Are you wondering which roofs to choose for your housing or commercial space, with the plethora of options in the market? Then plastic roof sheets could be the one you are looking for.
These sheets have gained more attention among homeowners and builders, as they act as a one-stop solution for affordability and durability. Let’s explore what this roof sheet is all about. It would be no wonder if this is the one you might have searching for.
What are Plastic Roof Sheets?
Plastic roofing sheets are made of polycarbonate, which is composed of different types of polymers. They are extremely lightweight, durable and resistant to all types of weather conditions, making them a superior roofing option. These sheets are designed and manufactured in a way that mimics other roofing materials such as glass and wood, making them a popular choice in recent years.
Types of Plastic Roof Sheets
Corrugated Plastic Roof Sheets
These roof sheets serve structures that are meant to act purely as covers, protectors, or storage facilities. They are extensively used in agriculture for farmhouses, outdoor sheds, detached carports or garages, and other types of residential storage units. The sheets’ ridges distribute extra structural stiffness, making the roofs resistant to external damage, while protecting the interiors of the structure.
Flat Polycarbonate Roof Sheets
These roof sheets are characterised by their smooth, flat surface with high durability and strength. They are used both as a solid-single layer or as a multi-layered wall structure. It allows ample natural light to pass through the structure, due to its transparent layer, yet protecting the structure from UV rays, and external weather conditions. These sheets are used as a roofing material for skylights, patios, canopies, and other leisure spaces.
PVC Sheets
Polyvinyl Chloride is excellent for greenhouses and structures that very need to have high light transmittance. Extremely lightweight, easy to install, and low maintenance are some of the core benefits of using the sheets for roofing solutions.
Acrylic Plastic Roof Sheets
Like its predecessors, acrylic roof sheets also provide optimal natural light transmittance and low maintenance. They’re also more affordable than traditional roof materials. The main difference is that acrylic sheets are heat-bent to fit a variety of structural angles. One thing that sets acrylic roof sheets over the top is that they are made from recycled plastic materials, making them the eco-friendly and sustainable option.
Pros and Cons of Plastic Roof Sheets
Pros
- These sheets are lightweight than metal or tile roofing materials, which makes them easy to handle and install.
- They protect the structure from environmental factors such as UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
- They allow natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
- Requires minimal maintenance, as they do not rust or corrode over time.
- These are more affordable than other roofing materials.
- Provide enhanced protection against rain, hail, and snow, ensuring long-lasting protection.
Cons
- Acrylic sheets are prone to cracks and damage when subjected to heavy impacts.
- These sheets can expand and contract due to extreme weather conditions and temperature changes.
- These sheets can degrade or discolour when exposed to prolonged UV rays.
- Some sheets are subjected to scratch, affecting the overall appearance and performance.
Applications of Plastic Roof Sheets
- Greenhouses
- Awnings and Canopies
- Industrial Buildings
- Animal Shelters
- Vehicle Parking Structures
- Skylights
- Pool Enclosures
- Temporary Structures
Plastic Roof Sheets Installation
- Ensure the roof deck is clean from impurities, and structurally sound with a proper slope for drainage.
- Use an underlayment through an additional layer against water infiltration.
- Commence laying the roofing sheets from the eaves upward to the ridge to ensure alignment and interlocking.
- Fix the roofing sheets using fasteners in the form of special clips or screws provided mostly against wind and longevity.
- Check for interlocking and overlapping for a smooth, possibly watertight surface, thus giving an eventual clean aesthetic look.
- Trim the sheets wherever necessary to avoid damaging the coating, followed by water testing for airtight and watertight surfaces.
- Cover the peak of the roof with ridge caps and clean all chips and debris resulting from the installation process.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Plastic Roof Sheets
- Ensure that the plastic sheet provides necessary protection against UV exposure, heavy rainfall, or snow.
- Ensure that the sheet allows natural lighting transmission, which is important for various applications.
- Ensure that the materials can resist all kinds of impacts, chemicals, wear, and tear.
- Plastic roof sheets are available at varying costs, so finding the best sheets that fit your budget is crucial.
- Some roof sheets are difficult to handle and install, so finding a sheet that is easy to install is crucial.
Cost of Plastic Roof Sheets
Plastic sheets are more cost-effective compared to other roofing materials. These sheets are easy and faster to install, saving the time and money spent on labourers. Cleaning and maintaining are simple and won’t take up much time or expense, as roofing sheets can withstand harsh conditions. Above all mentioned is that they help you save money on energy bills.
The cost of plastic sheets varies based on the type of material used.
- A polycarbonate sheet ranges from as low as INR 300 to as high as INR 800 per square meter.
- Acrylic sheets range from INR 200 to INR 500 per square meter.
- PVC sheets range from INR 100 to INR 200 per square meter, making it the adorable roof sheet.
Conclusion
In summary, plastic roof sheet is a lightweight, durable, and affordable roofing solution for various residential and commercial buildings. They are of different types and every variant offers enhanced weather protection and natural light. Properly installed plastic sheets can provide UV protection, and be long-lasting. Although the choice of plastic sheet is subjective, it is necessary to consider the climate, light needs, and budget.
Mithali Konety