Polycarbonate sheeting is a versatile and robust material widely used in various applications, from industrial manufacturing to everyday items. Its unique properties and performance characteristics make it an ideal choice over other traditional materials like glass or acrylic.
Additionally, polycarbonate sheeting offers excellent impact resistance, UV protection, and thermal insulation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications where durability and longevity are essential. Below we explore the basics of polycarbonate sheeting, discussing what it is made from, key properties, and why it’s often the preferred choice for many projects.
What is Polycarbonate Sheeting?
Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is particularly known for its strength, durability, and transparency. It is made from the polymerisation of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene COCl2. The resulting material is a thermoplastic, which means it can be heated to its melting point, cooled, and reheated again without degrading. This attribute makes polycarbonate highly workable and moldable, suitable for both industrial applications and consumer products.
Key Properties of Polycarbonate Sheeting
-
Impact Resistance
One of the most outstanding properties of polycarbonate is its high impact resistance. It is significantly more resistant to impacts than glass and many other plastics. For instance, polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and can withstand severe forces that would shatter glass. This makes it an ideal choice for safety glasses, face shields, and other protective gear.
-
Lightweight Nature
Despite its strength, polycarbonate is also lightweight, which is a critical factor in many applications. It offers a significant advantage over glass, which is heavier and more challenging to install and transport. This lightweight nature makes polycarbonate easy to handle and reduces the overall cost of the structures where it is used.
-
UV Resistance
Polycarbonate sheeting also exhibits excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays, thanks to an added UV stabiliser that helps prevent the material from yellowing and becoming brittle over time. This property is particularly important for outdoor applications where the material is exposed to sunlight for extended periods, such as in roofing, carports, and greenhouses.
-
Thermal Resistance
Another significant advantage of polycarbonate is its thermal resistance. Polycarbonate sheeting can withstand extreme temperatures; both hot and cold, without losing its dimensional stability or mechanical properties. This feature makes it suitable for use in environments that experience severe temperature fluctuations.
-
Optical Clarity
Although it is a very tough material, polycarbonate also maintains a high degree of optical clarity, making it suitable for use in applications where clear visibility is necessary, such as in the case of windows and security barriers. This optical clarity ensures that polycarbonate can be used without compromising on the visual quality, providing a clear, unobstructed view while still offering superior protection and durability.
Why Choose Polycarbonate Over Glass or Acrylic?
While glass is often used for similar applications, polycarbonate offers several advantages that make it a more suitable choice in many scenarios. Polycarbonate’s high impact resistance ensures greater safety and durability, reducing the risk of breakage and associated injuries.
Unlike glass, polycarbonate can be drilled and cut without the risk of cracking or breaking, which allows for easier customisation during installations.
The UV and thermal resistance of polycarbonate mean it can endure harsh weather conditions longer than glass, which can degrade more quickly when exposed to the elements. Polycarbonate sheeting provides better insulation compared to glass, which can help in reducing energy costs associated with heating and cooling. Its lightweight nature makes it easier to handle and install, reducing costs and making it a practical choice for construction and DIY projects.
Enjoy the Benefits of Polycarbonate Sheeting
For new beneficiaries or those familiar with polycarbonate sheeting, understanding its fundamental aspects can help in making informed decisions about its use in different applications. Its superior impact resistance, lightweight nature, UV resistance, and optical clarity make polycarbonate an outstanding material choice over more traditional options like glass or acrylic.
Whether you are looking to install a new greenhouse, upgrade your pergola skylights, or need materials for a high-impact industrial application, polycarbonate sheeting offers the durability, flexibility, and longevity required to get the job done effectively and safely. With this knowledge, you can leverage the benefits of polycarbonate sheeting to meet your specific needs and requirements.
To find out more about polycarbonate sheeting and how to secure yours from O’Connor Roofing, we encourage you to visit our website or get in touch with us directly by giving us a call on (+353) 42 93 76314, by emailing us at [email protected] or by filling in the relevant information into our online contact form and we’ll get back to you in no time.
