Compare the most common glazing and daylighting materials side by side. Tick the materials you want to see.
| Property | Polycarbonate (solid) | Multiwall polycarbonate | Acrylic (PMMA) | Glass (float) | FRP sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light transmission | Up to ~88–89% (clear) | Typ. 55–80% (clear), lower for opal | ~92% (clear) | ~88–90% (clear) | Typ. 50–85% depending on grade |
| Density (g/cm³) | ≈ 1.20 | Very low per m² (hollow) | ≈ 1.18 | ≈ 2.5 (heaviest) | ≈ 1.4–1.6 |
| Impact resistance | Very high — virtually unbreakable in normal use | High | Moderate — can crack on impact | Low — shatters unless toughened/laminated | Good |
| UV / weathering | Needs a UV-protected (co-extruded) surface outdoors | Needs UV-protected surface outdoors | Naturally good weathering | Very stable | Can yellow / show fibre bloom over time |
| Handling | Can be cold-curved on site | Good thermal insulation from air cells | Less flexible than polycarbonate | Rigid; needs strong framing | Corrugated profiles match metal sheets |
| Typical uses | Skylights, roofing, glazing, machine guards, canopies | Greenhouses, daylight roofing, partitions, carports | Signage, displays, indoor glazing, light diffusers | Windows, facades, conventional glazing | Industrial daylight panels in metal roofs |
Typical values. Figures are general ranges commonly published for each material family; actual values vary by grade, thickness, colour and manufacturer. Always check the specific product datasheet.
How to use this comparison
No single material is best for every project. Weigh impact resistance, weight, light quality, weathering, fire performance and cost against your application, and always compare specific product datasheets before you decide.
