Pros and cons of profiled polycarbonate

Popular for roofing and building projects, profiled polycarbonate has a special set of benefits and factors to take into account. This adaptable material is valued for its strength and low weight, which make it appropriate for a wide range of applications, from commercial skylights to residential awnings.

The remarkable strength-to-weight ratio of profiled polycarbonate is one of its most notable advantages. Polycarbonate is substantially lighter than conventional roofing materials like metal or shingles, but it still has a strong level of durability. This feature makes it a more affordable option for both new construction and renovations because it makes installation easier and requires less structural support.

Its adaptability is an additional benefit. Architects and homeowners can select profiles and colors for profiled polycarbonate that complement existing structures or accomplish particular design objectives. Because of its transparency, natural light can also pass through, resulting in well-lit, welcoming interior spaces that maintain their insulation qualities.

Profiled polycarbonate is not without its limitations, though. Although it has good impact resistance, it can scratch easily over time and needs to be carefully maintained to keep its clarity. Furthermore, because of its thermal expansion characteristics, careful installation methods are essential to avoid warping or cracking, particularly in areas with significant temperature fluctuations.

In conclusion, profiled polycarbonate is an appealing option for anyone looking for roofing solutions that strike a balance between strength, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Homeowners and builders can maximize both functional and aesthetic impact by carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option in relation to the particular requirements of their project.

"Profiled polycarbonate is a well-liked and cost-effective roofing material that is strong and lightweight. It comes in a variety of colors and profiles to complement different architectural styles and offers excellent UV protection. Its vulnerability to scratches and propensity to expand in extremely hot or cold temperatures, however, can be disadvantages. Homeowners can decide if profiled polycarbonate is the best option for their roofing needs by being aware of these benefits and drawbacks."

Take a closer look: what is profiled polycarbonate

Profiled polycarbonate is a thin sheet of polycarbonate (0.8–1.5 mm) that, when molded, took on a trapezoidal or wavy shape. Profiled was never poured into the form, in contrast to traditional monolithic polycarbonate. Rather, it is drawn through a unique template, which gives the material the required profile shape and also increases its elasticity because the molecules are oriented in a single direction.

Rather than just thick transparent plates that can only be mounted on specific frames, the end product is a translucent, wavy polycarbonate that looks like real roofing.

A unique coating that is typically applied on one hand shields the finished profiled polycarbonate from UV light. However, there are premium series where UV protection is added to the mass and can be found on both sides.

What is good profiled polycarbonate

The characteristics of monolithic slate polycarbonate make it a special material. Just these are its principal benefits:

  1. Strength – to break through high -quality profiled polycarbonate, you need a really strong blow. For example, from icicles falling from the tenth floor to the cornice. A hail of normal sizes or a tennis ball is unlikely to be able to damage it.
  2. High bearing capacity – the material withstands weight up to 350 kg/m 2 if it is evenly distributed in area. This is more than enough even for most northern regions.
  3. Exceptional lightness – The weight of the material does not exceed 2.9 km/m 2, and on average much less – about 1.5 kg/m 2 .
  4. Good light permeability – up to 90% of sunlight pass through profiled polycarbonate, which allows you to use it for roofs of greenhouses and greenhouses.
  5. Barrier for ultraviolet rays – for those who love the heat of sunbathing, but protect the skin from tanning, a canopy of profiled polycarbonate – a real find.
  6. Good flexibility – with a radius up to 4 m.
  7. Relatively low price -Compared to comparable by strength and transparency, the profiled polycarbonate costs at least 1.5-4 times cheaper.
  8. Simple installation – the procedure for laying profiled polycarbonate is only a little more complicated than the fastening of metal corrugated board. Therefore, it is easy to cope with the device of such a roof, and this will not take much time.
  9. The profile coincides with popular brands of corrugated board and other materials. This allows you to use transparent sheets as peculiar "windows" in the roof. Such a decision is very in demand in the construction of warehouse and other industrial buildings.
  10. Self -cleaning surface – Most of the pollution from the roof of polycarbonate is washed off during the rain, so it remains transparent for a long time.
  11. Chemical and biological stability – on profiled polycarbonate, lichens and fungus do not develop, it easily withstands the effects of salts and unconditioned acids.

Furthermore, a clear, wavy polycarbonate roof is stunning. Naturally, not like a glass roof that lets in up to 96% of the visible light. However, the disparity is negligible. Additionally, the profiled polycarbonate side wins by a significant margin when accounting for cost.

And what are the disadvantages?

Similar to other polycarbonates, alkalis and aromatic hydrocarbons can readily degrade profiled. It burns when the hot material that is unique to this polymer forms droplets. Normally this is not a big deal, but if the roof has any flammable materials underneath, like wood, this feature could cause problems.

And that’s not all. Drawbacks unique to profiled polycarbonate as a material—rather than as compounds—include the following:

  1. A strong blow of a thin sheet can still break through.
  2. The minimum heat transfer resistance – through such material, heat leaves almost unhindered.
  3. Practically no noise suppresses.
  4. Over time, gets old. The service life of quality material is 20-30 years before it is clouded and yellow.

To put it simply, profiled polycarbonate is a great material for open arbors, awnings, terraces, visors, and warehouses or workshops. That is, for all buildings and non-residential buildings.

Therefore, you should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before using it for closed arbors. Not to mention that it could be used as a roof for any of the house’s rooms.

Additionally, even though there are fewer drawbacks, the conclusion will probably not support this information.

Pros Cons
Durable and lightweight Can yellow over time due to UV exposure

There are numerous benefits to using profiled polycarbonate in roofing and other construction projects. Because of its lightweight design, it is simple to handle and install, which saves time and money on labor. Because of its strength and resilience to impact, the material is appropriate for locations that frequently experience hail or other severe weather. Profiled polycarbonate also lets in natural light, which makes interior spaces bright and comfortable and may lessen the need for artificial lighting.

Profiled polycarbonate does, however, have certain disadvantages. Its susceptibility to scratches is one major issue, which over time may lessen its visual appeal. Although it provides good thermal insulation, in extreme climates it might not perform as well as certain other materials, necessitating additional heating or cooling measures. In addition, noise reduction may be taken into account because, in contrast to conventional roofing materials, rain or hail can make interior spaces noisier.

In general, the decision to use profiled polycarbonate is based on the demands and circumstances of the particular project. It is an appealing alternative for many construction applications due to its low cost, simplicity of installation, and capacity to transmit natural light. To make sure the material chosen for the roof satisfies both functional and aesthetic requirements, potential problems like noise and scratches should be carefully considered in relation to these advantages.

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Alexander Sorokin

The owner of the roofing company, an expert in the roofing markets. I'll tell you about the novelties of the roofing industry and help you choose the best option for your home.

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