All about Polycarbonate Sheets

With a massive range of commercial and domestic uses, clear polycarbonate sheeting is perfect for any glazing job.

If you lost panels in a storm, or you simply need to replace spoiled or cracked ones, we can help!

For your added convenience, we can cut your sheeting to your desired size for no extra cost, so order packs of pre cut panels or the full sheets - whatever you like. (Tip: it's going to be cheaper to ship cut panels or smaller packages, as opposed to shipping large sheets on oversize pallets!)

If you don't see the sizes you need - just email info@plasticsolutons.ie with your list or alternatively, call 01 409 8000.

For greenhouses, you can use Polycarbonate or alternatively, Acrylic (perspex). They look exactly the same but what's the difference?

With the quality of our products matched only by the quality of our customer service, we are here to make your all glazing easy.

Clear Polycarbonate Sheeting – All the good stuff

Polycarbonate sheeting is a transparent amorphous thermoplastic that outperforms traditional glass in so many ways!

Coming in at nearly half the weight of float glass and over 200 times stronger, it offers superb clarity and has integrated UV protection and resistance.

It gets better - polycarbonate sheeting is easy to work with, flexible, and provides thermal and fire resistance. It is also incredibly versatile. Amongst the applications that polycarbonate sheets can be used for are: 

• Greenhouses
• Shelters
• Shed and warehouse windows
• Security glazing
• Curved glazing
• Canopies
• Skylights

To name a few!

Call us today for a free consultation on your next project!

Polycarbonate Sheeting Features

Polycarbonate sheeting is now regularly used for applications that traditionally always used glass. When the advantages and features of this wonder material are considered, it is easy to see why: 

• Lightweight – Half the weight of glass
• Durable – High impact resistance makes it almost unbreakable
• Conforms with safety and fire ratings
• Blocks harmful UV radiation
• Almost as transparent as glass
• Easy to work with
• High-heat resistance

It is no wonder that polycarbonate is now the material of choice for a massive range of demanding applications.

Contact us today to find out more about the benefits of polycarbonate sheeting or for a free consultation about how it can benefit your project.

Polycarbonate Sheeting FAQs

What is polycarbonate sheeting?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material whose fantastic properties and versatility make it the perfect material for a wide range of applications.

The structure of the plastic comprises carbonate groups. This allows the material to be strong and flexible at the same time. It is widely used in glazing thanks to its unique combination of clarity, strength, and UV resistance.

How strong is polycarbonate sheeting?

When compared to float glass of similar thickness, polycarbonate is almost 200 times stronger. It is also highly impact-resistant, making it a common choice in security applications.

Polycarbonate also fares favourably against other plastic options. For instance, it is 30 times stronger than a comparable acrylic sheet.

What are the uses of polycarbonate sheeting?

Polycarbonate is such a strong, versatile, and safe material that it is used in a massive range of applications. The list is so long that it is impossible to list them all here. But common examples of polycarbonate sheeting applications are: -

Greenhouses, canopies, skylights, walkways, bus shelters, roofing panels, and security glazing.

What is the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic sheeting?

These are two materials that look identical but have distinctly different characteristics. The major difference between them is impact strength. This is one of the primary deciding factors when choosing which material to use. Compared like-for-like polycarbonate sheeting is approximately 30x stronger than acrylic sheeting.

We have put together a handy guide covering the differences between the two materials, which can be found here.

Is polycarbonate sheeting safe for food surfaces?

No polycarbonate sheeting should not be used for food surfaces. If you are looking for a material for food counters, we would recommend Clear PETg. This is a polyester material that has many of the same characteristics but is completely safe for food surfaces.

How long does polycarbonate last?

Polycarbonate is a robust and long-lasting material. How long it lasts is affected by factors like the type of usage and how much wear and tear it is exposed to. But on average, you can easily expect a minimum of 10 years and potentially as high as 20 or more years.

Is polycarbonate easy to work with?

Yes, its lightweight characteristics make it easier to handle and install than glass sheeting. It is also easy to cut and shape, which requires no specialist equipment and can be performed by any competent DIYer.

Polycarbonate sheeting can also be drilled easily, although it is recommended that a drill bit designed for plastics is used.

Can you bend polycarbonate sheets?

Yes, polycarbonate sheeting can be either hot or cold bent. Despite its strength and robustness, the carbonate groups that form the material allow for plenty of flexibility.

Depending on the amount of bend required, you may need to use a bending tool to shape the material correctly.

Can polycarbonate sheets cope with extremes of weather?

Yes, polycarbonate is incredibly robust and easily withstands everything from the baking heat of a midsummer's day to the freezing hail and wind of the Irish winter.

It is also highly resistant to UV radiation, which gives it plenty of protection from sun damage.

Is polycarbonate sheeting better than glass?

No matter what criteria you choose, polycarbonate works out as a better option than glass. It offers the same degree of clarity but is 200x stronger, impact-resistant, lighter, easier to install, and robust enough to last for decades.