Traditionally, pergolas were constructed using wood, but wood is not the only material used to construct a pergola. Other roofing materials such as metal, glass, asphalt, and acrylic sheets have also become popular choices, especially for those looking for a pergola that will require little to no maintenance. One roofing material that is rapidly gaining popularity for pergolas is polycarbonate roof panels.
In this blog post, let’s understand more about polycarbonate sheets and their use as a roofing solution for your pergola.
A polycarbonate sheet is a thermoplastic material that is durable and lightweight. It is often used in construction and architectural applications because it is easy to work with and provides a high level of transparency. Polycarbonate sheets can be used for roofing pergolas to create a stylish and modern outdoor living space.
There are many benefits of using polycarbonate sheets for roofing pergolas.
When it comes to pergolas, there are a lot of roofing material options to choose from like glass, acrylic sheets, metal, polycarbonate sheets, and asphalt shingles. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each material so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your pergola.
Polycarbonate sheets are a popular choice for pergola roofing because they are lightweight and durable. Polycarbonate sheeting is very strong and almost unbreakable, making it an ideal solution over glass or acrylic sheets for areas prone to hailstones, flying debris, or where children are present.
They are also UV-resistant, which makes them a good choice for areas that get a lot of sun exposure. However, polycarbonate sheets can be more expensive than other roofing materials and they can become yellow and brittle over time when exposed to UV light.
Glass is another popular choice for pergola roofing because it allows natural light to filter through and it provides good protection from the elements. However, glass is also more expensive than other roofing materials and it can be difficult to clean.
In addition, glass is not as durable as polycarbonate sheets or metal and can break if hail or heavy winds hit it. Glass breakage can cause accidents and hurt people underneath the pergola.
Acrylic sheets are less expensive than glass but allow natural light to filter through. They are also UV-resistant, and they provide good protection from the elements.
Acrylic sheets, however, can become yellow and brittle when exposed to UV light. In addition, acrylic sheets are not as durable as polycarbonate sheets or metal and can break if hail or heavy winds hit them.
Metal is a good choice for pergola roofing because it is durable and protects from the elements. It is also easy to clean. However, metal can be more expensive than other roofing materials and does not allow natural light to filter through.
In addition, metal can get very hot in direct sunlight, so you may need to use a shade cloth to make your pergola more comfortable during hot summer days.
Lastly, asphalt shingles are the most common pergola roofing material because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, asphalt shingles do not last as long as polycarbonate sheets or metal and do not provide as much protection from the elements.
In addition, asphalt shingles are not as attractive as other pergola roofing materials and do not allow natural light to filter through.
When choosing the right thickness for a polycarbonate roof for a pergola, there are a few factors to consider.
Polycarbonate sheets are a great way to add some protection from the elements to your pergola without sacrificing too much in the way of sunlight or airflow. Let’s look at the basics of installing polycarbonate sheeting on a pergola roof.
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:
1. Measure the roof area you want to cover with your polycarbonate sheets and cut them to size using a jigsaw.
2. If your pergola has existing gutters, you’ll need to remove them before continuing.
3. Install furring strips around the perimeter of your pergola, making sure that they’re level. This will provide a surface for your screw heads to sit below the level of the sheets.
4. Begin at one end of your pergola and attach your first polycarbonate sheet using screws and washers. Make sure you predrill the holes for the screws, as polycarbonate can crack if you try to screw directly into it.
5. Repeat step 4 until all of your sheets are in place.
6. You may want to apply sealant around the edges of your sheets to help keep moisture out.
Polycarbonate sheets meet all of the requirements of good roofing material. If you’re searching for an attractive, long-lasting, and lightweight material for roofing your pergola, contact Canada Plastics & Belting Inc.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of polycarbonate sheets in multiple colors, sizes, and thickness options.
We’re a leading stockist and supplier of acrylic sheets, plexiglass sheets, polycarbonate solid sheets, polycarbonate corrugated twin wall sheets, polycarbonate roofing panels, and more. Contact us today for all your polycarbonate sheet needs or call us at 416-291-3036 for a free quote.
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