SUNTUF® PLUS
SUNTUF® PLUS
SUNTUF® PLUS

SUNTUF® PLUS CORRUGATED POLYCARBONATE

Condensation-control corrugated roofing for commercial greenhouses

Introduced in 1985, SUNTUF Plus was the first-ever corrugated polycarbonate sheets engineered for commercial greenhouses. Since then, more than 9 million square meters (100 million square feet) of SUNTUF Plus have been installed throughout the world. Over the past 30 years, Palram has refined SUNTUF Plus to include grower-centric features that result in higher productivity, longer-term performance, and more predictable and consistent results over time.

AgricultureAgriculture

Unbreakable with 90% light transmission

TRANSMITS MORE LIGHT INTO THE GREENHOUSE

SUNTUF Plus refracts light at low angles of incidence, reduces reflection, and facilitates more light penetration into the greenhouse than any other material.

The corrugated profile is especially efficient at N45º-N55º latitudes, where during the five critical months between November and March, the sun shines most of the day at low angles of 15º-25º to the horizon.

SUNTUF Plus offers high UV protection, which helps maintain a high level of light transmittance. In fact, it loses less than 2% light transmittance over a 20-year-period.

 

Controlling thermal insulation & light transmittance using different colors and tints

 

U valueK valueLT%
5.69-5.800.172-0.17520-90
TRANSMITS MORE LIGHT INTO THE GREENHOUSE

High Condensation Control

SUNTUF Plus offers unique condensation control. This reduces the formation of water droplets and moisture-related diseases caused by dripping.

The control of droplet accumulation also reduces light reflection, which in turn increases light transmission by 30% at peak condensation periods.

High Condensation Control

Gutter-connected/free-standing gables

SUNTUF Plus is suitable for a wide range of structures, including gable-peak, arch, and most gothic-arch style structures. It is also suitable for retrofit glass, poly-film, and fiberglass-covered structures.

Available in two widths (1260 or 1870 mm) and custom lengths, SUNTUF Plus allows for easy installation and minimizes panel overlaps. A set of innovative installation accessories and patent-pending, side-lap fastening systems ensure excellent sealing at panel overlaps. This helps reduce the infiltration of dust, insects, water, and air; and helps to improve energy efficiency.

Gutter-connected/free-standing gables

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I curve the polycarbonate to follow the façade curve?
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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.

How do I specify the required thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material?
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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.

How do I reduce the heat build-up coming from the façade into the building?
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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.

What is the minimum allowed bending radius of polycarbonate?
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The minimum allowed bending radius of the polycarbonate is 200 times the thickness of the sheet, for example, a 2 mm sheet has a minimum 400 mm bending radius.

Why do I have to pre-drill fastener holes in roofing with corrugated panels?
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Pre-drilling the holes ensures that the panels have room to expand and contract properly with temperature changes. Skipping this step can lead to distorted, warped or cracked panels.

Can the percentage of light transmission be controlled? I need a lot of light but I need it to be diffused.
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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.

How do I design the secondary steel support spacings for roofing/siding?
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Palram created specific loading tables for each product. Please visit our website and download the specific catalog.

Can I install corrugated PVC and polycarbonate sheets horizontally for siding?
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Yes. Make sure you start installing from the bottom up so the overlaps will not let the water in.

How do I clean the polycarbonate?
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  • 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.

When should I use PVC corrugated sheets versus polycarbonate corrugated sheets?
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PVC corrugated sheets are mainly used for opaque roofing and siding of industrial buildings in highly-corrosive environments such as port warehouses, cowsheds, and dairies. Polycarbonate corrugated sheets are mainly used as roofing or siding where natural daylight illumination is needed.

What is the meaning of Shading Coefficient (SC)?
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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.

When should I use multiwall polycarbonate and when solid polycarbonate?
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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.

What is the difference between multiwall and solid polycarbonate?
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Multiwall is a multi-cell structured sheet. Due to its multi-cell structure, it has superior thermal insulation and low area weight.

How do I determine the color, Light Transmission (LT) and haze properties of polycarbonate?
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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.

Where should I use corrugated versus multiwall polycarbonate covering?
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SUNTUF Plus corrugated polycarbonate sheets provide the best light transmittance and UV light resistance, with exceptional load bearing and impact-resistance properties. SUNLITE Plus multiwall PC sheets provide the best thermal insulation. In locations where you would prefer thermal insulation to light transmission, you should use SUNLITE Plus multiwall PC sheets.

Can I retrofit my old glass house with polycarbonate sheets?
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Yes, Palram's MetalMatch technology enables us to create a covering that will fit any existing structure without requiring any additions.

Can I cover my old polyethylene greenhouse with polycarbonate while still keeping the old structure?
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Yes, but with minor reinforcements to the structure in order to support the load.

Will polycarbonate light transmittance deteriorate over time?
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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.