Solid polycarbonate sheet and acrylic sheet are both popular clear plastic. They both used for glazing roof. But their properities are different. This blog will help you learn more.
Light Transmission
Solid polycarbonate sheet and acrylic sheet both are high light transmission, like glass. It allow the sunlight into. Reahing 82% light transmission.
However, the solid polycarbonate is UV-protected on the surface, resisting 99.9% UV rays. That prolong the lifespan of polycarbonate sheet. 10 years warrnty of polycarbonate. While the life time of acrylic is about 5 years.
Impact Strength
Polycarbonate sheet is stronger than acrylic. Compared with glass, the polycarbonate sheet is 300 times stronger than glass, and acrylic is 10 times stronger than glass. As you can see, polycarbonate sheets are higer impact strength. It is virtually unbreakable and bullteproof.
If you need the strongest plastic sheet, polycarbonate panels are prefered. It is used polycarbonate sheet can resist hailstone and heavy snow.
Acrylic sheet is not recommended to used as the canopy roof in cold area.
If you have any the pergola, canopy, greenhouse DIY projects, please feel free to contact services team via the e-mail sales@unqpc.com.
Bend
Polycarbonate sheet is easy to bend into different shapes and they won’t crack by testing. But when bending the acrylic sheet, is very brittle and can't be bent into a curve. For that, polycarbonate sheet is very popular for stadium sports roof, swimming pool roof, and large construction roof.
Flame Resistant
Polycarbonate sheets are fire resistant and the melting point is 120℃. It is self-extinguishing and won’t produce harmful gases. while acrylic will burn slowly and is not recommended in areas where flames may be present.
Durable
Polycarbonate sheets are durable,resist harsh weather conditions without long term. And acrylic sheets don't scratch as easily.
Cost
Acrylic sheet is cheaper than polycarbonate sheet. Because of the raw material is different. Polycarbonate sheet is made of 100% Sabic material and acrylic sheet is made of plastic
