A pergola is an outdoor garden feature that forms a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area. It is designed with vertical posts or pillars that usually support crossbeams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained.
Traditionally, pergolas were constructed using wood, but wood is not the only material used to construct a pergola. Other roofing materials such as metal, glass, asphalt, and acrylic sheets have also become popular choices, especially for those looking for a pergola that will require little to no maintenance. One roofing material that is rapidly gaining popularity for pergolas is polycarbonate roof panels.
In this blog post, let’s understand more about polycarbonate sheets and their use as a roofing solution for your pergola.
What Is a Polycarbonate Sheet?
A polycarbonate sheet is a thermoplastic material that is durable and lightweight. It is often used in construction and architectural applications because it is easy to work with and provides a high level of transparency. Polycarbonate sheets can be used for roofing pergolas to create a stylish and modern outdoor living space.
Benefits of Using Polycarbonate Sheets for Roofing Pergolas
There are many benefits of using polycarbonate sheets for roofing pergolas.
- Strong and Durable: Polycarbonate sheets are very strong and can withstand high impact, making them an ideal material for roofing applications.
- Lightweight: Polycarbonate sheets are much lighter than glass, meaning they are easier to work with and install.
- Transparent: Polycarbonate sheets are highly transparent and allow natural light to enter the pergola, creating a bright and airy space.
- Impact Resistant: Polycarbonate sheets are an ideal choice for areas with a risk of falling debris because they are impact resistant.
- Easy to Install: Polycarbonate sheets are easy to install, saving time and money on installation costs.
- Easy to Work with: Thanks to its heat-bending properties, polycarbonate sheets are easy to work with and can be cut, drilled, and shaped to fit your specific project needs. They can also be formed into almost any shape while maintaining structural integrity.
- Affordable and Easily Available: Polycarbonate sheets are affordable and can be found at most home improvement stores.
How Do Polycarbonate Sheets Compare to other Roofing Solutions for Pergolas?
When it comes to pergolas, there are a lot of roofing material options to choose from like glass, acrylic sheets, metal, polycarbonate sheets, and asphalt shingles. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each material so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your pergola.
Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are a popular choice for pergola roofing because they are lightweight and durable. Polycarbonate sheeting is very strong and almost unbreakable, making it an ideal solution over glass or acrylic sheets for areas prone to hailstones, flying debris, or where children are present.
They are also UV-resistant, which makes them a good choice for areas that get a lot of sun exposure. However, polycarbonate sheets can be more expensive than other roofing materials and they can become yellow and brittle over time when exposed to UV light.
Glass
Glass is another popular choice for pergola roofing because it allows natural light to filter through and it provides good protection from the elements. However, glass is also more expensive than other roofing materials and it can be difficult to clean.
In addition, glass is not as durable as polycarbonate sheets or metal and can break if hail or heavy winds hit it. Glass breakage can cause accidents and hurt people underneath the pergola.
Acrylic Sheets
Acrylic sheets are less expensive than glass but allow natural light to filter through. They are also UV-resistant, and they provide good protection from the elements.
Acrylic sheets, however, can become yellow and brittle when exposed to UV light. In addition, acrylic sheets are not as durable as polycarbonate sheets or metal and can break if hail or heavy winds hit them.
Metal
Metal is a good choice for pergola roofing because it is durable and protects from the elements. It is also easy to clean. However, metal can be more expensive than other roofing materials and does not allow natural light to filter through.
In addition, metal can get very hot in direct sunlight, so you may need to use a shade cloth to make your pergola more comfortable during hot summer days.
Asphalt Shingles
Lastly, asphalt shingles are the most common pergola roofing material because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, asphalt shingles do not last as long as polycarbonate sheets or metal and do not provide as much protection from the elements.
In addition, asphalt shingles are not as attractive as other pergola roofing materials and do not allow natural light to filter through.
How to Choose the Right Polycarbonate Sheet Thickness for Your Pergola Roof
When choosing the right thickness for a polycarbonate roof for a pergola, there are a few factors to consider.
- The first is the size of the pergola. A larger pergola will require a thicker sheet to provide adequate coverage and support. It’s advisable to pick a polycarbonate sheet thickness of more than 5 mm. For a smaller pergola roof, a polycarbonate sheet thickness of 4-5 mm will suffice too.
- The second factor is the climate. In regions with high winds or heavy snowfall, a thicker sheet will be necessary to prevent damage. In this case, it is advisable to pick a polycarbonate sheet thickness of more than 5 mm.
- Finally, consider the amount of sunlight that will reach the pergola. A darker tinted sheet will help to reduce glare and heat build-up.
How to Install Polycarbonate Sheets on a Pergola Roof
Polycarbonate sheets are a great way to add some protection from the elements to your pergola without sacrificing too much in the way of sunlight or airflow. Let’s look at the basics of installing polycarbonate sheeting on a pergola roof.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:
- Polycarbonate sheets
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Screws and washers
- Furring strips (optional)
- Sealant (optional)
Pergola Roof Installation Instructions
1. Measure the roof area you want to cover with your polycarbonate sheets and cut them to size using a jigsaw.
2. If your pergola has existing gutters, you’ll need to remove them before continuing.
3. Install furring strips around the perimeter of your pergola, making sure that they’re level. This will provide a surface for your screw heads to sit below the level of the sheets.
4. Begin at one end of your pergola and attach your first polycarbonate sheet using screws and washers. Make sure you predrill the holes for the screws, as polycarbonate can crack if you try to screw directly into it.
5. Repeat step 4 until all of your sheets are in place.
6. You may want to apply sealant around the edges of your sheets to help keep moisture out.
Contact Canada Plastics & Belting – Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Toronto
Polycarbonate sheets meet all of the requirements of good roofing material. If you’re searching for an attractive, long-lasting, and lightweight material for roofing your pergola, contact Canada Plastics & Belting Inc.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of polycarbonate sheets in multiple colors, sizes, and thickness options.
We’re a leading stockist and supplier of acrylic sheets, plexiglass sheets, polycarbonate solid sheets, polycarbonate corrugated twin wall sheets, polycarbonate roofing panels, and more. Contact us today for all your polycarbonate sheet needs or call us at 416-291-3036 for a free quote.