Polycarbonate is quickly becoming one of the most commonly used building materials in the professional and DIY construction industry. Even if you don’t know what polycarbonate is, the chances are very high that you’ve probably seen it used for a number of structures and construction projects over the past few years. Often used as a lightweight and more durable replacement for glass or standard plastic, polycarbonate has a lot of great qualities that make it a worthy contender for a substitute material for gazebo roof panels.

Although it’s making big waves in the residential roofing and construction industry, polycarbonate is most commonly used for outdoor commercial structures such as gazebos, greenhouses, and conservatories. This is because of its inimitable strength (it’s 250 times more durable than glass) and its incredible heat and UV resistance. Keep reading to learn why polycarbonate gazebo roof panels are far superior to standard roofing materials.

What Is Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is a combination of groups of thermoplastic polymers that are engineered to bind together to form a strong, solid, yet incredibly flexible sheet or panel. They come in a variety of grading options including transparent, opaque, tinted, mirrored, bulletproof, abrasion-resistant, anti-static, and flame retardant.

The type of polycarbonate you need depends on the specifications of your project or application. Gazebo roofing typically requires transparent or tinted polycarbonate panels to let in sufficient lighting and filter out harmful UV rays. But it also depends on how much sun protection and shade you want your structure to provide.

Twin wall or multiwall polycarbonate sheets are the most suitable for gazebo roofing projects because they’re durable and have a strong impact resistance that allows them to withstand exposure to all kinds of natural outdoor elements as well as human and animal contact. Perfect for glazing, twin wall or multiwall polycarbonate sheets feature multiple layers of thick or thin plastic that have many of the same characteristics of glass with the exception of being more flexible and lightweight.

Why You Should Install Polycarbonate Gazebo Roof Panels

Polycarbonate has a lot of great advantages over glass and standard plastic building materials. Here are a few reasons why polycarbonate is the roofing and glazing material of choice for professional contractors and construction companies.

It’s Easy to Install

Polycarbonate sheets are extremely versatile, lightweight, and flexible. These traits make it the perfect building material for virtually any application and it’s easy to install, too. Glass typically requires multiple cuts and several people to transport and carry it onto the jobsite. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is so lightweight and malleable that it requires less manpower to install and can be reconfigured to suit the specifications of any project.

Virtually Unbreakable

Available in a variety of colour, grading, and thickness options, polycarbonate is an extremely durable glazing material. Unlike glass, it’s completely shatterproof and scratch-resistant. Even if it’s dropped on a jobsite or during the transportation process, it’ll keep its shape without showing any signs of damage.

Mouldable According to Project Needs

Polycarbonate is one of the easiest building materials to work with. It’s very low maintenance and can be reshaped or cut down to size according to the exact measurements your application requires. Whether it’s being used for windows or for gazebo roof panels, polycarbonate can be moulded into virtually any shape without diminishing its durability and impact resistance to protect the structure against strong outdoor elements.

UV Reflective

Another advantage that polycarbonate has over glass is that it reflects UV rays rather than simply absorbing them. This quality ensures ultimate UV protection even on the hottest and sunniest days. Polycarbonate blocks out 100% of UV rays from the sun, but lets in 90% of natural light. Glass panes, on the other hand, are only capable of blocking 25% of harmful UV rays. Hence, polycarbonate is the superior aesthetic and practical material choice for your gazebo roofing needs.

Unparalleled Strength and Impact Resistance

Roofs of any kind are exposed to a variety of environmental elements that can cause serious damages. The whole purpose of a roof is to provide ultimate protection for the things that are inside of it. While glass is certainly a strong material, it doesn’t have nearly the level of strength and impact resistance that polycarbonate has. In fact, glass is far more likely to break under enormous amounts of pressure. All it takes is a strong hailstorm or below freezing temperatures to cause glass to literally crack under pressure. Moreover, all it takes is a tiny crack that spreads across the pane for glass to completely shatter. Another disadvantage of glass is that it’s incredibly expensive and difficult to replace.

Polycarbonate boasts superior strength and impact resistance in a variety of weather-related and circumstantial environmental conditions. It’s a scratch-proof and fully reinforced material that can handle pretty much anything Mother Nature or anyone else has to throw at it.

Polycarbonate Comes in a Variety of Colours

Most polycarbonate gazebo roof panels are made to imitate the appearance of glass, which is why they’re usually transparent. However, polycarbonate panels are completely customizable, so you can get them in any colour or level of transparency you prefer to suit the aesthetic of your structure and your personal taste. If you’re looking for a more unique look to make your structure stand out from others around it, then you can opt for tinted polycarbonate panels.

Polycarbonate Is Naturally Heat-Resistant

Since polycarbonate is constructed of a series of polymers and is double reinforced, it’s completely heat-resistant. Regardless of how hot it gets outside, polycarbonate panels will never feel too hot to touch. Plus, it can be used in conjunction with other flame retardant materials without diminishing its strength. It can also withstand long hours of extreme sun and heat exposure without weakening the material.

Expert Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Toronto and the GTA

If you’re planning on building or renovating a commercial or residential gazebo this summer, then you’ve come to the right place! Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality polycarbonate gazebo roof panels across Toronto and the GTA. We have a wide range of polycarbonate sheet options to choose from and our expert staff can help you choose the right product for your project. Contact us today to learn more.

Glass was traditionally the material of choice for covering greenhouses. But as technological advancements and material improvements continue to be made, polycarbonate is slowly but surely replacing the use of glass in many construction mediums. 

Polycarbonate sheet suppliers have been seeing an increase in the demand for multiwall sheets for greenhouses in recent years. That’s because construction companies and DIYers are seeing the great benefits of using polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses instead of glass. After reading through this list, you will, too. 

Polycarbonate Is Easier to Work With

Polycarbonate plastic is incredibly lightweight compared to glass. This makes transportation and installation a lot easier, faster, and more cost-efficient. Less manpower is required to lift and secure polycarbonate greenhouse sheets in place, which means that the job will get done a lot faster with a reduced chance of onsite injuries, mishaps, or damages. 

Better Insulation

Polycarbonate is composed of thermoplastic polymers, which is why it has significantly better heat retention capabilities than glass. Heat and moisture control and retention is an essential feature for greenhouses to ensure the good health of the plants and greenery being stored inside. 

Additionally, polycarbonate also allows for excellent light transmission (about 88%) while blocking out harmful UV rays from the sun that can kill your plants. It can be totally transparent, tinted, or opaque depending on the environmental requirements of the flora in your greenhouse.

It’s Considerably More Cost-Effective

Polycarbonate is lightweight, easy to install, and incredibly low maintenance. Plus, it retains more heat compared to glass and offers far superior performance in terms of light transmission, which lowers your operational costs year-round. As a result of these factors, using polycarbonate sheets for your greenhouse is undoubtedly the most affordable long-term cost-saving solution compared to glass. 

With a combination of the right environmental conditions and excellent care, polycarbonate multiwall sheets for greenhouses can last up to 10 years, whereas glass will start to show signs of wear and tear much sooner than that.

Better UV Protection and Light Distribution

In addition to its excellent light transmittance and heat retention qualities, polycarbonate plastic sheets are also a lot thicker than glass. The thickness facilitates stronger UV protection and more even light and heat distribution throughout the premises. This guarantees that each plant will fully receive and absorb all of the benefits of photosynthesis and nutrients provided by the sun without any of the adverse effects of ultraviolet exposure. 

Since all areas within the greenhouse will receive equal lighting and heat, installing polycarbonate sheets actually reduces the amount of work you have to do year-round. Now you don’t have to reconfigure your plant setup or positioning based on varying lighting and heat conditions throughout the day. 

Incomparable Durability and Ruggedness

Glass is certainly more fragile than polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses and therefore, it must be handled with extra special care at all times to prevent environmental and human-caused damages. The transportation and installation process of glass sheets can be especially harrowing. 

Large glass sheets are extremely heavy to carry and transport from one location to another, which means more manpower is needed to reduce the chance of injury or damaging it. Glass is also high maintenance compared to polycarbonate sheets, so this will increase your upfront and operational costs for your greenhouse. 

The simple fact is that it’s almost impossible to hurt polycarbonate sheets—you’d have to really be trying! Polycarbonate sheets are also weather-resistant, which means they can handle all kinds of harsh environmental conditions. Heavy rains, snow, ice, and even hail are no match for this supremely rugged and durable cover for your greenhouse! Glass, on the other hand, is far more fragile, and susceptible to cracking under pressure or when exposed to extreme force and projectiles.

Shatter and Scratch-Resistant

Since polycarbonate is a type of extra durable plastic meant for outdoor use, it’s also incredibly shatter-resistant. Even the strongest outdoor glass is no match against the strength of polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses. Polycarbonate greenhouses can withstand high pressure and impact from virtually any source including hailstorms, windstorms, and even rocks that may come into contact with them at a high velocity. Aside from coming into contact with unlikely weather elements such as a tornado, polycarbonate greenhouses are virtually indestructible otherwise.

Requires Less Maintenance Than Glass

Polycarbonate has a high chemical resistance rating, but it’s best and easier to clean it with warm soapy water and a microfiber or cotton cloth if possible. Maintenance is super easy and limited. As long as you clean your polycarbonate greenhouse about once a week and dry it immediately with a soft cloth, this should be enough to maintain it and ensure it lasts a long time. Make sure you get rid of all of the moisture during the drying process to prevent water marks. Leaving water marks on the surface of polycarbonate can adversely impact or limit even light and heat transmittance, so this is important. 

Unparalleled Flexibility and Versatility

One of the most noteworthy attributes of using polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses instead of glass is its unparalleled flexibility, versatility, and customizability. Of course, polycarbonate can be used for a number of different industrial and commercial applications that were previously reserved strictly for glass. But when it comes to greenhouses, it serves several specific purposes that are related to enhancing the form, functionality, and performance of the structure itself. 

Polycarbonate is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even hues. Additionally, it can be cut down to size and reshaped to fit the exact dimensions of your specific greenhouse structure without even having to leave the property, whereas glass would have to be taken back to manufacturer for reconfiguration, thus prolonging the installation process and costing you more money.

Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Canada

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses and other commercial and industrial applications across North America. We pride ourselves on offering top-notch products, unbeatable prices, and excellent customer service, as well as a wide selection of polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses and other structural projects. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

Over the past few years, polycarbonate has gradually become the go-to alternative building material to replace glass and acrylic for a number of reasons. It’s an extremely versatile material that boasts many different qualities that make it suitable for a variety of construction applications, including roofing. Constructed using thermoplastic polymer, polycarbonate roofing panels are completely transparent and durable, which makes them the ideal choice for greenhouses, skyscrapers, and automobiles. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of polycarbonate gazebo roof panels for your next professional or DIY construction project.

Ease of Construction

Compared to glass, acrylic, shingles, and other common building materials, polycarbonate is extremely easy to work with and install. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it’s also durable, capable of withstanding long-term exposure to extreme temperatures, and keeps its shape regardless of weather conditions. Polycarbonate is also very easy to install and can be cut to any shape or size required for the project.

Lightweight Material

One of the main reasons polycarbonate is such a popular replacement choice for glass and acrylic is because of how lightweight it is. Where large glass plates would require multiple workers to carry and install it due to its heavy weight and fragility, polycarbonate is easy to transport to and from jobsites and can easily be carried and installed by a single individual.

Cost-Effective

Working with reputable polycarbonate twin wall sheet suppliers in the GTA guarantees that you’re always going to get a high-quality product for a reasonable price. It’s more cost-effective, durable, and easier to handle than glass. Using polycarbonate for construction projects cuts down on transportation costs, reduces the need for replacing damaged material, and can even increase the speed and productivity of your workforce because it’s so easy to handle.

Durable

No matter how many times polycarbonate is dropped on the floor or scraped against another material or structure, it won’t crack or show signs of damage. It’s built to last and can handle all kinds of heavy inclement weather conditions, which makes it the ideal choice for roofing, windows, and other construction elements.

Excellent Soundproofing

If you’re looking to increase privacy in a commercial or personal space, then polycarbonate roofing and gazebo panels are a great solution. They have all of the aesthetic appeal of glass combined with a superior sound barrier quality that’s also great for professional settings such as conference rooms, offices, and meeting areas.

Ultraviolet Protection

Despite the fact that they’re transparent, polycarbonate panels provide excellent ultraviolet protection without completely filtering out natural sunlight. This quality makes polycarbonate the ideal choice for spaces that require natural lighting to function such as offices, greenhouses, and even your living space.

Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Toronto and the GTA

There’s a reason that Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is regarded as one of the top polycarbonate sheet suppliers in Toronto and the GTA. We have a fully stocked inventory of various polycarbonate sheet colours, sizes, and thicknesses that are ideal for any application. Contact us today to learn more or to visit our showroom.

As far as roofing materials go, polycarbonate is arguably one of the most cost-effective, lightweight, affordable, and flexible choices available. It’s also more commonly used for roofing than most people think. People typically assume that all roofs are made up of clay, cement, asphalt, wood, or slate. Hardly anyone ever ventures to guess that a roof could consist of polycarbonate roofing panels.

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that was initially used for greenhouses and conservatories to maintain a temperature-controlled atmosphere so that plants and other living organisms could thrive.

Given its lightweight nature, flexibility, easy production, and affordability, commercial builders started incorporating polycarbonate roofing solutions into their structural designs. In recent years, even residential developers see the value in it and have jumped on the bandwagon. Due to its flexibility and lightweight capabilities, polycarbonate is easier to transport, carry, and install. It’s extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of building applications in addition to roofing.

Why Are Polycarbonate Sheets Preferred for Roofing?

Polycarbonate roofing panels are quickly becoming the top choice for commercial and residential building developers for a number of reasons. Compared to traditional roofing materials, polycarbonate is incredibly lightweight and therefore easier to maneuver, cut down to size, and reshape in whatever way is necessary for the project at hand. It can be modified onsite, which saves builders a lot of time and money. Plus, polycarbonate is fully customizable and comes in a variety of sizes and colours to match the aesthetic of the structure.

How Long Does Polycarbonate Roofing Last?

As long as it’s well-maintained, polycarbonate roofing panels can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years before they need to be replaced. In some cases, the amount and type of external elements they’re exposed to on a regular basis can also make a difference in terms of longevity. Colder climates that get a significant amount of inclement weather throughout the year are more likely to require more frequent replacements. Manufacturers typically offer comprehensive extended warranties for polycarbonate roofing.

What Are the Types of Polycarbonate Roofing Solutions?

There are two types of polycarbonate roofing panels: clear and foam-backed.

Clear polycarbonate roofing solutions are transparent and closely resemble glass. The main difference is that polycarbonate is far more durable, less prone to breaking, and it’s a lot lighter and easier to carry. Polycarbonate is also easier to handle than glass and can often be carried by one person as opposed to multiple people due to the fact that it weighs significantly less. This type of polycarbonate can be completely clear or slightly tinted depending on your lighting and heat retention requirements. It’s commonly used for conservatories, solariums, or greenhouses.

Foam-backed polycarbonate roofing materials are more commonly used for commercial and residential buildings. Its corrugated design makes it resemble a metal roof, but it’s a lot lighter. The foam on the inside of the panel helps insulate structures for better temperature control and to prevent heat or cool air from penetrating the surface.

Polycarbonate Roofing Sheet Suppliers in Toronto

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of polycarbonate roofing panels and sheets in Toronto and the GTA. We have a wide selection of fully customizable polycarbonate roofing solutions for our customers to choose from based on the requirements of their individual projects. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

Twin-wall polycarbonate sheets, which are also known as multiwall sheets, are the ideal material choice for a variety of commercial construction and at-home DIY projects. They’re incredibly durable, yet lightweight, and they offer exceptional light transmission, which makes multiwall sheets great for greenhouses. Whether you’re running a professional operation or working on a personal project, working with the right polycarbonate sheet suppliers in Ontario makes a world of difference. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of multiwall sheets for greenhouses and other applications.

Lightweight and Easy Application

One of the biggest advantages of using polycarbonate twin-wall sheets for various construction and DIY applications is that it’s extremely lightweight without compromising on durability and impact-resistance. The lightweight feature makes it easy to transport, lift, and install polycarbonate sheets and seamlessly incorporate them into the design of your structure. The rigidity of the material itself ensures that the structure will be capable of withstanding a wide range of external elements that it may come into contact with such as wind, rain, and snow.

Polycarbonate sheets come in a standard size, but they can easily be cut down to the desired shape and size that each individual project demands. Since the material is extremely durable, it can be altered or customized without cracking or splitting and will still hold its shape throughout the process.

UV Ray Protection

For decades, glass was the first choice for building greenhouses and other large structures. But all of that is changing now. Glass is being replaced with a far superior, more durable and flexible material: polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate offers unparalleled UV protection and excellent even heat distribution throughout your greenhouse structure to ensure the health and longevity of all of your greenery.

Multiwall sheets for greenhouses protect your plants from harmful UV rays which can burn their leaves and prematurely dry out the soil while emitting enough light to allow for the effects of photosynthesis to prevail. Glass, on the other hand, reflects the light from the sun which can cause greenhouses to overheat.

Light Transmission

Polycarbonate sheets share a lot of similarities with glass in the sense that they’re transparent and allow for extensive light transmission. The main difference between the two materials is that polycarbonate is lightweight, much easier to handle and install, and it distributes light more evenly than glass without causing the structure to overheat.

Essentially, polycarbonate sheets offer better temperature control for enclosed spaces such as buildings and greenhouses while providing exceptional natural lighting. From greenhouses to structural skylights and windows, polycarbonate sheets are capable of doing everything glass does, but with higher performance levels and greater durability.

Energy-Efficient Materials to Keep Heat In

Twin-wall sheets are also far more energy efficient than glass. They get their name from the structural design of the sheets. Each sheet is comprised of three layers: two external smooth sheets and one internal honeycomb sheet, giving you three layers of material to prevent heat from escaping your structure and external temperatures from penetrating through. The honeycomb layer also adds to the durability of the structure, preventing it from collapsing in on itself when pressure or high impact is applied.

It’s been proven that twin-wall polycarbonate sheets are capable of improving structural energy-efficiency by about 50%, which also helps keep your monthly heating bills low.

Virtually Unbreakable Material

As one of the most flexible glass alternatives on the market, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are virtually unbreakable and impervious to minor damages such as cracks or chips. Even when exposed to the harshest external conditions and elements such as heavy snowstorms, ice storms, or hailstorms, polycarbonate can still hold its own with minimal to no damage.

Unlike glass, polycarbonate can withstand virtually anything you throw at it, whether it’s stray balls from kids playing nearby or Mother Nature herself. Due to its unparalleled durability and strength, polycarbonate is one of the most affordable building materials on the market and very rarely needs to be replaced or repaired, which makes it the ideal choice for a number of indoor and outdoor applications.

It Can Be Used as Room Dividers

In addition to facilitating healthy plant growth and providing excellent natural lighting, twin-wall polycarbonate sheets also serve as great room dividers for offices and cubicles. Whether you prefer transparent or frosted dividers for added privacy between workstations, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are an affordable and virtually indestructible solution that’s also extremely easy to install. Frosted polycarbonate sheets give your employees the privacy they need to be productive without diminishing desirable and energy-inducing natural lighting.

Fire Resistance

For increased structural safety, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are also chemical and fire-resistant. Additionally, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are also made of non-toxic materials, which means they don’t release harmful gases when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. As a result, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are perfect for installation in high-traffic public places that may be prone to fires and other environmental hazards.

In addition to being fire-resistant, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets also manage to hold their form when exposed to extreme heat and won’t collapse in high-pressure circumstances.

Incomparable Flexibility

Despite boasting extreme durability and rigidity to a certain degree, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are also highly flexible when the situation calls for it. These sheets are capable of being bent, cut, and reshaped to fit any structural requirement and ensure complete stability.

Polycarbonate twin-wall sheets also resemble glass, so they can help maintain a strong aesthetic structural appeal in addition to superior versatility and strength.

Completely Weather-Resistant Material

Unlike glass, polycarbonate twin-wall sheets are completely impervious to even the harshest weather conditions including snow storms, ice, wind, hail, and heavy rain. Glass is pretty durable in its own right, but continued exposure to inclement weather conditions could eventually cause it to crack or chip whereas polycarbonate, which is a form of industrial plastic, is specifically formulated to withstand the elements.

Canada Plastics and Belting Inc. is one of the most renowned and trusted suppliers of frosted and transparent polycarbonate twin-wall sheets in North America. We have a wide selection of polycarbonate sheets that can be used for various industrial, commercial, and personal applications. Contact us today to inquire about our products or to place an order.

Polycarbonate plastic is one of the most dependable, resilient, and durable materials on the market. Not only can it be used for a number of commercial and industrial applications, but its unmatched flexibility and strength also make it ideal for a number of everyday uses that most people probably don’t know about. In fact, polycarbonate plastic is such a commonly used material, that you probably don’t even realize just how many applications and products it’s used for.

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the premier polycarbonate sheet suppliers in North America. We supply our high-quality polycarbonate plastics to a number of manufacturers across various industries. Here are just some of the many uses and applications for polycarbonate plastic.

Fencing and Protective Barriers

Polycarbonate plastic is extremely durable and flexible to the extent that it has a high impact resistance rating. Given its incredible strength, polycarbonate plastic can be used to construct a variety of different types of fencing, protective barriers, and partitions. It’s commonly used for bulletproof barriers for banks, grocery stores, and other establishments. Plus, polycarbonate is also the material of choice to serve as a protective barrier in ice skating and hockey arenas.

Storefront Windows

With its incredible UV and sunlight protection capabilities, polycarbonate plastic is also commonly used for storefront windows, banks, and other public-facing businesses. Its transparency allows businesses to display products and it allows passersby to see inside without overheating the interior and causing sun damage or discolouration to the products.

Safety Glasses

Polycarbonate plastic is flame retardant, heat resistant, chemical-resistant, and can sustain large amounts of impact. These qualities make it the perfect material to use for the manufacturing of high-performance safety goggles and glasses that are used in a variety of applications, including woodworking, science labs, construction sites, welding, mining, and more.

Building and Construction

As a true testament to its durability and resilience, polycarbonate is over 200 times stronger and more impact-resistant than glass. It’s also a lot more flexible and affordable than glass and it can be customized to fit pretty much any building mould. That’s why it’s often used as a glass alternative in many building and construction applications. Given its incredible strength, flexibility, and insulation capability, polycarbonate is the top choice for transparent walkways and skylights in buildings.

Room Dividers

Another benefit of polycarbonate plastic sheets is that they’re lightweight, especially compared to other materials like glass. This makes them easy to transport and install wherever they’re needed. As a result, polycarbonate is the top material of choice for big and small room dividers. It’s typically used to divide office cubicles or as a sneeze guard in grocery stores and restaurants.

Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Canada

Whether you need a durable and resilient material for an at-home DIY project or a major construction development, there’s a reason that Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the most trusted suppliers of transparent, frosted, and twin wall polycarbonate sheets in North America. All of our products are custom designed and manufactured in Canada, which is how we’re able to keep our prices low and ensure consistently excellent customer service. To learn more about our products and services, please feel free to contact us.