Polycarbonate is a popular roofing choice across many homes in the UK, and there are many reasons for this.

It has great thermal qualities, is versatile and efficient to install, and also has great impact resistance and durability.

Polycarbonate sheeting doesn’t last forever though. Like every other aspect of your property, it must be maintained and cared for to make sure it is always producing optimal performance and maintaining its longevity.

But how can you do this? Well, in this guide we’re going to give you five tips that will ensure your polycarbonate roofing works like new right throughout its lifespan.

But first, let’s start at the beginning.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Polycarbonate Roof

A good estimate for how long a polycarbonate roof will stay in working order is between 15 to 20 years.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, this is a big difference, and that is why regular maintenance is key.

If you look after your roofing, then it may well last for an extra few years compared to if you didn’t.

Of course, these are just estimates, and there are some issues that cannot be predicted such as accidental damage, but on a good rule of thumb and with correct installation, you should expect a minimum of 15 years (we even provide a ten year warranty in case of any early issues).

Does Polycarbonate Become Brittle Over Time?

Many people think polycarbonate sheeting is a brittle material, and that this leads to many issues after long-term exposure to UV-rays.

While there is a possibility of eventual brittleness, a well-cared for and well protected material will stay in perfect working condition for many years. All of the polycarbonate sheets from the Glazing Shop have a co-extruded layer of UV protection.

Another issue sometimes raised is the possibility of yellowing or blurring, and these are other factors that can be slowed down with regular maintenance. Our polycarbonate has a ten year warranty against yellowing and other discolouration issues if installed correctly so you know you’re in safe hands with us.

So, just how do you go about maintaining your polycarbonate roof?

5 Tips on How to Maintain Your Polycarbonate Roof

Clean it Regularly

One of the key ways to protect your roof is regular cleaning.

Start by giving it a good rinse as this should help you remove any debris or dirt that was lingering on the surface.

Be careful when doing this and don’t be too rough or else you may end up leaving scratches behind.

It is important to remove any moss or algae if you see it whilst cleaning as this is a big cause of discoloration on polycarbonate and can lead to further damage if it is allowed to grow.

Regular washing won’t just help to keep your roof clean, but it will also protect it from drainage issues, cracking due to heavy build-up of debris, and will also keep it translucent and aesthetically pleasing.

Try and Avoid Heavy Impact

One of the key benefits of polycarbonate roofing is that it is impact resistant. While this means it is tough against many forms of impact, it doesn’t mean it is invincible.

It is important that if you have to access the roof, you do so carefully and never stand directly on it. Instead, try to distribute your weight evenly by using crawl boards so there isn’t a large amount of pressure on one point.

Also, try and trim back any overhanging branches and other items that may cause heavy impacts and lead to damage if they were to fall onto the roof.

It is also vital that you don’t place heavy objects on the roof, as it may not be able to handle the weight, and this could again lead to some issues.

Perform Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are key for spotting any issues and resolving them before they turn into anything much more damaging.

The first thing to consider here is your safety, and the safety of the roof, so make sure all measures are in place to ensure that the process is safe.

This means using shoes with good grip and a sturdy ladder if you’re climbing up.

Start from the ground floor, taking a good look at the parts of the roof you can see, before climbing up the ladder and having a good look at the roof from a vantage point where you can take it all in.

Keep an eye out for any cracks, issues with fasteners and seals, and any other potential issues such as drainage problems or yellowing.

Do this as regularly as possible but definitely after extreme weather which could have put your roof at risk. If you can spot something small now, you can stop it from becoming a bigger problem further down the line.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When cleaning your roof, it is important that you avoid harsh chemicals as these could cause issues with the strength and the appearance of your polycarbonate roof.

You should always try and use mild solutions, such as washing up liquid or soapy water. This will have all the cleaning qualities you need without the risk of any damage occurring.

If you’re unsure that your chosen solution will work, then test it out on a very small segment of roof (or if you have some spare to try it out on then even better!) as this is a great way of testing it out.

Once your cleaning is done, make sure you give your roof a good rinse to make sure all solution is removed, and your roof can dry without any marks being left.

Use Soft Materials

On a similar topic, using soft materials is also a great way to avoid damage to your polycarbonate roof when maintaining it.

Non-abrasive materials such as cloths and sponges are perfect for giving your roof a good scrub and getting rid of any marks without running the risk of leaving scratches as you would do with harsher items such as brushes.

Polycarbonate Sheets from The Glazing Shop

If you’re looking for polycarbonate roofing sheets for your property, then why not head over to The Glazing Shop.

We have a wide selection of items available in customisable sizes and varying levels of thickness, so you’re sure to find the perfect material for you.

Want to know more? Then contact our team today.