Polycarbonate plastic sheets aren't just popular for their impressive longevity, versatility, and practicality; loads of homeowners pick them for their affordability, too!
So, how much do these favoured roofing sheets actually go for? We'll tell you in this article.
Keep reading to discover the cost of polycarbonate sheets, their uses, the pros and cons that they offer, top tips to make them last, and lots more.
What Is the Cost of a Polycarbonate Sheet?
Polycarbonate sheets can range anywhere between $20 and $100+.
There's a bunch of factors that determine the cost of polycarbonate sheets...
The brand or manufacturer you pick is the most common element that causes prices to vary. For instance, premium brands with quality assurance and warranties will be more pricey than standard wholesale names.
The size and thickness vary in cost. In most cases, the thicker and bigger a polycarbonate sheet is, the higher it will be priced. Special features, like UV-resistance, anti-glare, and colour/tinting, also dictate the cost of polycarbonate sheets.
What Role Do Polycarbonate Sheets Play in Roofing?
Polycarbonate sheets play many roles in roofing. It's used for a bunch of roof construction projects, like security glazing, patios, windows, awnings, greenhouses, and more.
A lot of the time you'll find polycarbonate sheets with special UV and heat resistant coatings. This makes them especially ideal for adding shade to outdoor areas, while the opaque, opal finish allows light to flood areas, while reducing glare. This means you can enjoy natural light without the added downsides, like UV damage, eye strain, excessive heat, and so on.
Are Polycarbonate Sheets the Right Investment for Your Project?
If you're embarking on a new roofing or skyline project, polycarbonate is definitely a budget-friendly and practical choice, but it does have some drawbacks that might misalign with your needs. Below, we break down the key advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate roofing sheets to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of Choosing Polycarbonate Sheets
Here's what makes polycarbonate sheets a go-to for pro roofers and DIY enthusiasts alike:
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Budget-Friendly: With sheets starting at as little as $20, polycarbonate is a cost-effective option that's great for homeowners on a budget.
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UV Resistant: Blocks out harmful ultraviolet rays thanks to a special coating. This stops furniture and paint from fading and shields your eyes and skin from sun damage while still letting you soak up natural sunshine.
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Optical Clarity: Comes in clear and opal finishes that deliver optical clarity, allowing all the natural light to flood spaces while protecting against trapped heat and UV-damage.
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Exceptional Strength: Boasting high impact-resistance and a much more malleable structure than glass that bends rather than cracks, polycarbonate is amongst the most robust and hard-wearing materials out there.
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Simple Installation: Lightweight and easy to cut, polycarbonate sheets are perfect for DIY projects.
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Super Versatile: From carports and awnings to skylines and greenhouses, polycarbonate sheets are an all-in-one solution to loads of roofing and construction projects.
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Weather-Resistant: Whether it's pouring down with rain or you're facing a heatwave in the peak of summer, you can rely on polycarbonate roofing to withstand whatever nature throws its way.
Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Sheets
Now you know the pros offered by polycarbonate sheets, it's time to check out these cons to see if it's really the right choice for your project:
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It Gets Noisy: Unfortunately, polycarbonate sheets can amplify the sound of rain and hail, more so than other materials, like double-glazed glass. But, many say the sound of rain hitting these sheets is actually pretty relaxing, so it's all down to preference!
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Prone to Expansion and Contraction: Whilst polycarbonate is UV and heat-resistant, it can warp over time when exposed to extreme heat. Careful installation can help counteract the effects of expansion and contraction. But, if your region gets extreme heat and sun exposure for long periods, it might not be the best solution.
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Can Yellow Overtime: Polycarbonate tends to change colour overtime due to sun and rain exposure which can impact the aesthetic of your home.
6 Best Alternatives to Polycarbonate Sheets
Want to explore other options? Check out these top-rated polycarbonate sheet alternatives:
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Acrylic Sheets (Plexiglass): Lighter than glass, but a little less impact-resistant than polycarbonate.
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Fiberglass Panels: Both strong and weather-resistant. A solid alternative to polycarbonate that boasts many of the same benefits. However, it comes with a bigger price tag.
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PVC Roofing: Affordable, lightweight, and super simple to install. It's ideal for DIYers on a budget.
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Glass Panels: Delivers the best optical clarity and aesthetics, but requires professional installation and costs much more than polycarbonate. It's also more prone to breaking.
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Metal Roofing Sheets: Durable, weather-resistant, and fire-retardant. The key difference to polycarbonate panels is that metal has a solid finish that doesn't let light through.
Making Your Polycarbonate Sheets Last
Topping up your polycarbonate sheets with UV-resistant and weather-resistant coatings is a wise choice that will help you get a few extra decades out of your project.
Making sure you use compatible, quality flashing to seal edges is another must. You should also routinely clean your polycarbonate roofing to make sure it's not just looking its best, but also free from built-up debris that can otherwise compromise the integrity over time.
Get all the essential tools, accessories, and roof products from roofer-approved brands, like Wakaflex and RapidRidge, at Roof Stuff. Enjoy affordable prices and super fast delivery with every item sold when you shop online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Polycarbonate Sheets Last?
Pretty long! You can expect to get around 10 to 20+ years out of your polycarbonate sheets. That's all down to their impressive durability, weather resistance, and overall strength. They can last decades in all kinds of applications, be it patio roofing, awnings, carports, greenhouses, or even skylights.
What Thickness of Polycarbonate Sheets Should I Use for Roofing?
Pro roofers recommend going for polycarbonate sheets with a thickness of 10mm to 16mm. This range offers the most strength and gives a good amount of insulation which works to boost energy efficiency.
If you only need polycarbonate sheets as a temporary solution, like in between glazing jobs or as a quick fix for a broken skylight, then a 4mm to 10mm thickness will be just fine until you find a more permanent solution.
How Much Does it Cost for Professional Polycarbonate Sheet Installation?
You'll typically be charged per sheet for pro polycarbonate sheet installation. This can be about $16–$23 per metre, but it varies depending on the team you call in, the kind of project, and how complicated the overall structure is. Some roofers also charge hourly, and add a call-out fee to the cost, so always budget a little extra just in case.
If you want to save some money, you're best off sourcing your own polycarbonate sheets wholesale, rather than leaving it to the experts to source and install everything.