Clear Polycarbonate Sheet

Details

Clear polycarbonate sheeting is an ultra-tough, versatile material with a wide range of possible uses, from secondary glazing to riot shields to external panels. This ultra-tough material can be purchased in varying thicknesses to provide further levels of insulating.

As a result of the multiple options of thickness, this enables the sheets to have transparency and low thermal transmission, meaning this is a perfect alternative to glass panes.

With great uses both indoors and out, this weather-resistant product makes a fine addition as a longer-lasting replacement, whether that be in a bathroom installation as a shower screen, or outside, such as by adding windows to a polycarbonate greenhouse, making them a safer, longer-lasting alternative.

For ideas on how to transform your glass into polycarbonate panels, check out our guides on sheets, and where you can use them.

Polycarbonate maintains its appearance for years due to its scratch-resistant qualities. It is easy to keep clean and hygienic, making it ideal for use in kitchens or bathrooms and can be washed with just soap and warm water without the need for chemical cleaners.

It’s a popular material for use in gardens, polycarbonate greenhouse windows and children’s play areas, as it is impact-resistant and more secure than glass or regular plastic. It can be used as secondary glazing or for windows indoors, where security may be an issue. In fact, there are many potential uses for clear polycarbonate sheeting, from carports and garages to swimming pool covers, shower screens and splashbacks, and even glazing for skylights.

The most common use for clear polycarbonate sheets is as a replacement for glass, as it is shatterproof and far more lightweight, making it easier to handle and work with. Polycarbonate sheets can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses to suit your project, as well as it being easy to cut into virtually any size or shape.

Polycarbonate is easy to fit and can be installed easily and safely by any DIY novice. It can be drilled with ease, or if you’d prefer you can let us know where you need the drill points to be and we can do that for you to save you time and effort when it comes to installing the sheet – just let us know when you’re placing the order.

Key Features

Excellent Clarity

Our clear polycarbonate sheets give excellent optical clarity, providing up to 90% light transmission, higher than most types of glass, making it an advantageous option for use in windows or as a skylight. 

Versatile

300 hundred times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than our Perspex® acrylic sheets, our clear polycarbonate sheets are shatter-resistant, as well as long-lasting making them ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor projects. You can expect at least 20 years of continued use from your sheeting without showing signs of deterioration.

Durable

With a higher impact tolerance to acrylic sheeting, clear polycarbonate sheets make a stronger, long-lasting alternative to both acrylic and glass. At its thickest point polycarbonate is also resistant to bullets, and its brake form is a tenth of an inch thick.

Weather Resistant

With both UV, abrasion, and weather resistance, the sheets can withstand the most severe weather conditions, making them fantastic alternatives to glass windows.

Lightweight

Polycarbonate weighs up to five times less than an equivalent glass pane, making installation, transportation, and handling an easier, and more attractive option.

Malleable

Polycarbonate is capable to be fabricated and altered to any requirements including drilling, or shaping making polycarbonate sheets a flexible material to work with.  Polycarbonate is also able to be perfectly thermoformed without losing the strength or quality to fabricate. Polycarbonate can also be cut with appropriate machinery, drilled and shaped to any requirements, so it’s a flexible material to work with. The cut surfaces can be polished and sanded easily for a more professional finish to your sheeting.

Maintainable

Clear polycarbonate sheets are equally easy to clean, with just warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth needed to ensure a hygienic finish.

Applications & Uses

• Architecture
• Boat Windows
• Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels
• Children Playhouses
• Cold Frame Glazing
• Shed Windows
• Secondary Glazing
• Bathrooms
• Gardens
• Commercial Spaces
• Table Top Protectors
• Roofing Sheets

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will polycarbonate yellow over time?

Any polycarbonate sheeting that does not have resistance to UV lights will deteriorate in clarity and turn yellow. Our polycarbonate sheeting does have this resistance, and will not go cloudy.

Can polycarbonate be recycled?

Our polycarbonate sheeting is fully recyclable due to being created from petroleum and oils which are completely degradable.

How strong is polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is 30 stronger than standard acrylic sheeting, and 200 times stronger than traditional glass.

What's the difference between acrylic and plexiglass?

Acrylic is the abbreviation for polymethyl methacrylate, with Plexiglas being one of the brand names, like Lucite and Crylux. Like how Hoover is synonymous with vacuum cleaners. 

What is polycarbonate used for?

Polycarbonate can be used for a variety of projects, especially when made from a variety of UV and other coatings. Manufacturers can use polycarbonate in any task, but most commonly used where a sheet of glass is used, such as in cars, or windows.

Why is polycarbonate expensive?

In most cases, the reason for the cost is because of the specific process involved in making polycarbonate by giving the sheet a stronger, longer-lasting durability. Casting it in a cell gives it the glass-like quality with plastic features, but makes it more expensive as a result.

What is polycarbonate made from?

Polycarbonate is made from a petroleum-based thermoplastic named polymethyl methacrylate, known as PMMA. 

Can you drill holes in polycarbonate?

While it can be challenging, it is possible to drill holes in polycarbonate. Care will need to be taken to prevent cracking or chipping.

Can polycarbonate be used for windows?

Yes. Polycarbonate makes a brilliant alternative to windows, especially as they’re safer and last longer. They also weigh roughly half of the glass, making them easier to move, cut and install.

How to cut polycarbonate?

When using a cutter or a knife, use the cutter or the dull side of a knife to score the polycarbonate along the marked line five to ten times. Flip the sheet and repeat on the opposite side. Line up the scoreline with the edge of your work surface and clamp. Finish with a wet-sanding, and progress to finer sandpaper up to 600-grit.