Polycarbonate UV Resistance Keeps You Safe From Ultraviolet Radiation

polycarbonate uv resistance

Does Polycarbonate Block UV?

We need to be protected from ultraviolet radiation, and polycarbonate UV resistance accomplishes that because of the nature of polycarbonate itself. It’s worth noting that polycarbonate panels themselves need to be protected from ultraviolet radiation. At Danpal, the quality of our building materials, and the safety of the people in those buildings, is a priority. That’s right; not only do we pay attention to the people who work and live beneath a polycarbonate roofing system, but Danpal also employs measures to ensure that the sheets themselves are manufactured with polycarbonate UV protection. That’s accomplished by the application of layers of protective coating on the polycarbonate sheets.

Where Polycarbonate UV Resistance Is Needed

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation waves that are shorter than light and longer than X-rays. Approximately 10% of the radiation that the sun generates is ultraviolet radiation waves. The atmosphere absorbs most of the dangerous UV radiation. The occupants of buildings and homes with polycarbonate panels can be assured that polycarbonate UV protection is part of the architectural design, not for themselves, but for the building material.

Too much exposure to the sun brings significant risks, but those aren’t risks you’ll incur by sitting under a polycarbonate roof. People know that ultraviolet radiation outside can increase the danger of skin cancer; in fact, deadly melanoma correlates with degrees of ultraviolet exposure. You don’t want to be running the risk of exposing yourself to Ultraviolet B or UVB, which causes different degrees of sunburn and can also cause cancer. Ultraviolet A or UVA is associated with wrinkles as the skin ages prematurely. When exposed to ultraviolet waves, cornea damage to the eyes can result, possibly leading to the formation of cataracts.

Ultraviolet radiation also inflicts damage on inanimate objects as well, which is why polycarbonate UV protection is important for the panels themselves.

Does Polycarbonate Sheet Block UV?

The good news is that polycarbonate is able to block both Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B by absorbing the radiation and preventing it from being transmitted. Polycarbonate UV resistance can actually protect the skin better than sun block creams; even a very thin polycarbonate sheet absorbs the UV rays. While blocking the UV waves, the polycarbonate panels still transmit visible light, so that colors can be seen.

That information explains why polycarbonate UV protection is a smart move for a swimming pool that has polycarbonate roofing. The ultraviolet radiation is fully blocked and the natural light is transmitted.

So if you’re wondering, “Does polycarbonate sheet block UV,” the answer is yes. Unlike glass, fiberglass, and acrylic, polycarbonate in its natural form can block ultraviolet radiation.

Then Why Does Polycarbonate Need Polycarbonate UV Protection?

The protection that polycarbonate panels offer is derived from absorbing the ultraviolet radiation. Over time, the polycarbonate sheets would become yellowed or discolored. The deterioration of the polycarbonate would weaken the material and eventually cause it to break. Polycarbonate UV resistance is a means of protecting the polycarbonate from the degradation of its properties.

In order to shield the polycarbonate from discoloring and yellowing, manufacturers provide a very thin protective coating. The coating is so thin that the naked human eye cannot detect it. The coating will not affect the look or performance of the polycarbonate sheet. What it does accomplish is to safeguard the polycarbonate’s performance. Even if the polycarbonate material is part of a structure that’s located in a punishing and hot environment—think Australia, the Middle East, and parts of the American Southwest—this protection allows the sheet to retain its clarity.

The protective layer is generally applied to one side of the sheet, although both sides can be coated. What matters is that the side of the sheet that faces the sun and bears its full force has the protective coating.

What this means is that polycarbonate UV protection keeps you safe by absorbing ultraviolet rays. But polycarbonate UV resistance is needed so that the material itself will not deteriorate over time as a result of the ultraviolet absorption.

Contact Us


    captcha

    LIGHT ARCHITECTURE SOLUTIONS FOR THE BUILDING ENVELOPE

    50 years of light architecture expertise and Innovation

    Roofing

    Roofing

    Façade

    Façade

    Cladding

    Cladding

    Skylight

    Skylight

    Outdoor

    Outdoor

    Shading

    Shading

    Interior

    Interior

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE