Polycarbonate sheeting is popular roofing material. It is essentially plastic, one that is lightweight and can withstand extremes in temperature. It is also highly resistant to impact, making it a great alternative to glass and other semi-transparent materials like fiberglass.
Its versatility has resulted in it being a popular roofing material for commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in skylights and pergolas. While it is not a widespread material used in residential roofs, it is gaining popularity in this space.
There are many reasons that polycarbonate sheeting is such a popular material. These include:
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Strength and Durability
Polycarbonate sheeting is high-impact resistant and can withstand significant blunt pressure impact. Furthermore, it can withstand extremes in temperature, including extreme heat and cold, without the risk of breakage and cracking. These advantages make it the perfect roofing material in commercial and industrial buildings, especially in areas that see harsh climates.
Installation
Unlike glass, polycarbonate sheeting is easy to cut. There is no need to invest in specialized tools to work with polycarbonate – any standard circular saw will do. This easy-to-work nature also means that it is easy to fix any errors that are made while cutting the sheets.
Versatility
As a thermoplastic, polycarbonate is an extremely flexible and versatile material. This means that you can easily adjust and play with not only colors and shapes when using it in roofing, you can also change the light transmission percentage depending on your needs.
UV Resistance
Polycarbonate sheeting comes covered with a layer of UV resistance. This protective layer is far superior to that offered by the application for sunscreen, for example. This high level of protection is important, as natural light can have an eroding effect on most materials. The UV protection available on polycarbonate means that this eroding effect is severely delayed and slowed, making it a long-lasting material that has a long lifespan.
Aesthetics
As mentioned, the versatility of polycarbonate means that it is available in a variety of colors and shapes. This means that you can use this sheeting to maximize aesthetics, using it to add an additional layer of visual appeal to the structure.
Lifespan
Alternative materials such as fiberglass become brittle and lose their color over time. Polycarbonate, however, maintains not only its color but also its transparency and shape for years. This makes it a highly cost-effective material, as the long lifespan means that you won’t have to replace it as frequently as other materials.
Flame Resistant
The heat resistant properties of polycarbonate also extend to fire. Polycarbonate is a highly fire-resistant material, making it a great choice if your structure is located in a fire-prone area. This property can be enhanced with the use of other retardants to ensure that the building is as safe as possible.
The major concern that many people have with using polycarbonate for their roofs is the cost. Polycarbonate tends to be more expensive than other roofing materials, which is one of the major reasons that it is not frequently used on residential roofs. However, many people believe that the advantages offered by this material more than justify and make up for the higher costs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether polycarbonate sheeting is right for your home and your budget, contact DKG Roofing at (940) 497-2833. We can walk you through the roofing process and help you determine whether the demands on your home’s roof mean that the benefits of polycarbonate will offset the higher costs.
We can also talk you through alternative options available to you and help you make a decision that is not only right for your budget but also ensures that you and your family are fully protected with your roof. We are also available to answer any other questions that you may have about using polycarbonate for your roof.
