Polycarbonate Roofs Vs GRP Roofs

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Polycarbonate Roofs Vs GRP Roofs

When it comes to choosing a canopy, the type, shape and colours are not the only important factors to take into consideration, you also need to think about the construction materials used such as the roof panels. The roof panels are important as these cover your canopy and people underneath. You need roof panels that will perform overtime with the unpredictable climatic conditions that we experience in the UK.

It can be hard to know what material would be best just by looking at the appearance or by going on what you have heard so that’s’ why a simple and to the point comparison list of the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you. And guess what… I’ve created that exact comparison list so you can save time and discover the perfect roof material for your future canopy!

GRP Roof Panels

GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Plastic and is also known as FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic). It is a composite laminate of glass fibres mixed in with polyester resin.

Advantages:

Versatile
Similar Appearance to Glass
Choice of Colours – Can be translucent, opaque or many other colours
Available with UV Stabiliser – Available covered with a UV stabilised layer to provide UV protection

Disadvantages:

Panels Discolour – Sunlight can cause the clear GRP panels to discolour & cause coloured panels to fade & deteriorate
Low Impact Resistance – It has a lower impact resistance than Polycarbonate
Shorter Life Expectancy – The life span of GRP is shorter compared to other roof panel materials – approx 10 years
Rough & Difficult to Clean Surface – The surface of this material is often rough therefore making it difficult to clean and needs more maintenance than other roofing materials.

Polycarbonate Roof Panels

Polycarbonate is a light weight, strong material that is used for a wide variety of applications from bulletproof windows & shields to CD’s and eye glasses and it is nearly unbreakable. What makes this material stand out from similar materials is its superior light weight to high strength ratio making it a first choice for many applications.

Advantages:

High Impact Resistance – Has a very high impact resistance, making it virtually unbreakable
Versatile – Polycarbonate is used for many applications such as CD’s, eyeglass lenses, bullet proof windows, conservatory roofs and canopy roofs
Choice of Colours – Can be translucent, opaque or bronze
Long Life Span – It has a 25 year life expectancy
High UV Protection – Many varieties are co-extruded (manufactured) with a UV filter to offer high UV protection to those underneath.
Cost Effective – It’s cost effective compared to other glazing options
Durable and Tough – This is a strong material that has an excellent structural performance
Long Lasting – Maintains its high strength and clean look over time
Excellent Fire Performance – It is self-extinguishing when the source of the flame is removed and it will not promote fire or assist the spread of fire
Low Heat Transmission – Keeps the area underneath cool in hot, sunny weather
Effective resistance to weather
Readily Recyclable

Disadvantages:

I cannot think of any!

Click here for information about the 35mm polycarbonate roof sheets that cover many of our wall mounted canopies and free standing canopies.

Or download our brochure to view our full range of canopies with polycarbonate roof panels:

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails,
awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure,
healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with
schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.
For more information on our products and services please contact us

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Polycarbonate Roofs Vs GRP Roofs

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