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An Overview of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels: Durable Solutions for Outdoor Spaces

POLYCARBONATE DECK COVER PANELS

Are you looking for ways to protect your patio or deck from harsh weather while still enjoying the outdoor environment? Consider upgrading your space with polycarbonate deck cover panels! This lightweight alternative to traditional roofs gives you a unique way to create a functional yet stylish outdoor area. Keep reading as we explore some of the many benefits of adding polycarbonate panels and other details about these innovative products.

The Properties of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

Polycarbonate is a sturdy, transparent thermoplastic polymer that’s often used as a substitute for glass. Here are some of the standout properties of this material for your deck cover:

  • Transparency and Light Transmission: Polycarbonate is highly transparent, allowing up to 90% of light to pass through it. This makes it ideal for use as a roofing material, as the panels allow natural sunlight to pass through while providing protection from the elements. Moreover, polycarbonate deck panels are much lighter than glass or other materials, making them easier to install and maintain.
  • Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate panels have excellent impact resistance due to their high-density construction. This makes them perfect for areas that may be prone to hailstorms or other impacts that could damage traditional materials such as glass or wood.
  • Weather Resistance: Polycarbonate deck cover panels are highly resistant to both water and UV radiation, making them a suitable choice for outdoor applications in any climate. They also provide excellent insulation from both heat and cold temperatures, which helps keep your deck cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.
  • Flexibility and Formability: Polycarbonate can be easily bent into different shapes without losing its strength or integrity due to its flexible nature. This makes it possible to create complex designs with curves or angles that would not be possible with other materials such as wood or metal.
  • Heat and Fire Resistance: Polycarbonate deck cover panels are highly resistant to heat and fire due to their non-combustible properties. This makes them an ideal selection for areas prone to wildfires or extreme temperatures where flammable materials may pose a safety risk.

The Advantages of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

There are numerous advantages of polycarbonate sheet paneling over roofing materials such as wood or glass.

  • UV Resistance and Sunlight Protection: Polycarbonate is highly resistant to UV radiation, meaning it can protect your outdoor space from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
  • Longevity and Low Maintenance: Again, polycarbonate is extremely durable, making the deck cover panels a great long-term investment for your outdoor space. They require very little maintenance, as they don’t need to be painted or stained like wood panels would. In addition, polycarbonate is resistant to mold, mildew, and other forms of decay that may occur with wooden decks over time.
  • Design Versatility and Aesthetics: Polycarbonate deck cover panels come in a variety of styles and colours, so it’s easy to find one that fits your design vision for your outdoor space. They also allow more natural light into the area than traditional wood panels do, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that can make any outdoor area feel inviting and comfortable.
  • Energy Efficiency and Insulation: Polycarbonate panels offer excellent insulation properties that can help reduce energy costs associated with heating or cooling your outdoor living area during different seasons. The material also reflects heat away from the surface of the panel itself, helping to keep your outdoor space cooler during hot summer days.
  • Sustainability and Environmental Benefits: Polycarbonate is a fully recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing style or performance in their outdoor living spaces.

Applications of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

Polycarbonate paneling can be used as a sleek, modern covering in both residential and commercial outdoor settings. Homeowners rely on the versatile building material to shield against harmful UV radiation and other elements, while commercial businesses use it to create all-weather outdoor areas that keep customers comfortable and dry.

Residential Uses

  • Patio and backyard decks
  • Poolside decks
  • Porches and verandas
  • Carports or awnings

Commercial Uses

  • Restaurants and outdoor seating areas
  • Rooftop entertainment venues
  • Shopping malls and recreational spaces
  • Hotels and resorts

Installation of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

If you’re the DIY type, then you’re probably interested in building your own polycarbonate deck roof. Let’s do a quick overview of the installation process for polycarbonate sheet paneling.

Tools and Materials

Before getting started, you’ll need to gather all the essential tools and materials:

  • Polycarbonate roofing sheets
  • Glazing bars
  • Screws and gaskets/washers
  • Drill
  • Circular saw
  • Safety goggles, gloves, and footwear

Installation Process

  • Step 1: Put on your safety goggles, gloves and hard-toed shoes.
  • Step 2: Plan the layout and measure the area where the polycarbonate roofing will be installed to determine how many sheets you will need.
  • Step 3: Determine the spacing between your support rafters to decide the size of each sheet. In general, the closer the spacing, the stronger the support.
  • Step 4: Gather the glazing bars (used to join the sheets together), which feature a top and bottom piece. Check the length of the bottom pieces against your support rafters.
  • Step 5: Use a circular saw to trim the glazing bars to the appropriate length.
  • Step 6: Predrill holes into the bottom pieces of your glazing bars. This will make it easier to screw the bars into place when you’re high up on the roof.
  • Step 7: Line the bottom bars up with the rafters and screw them down along the centre of the rafters.
  • Step 8: Lay the polycarbonate sheet into place, and clip on the top piece of the glazing bar.

Please Note: These steps aren’t exhaustive, and will vary depending on the type of polycarbonate sheet you are working with and the rafter material. It is best to follow the directions on the packaging. Moreover, if the project becomes too overwhelming, it’s okay to hire a contractor for professional installation.

Maintenance of Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

Polycarbonate is relatively easy to maintain, but there are some precautions to take before cleaning the material. Here are some useful tips when it comes to polycarbonate roofing sheet maintenance:

  • Pretreat by removing any leaves and loose twigs with a garden hose.
  • Always use a mild detergent and warm water to clean.
  • Use a soft microfiber cloth, applying gentle pressure to avoid leaving scratches.
  • Rinse with a garden hose instead of a pressure washer or high-powered hose.
  • Dry with a clean cloth to avoid watermarks.
  • Clean once yearly to every six months to prevent staining.

Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Polycarbonate Deck Cover Panels

From providing superior weather resistance and insulation qualities to delivering excellent cost savings–—not to mention beautiful aesthetics—in the long run, polycarbonate deck cover panels can take your outdoor living area from disorganized chaos to stylish paradise. Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. offers a range of polycarbonate sheets and panels to suit any deck project. Contact us today for more information on our offerings.

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