Benefits of Polycarbonate Roofing for Pergolas and Carports

toolszeal

February 10, 2025

Benefits of Polycarbonate Roofing for Pergolas and Carports

Polycarbonate roofing is an excellent option for your outdoor awning or patio. It offers numerous benefits over Colorbond and other metal options. One significant advantage is the price. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis making everyone feel the pinch, cutting costs where possible is essential. Polycarbonate roofing will help you stay on or under budget for your home improvement project or long-overdue pergola carport extension. Most polycarbonate roofing costs about $15-20 per square meter. Compared to Colorbond and other steel roofing options that often start at $25 or more, the savings start adding up. If you’re looking for cost-friendly home improvements, polycarbonate roofing is a great option.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing

Durability - In addition to saving money, there are other benefits to choosing polycarbonate roofing. Firstly, polycarbonate is highly dense and can withstand extreme amounts of force. It is nearly unbreakable. Even if you live in an area prone to hail or other weather hazards, you can be sure your polycarbonate roof will be able to withstand the worst Australian weather conditions you can throw at it! It is also UV radiation resistant, which means that won’t yellow or degrade over time. Lightweight - You’d expect something with that level of damage resistance to be fairly heavy, wouldn’t you? However, another great advantage of polycarbonate is its lightweight design. This means that installation is comparatively easy and reduces the overall structural weight load on the construction of your custom carport or outdoor pergola. Transparency - unlike metal options that are solid and impenetrable, a polycarbonate roof gives you the option of using your pergola as a kind of outdoor sunroom. It can also be beneficial if you are interested in home gardening, particularly establishing your own greenhouse. Of course, the level of transparency like many other aspects of polycarbonate, can be customised to fit your individual needs. Versatility - as mentioned in the previous point, one of the most appealing aspects of using polycarbonate roofing is the number of options available. While metal and other materials are somewhat limited, polycarbonate has a wide range of transparency levels, colours, designs and thicknesses. We can work with you to determine the type of polycarbonate roofing that will suit your project. Thermal Insulation - the ideal choice for dealing with the harshness of the Australian climate, polycarbonate roofing has first-rate thermal regulation properties. This means it’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, helping to regulate temperature. It can also help reduce energy consumption if used in an area where that applies. Easy Installation - Polycarbonate roofing installation is a breeze compared to metal and other roofing options. This can help you save even more money as time and labour costs are reduced.

Downsides to Polycarbonate Roofing

While polycarbonate roofing has many benefits, there are also some minor downsides. One of the major ones is that it can be prone to scratching and showing signs of wear and tear, given the nature of the material. This extends to its impact resistance. While it is generally impact-resistant, it may still crack or shatter under significant stress. If you live in an area with a lot of bush it may be worth considering your options.

Best Brands for Polycarbonate Roofing

In Australia, three leading brands handle polycarbonate roofing.

SunSky Polycarbonate Roofing
Ampelite Solasafe Polycarbonate Roofing
Laserlite Polycarbonate Roofing

Austek works with these brands to achieve the best results for you and your project. Picking one is mainly dependent on your priorities. Laserlite products focus on UV protection, SunSky specialises in heat reduction by prioritising reflectivity, and Ampelite offers superior strength and impact resistance. The decision of which one is largely down to your preferences and the needs of your surroundings.

Maintaining your Polycarbonate Roofing

If you want your polycarbonate sheeting to keep protecting your outdoor space, maintaining it is key to extending its lifespan and getting the most out of your purchase. While they are designed to be UV resistant the Australian sun is unforgiving. Making your polycarbonate last starts with ensuring it is properly maintained. Safety first: Before you dive into cleaning your polycarbonate, first ensure you take every safety precaution necessary to ensure minimum exposure to the risk of injury. One common mistake people make is thinking because of its durability polycarbonate roofing can handle someone walking directly on it. They cannot support a person’s weight without providing something to even out the weight distribution, like a walkboard or some thick plywood. Gather what you need: Before you go climbing any ladders, however, it’s essential to get the necessary supplies together to help you clean. We recommend using a soft sponge with lukewarm, soapy water (hot may damage the surface). We recommend detergents on the milder spectrum as harsh chemicals can harm the polycarbonate. Remove debris: You’re nearly ready to begin cleaning; there’s just one more step. Ensure the area has been cleared of sticks, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on outdoor surfaces. We also recommend a rinse to clear any remaining debris before you begin. Wash with water and soap: We recommend being quick and concise when cleaning, as leaving chemical cleaners on the surface too long can scratch the polycarbonate. Using your lukewarm, soapy water, clean the surface with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge. Dry the sheeting: Manage the appearance of your polycarbonate by ensuring you dry it with a soft cloth. This can help you get a streak-free finish. Double-check your gutters: While cleaning the polycarbonate, it’s worth checking if the gutters are clear, as debris buildup can be hazardous, especially at this time of year.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing

Durability - In addition to saving money, there are other benefits to choosing polycarbonate roofing. Firstly, polycarbonate is highly dense and can withstand extreme amounts of force. It is nearly unbreakable. Even if you live in an area prone to hail or other weather hazards, you can be sure your polycarbonate roof will be able to withstand the worst Australian weather conditions you can throw at it! It is also UV radiation resistant, which means that won’t yellow or degrade over time. Lightweight - You’d expect something with that level of damage resistance to be fairly heavy, wouldn’t you? However, another great advantage of polycarbonate is its lightweight design. This means that installation is comparatively easy and reduces the overall structural weight load on the construction of your custom carport or outdoor pergola. Transparency - unlike metal options that are solid and impenetrable, a polycarbonate roof gives you the option of using your pergola as a kind of outdoor sunroom. It can also be beneficial if you are interested in home gardening, particularly establishing your own greenhouse. Of course, the level of transparency like many other aspects of polycarbonate, can be customised to fit your individual needs. Versatility - as mentioned in the previous point, one of the most appealing aspects of using polycarbonate roofing is the number of options available. While metal and other materials are somewhat limited, polycarbonate has a wide range of transparency levels, colours, designs and thicknesses. We can work with you to determine the type of polycarbonate roofing that will suit your project. Thermal Insulation - the ideal choice for dealing with the harshness of the Australian climate, polycarbonate roofing has first-rate thermal regulation properties. This means it’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, helping to regulate temperature. It can also help reduce energy consumption if used in an area where that applies. Easy Installation - Polycarbonate roofing installation is a breeze compared to metal and other roofing options. This can help you save even more money as time and labour costs are reduced.

Downsides to Polycarbonate Roofing

While polycarbonate roofing has many benefits, there are also some minor downsides. One of the major ones is that it can be prone to scratching and showing signs of wear and tear, given the nature of the material. This extends to its impact resistance. While it is generally impact-resistant, it may still crack or shatter under significant stress. If you live in an area with a lot of bush it may be worth considering your options.

Best Brands for Polycarbonate Roofing

In Australia, three leading brands handle polycarbonate roofing.

SunSky Polycarbonate Roofing
Ampelite Solasafe Polycarbonate Roofing
Laserlite Polycarbonate Roofing

Austek works with these brands to achieve the best results for you and your project. Picking one is mainly dependent on your priorities. Laserlite products focus on UV protection, SunSky specialises in heat reduction by prioritising reflectivity, and Ampelite offers superior strength and impact resistance. The decision of which one is largely down to your preferences and the needs of your surroundings.

Maintaining your Polycarbonate Roofing

If you want your polycarbonate sheeting to keep protecting your outdoor space, maintaining it is key to extending its lifespan and getting the most out of your purchase. While they are designed to be UV resistant the Australian sun is unforgiving. Making your polycarbonate last starts with ensuring it is properly maintained. Safety first: Before you dive into cleaning your polycarbonate, first ensure you take every safety precaution necessary to ensure minimum exposure to the risk of injury. One common mistake people make is thinking because of its durability polycarbonate roofing can handle someone walking directly on it. They cannot support a person’s weight without providing something to even out the weight distribution, like a walkboard or some thick plywood. Gather what you need: Before you go climbing any ladders, however, it’s essential to get the necessary supplies together to help you clean. We recommend using a soft sponge with lukewarm, soapy water (hot may damage the surface). We recommend detergents on the milder spectrum as harsh chemicals can harm the polycarbonate. Remove debris: You’re nearly ready to begin cleaning; there’s just one more step. Ensure the area has been cleared of sticks, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on outdoor surfaces. We also recommend a rinse to clear any remaining debris before you begin. Wash with water and soap: We recommend being quick and concise when cleaning, as leaving chemical cleaners on the surface too long can scratch the polycarbonate. Using your lukewarm, soapy water, clean the surface with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge. Dry the sheeting: Manage the appearance of your polycarbonate by ensuring you dry it with a soft cloth. This can help you get a streak-free finish. Double-check your gutters: While cleaning the polycarbonate, it’s worth checking if the gutters are clear, as debris buildup can be hazardous, especially at this time of year.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing

Durability - In addition to saving money, there are other benefits to choosing polycarbonate roofing. Firstly, polycarbonate is highly dense and can withstand extreme amounts of force. It is nearly unbreakable. Even if you live in an area prone to hail or other weather hazards, you can be sure your polycarbonate roof will be able to withstand the worst Australian weather conditions you can throw at it! It is also UV radiation resistant, which means that won’t yellow or degrade over time. Lightweight - You’d expect something with that level of damage resistance to be fairly heavy, wouldn’t you? However, another great advantage of polycarbonate is its lightweight design. This means that installation is comparatively easy and reduces the overall structural weight load on the construction of your custom carport or outdoor pergola. Transparency - unlike metal options that are solid and impenetrable, a polycarbonate roof gives you the option of using your pergola as a kind of outdoor sunroom. It can also be beneficial if you are interested in home gardening, particularly establishing your own greenhouse. Of course, the level of transparency like many other aspects of polycarbonate, can be customised to fit your individual needs. Versatility - as mentioned in the previous point, one of the most appealing aspects of using polycarbonate roofing is the number of options available. While metal and other materials are somewhat limited, polycarbonate has a wide range of transparency levels, colours, designs and thicknesses. We can work with you to determine the type of polycarbonate roofing that will suit your project. Thermal Insulation - the ideal choice for dealing with the harshness of the Australian climate, polycarbonate roofing has first-rate thermal regulation properties. This means it’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, helping to regulate temperature. It can also help reduce energy consumption if used in an area where that applies. Easy Installation - Polycarbonate roofing installation is a breeze compared to metal and other roofing options. This can help you save even more money as time and labour costs are reduced.

Downsides to Polycarbonate Roofing

While polycarbonate roofing has many benefits, there are also some minor downsides. One of the major ones is that it can be prone to scratching and showing signs of wear and tear, given the nature of the material. This extends to its impact resistance. While it is generally impact-resistant, it may still crack or shatter under significant stress. If you live in an area with a lot of bush it may be worth considering your options.

Best Brands for Polycarbonate Roofing

In Australia, three leading brands handle polycarbonate roofing.

SunSky Polycarbonate Roofing
Ampelite Solasafe Polycarbonate Roofing
Laserlite Polycarbonate Roofing

Austek works with these brands to achieve the best results for you and your project. Picking one is mainly dependent on your priorities. Laserlite products focus on UV protection, SunSky specialises in heat reduction by prioritising reflectivity, and Ampelite offers superior strength and impact resistance. The decision of which one is largely down to your preferences and the needs of your surroundings.

Maintaining your Polycarbonate Roofing

If you want your polycarbonate sheeting to keep protecting your outdoor space, maintaining it is key to extending its lifespan and getting the most out of your purchase. While they are designed to be UV resistant the Australian sun is unforgiving. Making your polycarbonate last starts with ensuring it is properly maintained. Safety first: Before you dive into cleaning your polycarbonate, first ensure you take every safety precaution necessary to ensure minimum exposure to the risk of injury. One common mistake people make is thinking because of its durability polycarbonate roofing can handle someone walking directly on it. They cannot support a person’s weight without providing something to even out the weight distribution, like a walkboard or some thick plywood. Gather what you need: Before you go climbing any ladders, however, it’s essential to get the necessary supplies together to help you clean. We recommend using a soft sponge with lukewarm, soapy water (hot may damage the surface). We recommend detergents on the milder spectrum as harsh chemicals can harm the polycarbonate. Remove debris: You’re nearly ready to begin cleaning; there’s just one more step. Ensure the area has been cleared of sticks, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on outdoor surfaces. We also recommend a rinse to clear any remaining debris before you begin. Wash with water and soap: We recommend being quick and concise when cleaning, as leaving chemical cleaners on the surface too long can scratch the polycarbonate. Using your lukewarm, soapy water, clean the surface with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge. Dry the sheeting: Manage the appearance of your polycarbonate by ensuring you dry it with a soft cloth. This can help you get a streak-free finish. Double-check your gutters: While cleaning the polycarbonate, it’s worth checking if the gutters are clear, as debris buildup can be hazardous, especially at this time of year.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Roofing

Durability - In addition to saving money, there are other benefits to choosing polycarbonate roofing. Firstly, polycarbonate is highly dense and can withstand extreme amounts of force. It is nearly unbreakable. Even if you live in an area prone to hail or other weather hazards, you can be sure your polycarbonate roof will be able to withstand the worst Australian weather conditions you can throw at it! It is also UV radiation resistant, which means that won’t yellow or degrade over time. Lightweight - You’d expect something with that level of damage resistance to be fairly heavy, wouldn’t you? However, another great advantage of polycarbonate is its lightweight design. This means that installation is comparatively easy and reduces the overall structural weight load on the construction of your custom carport or outdoor pergola. Transparency - unlike metal options that are solid and impenetrable, a polycarbonate roof gives you the option of using your pergola as a kind of outdoor sunroom. It can also be beneficial if you are interested in home gardening, particularly establishing your own greenhouse. Of course, the level of transparency like many other aspects of polycarbonate, can be customised to fit your individual needs. Versatility - as mentioned in the previous point, one of the most appealing aspects of using polycarbonate roofing is the number of options available. While metal and other materials are somewhat limited, polycarbonate has a wide range of transparency levels, colours, designs and thicknesses. We can work with you to determine the type of polycarbonate roofing that will suit your project. Thermal Insulation - the ideal choice for dealing with the harshness of the Australian climate, polycarbonate roofing has first-rate thermal regulation properties. This means it’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, helping to regulate temperature. It can also help reduce energy consumption if used in an area where that applies. Easy Installation - Polycarbonate roofing installation is a breeze compared to metal and other roofing options. This can help you save even more money as time and labour costs are reduced.

Downsides to Polycarbonate Roofing

While polycarbonate roofing has many benefits, there are also some minor downsides. One of the major ones is that it can be prone to scratching and showing signs of wear and tear, given the nature of the material. This extends to its impact resistance. While it is generally impact-resistant, it may still crack or shatter under significant stress. If you live in an area with a lot of bush it may be worth considering your options.

Best Brands for Polycarbonate Roofing

In Australia, three leading brands handle polycarbonate roofing.

SunSky Polycarbonate Roofing
Ampelite Solasafe Polycarbonate Roofing
Laserlite Polycarbonate Roofing

Austek works with these brands to achieve the best results for you and your project. Picking one is mainly dependent on your priorities. Laserlite products focus on UV protection, SunSky specialises in heat reduction by prioritising reflectivity, and Ampelite offers superior strength and impact resistance. The decision of which one is largely down to your preferences and the needs of your surroundings.

Maintaining your Polycarbonate Roofing

If you want your polycarbonate sheeting to keep protecting your outdoor space, maintaining it is key to extending its lifespan and getting the most out of your purchase. While they are designed to be UV resistant the Australian sun is unforgiving. Making your polycarbonate last starts with ensuring it is properly maintained. Safety first: Before you dive into cleaning your polycarbonate, first ensure you take every safety precaution necessary to ensure minimum exposure to the risk of injury. One common mistake people make is thinking because of its durability polycarbonate roofing can handle someone walking directly on it. They cannot support a person’s weight without providing something to even out the weight distribution, like a walkboard or some thick plywood. Gather what you need: Before you go climbing any ladders, however, it’s essential to get the necessary supplies together to help you clean. We recommend using a soft sponge with lukewarm, soapy water (hot may damage the surface). We recommend detergents on the milder spectrum as harsh chemicals can harm the polycarbonate. Remove debris: You’re nearly ready to begin cleaning; there’s just one more step. Ensure the area has been cleared of sticks, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on outdoor surfaces. We also recommend a rinse to clear any remaining debris before you begin. Wash with water and soap: We recommend being quick and concise when cleaning, as leaving chemical cleaners on the surface too long can scratch the polycarbonate. Using your lukewarm, soapy water, clean the surface with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge. Dry the sheeting: Manage the appearance of your polycarbonate by ensuring you dry it with a soft cloth. This can help you get a streak-free finish. Double-check your gutters: While cleaning the polycarbonate, it’s worth checking if the gutters are clear, as debris buildup can be hazardous, especially at this time of year.