Polycarbonate Balustrades

Polycarbonate Balustrades 

Polycarbonate sheeting is a kind of building material used as an alternative to glass in many applications. It's made of thermoplastic composites, offering greater flexibility and shatter-resistance than glass, acrylics or plexiglass. The thickness can vary from 2mm to several cm, and the material is considered exceptionally safe due to its shatter-resistant properties.

Benefits of Polycarbonate Sheeting

One of the primary benefits of a polycarbonate balustrade is its high weight to strength ratio. Compared to glass, polycarbonate sheeting is lightweight, yet highly durable and resistant to shattering and damage at the same time. That kind of resistance makes polycarbonate balustrades a much safer solution than their glass counterparts. 

Additional advantages of polycarbonate sheeting include its effectiveness as a sound barrier, and in controlling UV-light infiltration. Due to the high degree of flexibility, it offers space for creative designs, easy to form into various shapes.

Polycarbonate sheeting provides a number of options to installers and designers in terms of a variety of use. The panels can be fixed in place using screws, or supported by speciality poles designed to hold larger sheets. Polycarbonate balustrade can be joined with other materials using epoxy or silicone, and it can even be welded. Silicone sealant is a standard solution for caulking polycarbonate sheeting along its seams or joints.

Polycarbonate VS Glass Balustrade

Glass balustrades offer a more modern, transparent and sleek look than its traditional counterparts, such as wood or stone. Toughened glass is also stronger than regular glass but still susceptible to scratching or shattering. Some glass manufacturers apply various coatings or laminates to the surface of the glass to enhance its functionality. However, due to the tensile strength, glass panels are not unlikely to explode completely if enough force was applied.      

Flexible polycarbonate sheeting is more robust than glass and more resistant to breakage, making it a great replacement option where available. It is easier to mould, durable, and better in insulating. Polycarbonate sheeting can also help lower energy costs when used instead of glass for building purposes. The difference in cost-effectiveness can vary, but it commonly evens out over time. 

Application of Polycarbonate Sheets

Polycarbonate plastic can be easily formed into complex angles and curves at room temperature without cracking or breaking. That allows for a wide array of different applications. Polycarbonate flat sheets are widely used in sporting areas to protect spectators from flying balls or pucks. Because of their flexibility and resistance to shattering, polycarbonate panels make a common solution for the shower and pool enclosures, or as a barrier on balconies and in greenhouses.

Clear polycarbonate sheet is also widely used as an alternative to glass in balustrades, doors and windows. Polycarbonate balustrades are resistant to impact damage, flames and chemicals, making one of the top choices for safety barriers. Due to the material’s nature, they provide more protection than other materials, from breakage resistance to UV filtration. 

Types of Polycarbonate Balustrades

• Multiwall Polycarbonate

Multiwall polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and able to provide up to 60% more thermal insulation than glass. Its lightweight, durability, robust and easy to instal, making the ideal glazing material for outdoor applications. Structured protective layers guarantee exceptional stability against the UV rays and a stable weathering surface. 

• Clear polycarbonate sheets

Solid polycarbonate sheets, also called monolithic, are remarkably durable and resistant to impacts. At the same time, those are very light in weight, up to a half of the standard weight of glass panels. Transparent clear polycarbonate sheets provide high light transmission levels with a clearness equal or very similar to glass. Flexible, clear polycarbonate sheeting is weather resistant and can withstand most elements, lasting years in various outdoor conditions without significant appearance changes. 

• Corrugated polycarbonate 

It comes in various options, but is commonly found in the form of a two-layered sheet with a ribbed-like structure and a wavy appearance. Corrugated sheets can be reinforced with chopped glass fibre for extended durability and strength. They act as a single-layered sheet, popular as a roofing material for various kinds of structures.

More Things to Consider 

Polycarbonate provides a number of benefits, including high light transmission, thermal insulation, and impact resistance. In order to get the right selection, it helps to have a basic understanding of the effects of the structure, thickness, and colour to polycarbonate’s properties.

Polycarbonate comes in both solid and multiwall sheets. The internal structure and the thickness may be chosen according to the desired visual aesthetic, but they also come with different ratings. The standard colour for balustrades is clear, but there is also a possibility to get tinted versions. 

The standard warranty for polycarbonate sheeting is ten years, but it can easily last much longer with proper maintenance. 

If you need help to find the right polycarbonate sheeting for the balustrades, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.