Polycarbonate facades have allowed architects to elevate the aesthetic appeal and reduce the environmental impacts on buildings, be they residential, commercial or industrial. There is nothing lightweight about these facades in terms of strength and versatility. Polycarbonate is a strong material that protects against vandalism and damage from heavy impact, while its insulation qualities save on heating and lighting costs.
Polycarbonate is a polyester that combines carbonic acid and bisphenol. It is a class of polymers with carbonate linkages and excellent characteristics such as extreme toughness, high heat capabilities and optical clarity.
Translucent polycarbonate facades are light-glazing panels used as exterior cladding. It protects structures from moisture, erosion and weather damage. The polycarbonate facades are available in different colours and opacities and contain microcells that create naturally diffused light. The translucent panels have air gaps that provide natural ventilation to protect buildings from dampness, leaks and weather damage.
Polycarbonate facades protect against harmful UV rays by ensuring maximum thermal conduction. Buildings clad in these panels enjoy lower energy bills because the sun’s rays are deflected and used to illuminate and heat buildings, creating pleasant indoor environmental conditions.
When designing a building clad in a translucent polycarbonate facade, architects include design details that allow maximum light to penetrate the premises. While the design eliminates the use of secondary supporting frames, it cannot compromise the integrity of the building.
While the versatility of polycarbonate allows architects to meet design challenges, the strength of the material provides effective insulation against cold, heat, and UV radiation, reducing energy supply costs.
Polycarbonate is a bulletproof material that is 200 times stronger than glass and 30 times as strong as acrylic. Translucent polycarbonate cladding is laminated and layered, enabling it to absorb heavy impact. It is shatter-proof, making it safe from hail damage.
Double-skin polycarbonate facades keep buildings cool in summer and warm in winter, providing substantial savings on energy costs. A gap between the double skins ensures constant airflow that keeps elements like moisture build-up at bay and eliminates expensive damp-course remedies. The prefabricated panels arrive on site ready for installation, cutting labour costs and time. All these efficiency characteristics are plus factors for both architects and their clients.
Wall cladding systems offer unique advantages, improving appearance, efficiency and performance. Another advantage is the choice of colours and designs, unmatched in the building industry. Architects can select from a range of designs and creatively play with light. Polycarbonate façade textures offer an array of design options for interior and exterior ceilings and walls.
The performance of polycarbonate facades depends on the thickness and weight of the panels. Panel thickness depends on the type of structure they are cladding. Thicknesses between 16mm to 35mm provide quality thermal properties.
Concealed joints hide unsightly building elements, protect users from harmful UV rays, and ensure maximum thermal conduction. The built-in snap-lock connection systems resist water and air from entering the building, while the durability of polycarbonate withstands the impact of hail and other intrusive weather elements. Polycarbonate panels expand and contract according to temperature fluctuations, offering greater flexibility because they are unlikely to break or crack. Architects can also make the most of polycarbonate panel colour ranges and thicknesses to achieve ultimate design levels and to improve the environmental living conditions of the people who use the buildings.