Glass is no longer the king when it comes to glazing. Glass is an expensive material with many limitations; it is heavy, brittle, has less impact resistance when compared to other materials, breaks easily under impact, and is not suitable for earthquake-prone areas.
As glass is losing its place in glazing, another material has risen to take its place and the material is polycarbonate!
Unlike glass, polycarbonate is impact resistant, it outperforms glass when it comes to insulation by up to 20%, has a high impact and heat resistance, and above all, it is lightweight, making it very easy to work with.
Before you consider glass for your next glazing project, consider the cost, lifespan, and performance of glass and compare it with polycarbonate then you have your answer.
Because we are committed to ensuring you make the right choice, we have put together this article for you to see the amazing benefits of polycarbonate and why it is now the go-to material for glazing among architects and builders today.
What Are Polycarbonate Glazing Solutions?
Polycarbonate glazing solutions mean using materials made from polycarbonate instead of glass. Polycarbonate is a better glazing solution than glass and other materials, and it is now the go-to alternative for glazing due to its unique properties.
Firstly, polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than that of glass and has a high shatter resistance. Polycarbonate can also provide 100% protection from harmful UV radiation.
When it comes to transmittance, polycarbonate is unmatched. It can transmit up to 90% of light, just like glass, making it suitable for applications where transparency and maximum light transmission are required, such as in greenhouse roofing.
Another unique property of polycarbonate is its lightweight. Polycarbonate is six times lighter than glass. This allows for versatility and makes the installation process easier and faster.
Benefits of Installing Polycarbonate Glazing
Here are seven reasons why polycarbonate sheets are the best choice for glazing over the glass and other materials today.
Feels Like Regular Glass
Polycarbonate contains carbonate groups, so many people expect it to feel like plastic. But instead, it is designed to have the appearance and texture of traditional window glass because the security glazing made from it is manufactured to look and feel as close to the glass as possible.
Polycarbonate security glazing can also be treated with specialized coatings, such as abrasion- and UV-resistant coatings, to further improve its performance and lifespan.
Longevity Compared to Glass
This is one reason why polycarbonate sends glass to the back seat. Polycarbonate has an incredible strength that is 250 times stronger than glass. It is also shatter and scratch-resistant, which makes it ideal for glazing.
Unlike the popular misconception that polycarbonate turns yellow over time, high-quality polycarbonate does not become yellow because anti-yellowing agents and UV protection are added to it while manufacturing because the primary cause of yellowing is UV rays.
Cost-Effective
Generally, polycarbonate is less expensive than glass, costing three to four times less. Polycarbonate’s lightweight also makes its transportation costs less than that of glass. Glass, on the other hand, is six times heavier than polycarbonate, which further increases its overall cost.
Light Weight
As discussed above, polycarbonate is six times lighter than standard glass, making it easier to work with. It can easily be cut using a standard circular saw onsite eliminating any potential sizing errors that can lead to costly replacements, which is possible with glass because it cannot be cut onsite and requires a specialty saw.
It is also an excellent way to reduce the weight of a building without sacrificing strength or durability.
The lightweight nature of polycarbonate allows for greater design flexibility. It can be easily cut and shaped to fit the specific needs of a project and can be used for curved or shaped surfaces that may not be possible with glass.
Unbreakable
Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable because it has a high impact resistance compared to glass and other materials. It is a resilient material that absorbs energy without breaking or cracking and protects against forced entry and break-ins.
Polycarbonate can withstand even the most persistent attacks. It does not break when hit with hand tools, unlike glass, which will break into pieces if hit with common burglary tools like a hammer or pry bars.
Polycarbonate is an excellent way to enhance your building’s security and protect it from storm damage, vandalism, and even burglars.
Can Provide Protection from Ballistic Threats
Polycarbonate can protect against ballistic threats depending on the thickness of the polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate glazing can protect against low-velocity ballistic threats, such as those caused by handguns or shotguns—note, however, that polycarbonate is only bullet resistant, not bulletproof.
Allows More Light
Polycarbonate is a transparent material. This makes it possible for it to allow more light to pass through than glass. It is also an excellent choice for applications where natural light is important, such as greenhouses where even distribution of light is necessary for plant growth.
How to Maintain Polycarbonate Glazing Sheets
It is important to know how to maintain your polycarbonate glazing sheet to extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to follow:
- Rinse the polycarbonate sheet with lukewarm water
- Soak dried on debris and rinse away to prevent scratching the panel
- Only use mild soap on your polycarbonate sheet
- Use a soft sponge or cloth; avoid squeegees or brush
- Use a lot of water and change frequently to prevent residue on the panel
- Do not clean in the hot sun or when it is raining
- Never use highly alkaline cleaners
Contact a Polycarbonate Sheet Supplier in Toronto
Do you have an upcoming glazing project? Polycarbonate glazing sheets will never fail you. They are lightweight, have a high impact resistance, are virtually unbreakable, and do all that glass does better with only half its price. As polycarbonate sheet is your go-to material for your glazing needs, Canada Plastics and Belting, Inc. is the go-to place to get high-quality polycarbonate sheets.
Whether you want to upgrade your home’s windows or install new glazing in a commercial or industrial setting, we have all you need. Contact us today!