Corrugated polycarbonate is a favorite building material for many commercial projects and homeowners engaged in DIY projects. Both lightweight and rigid, corrugated polycarbonate delivers excellent strength, flexibility, weather resistance, and light transmission. As a noncorrosive industrial structural roofing and siding option, it’s favored for its ability to withstand high impact and functions well under a wide temperature range.
What Are Some Uses For Corrugated Polycarbonate?
It’s a common material used for greenhouses because of its light transmission and strength. Because it can withstand extreme temperatures without degrading, it also boasts a long life expectancy meaning it won’t need to be replaced as often as other materials.
Corrugated polycarbonate is available in various colors and can be used anywhere internal lighting depends on an external source. Because it provides a consistent lighting surface and can be used for partition walls, it’s also a popular material for outdoor shelters, gardening sheds, and storage structures.
Because polycarbonate sheet is nearly unbreakable, UV-resistant, simple to transport, and easy to install, they make the perfect solution for many applications. Here are some places you will see polycarbonate sheet in use:
- Architectural structures
- Industrial plants
- Public buildings
- Skylights
- Canopies
- Partition walls
- Walkways
- Commercial greenhouses
- Porches
- Parking shelters
- Bus shelters
Polycarbonate has proven to be an ideal material for any application where one would need a robust and lightweight material that allows light to come through, but not harsh weather.
Polycarbonate Compared To Other Materials
How does corrugated polycarbonate stack up compared to fiberglass or PVC?
At first glance, many people find the materials similar and almost interchangeable, but the truth is that polycarbonate has several distinct advantages over fiberglass and PVC.
Appearance
Polycarbonate is cleaner to look at than fiberglass and doesn’t deteriorate in appearance over prolonged exposure to sunlight or the elements. While polycarbonate is more prone to scratches than PVC, both fiberglass and PVC will start to dull in appearance over time while polycarbonate continues to look fresh and new.
Installation
As far as installation is concerned, the light weight of polycarbonate means it’s easier to carry, lift, and fasten into place than other materials. This reduces labor costs for commercial construction and allows homeowners to manage their DIY projects more efficiently.
Strength and Durability
A durable roof or partition wall means you’re less likely to have to repair or replace it repeatedly. Polycarbonate can withstand the most severe climate and weather conditions. This explains why it’s commonly used to make bulletproof windows.
Corrugated polycarbonate will also withstand prolonged exposure to UV light without degradation or loss of color. Because roofs spend a lot of time exposed to UV light—even when it’s cloudy outside—polycarbonate roofing sheet are the obvious best choice for outdoor structures.
Health
Polycarbonate sheet is cleaner and less hazardous than building materials such as fiberglass. Because fiberglass can easily splinter, it can be dangerous to inhale. Instead, polycarbonate produces only small shavings that pose no health risks and are easier to clean up after construction.
Repurposing and the Environment
After fiberglass experiences damage and needs to be replaced, the old material can’t be reused. Recycling is possible, but it’s a complex process to complete safely and cheaply. PVC has more repurposing and recycling options by comparison.
Similar to PVC, polycarbonate can be repurposed in many instances and recycled for reuse. Polycarbonate is an environmentally responsible choice compared to other building materials for construction.
For More Information On Corrugated Polycarbonate
The plastics experts at Piedmont Plastics stand ready to answer all your questions and help you find the best material for your project. Contact us today for more information on how corrugated polycarbonate can be the best solution for your needs and how we can help serve you and your products.