DIY Supermarket

Polycarbonate is becoming increasingly popular with many DIY enthusiasts.  Widely used for roofing sheets, this manmade substance is an exceptionally strong plastic, and is also used as a replacement for glass in porch windows, and in the construction of greenhouses.  It is a versatile and durable material, and many DIY enthusiasts are using polycarbonate sheets to roof their garden supply sheds; there are even those who are using polycarbonate sheets to build outside playrooms for their kids to use throughout the year.  Triple walled polycarbonate is so durable and strong that it is starting to replace wired safety glass.

Polycarbonate looks more attractive than corrugated plastic, and is not difficult to install.  This material contracts and expands, and so is usually fitted ‘loose’ by being clipped in glazing rods.  Clipping the material in is a lot quicker and easier than conventional glazing. 

There are many advantages to using polycarbonate sheets in a variety of DIY jobs.  For example, the sheets are shatterproof, and two hundred times stronger than glass panes.  Polycarbonate is flexible, and five times lighter than glass.  The sheets let in about ninety per cent of natural sunlight, and provide standard grade UV protection.  The level of insulation provided depends on whether you use dual, triple, or five-walled sheets, and the material can be cut easily using a fine-toothed saw.

It is very easy to clean polycarbonate sheets; when there is a build-up of noticeable grime, all that is needed is a quick hose down.  If the dirt is stubborn, you can use a little mild detergent in warm water with a sponge and wipe the sheets down.  It is important to use a mild detergent as the use of a strong detergent will risk permanently scratching the polycarbonate surface.  The use of solvents is out of the question, but a little white spirit can be used get rid of paint splotches.