Looking at patio roofing or pergolas can leave you with some tough choices.
Do we want complete shade?
Is it cold enough here to warrant a 4-season sunroom?
Will we be able to add ceiling fans to our patio roofing?
Should we sell the living room furniture since we won’t venture indoors again?
Those thoughts can often lead to polycarbonate translucent patio cover options. These roofing panels are designed to provide protection from UV rays while still allowing the good stuff in – aka sunlight. Many homeowners love this type of patio addition, after all the material is far advanced from hideous roofs of old.
Still, others see problems with this modern roofing system for their outdoor activities. So let’s take a clear look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of polycarbonate translucent patio covers. Stick around for sunlight facts that could sway your decision at the end.
Price isn’t Light
Back in the 80s, you could buy a clear-ish patio system with fiberglass roofing panels for the cost of a happy meal. But after a year or two, the panels would turn an odd color not found even in a 64-count Crayola box. And fiberglass can stain easily.
Then along came poly materials that looked much better than inexpensive materials like fiberglass. But quality and aesthetics don’t come cheap. The downside of better-looking roofing panels is they will often cost more than other materials. Yet, the value comes into play as these modern polycarbonates can last as long as the home it’s attached to.
Poly Power
If you’ve never been on a roof, count your blessings. Hades is probably one enormous flaming rooftop. And patios are usually on the hottest part of your property. That’s why you’re looking into a gazebo or screen room, of course. So the roofing material has to be able to withstand extreme temperatures.
That’s a big plus of polycarbonate translucent patio covers. This state-of-the-art material doesn’t wither, not even when facing the hottest environments. So, no worries about sun fading or blistering the roofing panels on models like our Fresco.
Tough As Nails, But
You may be amazed by how various forms of polycarbonate are used. That’s right, it has other uses besides making patios comfortable in South Florida summers or rainy Tennessee springs. How polycarbonate is used include:
Clearly, this space-age material is meant to last. But one downside is that polycarbonate roofing panels can be damaged with highly concentrated or abrasive cleaners. And the material is subject to scratching, so we wouldn’t recommend raking leaves off your translucent patio cover. Not that you’d try that… you won’t, right?
The Good Sun
How do you feel when you play golf or go boating on a cloudy day? We know, we know, it’s better than a sunny day at work. Still, you don’t get the ultimate outside vibes when the sun is hidden. That’s why so many folks choose a model like the Renaissance Fresco. It gives rain protection but doesn’t keep them from the most valuable thing Earth has – the sun.
Even better, polycarbonate translucent patio covers do block out the bad sun, while welcoming in the good sun. UV rays can lead to premature wrinkles and dangerous skin cancer. But with translucent patio roofing panels, nearly 100% of these harmful rays are blocked, while still letting the sunshine on you and yours.
Magic Insulation
It’s true that some polycarbonate patio covers do have insulation – due to the invisible air trapped between the bottom and top panels. But this isn’t as much insulation protection as you get with our other models utilizing foam insulation. Since it’s impossible to see through insulated aluminum panels, studies show, that is the trade-off. Feel and see the sunbeams while being a little less insulated from the elements.
The Missing Link
The one positive that never gets brought up about polycarbonate translucent patio covers is a big one. Yet, it’s unseen until homeowners have already had a different system installed or constructed as a room addition.
Hardly anyone thinks about what the inside of their house will look like with a sunroom or screened enclosure installed. Some regular patio roofs don’t allow light to weave its way into your home. Now, you may not find this important. But for those who prefer not to reduce natural light flowing into their dining room or family room, it is a key point to consider.
Of course, Renaissance offers the option of installing most of our models as free-standing additions. So the light factor inside your home wouldn’t apply there. Feel free to think of some other pros and cons then let’s chat about them. Patio’s talk lights us up.
Oh, 3 more facts that could sway your sun deck decision:
Sunlight is a vitamin supplement.
The sun can improve moods.
Light therapy has been used to battle seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D)
Ready to talk to an expert about your patio dreams? Get your custom quoteor call us at1-866-224-4891
Polycarbonate is yet another transparent option for a patio cover, which offers a different set of advantages. It stands out with its durability, lightweight construction, and UV resistance. It's also cost-effective, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable yet affordable solution for their patio.
Despite the many advantages to using polycarbonate panels as roofing material, there are only a couple of downsides. One downside to polycarbonate sheets is that they are not scratch resistant and denting or scratching on the surface is possible if extra caution and care are not taken.
Polycarbonate is a popular type of plastic because it is highly resistant to damage. However, climate and location influence the lifespan of polycarbonate roofs. Nonetheless, these roof types have a lifespan of 10-20 years and are an excellent option for your next roofing project.
With an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years (and potentially even longer with proper care), they offer excellent value for money. Whether you're building a new home, renovating an old one, or just looking to replace your current roof, polycarbonate panels are certainly worth considering.
Not only is polycarbonate roofing durable and long-lasting, it's also effective at blocking out the sun's heat. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of polycarbonate roofing and how it can help regulate the temperature inside your home.
If a roof is well maintained, it can last between 10 to 20 years before it's going to need to be replaced. There are even instances where the polycarbonate roof panels have lasted 30 years. Polycarbonate has the capability to resist extreme temperatures, both cold and hot.
Because of acrylic's chemical composition, it's resistant to UV rays and doesn't warp or discolor as easily. Polycarbonate sheets, however, need additional protection from the sun's rays -- usually a thin layer of a UV ray-resistant coating is applied to both sides of the material.
However, bisphenol A polycarbonate is susceptible to photodegradation under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes breakdown of the material, leading to yellowing, loss of toughness and embrittlement.
Substances such as: Ethylene chloride, chloroform, tetrachloroethane, m-cresol, and pyridine can greatly affect polycarbonate, and in many cases partially dissolve it.
Quick Tip: While Polycarbonate will eventually yellow in the sun, it takes approximately 5-7 years for degradation to start on uncoated polycarbonate. However, manufactures have started adding chemicals that make polycarbonate inherently UV resistant and extends its lifetime before yellowing starts.
Unlike acrylic sheet, polycarbonate is resistant to fire and has a fire rating of B1, which means that the material will not burn with an open flame. Polycarbonate is actually self-extinguishing.
Never walk on polycarbonate sheet at any time. On roof constructions the sheet should not be used to support a person's weight during installation or cleaning. A temporary wooden beam or other device, supported by the roof members, should always be used when any such access to the roof is required.
Resistant to very hot and cold temperatures, polycarbonate holds up exceptionally well to rain, snow and hail. The panels also last for years without fading or discoloration.
Is Polycarbonate Toxic? Most polycarbonate plastics used today are not toxic. Non-food-grade polycarbonates are considered hazardous when they come in contact with food due to the release of BPA during degradation when in contact with water. In the past, most polycarbonates were made by a combination of BPA and COCl2.
Polycarbonate roofs are subjected to a day-long exposure to UV radiation which causes the discoloration of the sheet. UV radiation causes colored sheets to dull its color while transparent sheets may show yellowing.
Compared to polycarbonate, acrylic has a higher tensile strength and UV resistance. Acrylic is less expensive than polycarbonate and is commonly used as a suitable alternative when impact resistance is not a key factor.
However, the amorphous nature and high free volume between the molecules, causes PC to have exceptionally poor chemical resistance. PC readily absorbs many hydrocarbon chemicals causing it to become brittle and fail by a process known as Environmental Stress Cracking or ESC.
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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