Thinking of making the switch to polycarbonate roofing? You’ve landed on the right page.
This is your complete guide to polycarbonate roofing. We’ll break down what polycarbonate roofs are, reveal the many pros offered by this roofing material, guide you on its average cost, show off great alternatives, and loads more.
Get all the essential information you need about polycarbonate roofing right here!
What Is Polycarbonate Roofing?
Made of thermoplastic polymer sheets — a fancy term for strong, flexible plastic – polycarbonate roofing is a versatile roofing option.
You’ll typically see it in residential homes, especially on patios, pergolas, sheds, and verandas. But it’s also used for a bunch of other settings. It’s not hard to come by in industrial and commercial projects, like warehouses, sheltered bust stations, and covered walkways. It’s also a go-to for a bunch of agricultural construction, including livestock enclosures and greenhouses.
Pros of Polycarbonate Roofing
Want to know what all the hype is about? We’ll show you right here. Here are all the wonderful advantages offered by polycarbonate roofing:
- It’s Super Tough: Whatever the Aussie weather throws at polycarbonate roofing – Aussie climate throws its way, be it hail storms, heavy showers, or extreme heat waves — this material can handle it all.
- Lightweight and Flexible, Yet Strong: Light as a feather (well, almost) and incredibly bendy, polycarbonate is fantastic for curved designs. And that doesn’t make it weak; it’s super strong and boasts impact resistance, so you needn’t worry about it snapping.
- Lets in Light: Because it tends to be opaque, polycarbonate roofing lets natural light shine through without any harsh glare.
- Blocks Out UV: If you’ve got polycarbonate roofing, the worry about UV damage is no longer there. Why? Because it has built-in UV protection that stops sun damage. This won’t just stop furniture, flooring, and wallpaper from fading but will also boost the safety of your home and prevent your family from being overly exposed to UV.
- Fuss-Free Maintenance: Just the occasional cleaning will keep your polycarbonate roofs looking brand new year-round.
- Provides Thermal Insulation: Polycarbonate reduces heat loss and gain, making it an energy-efficient roofing solution.
- Budget Friendly: Compared to glass, metal, and fiberglass, polycarbonate roofing is pretty cheap. The best bit is that you get to save money without compromising on quality, thanks to its impressive resilience, durability, and overall low-maintenance.
- It’s Got Aesthetic Appeal: Clear, frosted, tinted — there’s a bunch of finishes and colours to choose from, each of which suits different homes and tastes.
How Much Does Polycarbonate Roofing Cost?
Polycarbonate roofing will cost you about $15 to $20 per square meter. There’s a few things that will impact the cost of polycarbonate roofing. Things like the type of polycarbonate roofing sheets you pick (such as twin, solid, and multi-wall), specialty coatings (like UV protection or fire resistance), thickness, colour, and finish all have a role to play in the price you pay.
8 Ways to Incorporate Polycarbonate Roofing in Your Home
In need of a little inspiration for your project? Here’s our round-up of all the best ways to incorporate polycarbonate roofing in your home:
1. Patio and Pergola Covers
Shade sunny spots from the harsh Aussie sun with polycarbonate roofing over your patio or as a pergola cover. This will let you enjoy the warmth and sunny natural light, without the worry of UV-rays — so you can save your SPF!
2. Skylights
Brighten up any dark corner in your house, like hallways, while enjoying peace of mind knowing your furniture, wallpaper, and flooring are all protected from UV damage. The best bit is that a polycarbonate skylight is way cheaper than a glass one.
3. Sunroom or Conservatory
We can’t make this list without suggesting a sunroom or conservatory made with polycarbonate roofing – it’s a classic choice!
If you’ve got indoor plants, this will keep them lush and growing happily year-round, while also conserving heat during the cooler months.
4. Backyard Greenhouse Roofing
If you’re planning on building yourself a backyard greenhouse, polycarbonate roof panels shine as the best option. It’s way more affordable than glass and lets in just the right amount of light, so that your plants can grow without overheating.
5. Balcony or Decking Awning
It’s always nice to enjoy a chilled out evening on our balcony or decking, but the harsh Aussie weather can often stop us from unwinding. But, when you add a polycarbonate roof, you can enjoy your outdoor space, no matter the weather.
6. Carport Roof
Shield your wheels from getting too hot and from weather damage (like hail storms) by sheltering them with a polycarbonate roof. This will keep your car nice and cool in the summer and in perfect condition all year.
7. Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ Area
When BBQ season is in full swing, a polycarbonate roof is the perfect edition that will give you ample shade and shelter while you cook and eat. Even when you’re not cooking a storm outside, you can relax knowing your outdoor kitchen/BBQ is protected from harsh heat, rain, hail, falling leaves, and all the other forces of nature.
8. Poolside Shade
Retreat after taking a dip under a sleek polycarbonate shade that won’t just keep you cool and comfy but will also block out UV and minimise glare. It’s the perfect thing for a poolside hangout with friends and family, too!
Alternative Options to Polycarbonate Roofing
Want to achieve the same look as polycarbonate roofing with guaranteed longevity? Here are some great alternatives:
- Glass
- Colorbond steel
- Fiberglass
- PVC roofing sheets
Protecting & Maintaining Polycarbonate Roofing
It’s always a good idea to add a layer of protection to make your roof last longer. UV-protected sheets and waterproofing coatings are superb!
You should make a habit of cleaning your polycarbonate roof, ideally with lukewarm and a mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs as they can be too abrasive and ruin the integrity of your roof.
Make sure you’ve sealed edges with compatible roof flashing and/or silicone or rubber gaskets to avoid water leaks, built-up dirt, and wind damage. And, keep your eyes peeled for cracking, warped panels, loose screws, yellowing, and any degradation – especially after storms and excessive sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disadvantage of polycarbonate roofing?
While it’s tough and long lasting, polycarbonate roofing is pretty susceptible to scratching, so you’ll need to keep overhanging branches trimmed back, and watch out for any abrasives. It’s also known to discolour overtime, especially when exposed to harsh weather and sunlight. When it rains, you’ll also hear the droplets hit your polycarbonate roof — it can get pretty noisy!
How long will polycarbonate roofing last?
Polycarbonate is a brilliant investment. It’s got super longevity that can last up to 25 years, even with continual exposure to harsh sunlight and extreme weather.