Clear Roofing

What Is Clear Roofing? 

Clear roofing is an inexpensive roofing solution that is lightweight and crystal clear, making it great to look at and easy to install. 

It resembles glass roofing as it is transparent. However, some tinted varieties are also available, and this helps decrease the influx of light. It is becoming a popular alternative for glass roofing and adds a luxurious feel to any space. This makes clear roofing ideal for use in conservatories since the walls cannot bear a heavy roof.

Clear roofing is also known as polycarbonate roofing, and it is a modern form of roof tiles and slates. These roof panels don't crack or leak as they are durable. 

Benefits Of Clear Roofing

Back in the day, glass was the only transparent material available for use in roofing. However, polycarbonate roofing has become a more reliable alternative now. Here are a few benefits of clear roofing that give it an edge over glass roofing.

Lightweight

Clear roofing weighs half of that of glass which makes it ideal for roofing. Its weight makes it easier to carry and install. It's also possible to transport translucent roofing conveniently, making it more manageable than glass roofing. 

Durable

In glass roofing, the biggest drawback is its vulnerability. On the other hand, clear roofing is 200 times more durable than glass despite being transparent like glass; it is almost like metal roofing. It is so strong that it is used to make police shields and bulletproof equipment. This is the reason it is so widely used as durable material. 

Cost-effective

It is lightweight and hence does not require any extra cost in transportation. Furthermore, it is easy to install, saving the cost of using any special equipment, tool, or labor to handle it. Also, the durability minimizes the risk of damage during installation and will last longer than other materials, making it highly cost-effective. 

Impact Resistant 

Glass roofing can be broken or shattered, experiencing a high impact, while clear roofing is 250 times impact resistant. This makes it so sturdy that it is nearly impossible to break and can withstand any harsh weather. So whether heavy rain, snow, hail, or wind hit this material, it will not break, shatter or crack. 

It compensates for the need for membrane roofing for resistance against water leaks. 

Maintainance 

The maintenance of clear roofing is convenient than glass roofing. Simply clean with a cleaning liquid and soft cloth – no need for special cleaners or washers. This is an added factor in the cost-effectiveness of this material. 

Customizability 

It has higher customizability that makes for a broader range of options in its design. Since it's also quite flexible, it can be molded into any shape, for instance, dome or curved configurations. 

UV Protection

Clear roofing installation can protect a house against UV rays, just like any other membrane roofing. It has a UV protectant layer on one side, which blocks the harmful rays from entering the house. 

Types Of Clear Roofing

Polycarbonate roofing is available in a wide variety. The types are categorized based on their texture and colors. Here are the three main types of clear roofing. 

• Clear polycarbonate sheets
• White polycarbonate
• Colored polycarbonate

Installation 

Being lightweight and easy to handle, many people even do DIY installations of clear corrugated roofing. Here are a few tips that can prove to be helpful in a DIY installation. 

• Read and follow the manufacturer's specifications and instructions to avoid the invalidation of the warranty
• Make sure to install the transparent sheets at least at 5 degrees pitch as it will help in rainwater management. This needs to be taken care of before roof framing and lining
• The clear sheet will need space for expansion and contraction due to temperature change. So make allowances for that because the roofing sheets will buckle if there's no space for thermal movement
• Keep all the roof accessories ready and pre-drill all the holes required for fitting the sheets. These holes should also be oversize to compensate for the thermal adjustments
• Differentiate between the UV-protected side and plain side of the sheet. There will be a sticker indicating that. Install the UV-protected side in a way that it faces the sun. 
• Any part of the sheet that touches the timber should be taped with purlin tape
• Don't leave wider space than recommended as it will allow water to collect and pool in those areas
• The use of silicone over polycarbonate needs to be avoided as its expansion and contraction can cause trouble in installation. However, if there is a need to use it, get a neutral cure silicone