Polycarbonates are a group of strong thermoplastics that contain carbonate groups in their chemical structures. With the chemical structure being (−O−(C=O)−O−), we can see how they have received their name because of the carbonate groups bonded together. Polycarbonates are transparent, strong, durable, and flexible materials that are resistant to impact, weather, temperature, fire, chemicals, and corrosion. All these properties have made polycarbonates one of the most preferred materials to be used in the construction industry today, especially as an alternative to glass. Also, because they are easy to work with – easy to cut, easy to drill, easy to install, easy to handle, easy to mould, and easy to thermoformed – they have found their space in a variety of other applications too. Polycarbonate roofing sheets have an impact resistance that is 200 times that of glass, but the weight being only half of glass! This means that it is extremely light in weight, yet virtually unbreakable. In addition, they are also flexible, which means they can be moulded into any shape like circular roofs and domes, unlike glass. Furthermore, they are available in a variety of colours and textures to match or contrast the rest of the structure they are being used with. Also, the colours and textures can reduce the amount of transparency, if the structure requires semi-transparent roofs. All of these properties have given architects and interior designers a creative edge to construct transparent and semi-transparent structures in a way that they couldn’t have done with glass.
Polycarbonates, while don’t react to extreme temperatures, are also very good insulators. They help to maintain the temperature within the structure, no matter how cold or hot the environment outside is. The material’s melting point is 311 °F, where it can be heated up to, to melt it, after which it can be cooled and heated again to be moulded, without degrading in quality. This makes it a great recyclable material too. One can easily apply all kinds of machining on polycarbonates, without worrying about it being cracked or broken. Whether you tap, drill, grind, or weld polycarbonates, they won't crack or break; neither will they produce any kinds of harmful shards that can be dangerous to touch or toxic to inhale. All of the above mentioned properties have helped polycarbonate find a place in a variety of applications; some of the popular ones being buildings, automotive components, optical devices, medical equipment, lighting fixtures, smartphone components, telecommunications hardware, CDs & DVDs, and bulletproof glasses. So, whatever your application, you can without any doubt use polycarbonates when you need a transparent or semi-transparent material. And, you can get the best quality polycarbonate roofing sheets at Tuflite Polymers, where you have a wide range of polycarbonates to choose from, ranging in types, colours, and textures. In spite of all the above properties, there is a certain drawback of using polycarbonate. The material cannot be used in applications where they can come in contact with food or beverages. This is because when it comes in contact with water and degrades, it will release Bisphenol A, which can have health risks when food is consumed from the material.
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The debate of whether polycarbonate is better or glass goes on and on; and we are here to debate on the same. While glass is the most classic and traditional material used for building transparent structures, polycarbonate is the latest and most popular material used today.
Now, let us compare all of the above properties with those of glass. Glass can easily crack and break with a strong impact, thus reducing the lifespan of the structure, and adding to the repairing and replacement costs. Glass is extremely rigid, which is why it can be used to build only cubic and cuboid structures, and flat or sloped roofs – a limitation for designers. Glass, when cut or drilled, produces shards that can prove extremely harmful for the eyes and skin. Glass is heavy and requires careful attention while carrying, transporting, and handling. Lastly, glass brings in all of the sunlight, which means also the harmful UV radiations that can cause plants and human skin to burn. Now, decide for yourself which material would you like from the two. While glass is available anywhere and everywhere, you can get the best quality polycarbonate roofing sheets at Tuflite Polymers, the renowned name in the industry of polycarbonates for more than a decade now! Polycarbonate sheets have innumerous benefits over other traditional materials like glass, which is why it is preferred by most designers and architects for building transparent structures. And, this is the reason so many polycarbonate sheet manufacturers are coming up in the country.
One of the most important properties that polycarbonate possesses is that it can let in maximum sunlight while keeping away the harmful UV radiations. Although sunlight is essential for both plants and humans, over exposure to it is bad. Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body, which strengthens bone health. Sunlight can also boost immunity, build up strong muscles, and help in sterilization and disinfection. But, over-exposure can cause skin cancer, sunburn, premature ageing, and eye damage. Similarly, plants needs sunlight to grow and help in the process of photosynthesis, but over-exposure of sunlight can also cause plants to burn and die. So, we realize how sunlight is necessary, but only in moderate quantity. This is why when you are planning to build transparent structures like sheds, pergolas, patios, greenhouses, conservatories, or carports, polycarbonate is the best option to avoid any adverse effects on human bodies, plants, and even your cars! Polycarbonate will let you enjoy maximum sunlight during the day by providing almost 90% of the sunrays inside, while keeping away the harmful UV radiations. Another interesting thing about polycarbonate is that it is so light in weight that it can be carried and transported easily without the need of any additional tools or labour. Also, it is very easy to install. You needn’t call upon a professional to install a polycarbonate roof. You can do so on your own, only if you follow the right methods and precautions. Here are a few things you will have to bear in mind while installing polycarbonate roofs.
Polycarbonate sheets are gaining immense popularity as compared to traditional materials like glass and acrylic, where transparent and durable constructions are required. This is because of their unique properties of transparency with UV protection, durability with light weight, and flexibility with sturdiness. But, most popular of all the different kinds of Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets is multiwall polycarbonate. Many residential as well as commercial properties are specifically installing multiwall polycarbonate sheets, may it be while constructing a new structure, or renovating an existing one. So, what is it that is making these sheets so popular across the nation? Let us take a look. First of all, let us understand what makes multiwall polycarbonate different from all the other kinds of polycarbonate sheets. This is the most versatile polycarbonate sheet in the market with its hollow and multi-cellular structure that provides flexibility while maintaining the strength of the sheet. These sheets are manufactured from UV stabilized resin that ensures that the product meets the highest quality standards. It is made by layering two or more polycarbonate sheets, which is why the name multi“wall”. However, this layering does not make the sheet heavy in weight or rigid. In spite of this layering, multiwall sheets maintain their lightweight and flexibility, just like any other polycarbonate sheet. In fact, the layering brings an added benefit of insulation. However, one drawback of this layering is that it lets in a little lesser light than other solid polycarbonate sheets, with a maximum of 80% light transmission. But, this property is significantly useful for structures that require tolerable illumination with maximum comfort.
Also, multiwall polycarbonate sheets are very durable. As mentioned above, the multi layering of multiwall sheets makes the product more durable, but does not compromise on the flexibility and weight. The durability of these sheets also makes them capable of handling harsh weather and environmental conditions better than any other transparent or translucent material. Therefore, this sheet is more preferred than any other traditional material or polycarbonate itself. Various other benefits make multiwall sheets a much more popular option that other materials, some of which being its outstanding thermal insulation, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, non-combustibility, good flame resistance, and capability of possessing standard mechanical properties between –40°C and 120°C. With all these amazing properties, there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to opt for this incredible material. So, if you plan on using these sheets for your constructional purposes too, you need to make sure that you get them from the best dealers and suppliers in the country. One such name is Tuflite Polymers who has been manufacturing and supplying a wide range of Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets, and supplying the same to clients across the globe since the past decade. They manufacture the best quality multiwall sheets ranging from twin wall to triple wall to four wall, to suit different applications. So, whatever your construction type – may it be skylights, pergolas, indoor roofing, greenhouses, carports, awnings, patios, indoor partitions, or the like – think about multiwall polycarbonates as your first choice. Tuflite on Social Media - Facebook | Twitter | LinkeIn | Google+ | Pinterest Polycarbonate sheets are highly durable and virtually unbreakable when used under the right conditions. These sheets are available in various types like solid, textured, profiled, corrugated, and multiwall. The sheets are as transparent as glass, but are comparatively very strong, durable, and light in weight. They are a great material to use in designing various kinds of structures ranging from greenhouses, patios, decks, conservatories, warehouses, pool enclosures, stadium roofing, and a lot more. Many designers, artists, and architects use Tuflite Polymers polycarbonate sheets to fulfill their creative visions, demonstrating the versatility of this transparent and strong material. However, there are many parameters involved when working with these sheets to design structures, so that you are able to meet your design goals. There are some factors you need to consider before finalizing on your polycarbonate design. Bending and flexibility Polycarbonates can easily bend and are very flexible as compared to other construction materials. This means that you can have not many issues while bending your sheets for curved designer roofing. However, when you use larger sheets, you will need to opt for a gentle arching. Bending a polycarbonate sheet of up to 3mm thickness into a U shape is not very difficult. As the thickness of the sheet increases, the panel size decreases, thus making it a little difficult to bend. Discolouration Unlike other materials, polycarbonates do not discolour or become yellow when exposed to sun for longer time. Materials like plastic when used initially in structures look bright and beautiful, but with time they turn yellowish and cloudy due to UV exposure. However, when it comes to polycarbonate, this kind of damage does not take place because this sheet comes with a UV protective layering on one side which protects it from the harmful UV radiations of the sun. This property is also beneficial to those residing within the structure. This excellent property has led polycarbonates to be popularly used in greenhouses so that the plants within can receive maximum sunlight while keeping away the harmful UV rays. Daylighting With the use of polycarbonate roof, the indoor space is flooded with natural light during the day and transmitted light from within at night. This helps to effectively save on electricity bills, thus making the whole process of installing the structure with polycarbonate a cost-efficient one. These amazing properties of polycarbonates are highly beneficial for building a variety of structures. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind while designing any kind of polycarbonate structure. Some of the important guidelines are listed below.
Polycarbonate – The Perfect Roof For Extreme Weather Climates! |
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