Can a shed be equipped with polycarbonate sheets?

Because it lets in natural light, polycarbonate or translucent sheets are a popular choice for construction, but are they appropriate for an industrial building or a farm shed, for example? Although using polycarbonate sheets for building has several advantages, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure they're used properly. For larger outdoor structures like farm sheds, a corrugated polycarbonate roof panel might be an ideal choice due to its added strength and ability to handle weather elements.

If you’re considering polycarbonate for your shed, then you’ll want to be sure that it’s the suitable material for your purposes. A well-made building material should endure over time and give you many years of use out of a product like a new shed.

Polycarbonate sheets can be used for many various types of shelters, but there are a few important things to know about this well-liked material before you use it. Let's dive right in.

Advantages of a shed made of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate sheets are extremely adaptable and simple to install, as you may already be aware. This can be the ideal answer if you're searching for an easy and practical approach to adding light to your shed.

Benefits of polycarbonate sheets include:

  • Lightweight and easy to operate.
  • Robust and capable of withstanding great force.
  • Both very high and very low temperatures are suitable.
  • Resistant to precipitation, snow, and sunlight.
  • Durable.

A high-quality polycarbonate sheet can withstand damage for many years without fading or discoloring with the correct application; it is also reputed to be 250 times stronger than glass. This makes it a well-liked option for a variety of exterior constructions, including sheds, greenhouses, and pergolas. In fact, because polycarbonate offers a desirable blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, several architects have chosen to utilize it for building facades on residential homes.

How to make effective use of polycarbonate

Our experience has shown that polycarbonate works best in situations when natural light is absolutely necessary and in tiny amounts. It turns out that it can be a good option for functional sheds (commercial sheds, shearing sheds, etc.) where providing natural light is crucial because people will be coming and going all the time.

There is a way to employ polycarbonate if it seems like the best option for you without compromising the shed's functionality or structural integrity. For instance, it is advisable to avoid using polycarbonate for the entire shed roof and instead limit it to a few strategically placed panels along the walls. This way, natural light can still enter the shed, while the main structure remains built with sturdy, long-lasting materials such as structural steel, ensuring the roof remains resistant to hail, frost, and other weather conditions.