Polycarbonate is a durable, versatile building material used in a lot of construction projects. It can be used both indoors and outdoors in residential, commercial, and industrial applications such as in skylights, windows, partitions, and domes.
There are many reasons engineers, architects, and designers like building with polycarbonate panels. Some of these reasons are that they are lightweight and sturdy, come with high-optical clarity, high-impact and high-heat resistant, and extremely flame resistant.
Here are more reasons to consider polycarbonate as a building material.
- It’s easy to bend – Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic, which means it can be easily formed into different shapes and structures without breaking. This can be done through cold-bending on site – meaning polycarbonate can be molded without applying heat to form a curved surface. Because it is a thermoplastic, it can be heated, cooled, and reheated multiple times without any degrading effects, making it 100% recyclable.
- Shock-resistant – Compared to glass, polycarbonate sheets can withstand more impact. This is essential when it comes to the transportation, handling, and installation phase of architecture Polycarbonate is also more superior when it comes to resisting fractures and damage from hail, falling branches and debris, strong winds, and the like as compared to glass, acrylic, or GRP.
Polycarbonate’s impact strength is so strong, it is often used in security applications including blast- and bullet-resistant glazing. It can also be used as bank teller shields, guard booths, and as partitions in stadiums all over the world.
- It’s a good insulator – Polycarbonate has thermal insulation properties which make it the leading building material for greenhouses, cladding, and roofing projects. Multi-wall polycarbonate sheets are able to create air pockets, which traps and locks the heat in.
Polycarbonate can also be used as a sound insulator, which is why you’ll often see polycarbonate sheets used as sound barriers in busy highways or next to construction sites.
- It transmits light – Polycarbonate is amazing at transmitting light, evidenced by the many skylights, awnings, sunrooms, and greenhouses that are built using this multi-purpose material. Despite its constant exposure to the sun, it does not yellow over time. This is because polycarbonate sheeting is treated with UV protection on one or both sides to protect it from potential UV radiation.
- It comes in variety of colors – Polycarbonate sheets come in a wide range of colors to match any project you may have. The color of the sheets change vastly under the right lighting conditions, creating beautiful effects. The variety gives architects, engineers, and designers better control when it comes to bringing their vision to life.
Where can you get polycarbonate sheets?
Duralon, a leading polycarbonate supplier in the Philippines with 22 branches and over 70+ outlets (depots) nationwide, can help you with all your polycarbonate needs. From roofing to sound barriers, clear skylights, translucent partitions, and decorative wall backgrounds – we have a polycarbonate solution for your home, office, or warehouse.
Don’t hesitate to contact us or request for a quote.