Know These Main Differences Between Vinyl And Polycarbonate Roofing Panels

Whether you are a builder, an architect, a homeowner or simply a keen building fan, you will get pampered for choices regarding roofing panels. Among the host of options, the two popular ones are viny and polycarbonate roofing panels. 

This post can be useful to assist you figure out the best choice for your unique project requirements. Here we compare between Vinyl vs Polycarbonate Roofing Panels.

An Overview Of Vinyl Roofing

Vinyl roofing is the prevalent name for PVC roofing. PVC represents polyvinyl chloride and comprises a synthetic material that has been utilized for decades. It is a kind of plastic formed by the gaseous reaction of ethylene with hydrochloric acid and oxygen.

PVC roofing comprises a single-ply roofing solution employed for industrial and commercial roofs that are low-sloped and flat. PVC roofing’s ease of use and reliability has made it the third most manufactured synthetic.

Advantages Of Vinyl Roofing

The major advantages of vinyl roofing are the following:

Prevents Fire, Heat And UV Damages

In comparison to different roofing techniques, PVC carries chlorine which constitutes a flame-retardant agent that aids to cool off fire just immediately as it begins. Its white colour enables PVC to reflect sun rays away from the premises, thereby stopping the UV rays from entering inside the building. 

Resistance To Oils And Chemicals

PVCs are resistant to alkali, acids, and solvents. This implies that they are ideally-suited to be utilized in assembly plants and manufacturing. This property also makes them suitable for factories that deal with the production of sulfuric acid and sulphur dioxide.

Ability To Withstand Salty Conditions And Avoid Pest Infestation

PVC is suitable also in coastal regions where there is high salt concentration. The roofing is resistant to all types of corrosion from rust, rot, or also pest infestation.

Most Economical Choice

PVC roofing is conveniently available as its cost of installation, repair and maintenance are quite low. It also comprises a long-term roofing strategy that would be affordable for businesses.

Recyclable

PVC is recyclable, where the earlier roof is retransferred to the factory, remoulded and then utilized to make shipping materials, athletic fields, picture frames, etc.

Resource Conservation

PVCs are ideal since they lower the use of steel and wood that would else have been utilized in the creation of iron sheets.

Disadvantages Of Vinyl Roofing

Effect On Climate

PVC is unsuitable to be utilized in cold climates as it gets too brittle and may easily crack when trampled on. The ideal temperature for PVC is between -50⁰C to 175⁰C, beyond which the roofing becomes useless.

Shelf-Life Limit                         

On numerous occasions, PVC roofing can only remain up to 20 years, following which repairs would be required. Unfortunately, it is trickly to repair aged PVC, and so replacements would be required after a duration of nearly 20 years.

Discharge Of Toxic Chemicals

When burnt, PVCs can discharge toxic chemicals like dioxin which may cause developmental and reproductive issues in human.

Polycarbonate Roofing

Polycarbonate roofing constitutes a roofing solution with the kind of roof having been formed of polycarbonate thermoplastic. This comprises a durable and strong roofing technique due to its high impact resistance and can be found in an array of colours. They form the ideal choice for skyscrapers, greenhouses, and automobiles.

Interestingly, a major aspect of polycarbonate’s growth has been regarding their use as roofing panels. Polycarbonate roof panels are among the fastest developing segments of commercial roofing products, particularly for flat or low-slope roofs. This is since polycarbonate roof panels are less costly than metal options, and more durable than conventional asphalt shingles.

The few disadvantages of polycarbonate are not so significant for roofing purposes. Polycarbonate’s general structural integrity will remain consistent, even after lengthy outdoor exposure. With few downsides and numerous benefits, let us explore key advantages of employing polycarbonate roof panels.

Polycarbonate Panels Are Lightweight

Polycarbonate is amongst the most lightweight roofing materials existing. It weighs much less than a metal roof and is two times as lightweight as a glass panel of similar size. The lightweight properties of polycarbonate roof panels bring many extensive benefits. One instant benefit is more equitable shipping costs, particularly when compared to metals. Additionally, once construction starts, workers will probably appreciate how the polycarbonate is unusually simple to install and handle as it can be moved with slight effort.

When designing a building, bear in mind that polycarbonate will probably enhance its overall structural integrity. As polycarbonate has an amazingly low weight, less stress will be placed on the support beams and walls of a building.

Polycarbonate Panels Are Durable

Polycarbonate roofing panels can bear a considerable amount of stress. Polycarbonate can sustain both freezing and boiling temperatures without dropping any toughness, permitting it to flourish in outdoor environments. The panels can also sustain many of the outcomes of harsh weather – it can sustain the weight of snow, repels water, and will not quickly shatter due to falling branches or hail.

The high effect resistance of polycarbonate finally makes it more reliable than numerous other roofing materials. It is not likely to break during installation or transport, which will not only ensure that the building is constructed as per schedule, it will also protect construction workers and cause fewer injuries. Once the building is completed , polycarbonate roofing panels will also offer special safety to the persons inside, particularly when compared to materials such as glass which shatter in an unsafe, dramatic fashion. This is partly the reason why polycarbonate panels are getting more popularly used as skylights!

Polycarbonate is also unusually receptive to UV resistant coatings, implying that continuous sun exposure will not lead the material to discolour, chalk, crack, or otherwise get weaker. This results in polycarbonate roof panels being abnormally long-lasting. Although polycarbonate has just been utilized as a roofing material for almost 20 years, much of the original buildings that employed polycarbonate roofing are still relishing its durability today.

Despite being transparent, polycarbonate panels offer excellent ultraviolet protection without wholly filtering out natural sunlight. This feature makes polycarbonate the perfect choice for spaces that need natural lighting to function such as greenhouses, offices, and your living space.

Polycarbonate Panels Are Versatile

Among the greatest advantages of polycarbonate is its versatility. Polycarbonate roof panels are sufficiently rigid to remain solid and sustain lot of weight without bending while being sufficiently flexible to endure very powerful impacts without any critical breakage.

Polycarbonate roofing panels can also don numerous aesthetic appearances. Opaque polycarbonate panels are present in a variety of colours. Polycarbonate panels can even be transparent – offering greater light transmission than fiberglass while being nearly as clear as glass. This renders polycarbonate an ideal substitute for glass when there are concerns about the reliability or safety of glass panelling. Apart from a variety of colours and transparencies, these panels can be produced into various sizes, thickness, and can also be prepared into custom shapes.

Superb Soundproofing

If you want to bring privacy in a personal or commercial space, then polycarbonate roofing and gazebo panels are a viable solution. They have the complete aesthetic appeal of glass together with a superb sound barrier quality that is also excellent for professional settings such as offices, conference rooms, and meeting areas.

Disadvantages Of Polycarbonate Roofing

Costly

Polycarbonate roofs are pricey in comparison to other roofing techniques like PVC. This may cause property owners to opt for the next existing alternative over this.

Vulnerability To Surface Harm

As hailstones scrape these surfaces, it would stay permanent thus creating a dent which would be costly to repair.

Special Solution For Cleaning

Any cleaning solution that carries alkaline and abrasives would harm the roof by peeling off the surface thus reducing its lifespan.

Not Friendly For The Environment

The production process entails plenty of artificial materials that imperils the environment and has side effects for humans.

Vinyl Vs Polycarbonate Roofing

These 2 roofing techniques are primary competitors in the building industry, and several factors are considered when picking between Vinyl vs Polycarbonate Roofing Panels:

Cost Of Roofing

Regarding cost, PVC roofing is usually less costly than polycarbonate roofing. PVC roofing generally costs between $4 to $8 per square foot, while polycarbonate roofing may cost between $8 to $15 per square foot.

Nonetheless, bear in mind that actual costs differ based on various factors such as the quality of the materials used, size of the roofing project, and the location.

Maintenance And Installation

PVC roofing is usually easier and quicker to install than polycarbonate roofing as it has greater flexibility and can be bent to adapt to edges and corners. It is also lighter in weight, which can render it simpler to handle during installation.

Polycarbonate roofing, however, can be more difficult to install as it is less flexible and more rigid.

Concerning maintenance, PVC roofing may need more frequent maintenance and cleaning than polycarbonate roofing as it is more prone to discoloration and staining. Polycarbonate roofing is more resistant to discoloration and staining, but may need occasional replacement of fasteners or sealing strips to keep its watertight seal.

Durability

Polycarbonate is recognized for being durable. It is also used to create bullet proof glass. Although both are plastics, the distinction lies in the fact that PVC is made of a chloride group while polycarbonate is made of a carbonate group which renders it tougher. PVC may also be melted by hydrofluoric acid which may lead to fire break-outs whenever in use.

Polycarbonate roofing usually has a lifespan of 25-30 years and PVC generally endures for 20-30 years.

Wrapping Up

 After an appraisal of the properties of polycarbonate and vinyl, and the Vinyl Vs Polycarbonate Roofing Panels differences and advantages it is evident that each material has its individual strengths and weaknesses. Vinyl is a more economical option with great flexibility, while polycarbonate provides enhanced impact resistance and durability.

Regarding which to pick, it ultimately rests on the specific application and intended outcome. For applications that need a high level of durability and impact resistance, polycarbonate is the go-to option. Nevertheless, for applications where cost is a key consideration and flexibility is crucial, vinyl may be the preferred option.