For decades glass was the only option for transparent roofs and façades. Today polycarbonate is a widely used alternative. So what is the real difference?
Weight
Solid polycarbonate weighs roughly half as much as glass of the same thickness, and multiwall is far lighter still. That means a lighter steel structure and lower installation cost.
Breakage resistance
This is the biggest advantage. Polycarbonate withstands impacts many times better than glass, so stones, balls or hail will not shatter it — and if damaged, it does not produce sharp shards.
Thermal insulation
Multiwall sheets contain air channels that insulate better than a single pane of glass — a real difference in hot climates.
Shaping
Polycarbonate can be cold-curved on site, ideal for domes and curved roofs without special fabrication. Curved glass requires costly factory bending.
When is glass better?
- When you need a completely scratch-proof surface.
- On façades where architectural appearance matters more than weight and cost.
