stains, mildew and all other contaminants.
The place felt underlayment. This is a 100% waterproof material that protects your roof from moisture damage caused by rainwater. It may also lay the foundation for the adhesive to bond with, so make sure you put it right the first time to avoid nasty accidents later on. Install panels according to instructions. Many suppliers recommend using staples or screws for nailing down polycarbonate sheets, especially if they’re covering larger surface areas than usual. Most professionals do offer special tools just for this purpose, but they are not mandatory for installation.
Apply additional flashings to prevent leakage. As you install each sheet of plastic, some features advanced weatherguard technology materials to seal up any openings between panels that allow water into the structure of your home. Apply sealant for added special protective material. Take your time to run the nozzle in any visible seams to make sure that no water seeps through. Use bright UV-resistant colours to increase durability and resistance towards yellowness caused by harsh sunlight.
