Polycarbonate - GRP Skylight Systems

Polycarbonate Skylight Systems

Before polycarbonate was invented, architects depended upon glass to bring that striking visual effect to their designs. But glass, for all its beauty, has several serious drawbacks: it’s heavy; it’s not easy to work with, and it’s unable to withstand punishment.  That makes it a weak defense when attacked by the punishing forces of weather. The development of polycarbonate was a game-changer for architects and the construction industry. Now there is a product that is strong and attractive, easy to work with, and easy to install, a product that is designed to withstand all the different forms of weather: pounding rain, heavy snow, damaging hail, and high winds.  For architects planning to add polycarbonate skylight systems to a structure, this is welcome news. For their customers, it’s an assurance that weather won’t interfere with the wellbeing of their workplace or home.

The Versatility Of Polycarbonate Skylight Systems

Polycarbonate comes in two different forms: solid polycarbonate sheets, which look like flat glass sheeting; and multiwall polycarbonate, which has hollow chambers.  While the appearance of the two forms is different, there is no difference in strength.  Polycarbonate is strong no matter what form it takes.  

Polycarbonate Skylight System Strength

Weather is no friend to a building, but don’t worry that a skylight system won’t be able to withstand the brutal punishment of the elements. Danpal’s polycarbonate skylight systems are built to be strong. Polycarbonate is an impressively durable building material and the skylights that use it are strong as well as watertight. Polycarbonate can withstand a great range in temperature; it’s shatterproof; and it’s lightweight.  Weather can do a lot, but it can’t beat polycarbonate. The polycarbonate skylight system is a window to the sky above that lets you enjoy nature in its awesome might.

What is GRP Roofing?

GRP Roofing systems combine a few different materials. This includes the OSB3 decking, the Fiberglass material, resin/epoxy, and the durable topcoat. This mixture of materials when laid correctly creates a strong and robust roofing material. Usually fibreglass preformed trims are added to create a roof directs rainwater to the designed drip edge/gutter.

Fibreglass roofing consists of wetting out layers of fiberglass mat on the roof of the building. When cured, your roof should have strength and provide a continuous waterproof barrier across the whole surface of the roof.

So lets start from the beginning. You have your roof structure with bare ceiling joists, which you would usually attach a quality OSB3 decking (Usually min. 18mm thick) with insulation to help reduce heat loss and create a warm roof. You can install without insulation making a cold roof but do take into account the Part L of Regulations.

GRP edge trims are then fitted to finish the sides, making sure water can then run to the drip edge. GRP Laminate which is made up of the fibreglass material and your resin which you will need to mix yourself can then be laid. Usually a 450 csm (chop strand mat) is the usual for flat roofs that won’t have people walking on it, if it’s going ot be a terrace then you will need a thicker mat, something like a 600 csm. Once this is all laid, the roof can then be finished with a topcoat. Most suppliers will offer a few different colour choices, usually a dark grey is the standard and most popular topcoat colour but this is persoanl choice as you may want to match it to your windows, doors or skylight. The topcoat then finishes your roof perfectly and your will now have a roof that is extremely strong as well as watertight. Most GRP systems come with a warranty if installed to the correct guidelines or by a specially qualified installer.

So, benefits of GRP Roofing:

• Easy installation
• Superior durability/long life
• No joins or seams like felt
• Flame-free and safe installation
• Easy repairs if needed
• Great finish and aesthetics – Range of colour finishes
• Can be used with virtually all Flat Roof Windows