top of page

Polycarbonate vs glass: what’s the best choice?

  • Nov 18, 2020
  • 2 min read

If your next project requires a transparent material, polycarbonate can be an excellent alternative to standard glass. To help you decide which is the right material for the task, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate vs glass, based on some popular applications.

Properties of polycarbonate vs glass

Polycarbonate


  • Crystal clear

  • Virtually unbreakable

  • Easy to machine

  • Twice as light as glass

  • Sensitive to scratches

Glass

  • Crystal clear

  • Fragile

  • More difficult to process

  • Twice as heavy as polycarbonate

  • Resistant to scratches


Roofing: polycarbonate or glass?

If you’re planning to make a DIY terrace or patio awning and aren’t sure whether to use polycarbonate or glass, it’s worth bearing in mind the weight difference. Because polycarbonate is very light and is virtually unbreakable, it won’t do much damage if part of the roof falls. Polycarbonate is also less expensive than glass and is much easier to work with.


Greenhouses: standard glass or polycarbonate?

If you want to buy or build a DIY greenhouse yourself, the first question will be what type of ‘glass’ you prefer for the panes. The frames of greenhouses are usually made of steel, wood or aluminum. There are pros and cons to both polycarbonate and traditional glass. If you choose polycarbonate, you’ll have a greenhouse that is pretty nearly unbreakable and with excellent insulation. If children are going to be playing nearby, this is the safest option. The only drawback is that over time, polycarbonate gets scratched and doesn’t look as nice as glass. This is easily solved by occasionally cleaning the panes and polishing the scratches.

If you choose standard glass, you’re opting for a material that retains the sun’s heat and is also scratch-resistant. However, it cracks much more readily and if broken, it shatters into razor-sharp pieces that can cut.


Replacing boat windows with polycarbonate

For boat windows that can withstand knocks and bumps and are also UV-resistant, polycarbonate is the better choice. As well as clear polycarbonate, you will also find twin-wall polycarbonate sheets on our website. Keep in mind that the thicker the sheet, the darker the shade.

Tip: Interested to learn more? View our blog with instructions on replacing boat windows.


Ordering polycarbonate sheets online

Are you convinced about the benefits of polycarbonate after reading this blog? If you order the sheets from our website, we’ll cut them to size for you for free.


More DIY ideas and inspiration

View our blog for more projects using polycarbonate. If you have any questions about polycarbonate or the rest of our product range, please contact us.


Comments


About Our Polycarbonate Sheets

Key Benefits of Exolon® Monolithic Polycarbonate Sheets

Exolon® monolithic sheets offer an exceptional balance of physical and mechanical properties that remain stable across a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. Designed for durability, clarity, and performance, these sheets are ideal for both residential and commercial glazing applications.

Superior Alternative to Traditional Glazing

Exolon® polycarbonate sheets are a safer, lighter, and more cost-effective replacement for glass. They're nearly unbreakable, easy to cut and install, and reduce the overall weight of your structural framework—resulting in lower transportation, handling, and installation costs. This makes them the smart choice for modern construction and architectural projects.

UV Protection for Long-Term Performance

Unlike standard plastics, Exolon® sheets feature a protective UV-resistant layer that shields against the harmful effects of solar radiation. This added layer prevents yellowing, cracking, and degradation, ensuring long-term clarity and performance even in harsh weather conditions.

Perfect for Arched and Curved Glazing

All Exolon® monolithic sheets can be cold-formed to fit arched or curved glazing profiles. As long as the bend radius exceeds the manufacturer’s minimum recommendation, the mechanical properties of the sheet remain unaffected, ensuring both flexibility and strength.

Built to Last – Guaranteed for 15 Years

Backed by a 15-year performance guarantee, Exolon® polycarbonate sheets offer superior longevity and value. With resistance to impact, weather, and UV radiation, Exolon® stands out as the go-to material for high-performance glazing solutions.

For pricing, availability, or to request a quote for your next project using Exolon® sheets, contact us today.

family by a window

Safety

high impact resistance and optical transparency

Receive all our news and updates

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page