Polycarbonate Solar Inserts

The critical difference between glass and polycarbonate roofs on canservatories is that polycarbonate panels expand and contract far more than glass panels in the sun. This movement would lead to splitting and cracking of a standard solar control film if it were attached in the same way as on a glass panel.

Of course, we still need to provide as much solar control as possible as some "polycarb" conservatories have been measured at 135 degrees F on hot summer days.

The best solution is to take the same film that we use for glass panels and to slit it down into tapes which we then feed inside the channels which comprise the polycarbonate panel.

The benefits of this process are greater even than on glass roofs in that you now have a solar reflecting layer much closer to the exterior surface of the roof which is not held in place by an adhesive, theoretically giving up to 80% solar heat rejection, 70% glare reduction and 99.5% UV filtration for the life of the roof!

The critical criterion required for us to install inserts is that one end of each panel must be accessible so that we can feed the insert tapes into the roof. Where panels are completely enclosed there are two options. 

Option 1;  a conservatory specialist is engaged to remove the panel for us to install the inserts and then replaced ensuring continued weather resistance.

Option 2;  to install a vinyl product called "Kool Kote" to the underside of the panel in much the same way as a standard window film is installed onto glass. The difference with this vinyl film is that is expands with the polycarb panel. Solar reflection values are reduced to approximately 55% but this is still more efficient than an internal roof blind system. 

Enquire today or visit our showroom and see our full range of polycarbonate solar inserts and internal and external blinds in Kent.