Over the years, construction contractors have come to realize the sturdiness and reliability of polycarbonate sheets. This transparent thermoplastic material is comparable to premium building materials when it comes to both longevity and resilience. Check out how polycarbonate fares in comparison to some of the most popular construction materials on the market.

Glass

Being transparent, polycarbonates serve as an excellent replacement for glass in a variety of building projects. While glass breaks easily on impact, polycarbonate sheets can withstand extreme force without cracking. This strength makes them a safer option than glass when it comes to protecting buildings against damage and vandalism.

Additionally, thermoplastics won’t distort or deteriorate, even when they’re exposed to high temperatures of up to 530 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, conventional glass is likely to crack around 370 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Metal

In roofing projects, corrugated polycarbonate sheets serve as an excellent and long-lasting replacement for aluminum and tin. Both these metals are inherently soft, which makes them vulnerable to harsh impact and weathering. In contrast, polycarbonates offer greater resilience and structural integrity for projects like roofing.

While stainless steel does fare better than other metals, its installation and production costs can be a major budgetary constraint. Furthermore, steel tends to expand and contract with temperature changes, which is something you won’t have to worry about with polycarbonates.

Fiberglass

Polycarbonate sheets and fiberglass are two of the most common materials used for building enclosures. When compared to polycarbonates, polycarbonates offer greater resistance and sturdiness. It has a high tensile strength of 900 pounds per square inch, which is more than four times higher than that of fiberglass.

A UV inhibitor can also be added to polycarbonate structures to protect their interiors from sun damage. Fiberglass enclosures, in contrast, gradually lose their integrity from sun exposure. Furthermore, fiberglass needs to be properly laminated to protect interiors from dust and moisture. The chemical composition of polycarbonates makes them inherently water-resistant and better suited for high-moisture areas.

It’s easy to see how polycarbonate sheets add value and strength to construction projects. For high-quality polycarbonate materials, turn to Min Plastics & Supply in Honolulu, HI. For more than 60 years, the local supplier has offered custom fabrication solutions for PVC, polycarbonate, and acrylic products. For more information about their services, call (808) 847-1511 or visit their website.