Whether you are building a conservatory, creating a lean to roof or roofing your garden pergola, polycarbonate sheeting will likely be one of the top roofing options you will consider. As a lightweight and stronger alternative to glass, polycarbonate is a cost-effective glazing solution that is easy to install whilst creating a stunning finish.
Link to Songmei
Buying polycarbonate sheeting online or in-store can be overwhelming so in this buying guide we are going to cover everything you need to know when purchasing polycarbonate roof sheets for your project. We are going to cover common questions about choosing polycarbonate for your project, comparing alternatives, installing polycarbonate and more!
Click on the sections below to skip down to the section you are interested in:
Polycarbonate Sheeting is popular compared to other lower grades of plastic sheets, such as Pet G and Acrylic, due to its durability and installer-friendly properties. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic sheet that was first discovered in the mid-s but only really came into more mainstream use in the early s when more modern technologies allowed it to be manufactured with crystal clear clarity! Prior to this polycarbonate was made with a brown tint, or cognac coloured as they called it.
Fast forward to today and polycarbonate sheeting is one of the most popular plastic sheets manufactured and used in millions of applications globally every year.
Due to Polycarbonate's unique mix of qualities, it is one of the most versatile materials you will find. It can be used in a wide range of applications both at home and commercially, from canopy glazing to carports to cloches! Since the spread of Covid, people will have been used to seeing it being used as cough screens and protection barriers in shops, offices and public areas more regularly, however, polycarbonates most common use is a roofing sheet. Popular places where polycarbonates sheet is used include:
Polycarbonate sheeting also is used on many other glazing projects such as stadium dugouts, screening, car wash bay screens and a host of more unique uses! This is why it is unbeatable as a glazing sheet option.
Broadly speaking there are two main types of polycarbonate sheets which are solid polycarbonate and multiwall polycarbonate. When considering multiwall polycarbonate, it is often split into Twinwall polycarbonate sheets and multiwall polycarbonate sheeting, however, in essence, these are the same, just different quantities of internal walls!
Both types of polycarbonate sheeting as equally as durable and easy to install meaning the choice between them is more about looks, budget and strength.
In a nutshell, solid polycarbonate is a plastic sheet that looks like glass but is a stronger and lighter alternative. At up to 200x stronger than standard glass of the same thickness, solid polycarbonate has the 'glass look' but is virtually unbreakable and only weighs half as much as glass.
Solid Polycarbonate sheets come in a range of thicknesses from 2 to 12mm with the 6mm thickness tending to be the most popular and widely used. To suit different applications, solid polycarbonate is manufactured in a range of tints including clear, bronze, opal, black and patterned.
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are manufactured from various layers which create a honeycomb type structure. Ever popular, multiwall sheeting is the most common type of polycarbonate sheeting due to its affordable cost and superior thermal insulation. Much like Solid Polycarbonate sheets, multiwall polycarbonate comes in a range of tints including clear, bronze and opal. The most popular thickness of multiwall polycarbonate is 16mm, however, we also manufacture multiwall bigger thicknesses of 25mm and 35mm.
Twinwall polycarbonate is identical to multiwall polycarbonate but just has two layers rather than multiple layers ' as the name suggests! Twinwall polycarbonate is available in a range of three thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm and 10mm giving different strength options for different types of roofs.
Primarily used for smaller projects, the Twinwall polycarbonate comes in clear mainly but also opal and bronze in the 10mm thickness. It is worth noting that 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate sheets are not recommended for roofing projects but rather as cost-effective plastic sheeting for smaller garden applications like cloches and cold frames.
Both solid and multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheets provide a wide range of benefits for installers making them an excellent choice for a variety of roof projects.
Virtually unbreakable: A key benefit of polycarbonate sheets is their robustness and impact resistance which means they are virtually unbreakable! Be aware most plastics are not like this as, unlike acrylics and other plastic sheeting, polycarbonate can be hit with a base bat or football and survive! Homeowners can comfortably install polycarbonate, more so solid sheets, without worrying about the fragility to hail or a stray football coming from the garden!
Lightweight: Ease of installation is a key consideration when you are choosing a roofing sheet to use and a big part of that is weight. Heavy options like glass can cause handling challenges, especially when high up on a roof. Solid polycarbonate is around half the weight of glass of the same thickness and multiwall polycarbonate around is 1/10 the weight of glass of the same thickness! For example,
Easy to cut and drill: Another area polycarbonate shines in is how easy it is to cut and drill. Polycarbonate is undoubtedly the easiest plastic sheet to cut and drill. No need for installers to worry if a sheet is needing to be trimmed down as it can be down easily and neatly. Read on to find out how to cut polycarbonate and how to drill polycarbonate in later sections. Clear Amber Shop can also cut to size for you if you are still unsure.
Long-lasting clarity: UV Protected: Proper UV protection is important on clear roofing sheets to ensure long lasting clarity and light transmission. All our polycarbonate sheets, Twinwall, multiwall and solid, are UV protected on one or two sides to give a great roof lifespan! UV protected sheets are not to be confused with UV stable or UV resistant which are seen on some sheets (like PVC) and aren't as effective. You may well have noticed cracked and mouldy bus stops and bike shelters in your area when non-UV protected plastic has been used and the difference is stark!
Insulating: Polycarbonate naturally retains heat very well and so has great thermal insulation qualities. Multiwall polycarbonate in particular provides great levels of thermal insulation, making it ideal for lean to home extension and conservatories. In general, the bigger thicker gauge multiwall sheets offer higher insulation levels.
Sustainable: Polycarbonate has a great lifespan and the plastic roof panels are fully recyclable once finished!
Fire-resistant: Polycarbonate is fire resistant and unlike acrylic is self-extinguishing.
A well-maintained polycarbonate roof can last between 10 and 20 years! Ensuring your roof will last its full expected lifespan is dependent on using the correct glazing bars and installation methods. It is well worth investing a little more time and money into purchasing the correct fixtures and fixings before starting your project.
Yes, multiwall and solid polycarbonate comes UV protected as standard. We often get asked: 'Why is UV protection required on plastic sheets?'. UV protection is essential to protect roofing sheets from going brittle or yellowing over time.
All our Solid Polycarbonate Sheeting is UV Protected on both sides to give a high-quality finish. Our Multiwall Polycarbonate is UV protected on the outer side so it should always be installed with that that side out towards the sun.
There are honestly very few disadvantages to polycarbonate sheets which is why it is a popular roofing solution for DIYers and trade. The only disadvantage is that it can scratch if not handled carefully. This isn't a deal breaker because solid polycarbonate sheets come with sheet protective film on both sides to help protect it whilst you are installing. Once installed you simply peel the protective film off.
No! Polycarbonate is a very robust plastic so is virtually unbreakable. The Solid type of polycarbonate is often used in high impact scenarios such as vandal-proof shelters, riot shields and prisons etc. There is no need to worry about your roof panels shattering when installing polycarbonate on your roof!
Yes, polycarbonate sheeting can be bent and installed on a curved roof. It is quite easy to install with curved glazing bars on a wide range of radii. Common curved installations include bike shelters, barrel roof lanterns and greenhouses. As a rule of thumb, the thinner gauge sheets bend more easily.
Glass is still a popular glazing choice for many projects due to its high clarity and clean modern style. However, if you are looking to achieve the clean 'glass look' on your glazing then there are actually glazing sheet options two options: solid polycarbonate or glass. Solid polycarbonate sheeting is increasingly becoming a more popular alternative to glass panels due to its similar style but wider range of benefits.
Polycarbonate Glass High clarity High clarity Virtually unbreakable - 200x stronger Fragile Light - 50% less or more Heavy Easy to Cut and Drill Difficult to cut and drive Low to medium cost High cost Wide range of sizes Limited sizes on standard delivery Vulnerable to scratches (if badly handled!) Scratch Resistance Degree of flexibility Rigid
Weighing up the pros and cons of glass versus solid polycarbonate roofing sheets, it is clear to conclude that for domestic projects solid polycarbonate is the better choice. Reduced installation challenges and ease of handling make polycarbonate a no-brainer for home and garden projects like pergola lean-tos, verandas and oak gazebos.
Even on commercial projects, solid glazing sheets have become a viable alternative to the inconveniences and costs of installing glass sheets.
Deciding between multiwall and solid polycarbonate sheets is easy as they have distinct pros and cons. Generally, solid polycarbonate glazing is considered a more premium option for a quality finish and multiwall is a more economical option for those on tighter budgets. Both are an installer's dream, being easy to install, cut and handle.
Solid Polycarbonate
Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate
££
£
High Clarity (glass look)
Medium Clarity
Limited thermal insulation
Great thermal insulation (especially thicker gauges)
5 tint options
3 tint options
Medium Weight
Lightweight
For exterior options, if you are looking for a first-class finish that will elevate your home then solid polycarbonate offers unbeatable value.
Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are the same types of sheet, however, as the name suggests have varying quantities of internal walls. The reason sheets are made with internal walls is to enhance their strength and insulation factor.
Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheeting is extruding with two external layers and internal connectors. On the other hand, multiwall polycarbonate sheets have two external layers and then multiple internal layers, ranging from 3 layers total upwards.
The thicker the sheet the more walls they tend to have. 4mm, 6mm and 10mm thickness are considered to be Twinwall and 16mm, 25mm and 35mm are Multiwall. Thicker gauge sheets have better thermal insulation (lower U Value) Also thicker multiwall sheets tend to have greater sound reduction compared to the thin 6mm and 10mm, although this is less of a factor.
We manufacture Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting in a range of thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm, 25mm, and 35mm. Solid Polycarbonate is available in a wider range of thicknesses including 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. There is plenty of choice no matter the application!
The best thickness of polycarbonate sheet for your roof entirely depends on the type of roof you are constructing. However, as a guide, our 6mm Axgard Solid Polycarbonate sheets and 16mm Multiwall Polycarbonate sheets tend to be the most popular thicknesses of each type.
In the next section, we give a few common application types for each thickness as an approximate guide.
When choosing a polycarbonate sheet thickness there are two main factors to bear in mind; strength and insulation. Quite simply, the thicker the sheet the greater the strength and higher the thermal insulation. It is worth noting that thermal insulation is more of a consideration when using multiwall type sheets. Here are some common uses for each thickness:
Solid Polycarbonate
2 mm ' Wall protection, Secondary glazing
3 and 4mm ' Screens, Bike shelters, curved dugouts, shed windows
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 4mm solid sheet.
5 and 6mm ' Oak Pergolas, canopies, lean tos, gazebo glazing
8,10 and 12mm ' lean tos, verandas
Multiwall Polycarbonate
4mm ' cloches and temporary glazing (not suitable for roofing applications)
6mm - cold frames and greenhouses (not suitable for roofing applications)
10mm ' potting sheets, pergolas
16mm ' lean to, gazeboes, canopies, carports
25mm ' lean to extension, garden buildings
35mm ' conservatory roofs, orangeries, extensions
At the end of the day when choosing the best sheet thickness for your project it is always dependent on your project's factors, such as the location, wind loading, exposure, structure etc, so you are always best to make a judgement based on your project!
When choosing what colour polycarbonate is best for you roof the three points to considering are the light transmission, heat rejection and visual appearance.
Light transmission simply means how much light is let through by the sheets. Clear sheeting has the greatest light transmission (and clarity) which is why it tends to be most popular. Then Bronze has less and opal the least light transmission.
Bronze and opal sheets are opposites with bronze reducing sun glare and creating shader and opal sheets providing some heat rejection and a clean white glow. Check the overview tables below for a complete comparison.
To learn more about the solid Axgard Glazing Sheet tint options compared to glass please read our 'Glass or Plastic Sheets ' Which is Best?' Blog.
Installers often search for polycarbonate sheets near me however, with the fast paced improvement of ecommerce your best option for ordering polycarbonate sheeting is online. With the widest range of sizes and rapid delivery direct to your door Clear Amber Shop makes ordering your roofing sheets hassle free.
To order, simply choose from our range of Multiwall or Solid sheets, add the required glazing bars for your project and then place via our checkout. With a nationwide delivery network your order will be with you in a couple of days from placing the order!
Simply jump on our Live Chat or via where our Teams will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
Place Your Order Today ' Get Same Day Despatch, Free Returns & Flexible Payment!
At Clear Amber Shop you can have total peace of mind with:
Our Teams are here to support help you with every step of your project!
As one of the UK's largest suppliers of multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheets and solid polycarbonate sheets we often get asked practical and technical questions about our products. Here we will try to answer the most common questions to hopefully help you choose the polycarbonate for your project.
Which is better PVC or polycarbonate roofing?
Generally, polycarbonate is a better material for roofing projects. Polycarbonate tends to be longer lasting, stronger and easier to work with. Having said that PVC roofing sheets are certainly not a bad choice. Corrugated PVC sheets are a cheaper material to purchase and modern PVC is UV protected to avoid brittleness making it a great choice for roofing. Corrugated PVC sheets also have a better light transmission than twinwall polycarbonate as they are a single skin and fitting corrugated roofing sheets can be an easier job than fitting polycarbonate as there are no glazing bars involved. However, from our experience of supplying both polycarbonate and PVC roofing sheets for many years in the UK polycarbonate is worth the extra cost over PVC as the benefit of insulation, lifespan and strength is a key deciding factor for most customers.
What thickness polycarbonate should I use for roof?
This depends on several factors. Firstly, you should ask yourself what you want from your roof? Do you need to retain heat in your conservatory, summer room or shed? Or is your main objective to provide shelter for an outdoor seating area, canopy or pergola?
In basic terms the thicker the polycarbonate roofing sheets the more insulation it will provide. This means if you are constructing a roof that is open on all sides using a thicker sheet such as 25mm or 35mm could be seen as wasteful as you will not reap the reward from the insulation value. Likewise using a 10mm sheet on a conservatory roof where you want to keep heated would not be a wise move.
As a general guide 10mm sheets are used for pergolas, canopies and carports using rafter supported glazing bars on a timber frame. 16mm polycarbonate sheets are mostly used for basic conservatories lean to's, smoking shelters and walkways. 25mm and 35mm sheets are the more 'premium' sheets which are mainly used in conservatories, koi pond covers and high roofing applications. 16mm, 25mm and 35mm sheets can also be used with self support glazing bars which do not require a frame underneath.
In summary there is no right or wrong when selecting which sheet to use for you roof as there is a sheet for every project. Our team of advisors are on hand should you need help selecting the perfect sheet for you project ' just contact us or click the 'HELP' button below.
What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate sheets?
The benefits of polycarbonate sheets far outweigh the disadvantages. The main disadvantage of fluted polycarbonate roofing sheets is the noise you get from rain. As sheets are effectively hollow rain noise can be exaggerated and gives a drumming sound in heavy showers.
Both fluted sheets and solid sheets are also susceptible to fine scratches ' normally due to improper cleaning. On fluted sheets scratches are not normally visible but on solid sheets can be very noticeable. It is important to follow good cleaning techniques and not use any harsh chemicals on polycarbonate. Polycarbonate sheets should only ever be cleaned using warm soapy water.
How long does polycarbonate roofing last?
It will largely depend on where the sheets are going to be used. Firstly, it is important to recognise that all our polycarbonate sheets ' both fluted and solid ' are supplied with a manufacturers ten-year limited warranty. However we would expect sheets to last way beyond this if fitted correctly and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.
Modern sheets should not yellow or become embrittled nor puncture in normal weather conditions. Sheets should always be installed in the correct manner to avoid premature ageing ' following manufacturer's instructions and maintained regularly. If this is carried out we would expect most sheets to last between 10 and 20 years.
How do you attach polycarbonate roofing sheets?
There are two ways in which polycarbonate roofing sheets are installed. For roofs constructed from timber the sheets are fitted using rafter supported glazing bars whereby a two-piece glazing bar is installed atop of your timber rafter which clamps the polycarbonate on the edge of the sheets. When you reach your final rafter an F-Section is used to terminate the roof and hide the joint beneath the polycarbonate sheet and the final rafter.
For roofs where no timber is going to be used then a self supported roofing system should be used. Self support glazing bars do not require a timber beneath and only need to be supported at the top and bottom of the bar. These systems lend themselves to better to conservatory roofs and like the rafter supported system are a join the sheets together using a snap down top cap. For the end rafters an edge bar should be used.
Is polycarbonate roofing noisy in rain?
Fluted polycarbonate roofing sheets are fairly noisy when compared to a glass roof when it rains. This is because the sheets are hollow so magnify the sound of the drops hitting the surface of the sheet. Solid polycarbonate sheets do not suffer with this as they are a dense solid material.
How do you walk on a polycarbonate roof?
We do not recommend walking directly on polycarbonate sheets under any circumstances. Whilst sheets are incredibly strong they remain flexible so if stood upon can bend. If sheets bend enough they can 'pop out' of the glazing bars meaning you will fall through the roof.
Should you need to get on top of your polycarbonate roof this should be done with the use of a crawl board to spread the load of your weight across multiple bars and sheets. We recommend only doing this when absolutely necessary.
Does polycarbonate roofing turn yellow?
Modern polycarbonate sheets are UV protected to prevent yellowing. Many years ago, when polycarbonate was first produced sheets were supplied without adequate UV protection. This led to a lot of sheets prematurely ageing, becoming yellow and leading to breakage from heavy rain. Modern sheets by comparison are far more advanced in this field. All of our polycarbonate roofing sheets are supplied with UV protection co-extruded into one side of the sheet. This means that sheets will withstand the harmful UV of sunlight and last for years to come. It is important with these sheets to ensure the UV protection layer is facing outwards / upwards upon installation ' generally this is highlighted in writing on the protective film of the sheet. However once the protective film is removed it impossible to know for sure which side is up and which is down so be careful during the installation process!
All of our solid polycarbonate sheets are 2UV meaning they are UV protected on both sides. This means they are suitable for use outdoors and can be used either way around.
What should you not use on polycarbonate?
Harsh abrasive chemicals and cleaners should not be used on polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic which can be badly affected by non-approved chemicals. The only product we recommend for cleaning polycarbonate is warm soapy water and the only silicone that should be used is low modulus neutral cure that is specifically 'suitable for polycarbonate'
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 5mm solid sheet.