Polycarbonate multi wall roofing sheet thickness?

[LeadFarmer]

What thickness of polycarbonate sheets should I be considering for a pergola roof?

I'm looking at building a timber pergola over my patio to provide a dry area to sit on rainy summer days, covering an area of about 5m x 2.4m, and I'm considering roofing it with clear polycarbonate multi wall sheets. Im mainly concerned about its rigidity in strong winds. I believe they come in 10mm, 16mm, 25mm & 35mm thickness.

This is my patio.... I'd have the pergola butting up against my house and covering the full 5 meter width, with a fall running away towards the garden and with guttering. I'd like to be able to walk out through the patio doors and sit at the table without getting rained on.....

[Aluminati]

25mm. All available with bars from Screwfix

[Big Al.]

Aluminati said:

25mm. All available with bars from Screwfix

Agree 24/25mm

[geeks]

I have used the 10mm stuff a few times over a similar area without issue, we don't get a massive amount of snow but it holds up to the bit we do get, if we got much more I would probably go for the 16mm stuff just for the extra support

[wolfracesonic]

Have you thought about 6mm solid polycarbonate sheet. I did a roof over my decking earlier this year with self supporting glazing bars and solid sheet;looks way better than multi wall IMO.

[LeadFarmer]

wolfracesonic said:

Have you thought about 6mm solid polycarbonate sheet. I did a roof over my decking earlier this year with self supporting glazing bars and solid sheet;looks way better than multi wall IMO.

Wasn't aware of solid, I'll have a search, thanks.
Is it perfectly clear & see through like glass? Where did you buy it from please?

Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 6th August 16:13

[LeadFarmer]

Its seems most places only sell the roofing bars in white or brown. Is there anywhere sells them in black or graphite?

[MJNewton]

Do you really want to do this? I think it'd make what looks like a nice extension into something quite horrible. Pergola, yes, but polycarbonate sheet?

If shade was the main aim I think I'd be more looking towards natural plant cover or movable draped fabric?

[LeadFarmer]

MJNewton said:

Do you really want to do this? I think it'd make what looks like a nice extension into something quite horrible. Pergola, yes, but polycarbonate sheet?

If shade was the main aim I think I'd be more looking towards natural plant cover or movable draped fabric?

I know what you mean about the looks. I've already considered a wind out awning fixed to the house but I don't think they are designed to be left open in the rain & wind. It would have to be an electric one that I could extend out from inside the house so I can step put and be sheltered.

Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 6th August 17:40

[Herbs]

It may be worth pricing up what iron and glass would cost as it looks lovely there and something like this would really complement it.

[LeadFarmer]

Herbs said:

It may be worth pricing up what iron and glass would cost as it looks lovely there and something like this would really complement it.

That does look lovely., but when sitting under glass it probably has to be toughened ££££?

One consideration for me is being able to remove whichever roof I choose to access the kitchen extension roof & guttering for maintenance etc.

Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 6th August 18:12

[ColinM50]

Used these people a few times and would do so again. https://www.cabp.co.uk/

[Aluminati]

Bit off topic, is that extension a tile roof ?

[LeadFarmer]

Aluminati said:

Bit off topic, is that extension a tile roof ?

Yep.

[wolfracesonic]

LeadFarmer said:

wolfracesonic said:

Have you thought about 6mm solid polycarbonate sheet. I did a roof over my decking earlier this year with self supporting glazing bars and solid sheet;looks way better than multi wall IMO.

Wasn't aware of solid, I'll have a search, thanks.
Is it perfectly clear & see through like glass? Where did you buy it from please?

Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 6th August 16:13

Just like glass, slight darkening tint but light transmission better than multi wall I believe. The sheet you can get from loads of place online but this was the only place I found that do a self supporting bar that will accommodate a 6 mm sheet birchwood trading. Pretty helpful to deal with.

[Coleman262]

What about using glass, you can buy single panes of glass for not too much money from a manufacturer whatever size you want, and get a joiner to knock up a nice frame,

Would look tons better, poly carb sounds awful in the rain, and looks crap.

[thebraketester]

Plastic is incredibly noisy in the rain, so I would opt for glass if possible.

[LeadFarmer]

I reckon any glass overhead would need to be toughened?

[wolfracesonic]

Yes, glass would need to be toughened, better still laminated; it would also be very heavy! Have a look here OP for an off the shelf package Tuin verandas. I looked into these and they seemed good value to others on the market, however I didn't want multi wall, I didn't fancy fitting the glass on my own and the sizes weren't right for what I needed.

[Herbs]

LeadFarmer said:

I reckon any glass overhead would need to be toughened?

It's no different to a conservatory roof so its easily sourced. (tip: enquire to one of the conservatory reroofing companies and they will probably let you have it for free or a nominal cost - even the expensive blue glass you can then get it cut to size.)