polycarobnate sheet Sunlite Ploycarbonate
Sunlite DIY
Sunlite DIY
Sunlite DIY

SUNLITE® MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE SHEET

Rigid-structured sheets with a variety of light transmission options & excellent thermal insulation

Upgrade your outdoor living space with SUNLITE, a sleek, tough and aesthetically appealing polycarbonate. While the outside surface offers the smooth, clean lines of a flat sheet, the multiwall cellular structure creates an insulating air space that dramatically increases its insulation characteristics. This results in substantially better energy efficiency than single-layer sheet. Lighter weight than corrugated polycarbonate and significantly lighter than glass, SUNLITE is easy to handle and install for any DIY project, such as patio coverings, privacy partitions, backyard animal shelters, greenhouses and more.  SUNLITE easily withstands snow, ice, and extreme temperatures. And with up to 20 times more impact resistance than fiberglass, it offers the best hail protection available for your outdoor space.

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Product Details

Sunlite® DIY Product Range

Product
Dimensions Available
Sunlite®
2' X 8', 4' X 8', 4' X 12'

Available Colors

Clear and White Opal
PropertyConditions
(U.S. Customary)
ASTM MethodUnits - SI
(U.S. Customary)
Value
(U.S. Customary)
Physical
DensityD-1505g/cm³ (lb/ft³)1.2 (75)
Water Absorption24 hr. @ 23°CD-570%0.15
Mechanical
Tensile strength at yield10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638MPa (psi) 62 (9,000)
Tensile strength at break10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638MPa (psi)65 (9500)
Elongation at yield10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638%6
Elongation at break10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638%110
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity10 mm/min (0.4 in. /min)D-638MPa (psi)2,378 (345,000)
Flexural Modulus1.3 mm/min (0.05 in./min)D-790MPa (psi)2,378 (345,000)
Flexural Strength at Yield1.3 mm/min (0.05 in./min)D-790MPa (psi)93 (13,500)
Notch Impact Strength Izod23°C (73°F)D-256J/m (ft·lbf/in.)800 (15)
Notch Impact Strength Charpy23°C (73°F)D-256J/m (ft·lbf/in)800 (15)
Impact Falling Weight3 mm (0.12 in.) SheetISO-6603/1bJ (ft·lbf)40-400(30-295)
Rockwell HardnessD-785R scale / M scale125 / 70
Abrasion (Taber Process)100 Cycles, CS-10S Wheel, 500gD-1044% HazeN/A
Compressive Strength1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-695MPa (psi)N/A
Compressive Modulus1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-695MPa (psi)N/A
Shear strength at Yield1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)N/A
Shear strength at Break1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)N/A
Shear Modulus1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)N/A
Thermal
Long Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-75 to +100 (-175 to +212)
Short Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-75 to +120 (-175 to +250)
Heat Deflection TemperatureLoad: 1.82 Mpa (264 psi)D-648°C (°F)132 (270)
Vicat Softening TemperatureLoad: 1 kg (2.2 lb)D-1525°C (°F)149 (300)
Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion
D-69610-⁵/°C (10-⁵/°F)6.5 (3.6)
Thermal ConductivityC-177W/m°K (Btu-in./hr-ft²-°F)Varies w/ Thickness
Specific Heat CapacityC-351kJ/kg°K (Btu/lb°F)N/A
Optical
Haze3 mm (0.12 in.)
Clear Sheet
D-1003%Varies w/ Thickness
Light Transmission3 mm (0.12 in.)
Clear Sheet
D-1003%Varies w/ Thickness
Refractive IndexClear SheetD-5421.59
Yellowness Index3 mm (0.12 in.)
Clear Sheet
D-1925<1

Regulatory Code Compliance Certification

Organization
Standard
Classification*
ICC (International Code Council)
IBC-2012 (Light Transmitting Plastic)
ESR-1893
NRC-CNRC
Canadian NBC 2015 (Canopy Covering)
CCMC Evaluation Report 13450-R
Flammability Related (Product Specific)
ASTM
D-635
CC-1
ASTM
E-84
Class A

 

Depends on thickness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does water drip from the underside of my roofing panels?
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This is almost certainly due to condensation buildup on the underside of the panels. The condensation that forms is not a direct result of the Suntuf panels, but rather the surrounding environment in which the panels are installed.

To learn what condensation is, why it occurs, and a few suggestions that can help minimize it, click here to download Palram Tech Brief #5007.

What considerations are there for fastening Palram products to ACQ treated lumber?
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The new guidelines by manufacturers of ACQ lumber call for heavily galvanized or stainless steel fasteners due to the corrosive nature of the ACQ treatment.

You have two basic options for using Palram products with ACQ lumber:

  1. Use a comparable fastener made from an ACQ approved material. Make sure that such a fastener uses either a neoprene or EPDM washer, and that it is installed per Palram’s recommendations.
  2. Use Palram’s fasteners. Initial tests with ACQ have shown no adverse effect on our fasteners. This is added to the fact that the fasteners are being used to secure a light weight plastic panel (rather than connect structural members). If you use Palram fasteners, our 10 year warranty will still apply.

What's the difference between ThermaGlas and Sunlite?
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ThermaGlas branded products are engineered specifically for commercial greenhouse applications. Panel widths, thicknesses, pigments, and special greenhouse-specific features (such as guaranteed condensate control) are consistent with commercial growers' needs.

Aside from these commercial greenhouse-specific features, ThermaGlas is the same as Sunlite (for equal thicknesses, weights, and panel widths). Outside of North America, Palram uses the Sunlite brand instead of ThermaGlas.

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 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.

Why do some polycarbonate sheets have a "UV side" to face outwards?
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Most Palram polycarbonate products feature a very thin co-extruded layer of UV-resistant resins that protect the entire sheet from UV radiation. In most cases, UV protection is applied to one side. However, two-sided UV protection is available for select products.

Polycarbonate inherently blocks UV radiation by absorbing it and not allowing it to pass through the panel. However, UV also degrades polycarbonate over time. Therefore, Palram adds additional UV protection specifically to protect the sheet, not to block additional UV from getting through the sheet.

To ensure the protection of single-sided UV protected sheets, they must be installed with the marked UV protective layer facing out toward the sun. Although sheet products can also be UV protected on both sides, most of the sheets are protected on one side that is marked clearly.

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.

What is the purpose of the protective polyethylene films on certain sheets?
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The protective films in flat (non-corrugated) Palram sheets are for protection against dirt and scratching during the long journey from manufacturing to the job site. In some cases, the film also carries important installation and other product information.

The film will also indicate which side is UV-protected. This side should be installed facing outwards (extremely important).

In most cases, we recommend peeling off the protective films after installation. If this is not possible for practical reasons, always mark the UV protected surface, if there is one, so that the sheet will not be installed upside down.

Important note: The protective films that cover Palram sheets are highly sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause gluing of that film to the sheet surface, after which it will be extremely difficult to remove it from the sheet.

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.

What should I use to clean Suntuf or Sunlite panels?
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Warm water with a mild household detergent should be sufficient to clean Suntuf or Sunlite panels. Gently wipe off any remaining dirt with a soft cloth and wash again.

Never use a solvent-based cleaner (ammonia, etc.), and avoid abrasive sponges or brushes that can scratch the panels surface.

 

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.

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.

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 is the best way to fasten Palram rigid PVC and polycarbonate panels in place?
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The best way is to use Palram-recommended screws fastened through pre-drilled holes that are slightly larger than the diameter of the screw. Pre-drilling insures that the panels will have room to expand and contract properly with temperature change. Skipping this step can lead to distorted or warped panels.

Whatever you do, never use nails. Unlike wood fibers, which compress when a nail is hammered in, Palram's rigid PVC and polycarbonate panels do not compress. That means there is significant risk of cracking and impact damage in the area of the attachment. Also, nailing the panels in place prevents them from safely expanding and contracting with temperature change, resulting in warping of the product.

For exact hole size guidelines and other important installation instructions, see the documents at the bottom of each specific product's web page.

How important is it to follow Palram general recommendations on product usage?
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Very. Palram recommendations for the storage, installation and general treatment of products are drafted to ensure that the product’s quality and serviceability is met to full extent, and following these recommendations ensures that product warranty isn't void. Please be sure to view the specific product's documents for more information.

Do Palram sheets expand in heat?
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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.

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.

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.

Can I use any of Palram's products as a hurricane screen?
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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.

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.