Related FAQs
1. What is the minimum pitch for a polycarbonate roof?
Never install polycarbonate flat. Our standard glazing systems require a minimum pitch of 5° to ensure water can run off the roof and to eliminate ‘puddling’. Our Multi-Link-Panel modular system should be installed with a minimum 10° pitch. Contact us if you require clarification.
2. Can you walk on polycarbonate sheet?
Polycarbonate has been tested against UK wind and snow loads and we can supply you with recommended glazing centres for each thickness of polycarbonate. However you should never walk directly on polycarbonate sheet. A crawling board or similar should be placed across at least two structural supports of the roof. We can manufacture aluminium framed polycarbonate panels which have been tested for non-fragility to ACR[M]001:2019 – this does not mean you can walk on the polycarbonate but gives added resistance to accidental falls.
3. How do you clean polycarbonate sheet?
Gently wash the sheet with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, using a soft, grit free cloth or sponge to loosen any dirt or grime. Rinse over with clean water to remove any residue. NEVER use a proprietary glass cleaner.
4. What is the life span of multiwall polycarbonate sheet?
The manufacturers of multiwall polycarbonate sheet offer a ten year written limited warranty on the product which covers discolouration, loss of light transmission and loss of impact strength due to weathering. That does not mean that after 10 years the sheet will fail, we have installations that have been in situ longer than 10 years with no obvious detrimental affect either in appearance or performance.
5. How much light does multiwall polycarbonate let through?
Taking 16mm triplewall polycarbonate as an example, clear sheet has a light transmission of 74%, opal has 62% and bronze has 30%
6. What is the fire performance of polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate has good fire behaviour characteristics and receives high ratings in several major European fire performance tests including EN13501. Always check with the Twinfix sales office for current classification, at the time of writing most variants achieve a class1Y when tested against BS476 part 7 surface spread of flame.
7. How does UV affect polycarbonate?
Solar radiation has a particularly harmful effect upon materials that are not protected. Many variants of multiwall polycarbonate have a unique proprietary UV-protected surface on one or both sides, giving excellent resistance to outdoor weathering. This unique protection ensures long-term optical quality under intensive UV exposure.
8. Can Twinfix canopies be recycled?
Yes they can. The structure and panel framework are generally in aluminium, and the roof panels are in polycarbonate. All of these components can be recycled, once the life of the project is complete. Should you have one of our timber framed canopies this too can be recycled.
9. If I'm interested in one of your canopies, what happens next?
It’s very simple. Just use the contact form on this web-site, or call our office on 01925 811311 to speak to one of our internal sales team, and we will arrange for one of our surveyors to call you to arrange a site or office visit. The initial survey will normally be carried out within seven working days and within five working days of the survey we will send you a firm, no obligation quotation for a canopy that will fulfil all your needs.
10. Twinfix Multi-Link, non-fragile panels are OK for pitched roofs, but what about curves?
Providing that the glazing bars are at appropriate centres, and combined with additional purlins, in many cases curved multi-wall and solid polycarbonate roofing can be designed as being non-fragile. Any specific requirement can be checked with our Design & Planning Department.
11. Am I required by the Building Regulations to have a non-fragile roof?
The Building Regulations themselves do not refer to “non-fragility” in relation to roofing systems. However, they do require that any structure is designed in accordance with the CDM Regulations, (Construction Design & Management) and these Regulations require that all buildings should be designed to utilise the safest method of construction available. (i.e. if a non-fragile design is feasible, then it should be used.)
12. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, so isn't polycarbonate glazing non-fragile?
No, in many canopies that use multi-wall or solid polycarbonate glazing, the glazing is simply clamped into a glazing bar system that just holds these sheets in place. Whilst the sheet itself might not break, a falling object, (and in some cases even a strong wind), can flex the sheet and force it out from between the glazing bars. If someone were to trip on such a roof, they could fall through, endangering themselves and anyone underneath. Remember..... just because it doesn't break doesn't make it non-fragile.
13. Can Twinfix canopy roofs be non-fragile?
Yes, Twinfix ML16NF and ML25NF panel systems have been tested to ACR[M]001:2019, and are classified as Class B, non-fragile. We also have a solid polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panel that also achieves a Class B result.
14. Will I need planning consent?
In many cases, having one of our canopies installed will not require planning consent. However, on the basis of your specific situation we can advise you whether planning consent and/or building control approval is likely to be required. If this is the case, we can provide you with advice on how to undertake a planning application.
15. Can you offer a complete service?
Yes, we can undertake everything necessary to survey, design, manufacture and install your canopy. Our in-house design teams, who work on sophisticated CAD/CAM systems, can also advise on different design options for your space. We do not outsource any of these important elements. If the canopy installation is part of a larger project, we will liaise with the architect and/or builder to ensure that any works undertaken are co-ordinated with other elements of the project. Our fully trained, CRB checked installation teams will ensure that safety is paramount during every part of the installation process. We demonstrate our total Company commitment to health and safety by being an Accredited Contractor to CHAS, the Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.
16. Do you offer any guarantees?
Our canopy structures are all manufactured from virtually maintenance free, powder coated, aluminium sections. Aluminium does not rust and should never need repainting. We offer a 10-year guarantee on all our materials and on installation where canopies are fitted by one our own installation teams.
17. Will I have a choice of colour and finish?
Yes, for the canopy structure you can choose any of our nine standard matt RAL colours. Should you wish to match an existing colour, we can supply our canopies powder coated in any RAL or BS reference colour. (Please note, however, that choosing some colours may extend lead times and attract an additional cost). The polycarbonate roof glazing is available in clear, bronze or opal colours to suit your specific needs.
18. Will the canopy be safe for users and our maintenance staff?
Although polycarbonate glazing is tough and virtually unbreakable, if simply fixed into a standard glass glazing bar system, it can be vulnerable to wind and impact loadings that cause it to pop out of the bars. Our pitched canopies are different. In addition to the weather protection that they give, our canopies utilise our unique patented, factory-made, non-fragile, Multi-Link-Panel system. This is tested to the HSE test ACR[M]001:2019 drop test. Do not consider using any system that does not comply with this test.
19. How will your canopy protect from the elements?
Our canopies are designed to shelter from rain and sun using tough, multiwall or solid polycarbonate glazing that allows light transmission, whilst filtering out virtually all the harmful UV radiation. The area under our canopies will be safe, dry, sheltered and shaded. In particularly exposed areas you may also wish us to fit vertical glazing to the sides and/or front of the canopy to give added protection and shelter from prevailing winds.
20. How will your canopy fit the uniquely shaped space that I need covered?
Whilst we follow standard design principles, our canopies are all designed to individual order so that they meet your specific requirements, however complex or simple your space(s) may be.
