Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Questions--Quoting & Ordering----Discounts!

How clear is poly?- Samples-Guide ---Polycarb is easily Cut -.Pricing ---Poly ships from DePere, WI

Polycarbonate Selection --Polycarbonate Design & Install Intro -- Poly or Glass?

 

Selection

• What color should I use? Clear offers maximum light and heat transmission, best for greenhouses and solar applications. Note that clear is not 100% optically clear. The channels in the polycarbonate diffuse the light, offering even lighting. Bronze and white (also called opal or ice) reduce light and heat.. See light transmission. White is more opaque and is often used to hide dirt that may accumulate on the roof or images that are behind the polycarbonate. White also reflects the suns rays and will not accumulate heat the way bronze can. Bronze will reduce light and heat, but is most often an esthetic choice. Bronze will also expand and contract more, possibly creating noise on large sheets.

 

• What thickness should I use? This is usually a pay now or pay later situation. Pay now for greater strength and insulation, or later for more framing to support the sheet and heat to keep the structure warm. See Polycarbonate Selection and R-values of sheet.

• What width should I use? 4 ft. easy to install on roofs & walls. 4 ft. wide crates lighter, costs less to ship. 6 ft. recommended only for walls. Please do not request one or two 6 ft. sheets with an order of 4 ft. material as this makes for a heavy and difficult crate to build. If you need a large quantity of 6 ft. sheets that is ok.

• Does polycarbonate yellow from the sun or get damaged from hail? The polycarbonate we sell comes with a 10 yr. warranty to not yellow or be effected by hail.

• Do you sell Lexan? Yes, for some types of polycarbonate. Note that Lexan is a brand name of one manufacturer, GE. Please see Polycarbonate Mfg. Page for most up to date list of sheet types supplied by each manufacturer.

• How does polycarbonate compare with other multi-wall glazing materials? See Multi-Layer Glazing Comparison.

 

-Design, also see Polycarbonate Design & Install Intro

• Do you sell plans? We do not sell plans for specific size greenhouses, but we do have a Samples & Design & Install Guides to assist you through the process and also Plans & Cost of various structures using our Cap & Trim System.

• For structures with purlins or if you need long lengths see our Base & Cap System. This system can be used with 8, 10, 16 or 25mm Polycarbonate.

• I am building a large structure and would like to use nominal 4 ft. on center spacing, any recommendations? See Framing Guide in Adobe Acrobat.

• Why must polycarbonate be installed with channels running vertically? A small amount of moisture may gather in the channels. Vertical installation allows this moisture to drain. See Lower Edge and Eave Detail for U-Profile installation with weep holes for moisture release.

• I am building a sunroom or greenhouse and would like polycarbonate on the roof and glass on the vertical walls. See section on glass walled sunrooms. Also see why polycarbonate instead of glass.

• I would like to use polycarb on an angled wall and hip roof. See Angled Wall and Hipped Roof Detail, for example of how Cap can be used in this location.

• I would like to build an attached greenhouse or sunroom that can be taken down during the hot season. We suggest a permanent frame with a polycarbonate roof and removable "Pop-On Panels" for the walls. It is difficult to achieve a good weather tight seal on an attached roof that is removed and reinstalled.

• I have an aluminum greenhouse frame. Is it possible to use polycarbonate instead of glass? Yes, most greenhouse frames will accept either the 6mm or 8mm polycarbonate. Inspect your frame to see which thickness fits best. Polycarbonate is very easily Cut into sizes required.

• Can polycarbonate be installed on curved arch style greenhouses? Yes, The bending radius for various types of polycarbonate are on the Polycarbonate Pricing Page. Use our Base & Cap System and 8, 10, 16 or 25mm Multi-Wall or Corrugated Polycarbonate. The usual design is bows every 10-12 ft. and purlins running horizontally every 2-4 ft.

• What is the bending radius of various thickness of polycarbonate? The bending radius for various types of polycarbonate are on the Polycarbonate Pricing Page.

 

-Install, also see Cut & Install, Position & Attach & Poly. Design-Install Intro for method chosen.

• I would like to also install a layer of polycarbonate on the inside of my greenhouse to increase the insulation value, is this possible? We suggest using pressure treated lumber for the frame, so it will not rot. Paint the frame white to increase light reflection. Install the exterior layer of polycarbonate as normally done. Install the inner layer in the same fashion as hanging drywall. Use the Narrow Profile Cap or a redwood batten at the joints.

• How do I cut polycarbonate? See Cutting it is very easy.

• Polycarbonate expands & contracts with temperature changes. How will this effect my installation? Please see See Poly Store & Install Guidelines/Thermal Expansion for info on Thermal Expansion.

• By mistake I left protective film on outer surface of polycarbonate, installed the sheet and now can not get it off. What can I do? At local hardware store pickup a product called Naptha. Wash sheet with this. Pull off film and clean with soap and water.

 

Quoting & Ordering- - - - Reload Sundance Supply Site