Polycarbonate glazing

Polycarbonate glazing is a plastic sheet material used to fill the opening in a skylight or roof panel where glass would otherwise go. The sheets are made from a thermoplastic resin that is very hard to break, so they can take a direct hit from hail, a falling branch, or a thrown object without shattering into sharp pieces. That toughness is the main reason it shows up in skylight work.

In practice, polycarbonate is usually sold as flat or multiwall sheeting. Multiwall panels have hollow channels inside, which add insulation and reduce heat transfer. Many sheets also carry a UV-resistant coating on one face so the plastic does not yellow or cloud as quickly under sun exposure.

Compared with glass, polycarbonate weighs considerably less and is far less likely to break under impact. Glass is more scratch-resistant and holds its clarity over long periods, which is why some owners still prefer it. Compared with acrylic, polycarbonate is the tougher material. Acrylic is clearer and more rigid, but it is more brittle and can crack under a sharp blow. Polycarbonate gives up a little of acrylic's optical clarity in exchange for much better impact performance.

For homeowners in coastal and storm-prone areas such as Citrus County, that impact resistance matters. A skylight glazed with polycarbonate is less likely to become an open hole after a storm, which is one reason it is often specified for replacement units. If you are looking for installers who work with these materials, you can browse the skylight replacement providers listed in this directory.