SUNPAL® (OLD)
SUNPAL® (OLD)
SUNPAL® (OLD)

SUNPAL® MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEM

Versatile, functional standing-seam glazing system

SUNPAL is an advanced multiwall polycarbonate panel system for a variety of flat or curved roofing and cladding designs. It enables architects to incorporate natural light, thermal insulation, and structural strength into skylights, facades, and roof designs. Engineered to be lightweight and leak-proof, withstand very high loads, and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, SUNPAL is ideal for long-term use in commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

 

SUNPAL is an architecturally specified system that is not stocked in retail locations. If you are an architect, engineer, designer or commercial builder please contact Palram for information, design assistance, and path to purchase.

Principles of SUNPAL & SUNGLAZE Polycarbonate Systems

Principles of SUNPAL & SUNGLAZE Polycarbonate Systems

USE LIGHT TO ENHANCE YOUR DESIGN, DAY AND NIGHT

As an architect, you need to consider the design aesthetics of both the exterior and the interior. If there is too much transparency in your glazing material, you may compromise on privacy. In contrast, too little transparency or translucency may reduce light transmission in the interior. For these reasons, you need to consider all options to achieve exactly the look you want. And, of course, you can't ignore other aspects such as energy efficiency.

Palram offers four different polycarbonate glazing products to meet all of your requirements; flat solid sheet, multi-wall sheet, single-layer corrugated sheet, and complete panel systems. Palram Project Support Engineers can help you evaluate which solution best meets your design aspirations, efficiency and sustainability goals, and budgetary and performance needs.

If you’re an architect, engineer or builder and need assistance evaluating your design and developing an installation method and process, learn more about our Architectural Project Support Center.

USE LIGHT TO ENHANCE YOUR DESIGN, DAY AND NIGHT

Product Details

Product Range

TypeWidthHeightHeight with Polycarbonate JoinerWeightMin. cold bending radius
SUNPAL® 8/600 Lite23.625" (600m)0.922" (23.5mm)
1.3" (33m)0.744 lb/ft, 0.373 lb/ft2 (1.11kg/m, 1.83kg/m2)80" (2.0m)SUNPAL 8_600
SUNPAL® 8/60023.625" (600m)0.922" (23.5mm)
1.3" (33m)0.831 lb/ft, 0.41 lb/ft2 (1.24kg/m, 2.00kg/m2)80" (2.0m)SUNPAL 8_600
SUNPAL® 10/60023.625" (600m)1" (25.5mm)
1.375" (35m) 1.045 lb/ft, 0.53 lb/ft2 (1.56kg/m, 2.60kg/m2)96" (2.4m)SUNPAL 10_600
SUNPAL® 18/100039.37" (1000mm)1.313" (33.5mm)1.625" (41mm)2.084 lb/ft, 0.634 lb/ft2 (3.11kg/m, 3.11kg/m2)120" (3.0m)SUNPAL 18_1000
SUNPAL® 20/100039.37" (1000mm)1.406" (35.5mm)1.703" (43mm)2.137 lb/ft, 0.651 lb/ft2 (3.19kg/m, 3.19kg/m2)120" (3.0m)

Colors

SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000

ProductColorL.T. %SHGCSC
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Clear650.630.72
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Bronze250.400.46
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Grey300.450.52
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600White Opal250.370.43
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600White Ice500.560.64
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Green500.560.64
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Blue500.600.69
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Red200.520.60
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Multi Layer White / Bronze100.290.34
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Multi Layer White / Grey100.290.34
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Multi Layer White / Blue100.370.43
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Multi Layer White / Red40.280.32
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Solar Smart Solar Ice200.280.32
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Solar Smart Solar Control200.300.34
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Solar Smart Bluish Breeze340.320.38
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Clear with Diffuser Plus640.630.72
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600 Bronze with Diffuser Plus200.420.44
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600White Opal with Diffuser Plus260.400.45
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Green with Diffuser Plus400.480.54
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Blue with Diffuser Plus400.510.59
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Red with Diffuser Plus200.470.55
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Solar Ice with Diffuser Plus200.350.41
SUNPAL® 8/600 & SUNPAL® 10/600Grey with Diffuser Plus300.420.49
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Clear500.540.62
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Bronze200.350.39
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Grey240.440.51
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000White Opal200.300.34
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000White Ice400.480.55
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Green380.460.53
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Blue360.500.57
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Red200.440.50
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Multi Layer White / Bronze100.290.34
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000 Multi Layer White / Grey100.290.34
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Multi Layer White / Blue100.370.43
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Multi Layer White / Red40.280.32
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000 Solar Smart Solar Ice150.230.26
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000 Solar Smart Solar Control150.250.29
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000 Solar Smart Bluish Breeze340.330.38
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Clear with Diffuser Plus490.540.61
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Bronze with Diffuser Plus200.370.43
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000White Opal with Diffuser Plus200.330.38
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Green with Diffuser Plus250.380.44
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Blue with Diffuser Plus250.410.48
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Red with Diffuser Plus150.390.45
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Solar Ice with Diffuser Plus150.300.35
SUNPAL® 18/1000 & SUNPAL® 20/1000Grey with Diffuser Plus300.410.48

 

PropertyConditions
(U.S. Customary)
ASTM MethodUnits - SI
(U.S. Customary)
Value
(U.S. Customary)
Physical
Density D-792g/cm³1.2
Mechanical
Tensile strength at yield10 mm/minD-638MPa (psi)62
Elongation at break10 mm/minD-638%>80
Impact Falling WeightISO-6603/1J40-400
Thermal
Long Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-50 to +120
Short Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-50 to +100
Heat Deflection TemperatureLoad: 1.82 MPD-648°C130
Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion
D-696cm/cm °C6.5 X 10-⁵

Thermal Insulation

TypeU-Value BTU / (hr·ft²·°F)R-Value (hr·ft²·°F) / BTU
SUNPAL® 8 mm Lite0.432.3
SUNPAL® 8 mm0.432.3
SUNPAL® 10 mm0.372.7
SUNPAL® 18/20 mm0.263.8

Flammability

MethodClassification
EN 13501B, s1, d0*
ASTM E84Class A*
ASTM D635CC2
ASTM D2843<75
ASTM D1929Self Ignition >900°F

*Depends on panel thickness

Earn an HSW & GBCI Credit Fast

Our CEU course hosted on AEC Daily illustrates the impact that daylighting with polycarbonate can have on sustainability-focused projects, including strategies to maximize natural light, energy savings, &occupant wellness.

After learning about the importance of daylighting, check out this related CEU course hosted on Hanley Wood which focuses on specific material choices and inspiring case studies that demonstrate the success possible when using polycarbonate architectural solutions.

Earn an HSW & GBCI Credit Fast

Frequently Asked Questions

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 is the difference between DynaGlas and Suntuf?
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DynaGlas 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 commercial greenhouse-specific features, DynaGlas is the same as Suntuf (for equal thicknesses, weights, corrugation profiles, and panel widths). Outside of North America, Palram uses the Suntuf brand instead of DynaGlas.

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.

When roofing with corrugated panels, should I insert screws in the "valley" or at the "crest" of the corrugation?
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Crest fastening is almost always preferred, but some of our corrugated products do require fastening in the corrugation valley. See the individual installation guide for each product to see specific instructions.

When roofing with corrugated panels, where should I start?
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It depends mostly on access to your roof. You can choose to install left to right, or right to left, or start at the middle and continue to both sides.

However, never start at both sides toward the middle, or at any two separate points.

Most importantly – always overlap the panels in such a way so that the wind cannot get under the ends of the panel. This can cause "uplift" and, depending on wind speed, can actually pull the panels off the roof.

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.

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.

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 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 sheets expand in heat?
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Yes. PVC and polycarbonate sheets expand with heat, and contract with cold.

Various Palram sheet products require different installation and fastening methods to account for expansion/contraction.

Always review the specific installation instructions for each Palram product before installing.

Do any Palram polycarbonate products have a UL 94 fire rating?
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Yes, some Palram products do have a UL 94 fire rating.

  • PALSUN FAMILY
  • PALCLEAR
  • PALCLAD PRO HYG

Click here to view the UL 94 Tech Brief for the most up-to-date information.

You may also click here to view the Palram UL listing on the official UL website.

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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Palram has one product specifically designed for hurricane protection: Stormlite Multi-Wall Polycarbonate. Review the product page for more information.

Palram's other polycarbonate panels have excellent impact resistance, but the thin gauge of these products makes them inappropriate for this application.

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.