Clear Anodized, Dark Bronze Anodized, custom color matches, and flouropolymer finishes
are available for an additional charge.
Copper, Stainless Steel, and simulated Lead coated Copper cladding options are available for an additional charge.
Actual colors may vary. Color chips are available upon request.
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Polycarbonate Options by Solar Innovations®
Affordable, Functional Glazing Alternative
Polycarbonate on Wikipedia
 8mm clear twin wall |
 10mm clear triple wall |
.jpg) 16mm opal triple wall |
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate Performance Chart
Polycarbonate is a wonderful alternative to traditional glass. When the word polycarbonate is used, most people think about an old yellow plastic greenhouse. These greenhouses were some of
the first venues to use polycarbonate. Twenty years later the technology has greatly improved and the yellowing of clear polycarbonate has greatly reduced. This product is quickly growing in popularity across the United States. Europe has been utilizing polycarbonate in its structures for decades. Polycarbonate offers various features which make it a superb product for glazed structures.
- There are cost savings with polycarbonate. Polycarbonate typically costs less than insulated glass. When compared to glass, polycarbonate weighs much less. The reduction in weight directly correlates to shipping costs. Less weigh means less money to ship. In certain cases the lighter weight will also require less labor when installing a job and this too can save money.
- Aesthetics are another benefit to polycarbonate. This is an excellent material to use for a modern appearance. The rib lines are straight and help to emphasize a contemporary clean-line design. Polycarbonate comes in different thicknesses and colors. Solar Innovations® also offers a polycarbonate which has curved ribs for a truly unique appearance.
- Privacy is an easy requirement to meet with polycarbonate. Colored polycarbonate blocks vision but still allows light to be transmitted. Opal and bronze are two popular choices when privacy is a major concern.
- Strength is a core component of polycarbonate. When glass is subjected to impact it cracks or breaks. Polycarbonate is extremely strong and can withstand impact. Bricks can be thrown at polycarbonate and it will not break. After being subjected to polycarbonate, the material is still strong; it has not been compromised unlike glass.
Any glazed item or structure can utilize polycarbonate. A common application is for interior doors. 8mm polycarbonate is often used in place of glass for interior dividers, closet doors and swing doors. Pool enclosures often utilize polycarbonate. These structures are typically large in scale and polycarbonate saves costs compared to glass and provides much needed privacy. Greenhouses still use polycarbonate twenty years later. It is weather tight, water and humidity will not damage the material. Light is diffused which helps to eliminate burning to the plants and thicknesses are available to mimic single glazed and insulated glass. The following link will show a chart on polycarbonate compared to glass.
.jpg) 25mm bronze five wall |
 16mm blue/opal five wall superlife |
We will be happy to assist you or answer any questions. Please call 800-618-0669 or e-mail us at info@solarinnovations.com.
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