Planning to replace your roof – All you should know about Polycarbonate Roofing

Hey, are you planning to replace your existing roof? Then you are at the right place. 

 

Do you know why a roof is important? 

  • Roofs provide structural protection and keep the building intact. 
  • A roof covers the top of a building and protects the interiors and exteriors from sunlight, rain, and wind including extreme temperatures both hot and cold. 
  •  Polycarbonate roofs are the most widely used roofing sheets today worldwide. 

 

Let’s travel down to the history of Polycarbonate! 

Polycarbonate polymer was discovered by mistake! Do you believe this? Yes, you heard me right! It was in 1928, while researcher E.I Carothers of the DuPont Company, a yarn manufacturer began to study polyester resins and aliphatic polycarbonate. E.I Carothers was looking for a stable material to make the price of spun cotton less fluctuating while consolidating the availability of cotton in the market. Though Polycarbonate was resistant and transparent, it was too avant-grade and was temporarily shelved. 

 

When did the actual Production of Polycarbonate begin? 

Several scientists became interested in the polycarbonate molecule and in the year 1952, replicated it in their laboratories. It took a few years after research for the actual product to be ready in the market. This is when the industrial production of polycarbonate began in 1959

Though this new polymer was exceptionally sturdy, transparent and non-toxic, people were not ready to assimilate this new product. However, public expressed a positive opinion and Polycarbonate got its approval. During the seventies, many campaigns were made and polycarbonate became known to the Designers who in turn started promoting the product in their plans. 

 

What is Polycarbonate? 

Polycarbonate is a naturally transparent thermoplastic. They are available in a variety of colors and made commercially available.  Lotus Roofings are manufacturers of Polycarbonate Roofing sheets and suppliers since 1986 

 

Where was Polycarbonate first used? 

Polycarbonate as a material could be very easily sterilized and disposable too. Hence the Medical field was the first to replace them with glass. 

 

Applications of Polycarbonate Roofs 

Most of our customers ask for suggestions about replacing their existing glass roof and here is what we at Lotus Roofings have to say.  

  1. Polycarbonate sheets have been designed for both domestic and commercial roofing and there is a wide range of fittings and systems that support this plastic material. 

Their strength and ability are the main factors including being stronger than glass (200 times of the same weight) and is commonly used for conservatories. 

  1. Multiwall Polycarbonate sheets are perhaps the most versatile roofing sheets available today and are the most prevalent roofing material due to its light weight, cost-effectiveness, and easy-to-install features.
  2. Lotus Multiwall Polycarbonate roofing sheet has a hollow core structure with mid rib channels running through the length of the sheet. The hollow core provides thermal insulation as it allows passage of air thereby reducing the transmission of heat. 
  3. Solid Compact Polycarbonate Sheets are incredibly impact-resistant. Lotus Compact Sheet is highly impact resistant and because it is virtually unbreakable it is a safe choice for the home and public spaces. Lotus Solid polycarbonate sheets almost totally block harmful UV radiation while still allowing exceptional levels of visibility. They are easy to maintain and cost effective too. It is hence ideal for conservatories  

 

Choosing the right thickness of Polycarbonate sheets 

There are several options to consider while choosing the right thickness of Polycarbonate sheets. We suggest a 10mm thick Multiwall Polycarbonate sheet, as they have better insulation, impact, and tensile strength properties. Lotus Multiwall sheets have a minimum of three layers and is widely popular because of their layering system. Their light weight and virtually unbreakable properties makes it the most preferred by customers. 

 

What are the benefits of using Multiwall Sheets?

  1. When compared to glass, Multiwall sheets are stronger than glass and offers a very high level of impact resistance, and is an ideal choice for residential and public spaces. 
  2. Multiwall sheets have 3 layers and this helps to stop heat from escaping. This helps in enabling more light to enter. 
  3. They block almost all kinds of harmful UV radiation and provide protection to the eyes and aptly suitable for conservatives and Green houses. 
  4. They are easy to handle because of their light weight and can be installed easily. 
  5. You can view our step-by-step guidelines for installation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izyHOwp8x5s or call our experts for guidance.  

Lotus Polycarbonate sheets are cost effective and widely preferred by Architects as they also retain the aesthetics required for the buildings. 

 

Did you know that Lotus Polycarbonate sheets are available in a wide range of varieties? Did you also know that you also have different colors to choose from? 

  • Compact Transparent Polycarbonate sheets are a perfect replacement to glass as it has light transmission capacity. 
  • Compact Diffused Polycarbonate sheet diffuses natural sunlight and protects from UV radiation. 
  • Compact Translucent Polycarbonate sheets light transmission range varies from color to color and well suited for specific aesthetic applications.
  • You can choose from our range of embossed, diamond or raindrop textured polycarbonate sheets that may be well suited for private glazing, shower doors and other similar applications as they are well known for strength and can withstand tough weather. 
  • Corrugated Polycarbonate sheets can be customized and are available in plan and embossed range. They match most of the metal frames and form a complete shield against harmful UV rays while admitting maximum light. 

 

Do you need any more advice? 

If you are looking to purchase Polycarbonate sheets and have any queries and need advice to purchase the best-suited polycarbonate sheets, stop worrying, you are at the right place!

To learn more about Lotus Polycarbonate Sheet features and procure them, please leave your details with us 

Polycarbonate – The most preferred Roofing Sheet – Let’s understand why!

We have many customers who enquire with Lotus Roofing about why and how Polycarbonate is the most preferred Roofing Structure. 

Let me explain the features of Polycarbonate and why it is preferred in many applications. 

 

What is Polycarbonate? 

Polycarbonate is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic. Its durability and ability to transmit light almost as effectively as glass makes it the preferred roofing sheet. It is a high-impact, strong material and is often being used in decks, patios, garages including skywalks as this allows transparency of light. Its ability to withstand impacts is far greater than many other commonly used plastics. Its lightweight property makes it easier to install. 

 

Features of Polycarbonate 

  1. Polycarbonate is known for its strength and is considered a resilient thermoplastic material. It has the capability to withstand extreme temperatures both hot and cold. 
  2. This quality in Polycarbonate makes it safer to use in building construction and household items, unlike glass. 
  3. Polycarbonates are tough, stiff and strong engineering thermoplastics that can be exposed to temperatures for several hours (around 270 degrees) or sudden bursts of heat up to 1166 degrees without distortion, breakage, or absorption of heat. 
  4. They can maintain rigidity up to 140°C and toughness down to -20°C or special grades even lower. 
  5. Polycarbonate is considered less toxic than many other plastics. 

We are suppliers of Green Environment products and we use no scare timber-based raw materials for manufacturing Lotus roofing sheets at our factory at Pondicherry. 

 

Benefits of Using Polycarbonate Roofing 

  • Lotus Polycarbonate sheet is better at retaining heat, making it a much more thermally efficient solution, Hence, this helps to keep the structure cooler in summer and warmer in winter. 
  • It also has the ability to reflect away harmful UV radiations, protecting plants and extending their life span. 
  • Hence when used for Building construction purposes, it can drastically lower the energy cost by reducing the . 
  • Because of its transparent feature, Lotus Polycarbonate sheets can be used in all the applications where glass is normally used e.g. Covering skylights, glazing security lights etc.
  • Its property of being a lighter alternative to glass makes it an incredibly useful material requiring transparency. Polycarbonate insulates better than glass and also has a natural UV filter. 
  • Lotus Polycarbonate Roofing sheets have very good dimensional stability and is the most widely used engineering thermoplastics. 
  • Polycarbonate is particularly useful when impact resistance is needed and hence best suited for bullet-proof glass. 
  • Their transparent feature makes it a commonly used material for lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, protective gear, Digital disks, and automotive components including exterior lighting fixtures. 
  • Polycarbonate is less rigid and available in a variety of flexible grades such as flame retardant, crack resistant and as a film. 

We suggest 10mm thick Lotus Multiwall Polycarbonate sheet, as they have better insulation, impact, and tensile strength properties

There are many advantages to using Polycarbonate roofing over the glass. Am sure you would be interested in knowing them. 

Let me give you a few major advantages and also highlight why it is less advantageous. 

 

Advantages of Using Polycarbonate Roofing 

Durable 

Polycarbonate sheets have high impact resistance which is 200 times better than glass. This property makes Lotus Multiwall Sheets highly durable and lasts longer. 

 

Unbreakable 

Compact Polycarbonate panels/ sheets are virtually unbreakable and can withstand a large amount of force. 

 

Protection against UV Rays 

They can block up to 100% of harmful UV rays while allowing 90% all-natural light to come through when compared to glass which can block only up to 25% of UV rays and has less protection from the sun. 

 

Installation made Easy 

Additionally, Polycarbonate sheets are extremely light in weight. This makes the Installation process easier. Moreover, transportation costs are also cheaper. 

 

Fire Retardant and Resistant 

Apart from preventing UV rays from coming through, our range of Lotus Polycarbonate sheets are used in Industrial and Residential purpose as they have high fire resistance

 

Longer Life Span

While glass tends to break easily and needs frequent replacement, Polycarbonate Sheets have high impact resistance. It can withstand heat minimizing and cutting down the cost of replacement. Hence during building construction for Greenhouses, Schools, and Hospitals where there are more windows, maintenance becomes easy. 

 

Applications 

Lotus Polycarbonate Roofing sheets are perfect for Greenhouses and Conservatories as they help diffuse light more evenly than glass. Polycarbonate protects from excessive sunlight as it naturally offers UV protection to the eyes. 

Their high impact strength makes them the best choice for roofs of buildings. 

As Polycarbonate is a high-performing thermoplastic, it is widely used in the construction of skylights, wall panels & roof domes. 

Polycarbonate is commonly used in lighting applications as a replacement for glass and lenses as they protect from UV light. 

Lotus Multiwall sheets are suitable for both indoors and outdoors. They can be customized according to the needs of the structure. 

Lotus Roofings manufactures aesthetically pleasing polycarbonate roofing sheets that are suitable for swimming pools.

There are also a few Downsides (disadvantages) while using Polycarbonate roofing sheets. 

  • Polycarbonate sheets are non-resistant to scratches. 
  • Due to heavy rains or wind, if a branch happens to fall on a patio made out of polycarbonate sheets, they may get scratched. This issue can be solved by polishing the polycarbonate sheet. 
  • They are highly vulnerable to surface damage and dents. 
  • They are slightly more expensive than other roofing sheets. 

 

Insulation – How to Install Lotus Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets? 

Many of our customers also enquire a lot and have many question about the Installation of Lotus Roofing sheets. 

Let me tell you that the Installation process is extremely easy and requires very less time and effort. 

You can go through our step by step Installation guidelines through a demo video that helps you in understanding the simplicity involved in installing the roofing solution here:  

Lotus Roofings are also suppliers of Self-drilling screws that make it very easy. 

 

Summary 

To sum up, Polycarbonate sheet is an exceptional roofing choice for Residential and commercial purposes. Lotus Roofings offers a wide range of colors to choose from. While Diffused Polycarbonate sheets are best suited for all exteriors because they transmit light easily, Lotus Translucent Polycarbonate sheets are best suited for specific residential projects as their light transmission rage varies from color to color each unique in its own way. 

If you find this article useful and planning to replace your existing roof to polycarbonate roofing sheets, please leave a message and our Experts will reach out to you and guide you with the most suitable options. 

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