The Pros and Cons of Polycarbonate Roofing For Your Commercial Building

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If you own a commercial building, you might currently be looking for a new roofing material. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice if you are looking for flexibility, longevity, and durability. However, it also has some disadvantages to consider. Here are some pros and cons of using polycarbonate material on your commercial roof.

Pro: There are multiple options available

Polycarbonate is a versatile and flexible material to be used for your commercial property. You can find it in a tinted colour to offer more style, as well as a standard clear or neutral colour. Some polycarbonate materials have a foam backing, while others have embossed sheets, corrugated designs, or a plain and smooth sheet similar to other plastic roofing materials. When you choose the foam-backed materials, they have better insulation and sound-proofing qualities, while the different textures help you use it to create a specific style with your commercial building. If you have a matching carport or pergola for your business, it works great for those structures as well.

Con: It isn't the most eco-friendly option

While polycarbonate materials do contain good insulation to reduce energy bills, they are still not the most eco-friendly of materials. Plastic in general is not as friendly to the environment as other materials, such as natural stone, which forms naturally in the Earth's surface, or metal, which is highly recyclable. However, if you can find polycarbonate made with recycled plastic, it does help to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

Pro: Polycarbonate can handle extreme temperatures

An excellent benefit to using this type of plastic material on your roof is the fact that it can handle a lot of different temperatures and weather conditions. When you live somewhere with extreme hot or cold temperatures, it can be difficult finding roofing materials that handle those conditions. With polycarbonate, it handles a winter of below-freezing temperatures, and is also durable during the summer if you get triple-digit heat. It is also excellent for insulation, which is another good benefit of the material.

Con: You might spend more than other plastic roofing materials

In terms of a roof made of plastic materials, polycarbonate is more expensive in comparison. This isn't like typical plastic used on commercial roofs, and will therefore require more of a cost for materials and installation. However, it tends to be lower in cost than some of the other roofing materials, such as asphalt, stone, and metal, so that is still a good advantage.

Pro: It is durable against impact

Not only is polycarbonate roofing great if you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, but it can also handle a lot of impact. This means it won't get easily damaged from branches and debris during a heavy wind or rainstorm, hail, snow, or other sources of impact. While not completely impenetrable, it is very durable as compared to other roofing materials for commercial buildings.

For more information about using polycarbonate roofing for your business, contact a company like KFC Roofing Supplies Pty Ltd.


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