How strong is multiwall polycarbonate?-
Despite being light in weight (2.7kg per sqm with a 16mm thickness), multiwall polycarbonate is over 200 times stronger than glass.
- Will multiwall polycarbonate go yellow?
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No. There is a protective surface treatment on multiwall polycarbonate which forms a barrier against the degrading effects of UV radiation.
- What about fire ratings?
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Multiwall polycarbonate is classified as being 'self-extinguishing' and complies with most European standards, including BS476 Part 7 and Part 6.
- What are the benefits in choosing a thicker sheet of multiwall polycarbonate?
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The thicker the sheet the wider you can take your glazing bar centres, meaning you need fewer rafters and glazing bars to join sheet together. Also, thicker glazing sheets give you better heat and sound insulation.
- Is multiwall polycarbonate difficult to cut?
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No, but it's even easier if we cut it here for you in our factory. We cut it to the required size, blow the flutes free of dust, tape the ridge end of the panel with blanking tape, and tape the eaves end with anti-dust breather tape. However, if you want to cut the sheet yourself we can advise you on the best way to do it.
- What colours are available?
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We can supply you from stock with clear, opal and bronze tinted polycarbonate. There are also more specialised grades available including opal/bronze, Heatshield and Venetian. We can advise you on the best type of tint for your application.
- I understand that polycarbonate expands with an increase in temperature, what effect will this have?
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We always allow a margin of 20mm on the width of each sheet to compensate for any thermal expansion at the central element of the rafter gasket or glazing bar base. For example, if you require a roof 5 metres wide and intend to use 16mm polycarbonate, you should set your rafters/bars at 1m centres and we would supply you with sheets at 980mm wide.
- Which colour tape goes at the top and bottom of the sheet?
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White at the ridge (blanking tape), grey at the eaves (anti-dust breather tape).
