Typical uses:

Polycarbonate Roof Sheeting comes in two forms, each with its particular characteristics and properties:

• Solid (flat or domed) polycarbonate offers good optical clarity and superb workability. It can be cold-curved on-site, is suitable for use with various glazing bar systems and can be moulded into different shapes such as domes and pyramids;
• Profiled polycarbonate matches profiled roof cladding and allow the sky to be seen through a corrugated material, a feature popular with many designers. Polycarbonate comes in all the profile shapes generally used for non-translucent roofing and cladding in South Africa;
• Polycarbonate is a strong thermoplastic material that is lightweight and can withstand extremely low and high temperatures. This durable and practical roofing material is perfect for conservatories, patios and deck areas; however, it is not suitable to cover the entire roof of a house. It is also less aesthetically appealing than tiles, for example.

Polycarbonate roof sheets offer high durability. Sometimes referred to as “plastic steel”, it’s virtually unbreakable with high light transmission and excellent weather resistance. It is ideal for greenhouse coverings and skylight applications. Professionals favour polycarbonate sheeting for non-corrosive industrial structural roofing and side cladding. However, homeowners tend to choose polycarbonate roof sheeting for many DIY projects. Polycarbonate sheeting is available in a wide variety of colours and profiles.

STANDARD SIZES ARE AVAILABLE HOWEVER LENGTHS UP TO 12.8m CAN BE ORDERED.

Polycarbonate Colours: Light = Heat

As a general rule, the more light that comes through the sheet, the hotter it will feel under the sheet. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and these tend to be the premium ranges in the different brands of polycarbonate sheeting. Choose sheets types to help skew the amount of light available without letting as much heat through. They can reflect more of the heat. In warmer areas of South Africa – we generally caution people against using clear sheeting. In cooler parts of South Africa, clear can be a great option.

Environmental specifics

Other environmental factors should also play a part in your decision making:

• Western facing areas may get the hot afternoon sun, for example. This will mean that if you’re using polycarbonate roofing for a braai patio area, you may require cooler coloured sheeting;
• Roof height. Hot air rises. So the lower the roof, the warmer an area may feel. Another factor is how much airflow the site will get. Do you get good breezes coming into the space?
• Trees or buildings may offer shade over your area at certain times of the day. Consider the time of day you expect to use your polycarbonate covered area the most. This may mean that you can afford to go for a colour that lets more light through when it is not a shaded area.
• Do you require lots of light for a particular part of the house? Polycarbonate roof sheeting can be used in conjunction with Metal roofing to create light over the areas where you need it most.
• You may want to match the colour scheme to existing parts of the house. You may wish to create privacy with a more opaque choice. You may be after a striking feature colour. Whatever your vision, you are sure to find great options across our wide range of polycarbonate sheeting products.