Plastic sheets are now used to replace glass in both residential and commercial projects. Lexan and acrylic are the most common plastic sheets on the market today. But why are Lexan sheets so popular? Here are answers to seven frequently asked questions about Lexan sheets.

1. What Are Lexan Sheets?

Lexan is a trademarked name for polycarbonate sheeting manufactured by General Electric. Lexan can be anything from 0.75 mm (0.03 inch) to 12 mm (0.47 inch) thick. General Electric introduced Lexan in 1960, but the material is now manufactured by SABIC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

When it comes to polycarbonate sheeting, Lexan is among the most well-known names in the industry. It is six times lighter than glass and has a high impact resistance. Not only is it low in flammability and thermoformable, it is also flame retardant.

2. Is Lexan and Polycarbonate the Same Thing?

Lexan and acrylic are also brand names for polycarbonate. Lucite is another name for acrylic.

But are Lexan and acrylic the same? No, they are not. People, especially DIYers mix up the two plastic sheets since they have similar properties.

Similarities

Both acrylic and polycarbonate are significantly more impact-resistant than glass, yet they are much stronger and weigh less. In addition, they are both easy to clean and have similar flexural strengths.

Acrylic and polycarbonate are both shatterproof, meaning that they break into a few bigger chunks unlike glass that is brittle and has no elasticity and can easily shatter into pieces. It is safe to say that both materials are much safer than glass.

Differences

While the two materials have some characteristics, there are also important distinctions. Their strengths and weaknesses also make them useful for different applications.

• Impact resistance: Acrylic is ten times more resistant to impact than glass is. However, the impact resistance of polycarbonate is 250 times that of glass. In other words, polycarbonate is stronger, which is why it is often used as a weatherproof glazing material and bulletproof glass.
• Cost: In comparison to acrylic, polycarbonate is more expensive. Acrylics, in contrast to polycarbonate, keep their high-quality appearance even after being heated and molded.
• Durability: Given its superior durability to acrylic, polycarbonate is the best material for bulletproof windows and other highly demanding usage. While its gloss surface and increased transparency make acrylic the superior material for display cases, its susceptibility to cracking makes it less desirable than polycarbonate because polycarbonate is more prone to scratch than crack.

3. Is Lexan Sheet Hard to Cut?

Lexan is quite simple to cut. It can be cut with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. When cutting longer polycarbonate lengths, a circular saw is recommended.

Note: If using a jigsaw, hold the sheets firmly in place while sawing to ensure a clean cut. Placing glue clamps on the sheet can help keep it from sliding up and down while sawing.

Even a newbie DIYer can easily cut a Lexan sheet by following these simple steps:

• Install a 1/16-inch laminate blade on a table saw. Raise the saw blade 1/2 inch above it
• Measure and tape the sawblade’s path across the Lexan. This ensures the saw blade cuts the tape lengthwise.
• Set the fence. The blade should cut down the tape line’s center. Tape prevents Lexan chips. If there are no tapes available, wearing safety goggle is recommended to prevent chips from entering the eyes.
• Start the saw. Hold the sides of the Lexan and slide it slowly into the blade.
• Push Lexan past the blade. If the Lexan starts to smoke, reduce the speed until it stops, and then continue to press until the Lexan clears the blade on the other side and take t ape.

4. How Do You Get Scratches Out of a Lexan Sheet?

When scratches are noticed on Lexan sheets, heat guns can be used to get rid of them. To remove scratches from a Lexan sheet, follow these instructions.

• Clean the Lexan surface.
• Apply heat to the scratched area using the heat gun at the recommended heat setting.
• To ensure consistent heat, move the heat gun up and down the scratched area at a constant rate. Repeated action can cause melting, so make sure it isn’t done for too long and that the gun isn’t too hot.
• Leave to cool and smoothen the uneven parts with sandpaper, then clean again.

5. Can You Bend the Lexan Sheet?

Polycarbonate is a strong plastic sheet that bends easily without breaking. It is much easier to bend than acrylic. Due to its elasticity, it may be bent hot or cold, though, cold bending is more common because it is way easier, especially for DIYers.

6. What Are the Benefits of Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets?

Lexan polycarbonate sheets have many benefits, from high impact resistance to resistance to cracks. The following are the advantages of using Lexan sheets for projects.

• Impact resistance that is 250 times higher than that of glass
• Resistant to cracks
• Highly resistant to diluted acids, gasoline, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alcohols
• Can be cold-formed or bent
• Can be cut easily with a saw
• Provide 100% protection from harmful UV rays
• More flexible than acrylic and is available in different grades
• Highly transparent

7. What Are the Common Uses for Lexan Sheets?

Lexan is widely used in the following applications:

• Window covers
• Transparent visors for hockey and football helmets
• Bullet resistant glass
• LED light pipes and diffusers
• Reusable drinking bottles
• Phones and computers cases
• Machine guarding glass
• Greenhouses

Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Toronto

Wondering where to get Lexan sheets? Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the biggest Lexan sheet suppliers in Toronto. We have years of experience in providing different grades of Lexan sheets and other plastics at affordable prices. Contact us today or request a quote for Lexan sheets for roofing and other applications.

A beautiful and functioning deck or pergola provides an outside recreation center while also adding value to your property. A pergola is an excellent addition to any property. It provides shade and can be a lovely area to relax or entertain friends. Because these structures are exposed to the elements all year, it is critical to maintaining them to ensure they continue to look nice, are safe to use, and last for years to come.

Checking the roof for damage is one of the greatest ways to ensure your pergola is well-maintained. A good roof has numerous advantages, ranging from cost savings on maintenance to protection from the elements. It is a simple method to boost the value of your property or get more use out of your outside spaces. This is why it’s critical to keep a close check on your roof and inspect it on a regular basis for signs of breakdown. Here are six major signs that indicate that it is time to replace your roof.

Poor Energy Efficiency

There is much more to a roof than its exterior. Beyond the shingles and the underlying roofing material, there is an intricate system at work that should be constructed not just for safety and protection, but also for moisture resistance and energy savings.

If you discover that your energy costs are increasing, the first thing we recommend is that you inspect your roof. Heat gain can be caused by inadequate insulation. During the hot summers, the sun heats the roof, which absorbs some of the heat. Poor insulation may let heat gain into the house, especially if you have a covered deck. This makes your home’s air conditioning system work harder to keep you comfortable.

While the air conditioner works harder than necessary throughout the summer, it results in higher energy costs, especially during the hotter and colder seasons.

Age of the Roof

The age of your roof is another indicator that it needs to be replaced. Typically, roofs that are more than 20 years old must be replaced. The shelf life of various roof materials varies.

Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of roughly twenty years, although slate, copper, and concrete roofs can survive for more than fifty years. Wood shake roofs can also survive for roughly 30 years.

So, depending on the material of your roof and its shelf life, keep track of the last time it was replaced and replace it once the shelf life has passed.

Water Damage Causing Leaks

Damaged roofs, such as holes or rust, can all result in costly leaks in your pergola roof. Hence, you need to pay attention to these issues because once ignored, water damage can result in bigger damage by further deteriorating the roofing structure.

When your roof starts leaking, do well to replace it immediately with polycarbonate roofing panels from a reputable professional

Wind Damage

Roofs are extremely vulnerable to wind damage, owing to the fact that severe winds do not strike roofs equally. It, however, destroys the edges of the roof or parts of the roof that are already loose.

Because winds can rip loose shingles, initiating a chain reaction, these loose areas make it easy. Continuous wind damage can cause the roof to leak or rot due to water exposure. Hence, it is best to replace it.

Roof Is Rotting

The main cause of dry rot is moisture. When the roof is inadequately insulated and ventilated, it results in high humidity, and this exposes the roof’s wooden components to excessive moisture.

Rot occurs when wood-eating fungus consumes the fibers, causing the wood structure to dry and crumble.

Damaged or Cracked Shingles on the Roof

If you detect cracks in your pergola’s shingles, you should inspect it for damage. Cracks in the shingles can cause leaks and catastrophic damage, therefore they must be repaired as soon as they are discovered.

The best way to do this is to get a polycarbonate roof for a pergola and replace it as soon as possible.

Contact Canada Plastics and Belting Inc. for Polycarbonate Roofing Panels

Once you notice these signs on your porch, pergola, and deck’s roof, it is time for you to have it replaced with polycarbonate roofing panels because one of its benefits is that it is the best material when it comes to strength and this is perfect for pergola roofing.

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. has all of your roofing needs, ranging from polycarbonate roofs for pergolas, polycarbonate roofing, deck and pergola covers, and polycarbonate roofing sheets. Contact us today to learn about our products or visit our showroom.

A greenhouse is a glass structure where you cultivate plants that require protection against the weather. Growing seasons can be prolonged and even improved with greenhouses since they act as a barrier between the environment and what you are growing. They offer protection from pests and extreme cold or heat.

The fact that a greenhouse may be used for a multitude of purposes is one of its best features. Fresh organic veggies, flowers, bulb plants, home plants, exotic plants, and various plants can all be grown in a greenhouse.

But what are greenhouses made of? Which type of sheet is the best for a greenhouse and why must you use twin-wall polycarbonate sheets to build greenhouses?

All these questions will be answered in this post. Read on!

Why Use Polycarbonate Twin-Wall Sheets?

There are several types of polycarbonate sheets: twin-wall, solid, corrugated, embossed, and mini-corrugated. A polycarbonate twin-wall sheet is, as the name suggests, made of a sheet of polycarbonate plastic material that is constructed using a twin-wall technique.

It consists of a support layer composed of plastic and two layers of plastic (polycarbonate) sheets that are joined together. The sheet can hold weight easily because of the added strength.

Benefits of Polycarbonate Twin-Wall Sheets

The material is also a good insulator due to the air spaces between the layers of polycarbonate. For the second layer of polycarbonate to affect the opposite side when there is too much heat on one side, it must first pass through the first layer of polycarbonate, the space between them, and then the second layer. This is one of the factors that contribute to its popularity for greenhouses and other similar projects where the need to trap heat is essential.

Polycarbonate sheets are one of the most adaptable materials available in the plastics sector. One of the greatest materials for greenhouses is polycarbonate because it is less expensive, more durable, and less prone to breaks or cracks compared to glass.

It is extremely durable and only absorbs a little amount of moisture, making it resistant to both impact and water damage. Additionally, it is chemical resistant and flame retardant. It is very flexible and 30 times stronger than acrylic and has 200 strengths when compared to glass. It doesn’t end there. Polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are also lighter and easier to shape than glass.

Another benefit of polycarbonate sheets is the material’s resilience to chemicals and scratches. The surface of polycarbonate is resistant to scratch, and since it doesn’t absorb moisture, it may be easily cleaned for use in food and medical applications. Its insulating properties are also excellent. It insulates better than glass, and this consequently helps reduce energy expenses.

One of the reasons to use twin-wall sheets for greenhouses is that it is transparent or clear, allowing light to travel through them without difficulty, making them perfect for any application where visibility or light transmission is needed. Though it is more transparent than fiberglass, it is not as clear as glass.

Twin-Wall vs. Multiwall: What’s the Difference?

Due to the fact that the twin-wall and multi-wall polycarbonate sheets share the same qualities, it might be tricky to tell them apart.

The number of plastic sheet layers that each of these two products are made of, however, is what distinguishes them most from one another. Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are made up of numerous layers of plastic sheets, as opposed to twin-wall polycarbonate, which is composed of two layers of plastic sheets joined with a support layer. This makes multiwall polycarbonate ideal for roofing, skylights, and other structures since it has better thermal insulation than twin-wall polycarbonate.

Contrarily, twin-wall polycarbonate is thin due to its two layers, making it ideal for greenhouses or sheds. It is also clearer, lighter, and more flexible, making it simple to install.

Additionally, because of its transparency, it has a great light transmission and excellent heat insulation, creating an environment that is ideal for plant growth.

How Strong Is Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Plastic?

The fact that twin-wall polycarbonate sheets have excellent strength is one of its main selling factors.

It is a product that is 200 times stronger than glass, 200 times lighter, and highly impact-resistant. Because of this, it is practically unbreakable and can withstand wind, hail, and other bad weather. This is why it is commonly used for greenhouses and roofing applications, especially in storm-prone areas or during severe weather conditions.

Can You Bend the Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Panel?

Yes, despite its strength, twin-wall polycarbonate may be bent or curved to fit the task at hand. However, be careful not to bend it across the width of the sheet. It can only be bent longitudinally.

Top Reasons to Use Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheets to Build Greenhouses

• Lighter in weight than Glass. Twin-wall polycarbonate is used frequently to construct greenhouses, thanks to its moderate weight. It weighs twelve times less than glass.
• Keeps Heat Trapped. Twin-wall polycarbonate also retains heat inside the greenhouse, giving the plants a warm habitat to survive in. Additionally, it allows the plants to survive by transferring sunlight into the inside space.
• Unbreakable. Twin-wall polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable even in extremely bad weather conditions such as storms. This means it is durable and will last longer and save you the cost of replacement in the event of a crack or dent.
• Water Resistant. Additionally, twin-wall polycarbonate provides excellent water resistance. As a result, condensation in the greenhouse will be avoided. Rest assured that your plants are protected from damage from water.
• Weather Resistant. Since greenhouses are frequently exposed to the weather, you’ll want a weather-resistant material to avoid hardening or yellowing.

Contact Canada Plastics and Belting Inc. for Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheets

Twin-wall polycarbonate sheets are the best material to use when building a greenhouse. Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading polycarbonate sheet suppliers in Toronto and the GTA and can assist you with polycarbonate roofing panels for your next project. Please contact us if you have any questions on how to start your project and if you are interested in buying twin-wall polycarbonate sheets for your greenhouse project.

There are many different types of roofing materials on the market these days, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your home. If you are considering metal roofing, you may want to think again!

Here are eight common reasons why people should avoid metal roofs and install polycarbonate roofing panels instead.

1. Lightweight

Polycarbonate roofing panels are lighter and easier to install than metal roofs. Metal roofing can be too heavy for the foundation of some buildings and could cause structural issues down the road. If adding a metal roof to an existing structure, you could be adding more weight than the existing foundation can handle and might see cracks appear over time. Polycarbonate roofing is considerably lighter and won’t create as much of a weight issue for your structure.

2. Durable

Polycarbonate is more durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including hail, heavy winds, and snow load as well as or even better than metal roofing panels can. With extreme temperature swings in Canada that include humidity, rainfall and snow, polycarbonate panels can withstand the rigors of the Canadian climate for a lot longer than metal roofing panels.

3. Heat-Resistant

Polycarbonate won’t conduct heat like metal roofs. This is extremely important for structures that are within range of human or animal contact. The surface of a metal roof can get extremely hot and could pose a danger for people or animals that come in contact with it. For sheds, gazebos, pergolas, pet dwellings, and other structures where a person or animal may contact a roofing panel, you should consider polycarbonate roofing panels over metal roofing panels.

4. Impact-Resistant

Hail stones, sleet, high winds and falling debris are just a few elements that can dent or crack a metal roof. However, polycarbonate roofing panels are resistant to most of the elements and won’t dent when impacted with debris. In fact, polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than steel with the ability to withstand 900 psi of pressure.

5. Cost-Effective

Polycarbonate is a more cost-effective option, as it requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan than metal roofing. Polycarbonate is also easier and lighter to transport, allowing for a lesser impact on the environment when it comes to transporting.

6. Fade-Resistant

Polycarbonate panels don’t chalk and fade like metal roofing panels. Metal roofing panels will fade with time due to exposure to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, moisture and other factors. There’s also the issue of chalking. Chalking is the white residue that occurs when resins in the paint or coating of a metal roof begin to break down. They turn white and have a chalky residue. Both fading and chalking don’t occur with polycarbonate roofing panels.

7. Rust-Resistant

Polycarbonate roofing panels do not rust or corrode like metal roofing can. This is extremely important as rust will corrode metal and a negatively impact the overall strength of the roof. Polycarbonate roofing panels do not rust and therefore can maintain their structural integrity for a lot longer than metal roofing panels.

8. Quiet

Polycarbonate panels do not produce noise, unlike metal roofs which can be noisy during a rainstorm or high winds. You know the sound metal can produce when hit with something as light as a raindrop? Now imagine a steady downpour and the noise can be a distracting nuisance. With polycarbonate roofing panels, the sound is dampened so even during a heavy thunderstorm, you can expect a quieter outcome. This is especially important if the roof is for a gazebo or pergola that is expected to shelter people from the rain in a social setting as it will not negatively affect the setting like a metal roof will.

It’s important to take each of these factors into consideration when building a structure that will require a roof that will protect it and it’s occupants from the elements, while maintaining structural integrity, easy maintenance and attractive aesthetics. Polycarbonate roofing panels outperform metal roofing panels in all of these categories.

Are You Looking for a Polycarbonate Sheet Supplier in Toronto?

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading polycarbonate sheet suppliers in Toronto and the GTA and can assist you with polycarbonate roofing panels for your next project. We are proud to offer a wide selection of polycarbonate sheets in multiple colours, sizes, and thickness options. Contact us today or call us at 416-291-3036 for a free quote.