Buy Polycarbonate Sheets: Applications and Types

Buy Polycarbonate Sheets: Applications and Types

Anyone considering buying polycarbonate sheets often chooses them for their combination of high impact resistance and good light transmission. This makes polycarbonate suitable for applications where safety, durability, and a neat finish are important, such as canopies, rooflights, façade panels, and protective screens. If you are looking for transparent plastic roofing sheets or durable polycarbonate roofing, this material is also a logical choice.

In this article, you will read what polycarbonate sheets are practically suitable for, which types are available (for example, solid sheets and multiwall sheets, such as a 16 mm polycarbonate multiwall sheet), and what to look for when choosing the thickness, UV protection, and installation method. It is precisely these details that determine whether a sheet remains straight in practice, fits properly, and lasts for a long time.

At Kunststof Forte, you will find various options and can rely on practical advice. Browse our range of polycarbonate sheets and contact us if you would like to discuss the right version for your project.

What Is Polycarbonate and What Makes It Suitable?

Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent thermoplastic that is often used as a safe alternative to glass. The material is also known by the brand name Lexan. Polycarbonate is particularly practical for applications where impact resistance, low weight, and ease of installation are important. It is up to 250 times more impact resistant than glass of the same thickness, weighs approximately 50% less, and is UV-resistant when the sheet is provided with a UV coating. Within our range of plastic sheets, polycarbonate is therefore a logical choice for applications such as canopies, machine guards, and glazing.

The Main Properties at a Glance

Polycarbonate withstands heavy impact and hail damage without breaking immediately, making it suitable for applications where safety is important. It allows a high level of light transmission, with a clear solid sheet achieving up to approximately 92% light transmission. It is easy to process using standard tools, such as saws and drills, which is convenient for on-site installation. It maintains its performance across a wide temperature range of approximately –30°C to +120°C. Thanks to its lower weight, lifting and installation are often easier than with glass.

Polycarbonate vs Glass: The Practical Differences

Think of a veranda or canopy: in these applications, weight and safety play a major role. A polycarbonate sheet generally withstands a hailstorm better, whereas glass can crack or break under a heavy impact. It is fair to mention, however, that polycarbonate scratches more easily than glass. Therefore, clean it with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and avoid using abrasive cleaning products.

Solid Sheet or Multiwall Sheet: Which Is Right for Your Project?

If you are looking to buy polycarbonate sheets, you will often choose between two types: solid sheets and multiwall sheets. The right choice mainly depends on two factors: how much light you want to let through and how much insulation you need. For applications where maximum clarity is important, a solid sheet is usually the best choice. For polycarbonate roofing on a canopy, a multiwall sheet is often more practical because of its insulating air chambers.

Solid Polycarbonate: Maximum Clarity and Strength

Solid polycarbonate is completely transparent and has an appearance similar to glass, but it is much more impact resistant. For this reason, it is often used for canopies, noise barriers, safety glazing, and façade applications. Its light transmission can reach approximately 92%, making it a logical choice if you are looking for transparent plastic roofing sheets with a clear view. Keep in mind, however, that solid sheets do not have insulating air channels, so their thermal insulation is more limited than that of multiwall sheets.

16 mm Polycarbonate Multiwall Sheet: Insulation for Canopies

The 16 mm polycarbonate multiwall sheet is a popular thickness for verandas and carports. Thanks to its hollow channel structure, it provides better thermal insulation and helps keep the area beneath your roof more comfortable. A span of up to approximately 1.5 metres is generally achievable with a 16 mm sheet; for larger spans, 25–32 mm sheets are often selected. Clear sheets provide maximum daylight, while opal sheets reduce direct sunlight and offer more privacy. Always install multiwall sheets with the channels running vertically so that any condensation can drain away properly. A multiwall sheet is less suitable for use as a secondary glazing panel.

Browse all variants and options in our polycarbonate sheets category. If you are unsure whether to choose a solid sheet or a multiwall sheet, our specialists will be happy to help you select the right option based on your application and required dimensions.

Polycarbonate Roofing: Suitable for These Applications

In practice, we see that polycarbonate roofing is mainly chosen when you want to retain natural light while also needing a roof that can withstand impact. Examples include a carport where hail and falling branches are a concern, a garden canopy or veranda where you want to sit comfortably even on darker days, and a conservatory where you want to combine warmth with daylight. Polycarbonate is also frequently used in commercial projects, such as rooflights in industrial buildings, to make workspaces less dependent on artificial lighting during the day.

Transparent Plastic Roofing Sheets for Canopies and Verandas

With transparent plastic roofing sheets, you will notice the difference immediately: they allow a large amount of daylight to enter while keeping the roof relatively lightweight. This reduces the load on the supporting structure, as a lighter frame is often sufficient. Polycarbonate is also easy to cut to size and install. You will typically choose between clear for maximum light transmission, opal for diffused light without glare, or tinted (bronze/smoke) if you want additional solar shading. For insulation and rigidity, a 16 mm polycarbonate multiwall sheet is commonly used for canopies and rooflights.

UV Coating: Why It Protects Your Investment

A UV coating is not a luxury. Sheets without UV protection can become discoloured and brittle within 5–7 years. With a UV layer, a service life of 15–20 years is achievable, provided the sheets are installed correctly. When purchasing, always check whether a UV coating is included as standard. If you want to be sure which sheet is right for your project, simply request a custom quotation.

Choosing the Right Polycarbonate Thickness: A Practical Guide

Span as the Starting Point for Choosing the Right Thickness

When buying polycarbonate sheets, the thickness is often the most important decision. A useful rule of thumb is: the larger the span (the distance between the supporting beams), the thicker the sheet should be. This helps prevent deflection and keeps your structure stable, even in windy conditions and during rainfall.

A 6 mm sheet is suitable for small applications with short spans, usually up to approximately 0.5–0.7 m, for example for protective screens or small canopies. A 10 mm sheet covers many standard applications and is suitable for spans of up to approximately 1 m. For polycarbonate roofing, such as a veranda or carport, a 16 mm polycarbonate multiwall sheet is commonly used for spans of up to approximately 1.5 m. For larger spans or applications with higher loads, 25–32 mm sheets are typically used, for example for wide roofs or where snow loads may be higher.

If you are unsure about your situation, for example because of the location, wind load, or snow load, please contact our specialists via our customer service or contact page. We will be happy to help you determine which sheet thickness and construction are most suitable for your project.

Buy Polycarbonate Sheets at Kunststof Forte

Delivered to Size with Expert Advice Upfront

Would you like to buy polycarbonate sheets for a canopy, rooflight, machine guard, or polycarbonate roofing? Kunststof Forte will mainly help you with a practical solution: the right sheet, in the right size, with a clear delivery time.

Order your sheet cut to size easily through our webshop and browse our range of polycarbonate sheets, from solid sheets to multiwall sheets, including 16 mm polycarbonate multiwall sheets for insulated roofing applications and transparent plastic roofing sheets for maximum light transmission.

• Request a quotation for larger quantities or project work, so that you receive a suitable proposal quickly;
• Receive expert advice if you are unsure about the type, thickness, UV side, or installation. This helps prevent rattling, cracking, or insufficient ventilation with multiwall sheets;
• Consult our information on shipping and delivery for clear delivery times and reliable shipping. If you are still unsure, browse our range or contact us for technical advice.