8 Powerful Benefits of Polycarbonate Multiwall Panels
Multiwall polycarbonate panels are becoming increasingly popular in different interior and exterior applications. Their usage for exterior walls, interior partitions, roofing, or entire greenhouses is preferable to glass or any other material with similar characteristics.
With so increased popularity among DIY-ers, architects and construction workers, it’s not surprising that many wonder what the benefits of multiwall polycarbonate sheets are in roofing and other construction projects. To make your decision easier, we have listed and explained eight main advantages that will make even the biggest sceptics the most prominent advocates of this material.
All About Advantages of Multiwall Polycarbonate Panels
When discussing the benefits of polycarbonate sheets, we must consider their features and how they may affect the construction project in mind. Whether considering multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheets or the types of polycarbonate panels used for other projects, it is necessary to know their pros and cons and how the whole process performs. So without further ado.
1. Lightweight
Compared to glass and similar materials, multiwall polycarbonate sheets are incredibly lightweight. This feature makes them easier to stock, move, transport, install and store.
As they are not as heavy as glass, they can be an excellent replacement material for glass doors and moving glass walls in offices. One person is often enough for installation, as even stocking them doesn’t make them too heavy for transport.
2. Light Transmission and UV Protection
With multiwall polycarbonate panels, you can expect high light transmission. The material is well-known for its excellent light transmission of around 85% and more evenly spread light distribution.
With that in mind, you can expect more real diffusion of sunlight. This will also provide more natural light conditions to the interior space overall.
On the other hand, the material blocks harmful UV radiation almost entirely. With this material on your construction, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural sunlight without worrying about sunburn or degradation of the material, which unfortunately usually occurs under UV rays exposure.
3. Durability
Recognised as 250 times stronger than glass, the material of multiwall polycarbonate sheets is an excellent alternative for any building exposed to harsher weather conditions and possible vandalism. This feature makes the material easier to transport and provides faster installation. With that in mind, you can relax without worrying about possible damages, such as cracks or shattered pieces of glass. These sheets are highly impact-resistant, so you can expect longer life even if they are exposed to rain, snow, wind, and hail storms. They will not depreciate in strength or get chipped or cracked so quickly over time. That’s why we at Plastic Solutions are so confident of their quality that we offer a 10-year warranty on all our polycarbonate sheets, including twin-wall and solid polycarbonate sheets, so no worries about often replacements or repairs.
4. Heat Retention
Thanks to its internal structure of three layers, two smooth panels on the outside and one ribbed honeycomb inside, multiway polycarbonate sheets retain the inside temperature and energy efficiency better than any other similar material, to be more precise, by around 50%. With special glazings, the insulation can even be additionally increased.
This structure keeps heat inside during winter, not letting the outer cold air in. It also keeps the place fresher during summer, preventing the outside heat from getting in. This is accomplished by its inner middle layer that traps the air inside, keeping the temperature consistent in the space and lowering air conditioning costs.
These sheets can withstand extreme temperatures that range between -40 °C (-40 °F) to 120 °C (248 °F) before any damage occurs on their construction.
Besides excellent thermal insulating properties, the structure also delivers great sound insulation and visual privacy. These features make the material a perfect solution for interior partitions in office spaces which acquire more privacy without compromising the benefits of the sunlight.
5. Easy-to-mount
What makes these sheets practical is their installation process. It is much easier as they can’t crack or break as easily as glass does during the installation.
With glass, one wrong step can shatter the whole panel. On the other hand, multiwall panels can be customed with simple tools like hand circular, table, or simple jigsaw without a worry about damage, as there is no immense tension during the cutting process.
The process of attaching them to the wooden or metal frame is as easy as it can be by using screws and a drill. With that in mind, it takes less time for installation and lets you quickly adapt the sheets to your various construction projects.
In addition to its easy-to-cut and easy-to-install properties, you don’t need to worry about inhaling or touching toxic and other harmful materials left behind after the cutting process. The shards left behind can be removed without any special materials and equipment; hands or a simple broom with a dustpan are enough.
6. Different Styles for an Aesthetic Appeal
Available in different colours, thickness sizes and structures, multiwall polycarbonate sheets are versatile and applicable in various spaces and architectural styles.
Its structure can provide a special lightning effect, both during the day and night, that doesn't cost too much compared to special glass glazing or similar. Combining it with different colours, shades and transparency levels, you can suit the space to fulfil various aesthetic requirements.
7. Environmentally Friendly
Probably the most important advantage of multiwall polycarbonate sheets is that they are highly environmentally friendly. As mentioned before, they offer excellent thermal insulation against the outside temperature keeping the inside temperature constant for longer. With that in mind, heating or cooling costs decrease, and savings can be higher by 25%.
As these sheets are durable with a long lifespan, they require fewer replacements and repairs. In addition, they can be produced in desired sizes and easily customised to the spaces during installation. Both features lead to fewer undesired leftovers that can be fully recycled later.
As already mentioned, they are lightweight and stackable, which secures easier and faster transport and, thereby, less emission of CO2 into the environment.
Besides, most polycarbonate panels are made of recycled materials from post-industrial waste, which makes them an even more desirable alternative in green circles.
8. Affordable Price
Multiwall polycarbonate panels are cheaper than glass and other transparent materials used in construction. Handling these sheets during installation and transport is less demanding and faster, thereby, more cost-effective. On the other hand, being an excellent thermal insulator and light diffuser, it is more energy efficient, leading to lower energy consumption and electricity bills.
With all these advantages in mind, no surprise that their application is so spread in the building niche. They are commonly used for building greenhouses, stadiums, partition walls, skylights, storm panels, roofing, interior design, cladding, patios, pool enclosures and more.
Where to Buy Multiwall Sheets in Ireland?
Getting high-quality multiwall panels has never been easier with Dublin’s Plastic Solutions. We are one of Ireland's leading suppliers of various plastic materials for roofing and other construction projects, providing the cutting service. For any additional queries or a quote, please get in touch with us at +353 1 409 8000.