PROJECT MATERIALS CALCULATOR
Estimate the materials required for a basic patio structure using our range of products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
All Palram polycarbonate products can be cold bent onsite during installation, subject to a minimum radius. The radius varies based on the chosen product. For flat sheets such as PALSUN & SUNLITE, the rule-of-thumb for the minimum radius is the thickness multiplied by 200. Please check the Palram catalog for more detailed specifications.
The recommended thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material is based on factors such as wind & snow load, panel size, and boundary conditions. Visit the Palram website for access to calculators that can help you determine the recommended thickness.
In order to reduce heat build-up through the façade, Palram strongly recommends the use of its tinted SolarSmart™ panels. SolarSmart™ tints can be implemented in all Palram polycarbonate products. For more information, reference the Palram SolarSmart™ technology page.
Flat solid or multiwall sheets can be glazed in double skin applications using standard aluminum curtain wall profiles and EPDM gaskets. The SUNPAL system can be installed in a double skin application with a special aluminum profile provided by Palram.
This depends on the production date and storage conditions of the product before thermoforming. It is recommended to check the product before thermoforming is attempted.
Most of Palram's products that are delivered with PE film covering are suitable for thermoforming. In general, we recommend using clear PE and not printed PE.
Yes, you can by using domes or glazing solutions. Please contact Palram technical support for further information.
Palram offers various LT% parameters - from 0% to 90%. In addition, we offer a color called a “diffuser” that allows 85% of the light in while diffusing it by 100%. The result is a light-transmitting panel that is not transparent but is highly translucent.
Polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation by absorbing it. This absorption mechanism can cause degradation to the material, and to prevent this from happening, the sheet is coated with a special material.
For this reason, it is recommended that the sheets are installed with the marked UV protective layer facing outward. Moreover, most of the sheets are only protected on the side that is clearly marked as such.
No. The multiwall channels should always be vertical to allow condensation water to drain out by gravity.
- Never use abrasive or high alkaline cleaners on any Palram polycarbonate products.
- Do not leave cleaners on Palram polycarbonate for extended periods of time. Rinse immediately with cold, clean water.
- Do not apply cleaners in direct sunlight.
- Never use sharp objects, squeegees or razors on polycarbonate.
- Do not clean with gasoline.
- Always practice safety first and never step directly on a polycarbonate panel.
- Always test cleaners in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the entire panel to ensure against adverse results.
- Avoid allowing the pressure washer spray tip to come too close to the panel. Pressure washers often have enough pressure at the spray tip to penetrate or tear the panel.
- Avoid dry cleaning as sand and dust particles clinging to the exterior of the panels may scratch the surface.
The main benefit of the standing-seam system is that unlike standard sheets, it is sold together with all installation accessories. This system also provides superior water tightness and is easier and faster to install.
Shading coefficient (SC) is a parameter that compares transparent and translucent materials with clear 3 mm glass with 87% LT ׂ(light transmission). The lower the value, the more convenient it is to stay under the material on warm, sunny days. In architectural projects, the SC should usually be between 0.3 to 0.5.
Multiwall polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is thermal insulation. Solid polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is acoustic insulation and glass-like appearance.
This decision depends on the application – some of the colors are transparent and some are translucent. If a see-through material is needed, then haze should be smaller than 1% and the LT% should be based on the illumination design. If a translucent effect is needed, then the haze should be 100% and the LT% based on the chosen color.
PALRAM's polycarbonate products are shielded with a UV protection layer that guards against photodegradation, yellowing, and brittleness. This protects the sheets from the harmful impact of UV radiation and helps to maintain light transmittance and quality for many years. Our products come with a 10-year warranty against loss of light transmittance. Upon special request, we can provide an enforced UV protection layer with a longer warranty.
