8 Common Reasons to Avoid Metal Roofing and Install Polycarbonate Roofing Panels

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.