FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Questions
Can I leave on the masking tapes that block both ends of Palram multiwall products?
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No. These tapes, used on Sunlite and ThermaGlas products, are for packaging/storage only, and are not strong enough for field service.

After installing multiwall sheets, seal the top end with aluminum foil solid tape, and the bottom end with special ventilating breather tape.

Can I paint polycarbonate panels?
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We do not recommend painting our polycarbonate panels. Polycarbonate is a very resilient material, but it is potentially sensitive to chemicals contained in many exterior paints. While we can test a paint for compatibility, we have no way of controlling whether a paint manufacturer will remain consistent with their formulas over time.

Can I paint structural rafters before installing Palram roofing sheets?
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Yes, you can paint structural rafters or supports – but be sure to paint only with light or white color. Do not use dark colors like black or brown that can absorb and reflect intense heat.

Can I recycle Palram polycarbonate or PVC panel scraps?
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Yes, Palram's polycarbonate and PVC sheet products are recyclable.

Polycarbonate products such as Suntuf, Sunlite, Palsun, DynaGlas, or ThermaGlas should be marked "Plastic #7" prior to recycling.

PVC products such as Palruf, Ag-Tuf, PALCLAD PRO HYG, Palclear, or should be marked "Plastic #3".

If local recycling is not available, other resources are available. For PVC products, click here to visit the Vinyl Institute's Recycling Provider Database.

For polycarbonate products, visit The Association of Post Consumer Plastic Recyclers site and review their materials buyers and seller's list.

Can I walk over roofing sheets while in storage or during/after installation?
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Under no circumstances should you walk, stand or kneel directly on roofing sheets! The risk of breaking the sheets and falling is too great.

If you can't avoid accessing the roof area during installation, always use a crawl board that is strong enough to support the weight of the person. The crawl board must span at least three supporting roof rafters or purlins.

Can Palram sheets be curved?
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Bending/forming instructions vary by sheet material. Always check the installation instructions of the relevant sheet material.

But in general, some of our sheets can be cold-curved for arched shapes, provided the relevant Palram specifications for minimum radius in cold-curving are followed.

Rigid flat sheets can be cold-curved in any direction.

Corrugated sheets can be cold arched "along the grain" of the corrugation (lengthwise). Corrugated sheets cannot be curved/arched "against the grain." That is, do not bend perpendicular to the direction of the ribs.

Like corrugated sheets, multiwall sheets can be arched only "along the grain" of multiwall (lengthwise).

Our Palight Trimboard "lumber-style" boards can be heat formed in any direction, with the proper heating equipment and forming jig.

Again, see the installation guidelines for each material for specific instructions.

Can Palram sheets catch fire?
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All plastic materials are flammable to some degree, and will catch fire in presence of exterior flame.

The ignition temperature of polycarbonate sheets is 915ºF (490ºC).

The ignition temperature of PVC sheets is 736ºF (391ºC).

Both materials are self-extinguishing, and fire will decay when the exterior flame source is removed.

Note that compared to polycarbonate and PVC, acrylic sheets (which are not produced by Palram) are more flammable.

Do I really need to buy Palram’s recommended fasteners and related accessories?
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To ensure long-term warranty coverage, it is strongly recommended to use Palram-approved fasteners and accessories, which have been tested to ensure high quality and function.

Palram products + fasteners + related accessories should be thought of as a system meant to provide the best possible installation. Proper use of the complete system greatly reduces the possibility of problems and insures that product warranty will be honored.

Please see the installation instructions for the specific product for details.

Do Palram panels keep out heat?
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Palram products are available in a variety of colors, which varies by product. Each has its own heat and light transmission properties. While all Palram panels block virtually 100% of harmful UV radiation, there are variations in heat and light transmission.

Clear panels allow the most solar light and heat through, while lighter, opaque colors are more reflective. If excessive heat buildup is a concern, our "Solar Control" panels are your best bet. Please see each product page for more information on color offerings, light transmission percentages and warranty terms.

Do Palram roofing sheets block UV radiation?
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Some of them do. Rigid PVC and polycarbonate sheets are practically opaque to UV radiation, making them a perfect barrier against this harmful radiation. They actually block UV-A and UV-B radiation better than nearly any sunscreen lotion.

On the other hand, acrylic roofing sheets (which are not produced by Palram) generally transmit a considerable portion of the UV radiation.

Review the technical datasheet for each Palram product for specific UV information.

Do Suntuf flashing accessories come in the same colors as the panels?
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Yes. Suntuf flashing accessories are available in Clear, White and Solar Gray, although they may need to be specially ordered, depending on your retailer.

How do I cut Palram’s rigid PVC or polycarbonate panels?
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Corrugated and multiwall panels may be cut with a circular saw (using a very fine-toothed blade made for plastic panels, veneer or plywood). For best results, it is often better to cut just a few corrugated panels at a time to reduce vibration. Clamping the panels also helps. (But be careful clamping multiwall to avoid compression.)

If using a standard circular saw blade, better results may be seen by running the blade backwards (remove and turn it over to reverse direction). Depending on thickness, some panels may also be cut by hand by carefully using tin snips or a utility knife.

For other cutting instructions and further details, please visit each product's document page. You can also view our general Corrugated Products Installation Overview video.

How important is it to follow Palram general recommendations on product usage?
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How long do Palram PVC and polycarbonate products last?
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Palram manufactures a variety of different products for different applications. Most have industry-leading warranties against manufacturing related defects, as well as specific warranties related to the intended use for the product.

However, with proper installation and maintenance, our products typically far exceed their warranty periods.

Many of our products are engineered to be installed outdoors and are warranted accordingly. Nevertheless, the lifespan of outdoor products can be affected by how well they were installed, as well as environmental factors like air pollution, sun exposure, winds and erosion by airborne particles.

Warranty details can be found in the Downloads tab under the Warranties section at the bottom of the page for each individual product.

How should I store Palram sheets when not in use?
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Store sheets in a protected, shaded, ventilated site, with no direct exposure to sunlight and winds. For outdoor temporary storage, cover with an opaque protective tarp, avoiding heat-absorbing materials.

Important note: Palram flat (non-corrugated) panels have a protective surface film that keeps the product safe from dirt and scratches during the long journey from manufacturing to the job site.

These films are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause that film to bond the sheet surface, after which it will be extremely difficult to remove the film from the sheet.

I’d like to build my own greenhouse. What are my options?
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For hobbyists and homeowners, our sister company, Palram Applications, offers easy-to-assemble greenhouse kits. These products are available through many online stores and select garden centers throughout North America.

If you plan to design and build your own home structure, consider our Suntuf corrugated polycarbonate panels or Sunlite multiwall panels. Suntuf is widely available at Home Depot's throughout North America, as well as many independent retailers. Sunlite is available at select Home Depot's and some independent retailers.

For commercial applications, our DynaGlas and ThermaGlas panels are a great choice. DynaGlas and ThermaGlas are available from commercial greenhouse manufacturers and greenhouse supply distributors. Contact our Master Distributor, Green-Tek, for a dealer near you.

You can also contact us with your specific needs and we'll help you make the best decision for your application.

What adhesive should I use for polycarbonate panels like Suntuf or Suntop?
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First off, don't use PVC cement. PVC cement and polycarbonate do not react well. Also, generally speaking, Suntof/Suntop panels are not recommended to be "glued" together. For sealing polycarbonate, use a 100% silicone caulking.