Essential Considerations Before Buying and Installing Carport Polycarbonate Sheets

Carports were traditionally constructed using aluminium and steel sheets. Then came plastic carports, which were a better alternative to aluminium and steel carports due to the non-corrosive nature of plastic. Today, more homeowners are going for polycarbonate carports despite the material being relatively more expensive than the other materials. If you are looking to build a carport and cost is not an issue, then you cannot go wrong with a polycarbonate carport. However, you need to know a few facts about polycarbonate before installation.  

Different Sheet Thickness -- Unlike aluminium roof sheets which have a uniform thickness, polycarbonate sheets are sold in different thicknesses. The reason is that polycarbonate can be used for various applications, and optimal performance relies on choosing the most appropriate thickness. For instance, a polycarbonate sheet that is between 4 mm and 6 mm thick is best used for greenhouses or cold frames. The material cannot be used for carports because at that thickness, and the roof can't stop UV rays from reaching the car and damaging its exterior. For carport purposes, you should choose polycarbonate sheeting that is 10-16mm thick due to its ability to protect vehicles from harsh ultra-violet sun rays. Ultimately, ensure you select the correct polycarbonate thickness for your carport.   

Lighter than Most Materials -- Most homeowners shun using polycarbonate for their carports because it is relatively expensive roofing material. However, if you use wood or aluminium roofing, you need professional carport installation services since the materials are heavy. This adds to your expenses, even if the building material is cheap. With polycarbonate, on the other hand, you don't have to worry about hiring professional services because the material is extra light. As such, installation can be a DIY project, and this goes a long way towards keeping your costs as low as possible.   

One Side Protected from UV -- When you look at a carport polycarbonate sheet for the first time, you might think that both sides are similar. However, that is not the case because only one side of a polycarbonate sheet has glazing that protects the polycarbonate from UV rays. For this reason, it is critical to remember to install the carport polycarbonate sheet with the right side up. If you install it with the protected side facing down, then your carport will not serve its purpose -- protecting your car from the elements. Therefore, when installing a polycarbonate roof on your carport, always ensure that you confirm that the UV protective film is facing up before mailing it down to the frames.

To learn more about carports, you can contact a company in your area like Allgal Garages.

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