Here's a selection of Frequently Asked question regarding Polycarbonate.
Q. Is it strong?
A. Polycarbonate is one of the strongest plastic sheet materials avaialble. When compaed to glass at the same thickness, it is approximately 200 times stronger than glass. In the industry, we call it 'virtually unbreakable'. Remember that all plastics can scratch, so ensure extra care when handling and installing.
Q. Is it rigid?
A. It depends on the thickness. 2mm and 3mm polycarbonate is very strong but will still will bend away from you under its own weight towards the floor, so in thinner sheets, Polycarbonate will 'cold curve' like this under it's own weight. The rigidity increases as the thickness inreases.
Q. Could I use it for my greenhouse?
A. Yes absolutely. We supply 3mm thickness polycarboate in cut panels as a replacmeent for greenhouses. (We also supply 4mm thickness). Please test or investigate which thickness you need before purchasing on our web sites. We can cut our large shets into smaller panels for you - on single / one customer jobs, cutting is usually Free of Charge. If you need our saws and staff to be employed on your cutting job(s) for a number of hours, there will most likely be a charge! Call us on 01 409 8000 to learn more.
Q. Can I buy cut panels in a standard size?
A. Yes, you can buy a pack of 8# panels 2ft x 2ft, or a pack of 12# panels 2ft x 2ft. See the cost here
Q. Will it not go yellow in the sun?
A. If using the sheet outdoors, or in direct sunlight, always ensure that the sheet you are buying (or being sold!) has UV in the description. We have two sheet types - UV 2S, which means UV protection on 2 sides / both sides, or standard polycarbonate sheet (non UV) which is used for indoor applications like screens and partitions.
Q. Can I clean Polycarbonate?
A. Yes, using a mild soapy water solution and a soft, non abrasive, link free cloth. If you continue to rub or buff a polycarbonate panel or sheet in the one location, you will remove the sheen from the panel or sheet and end up scratching it.