According to the Cancer Council, ultraviolet (UV) is responsible for more than 95% of all skin cancers. The sun emits UV, but it isn’t connected to sunshine or heat in the way we think. So, we can’t feel or see it. And when looking for a roofing option that works well in summer, polycarbonate is an excellent material and shade solution for residential and commercial properties.
Whether you’re covering a patio or a swimming pool, polycarbonate roofing helps you enjoy natural light without exposing yourself to harmful UV.
This blog will give you a better understanding of the value of polycarbonate as a protective substrate against UVR in shade structures and discuss different types of polycarbonate you can use for your roofing.
What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
Source: Cancer Council
The sun emits three different kinds of energy:
- Infrared radiation is the type of energy we can feel as heat.
- Visible light is the part of the spectrum we can see, like sunlight.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is energy that we can’t see or feel, but it still affects us.
Also called UVR, this is a form of non-ionising radiation emitted by the sun, with about 10% of the radiation being generated in the form of ultraviolet. As part of the electromagnetic spectrum with waves ranging from 10 to 400 nanometres, the light is shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays.
Although ultraviolet light assists the absorption of vitamin D, it also heightens the risk of skin cancer or corneal damage in your eyes. That said, the shorter (and most dangerous) UV waves are absorbed by the atmosphere.
At ground level, Earth receives a range of 280 to 400 nanometres. Melanoma–a form of skin cancer–has been shown to correlate with the degree of UV exposure, but it also degrades nonorganic materials like cars, which will crack or fade over time.
Does polycarbonate roofing block UV radiation?
Regardless of its thickness, shape or colour, polycarbonate provides protection. It nearly blocks the entire UV spectrum as it absorbs UVA and UVB rays! However, absorbing this radiation leads to yellowing or discolouration, losing its properties and breaking. Reputable polycarbonate manufacturers, such as Palram, apply a thin UV-protective coating to the sheets, which is invisible to the naked eye and doesn’t impact the physical characteristics of the material. It even handles sun exposure conditions in most of Australia.
Palram’s lab tests polycarbonate sheets in a facility that simulates prolonged exposure to UV, also called the Accelerated Weathering Tester. This facility allows us to evaluate the future performance of our products when installed in different parts of the world and to develop the appropriate level of coating for each application.
With this in mind, when talking about polycarbonate and UV protection, we need to consider two types of protection: for people and objects under the roof. The second protection is for the sheet itself, a protective coating part of the manufacturing process. When installing these sheets outside, request protection for your sheets.
Will a polycarbonate sheet turn yellow or cloudy?
Some materials can undergo molecular damage when exposed to UV rays if they lack resistance, and this molecular chain may start to break down, leading to chemical (and physical) changes.
If your sheets are uncoated, they often maintain their clarity for about 5 to 7 years before this prolonged exposure to direct sunlight causes clouding or yellowing. UV coating extends the lifespan of polycarbonate up to 15 years. With a thin coating of UV absorbers, this shielding prevents degradation such as yellowing, loss of gloss, embrittlement and cracking.
Is there a way to preserve the clarity of polycarbonate? Regular maintenance and cleaning play a role in extending the lifespan and appearance of your roof sheets. Proper cleaning agents and techniques will remove debris and dirt.
For example, the Suntuf profiled polycarbonate sheet is ideal for industrial roofing and cladding, such as commercial skylights or daylights. Suntuf offers mechanical strength, light transmission, durability, and yes, UV protection. What are some of the benefits of investing in this apart from protection against the sun?
- High fire rating
- Hail and impact resistant
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Balance shade and daylight
- Wide service temperature range
Suntuf EZ-Glaze Polycarb
Suntuf EZ Glaze Polycarbonate is a new, versatile, low-maintenance polycarbonate roofing solution. With its proprietary profiled design, Suntuf EZ Glaze Polycarb can be installed directly onto rafters without the need for intermittent purlins.
It creates a glass-like appearance by eliminating the need for purlins that run throughout the width of your roof space.
- Profiles Available: 2 rib sheet
- Effective Cover (per sheet): 600mm
- Min. Roof Pitch Required: Min 5 degrees
Shading coefficient (SC) is a measure of the thermal performance of a product. The lower the rating, the less solar heat is transmitted through the product, and the greater its shading ability.
Solar Heat Gain includes energy transmitted directly through the product and energy absorbed by the product and then re-radiated into the area below your roof space. The lower the figure, the cooler your area will be.
Sunlite 10mm Twinwall Polycarbonate
Sunlite 10mm Twinwall Polycarbonate sheeting is lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. It’s ideal for a variety of roofing and glazing applications in and around the home, like pergolas, verandahs, facades, skylights, decking walls, as well as commercial and industrial uses.
- Profiles Available: 10mm Twinwall
- Standard Width (per sheet): 980mm
- Min. Roof Pitch Required: Min 5 degrees
- Max Rafter Centres: 1000mm
- End Purlin Span: 900mm
- Mid Purlin Span: 1200mm
NOTE: Sunlite fixing system is not available via the Roofing Options online store. Please contact us directly for a quote or any further information.
Sunglaze Polycarbonate
Sunglaze includes all the benefits of polycarbonate, such as versatility, low maintenance, high thermal insulation, durability, as well as a timeless and elegant visual appeal.
The Sunglaze standing seam system enables wide spans and high loading capacity, which allows architects and builders complete freedom to design glazed areas of unlimited size and shape.
A Sunglaze system is designed for both rafter and purlin construction options and can accommodate assembled width spans of 600mm or 800mm, depending on panel thickness.
The entire installation process doesn’t require using silicones or adhesives, which eliminates mess and the problem of adhesive bond failure.
Note: it is currently not available to purchase online at Roofing Options.
Learn more about thermal expansion and polycarbonate roofing.
Suntuf BH (Beehive) Polycarbonate Roofing
Being three times thicker than standard polycarbonate roofing, Suntuf Beehive Polycarbonate offers strength and durability while boasting the highest impact resistance available in profiled polycarbonate today.
Suntuf BH produces 100% diffused light, resulting in greater flexibility and suitability for both residential and commercial use. The underside of the Suntuf BH polycarbonate sheet has an embossed surface that adds a new and fresh appearance to your project.
- Profiles Available: Corrugated only
- Effective Cover (per sheet): 760mm
- Min. Roof Pitch Required: Min 5 degrees
Laserlite 2000 Polycarbonate
Laserlite 2000 polycarbonate is versatile and designed to suit the Australian climate. What profiles are available?
- Corrugated, Greca and Trimdeck (5-Rib)
- Effective Cover (per sheet): 760mm
- Min. Roof Pitch Required: Min 5 degrees
Laserlite 3000 polycarbonate is one of the most durable and technologically advanced polycarbonate roofing products.
- Profiles Available: Corrugated & Greca
- Effective Cover (per sheet): 760mm
- Min. Roof Pitch Required: Min 5 degrees
Choose from Platinum, Gun Metal or Platinum.
Do you need polycarbonate roofing supplies for your Coburg, Preston, Thornbury, Reservoir, Lalor, Broadmeadows, or Langwarrin property? The Roofing Options Centre is on call.
Reliable Polycarbonate Roofing for Melbourne Residents: Call Us!
It doesn’t matter if your experience is in contracting, building, or whether you’re more into doing it yourself; Roofing Options has everything you need to kickstart your dream roofing project. And yes, your roof will be completely UV-protected.
As a leading source of roofing supplies (including polycarbonate) in Melbourne, we have three walk-in locations and a convenient online store.
We supply steel roof sheets, downpipes and accessories, custom made flashings, polycarb roof systems such as Sunpal multi, roof skylights such as Velux, and so much more.
Contact us today, check out our online store for inspiration, or visit us in Cranbourne, Coburg, or Campbellfield.
