Investing in a pergola with a polycarbonate roof allows you to protect part of your garden from the sun and bad weather. Combined with an aluminium structure, this material offers you a durable and aesthetic shelter. A polycarbonate roof has many advantages! Let's take a look at the characteristics of this new generation pergola.
What is a polycarbonate roof?
There are many materials that can be used to cover a pergola. These include glass, PVC, plexiglas, aluminium and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is durable and resistant, with a good price/quality ratio and a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Polycarbonate: the ideal material for a pergola
Polycarbonate is an extremely strong plastic material. It is made up of several transparent sheets stacked on top of each other and is twice as light as glass. It is not easily flammable and does not warp.
Polycarbonate can be found in two forms:
Alveolar polycarbonate is the most widely used and the strongest, often with UV protection;
The corrugated polycarbonate sheet is less aesthetic.
The installation of a polycarbonate roof
It is possible to fix your polycarbonate sheets yourself. However, it is strongly recommended that you call in a professional pergola fitter. The installation of the roof of your pergola will be guaranteed and made to measure.
If you are a handyman and want to do it yourself, here are some tips on how to easily fix your polycarbonate roof:
The panels are mainly fixed to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Also, do not venture to install polycarbonate on a sloping roof;
You can cut the plates with a circular saw. Polycarbonate is very strong and will not crack;
Place the UV-treated side outwards. You can add a sun protection film;
The polycarbonate board is inserted into the existing edge profile.
Characteristics of an aluminium and polycarbonate pergola
Polycarbonate is the most suitable material for an aluminium pergola. It is robust and yet light. In addition, under a polycarbonate pergola roof you are protected from the sun's rays. The heat is reduced and the light is retained. The polycarbonate sheets are completely weatherproof. So you can enjoy your lean-to or freestanding pergola all year round!
Let's discover the advantages and disadvantages of a polycarbonate pergola roof.
The advantages of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate has more advantages than disadvantages for a pergola roof. This material is more elastic than other plastics and is revolutionising the roofing of garden sheds!
An economic advantage
A pergola with a polycarbonate roof is ideal for small budgets. With an average price of between €15 and €35 per m², this material is less expensive than double glazing or aluminium sandwich panels.
Impact resistance
Polycarbonate is used in the manufacture of military shields and is extremely strong. It is 250 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable. It is therefore perfectly suited to the construction of a secure pergola roof.
Fire resistance
Polycarbonate is self-extinguishing. It is very difficult to ignite this material, which extinguishes itself as soon as it is no longer in contact with fire. Again, this effectiveness against attack is ideal for building a roof.
A lightness
Like aluminium, polycarbonate is a light and flexible material. It can be easily cut, drilled, bent or polished without the risk of cracking. This means that you can adjust the size of the boards to the size of the surface to be covered with complete peace of mind.
A very good thermal insulator
As the pergola is designed to protect from the sun and heat, polycarbonate is a real asset. It provides a pleasant greenhouse effect while blocking the sun's rays. It can be treated against UV rays and have a solar filter for optimal comfort. In summer, your guests and plants flourish. In winter, the cold is kept at bay by this insulating roof.
A durable material
Polycarbonate is valued for its durability. Depending on its thickness and the number of cells it contains, it has a lifespan of around 15 years. It is also fully recyclable.
A quick installation
A polycarbonate roof is quick and easy to install, provided you have the right equipment. Made by a pergola specialist, it allows you to quickly build a watertight cover that doesn't let any rain in.
Easy maintenance
The maintenance of polycarbonate is as simple as that of your aluminium pergola. The roof should be cleaned twice a year with soapy water and a cloth, at the same time as the structure. If your pergola is installed near trees, remember to remove the dead leaves in late autumn to ensure optimum light.
A non-yellowing material
flexibility, which prevents it from hardening. In addition, the vagaries of the weather and especially the sun's rays do not affect it thanks to the UV treatment that polycarbonate sheets undergo.
The disadvantages of a polycarbonate roof
Less light
Polycarbonate is a plastic material and is therefore translucent. It allows less light through than transparent glass. However, a certain amount of light is retained and the pergola is protected from the heat of the sun.
Sensitivity to scratches
Although polycarbonate is highly resistant, it is susceptible to scratches but these can be easily removed by polishing the roof.
