Polycarbonate vs Acrylic Roofing Sheets

What is the Difference?

Polycarbonate and Acrylic Roofing Sheets are two of the most popular materials used in construction today. Both materials are clear sheets of plastic available in varying thicknesses. While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two that can make all the difference to your construction project.

The Main Differences

The main difference between Polycarbonate and Acrylic Sheets is their impact strength, which dictates the application of the material. Polycarbonate is designed to be virtually unbreakable and is approximately 200 times stronger than glass. In contrast, Acrylic glass, commonly called Perspex or Plexiglass, is regarded as having higher clarity than polycarbonate.

Applications

If you had both materials available and given the choice, you would use Polycarbonate for a clear, protective screen in a ticket or cash booth, or as a machine guard where you have clear panels over moving parts. Polycarbonate is not suitable for food contact, so you would not use it as a cover at a deli counter.

Acrylic glass, on the other hand, is often used in retail and signage applications to give a high-gloss clear finish to surfaces. You often see it used as shelving for footwear or for the presentation of jewelry, as well as in more day-to-day applications like glazing, picture frames, and even some shed windows.

Which Material is Right for You?

Ultimately, the application is always important when choosing between Polycarbonate and Acrylic Roofing Sheets. When speaking with our staff, we'll usually ask you, "What's it being used for?" We're not being nosy! We just want to make sure we give you the right material for the job you are doing.

In conclusion, both polycarbonate and acrylic sheets have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right material for your project depends on a variety of factors. However, by understanding the differences between these two materials, you can make an informed decision that will result in a successful and long-lasting construction project.