You want a new veranda, but do you choose glass or polycarbonate as a roof type? There is no clear winner when comparing these two materials, as both have their positives. In this blog, we compare a glass and polycarbonate roof based on 10 different factors, to make the choice easier.
1. Appearance
The roof type of your veranda is an important factor when it comes to the atmosphere. You’ll be looking at it a lot, so ask yourself the question: Do I prefer looking at a glass or plastic roof? Although tastes differ, most people will find a glass roof more stylish than polycarbonate. Moreover, roof panels made of opal glass or clear glass exude a lot of luxury.
2. Privacy
If you suffer from nosy neighbours peeking in from above, opal glass is a pleasant option. After all, you can't see through it. The same applies to opal polycarbonate and IQ Relax polycarbonate, so you can enjoy plenty of privacy with those as well.
3. Cleaning
Are you easily annoyed by dirt and do you want to minimise cleaning? In that case, you are best off with opal glass or opal polycarbonate, as dirt is less likely to be noticed on these roof panels. With clear glass panels, dirt is more easily visible, which is also true of clear polycarbonate.
4. Noise reduction
We can be brief here: glass is the clear winner in terms of noise reduction. While polycarbonate attenuates up to 21 decibels, glass significantly exceeds this with an attenuation of 36 decibels. This means that glass attenuates five times better than polycarbonate, as sound pressure doubles for every 3 decibels.
5. Energy permeability
The more energy the roof panels let through, the faster it gets warmer under a veranda. Clear glass and opal glass roof panels have an energy permeability of 85% and 52%, respectively. Clear polycarbonate, opal polycarbonate and IQ Relax polycarbonate allow 85%, 54% and 44% of heat radiation to pass through, respectively. On sunny days, temperatures can soar as a result. Tip: want to effectively counteract heat radiation? Gumax® sun shading reflects 89% of direct heat radiation on all roof panels.
6. Amount of light incidence
Light permeability indicates the percentage of light transmitted through the glass or plastic. Clear glass lets through the most light with 88%, followed by clear polycarbonate (70%), opal glass (63%), opal polycarbonate (55%) and IQ Relax polycarbonate (47%). In addition, opal glass ensures that sunlight is diffused under the veranda. This means the light is distributed uniformly and evenly, creating a beautiful effect.
7. Sustainability
Glass has a longer lifespan than polycarbonate, making it a more durable material. In addition, polycarbonate is more susceptible to scratches than glass. For instance, this material can be scratched if branches fall on it.
8. Spatial feeling
Do you want to experience the greatest possible sense of space under your veranda? Then choose roof panels made of clear glass, as this type offers the most unobstructed view. On a clear day, this is the best way to enjoy a beautiful blue sky and in the evening you will have the best view of the starry sky. In terms of polycarbonate, our clear variant is the best to recommend.
9. Safety
Whether you are under roof panels made of tempered and laminated safety glass or polycarbonate; you are always safe under a Gumax® veranda. This is mainly due to the strip of spring steel in the gutter. Thanks to this extremely strong type of steel, all Tuinmaximaal verandas can withstand a load of up to 80 kg per square metre. This provides protection against severe earthquakes, hurricane-level winds and fresh snow.
10. Condensation
Condensation is only visible in polycarbonate panels, because water vapour can penetrate through the plastic. This natural phenomenon goes away by itself over time. Condensation does not occur with glass roof panels. In practice, condensation is mainly visible in clear polycarbonate panels when there are sudden weather changes, for example when it rains. With opal and IQ polycarbonate, condensation is hardly noticeable. If you absolutely want to avoid condensation, choose glass roof panels.
Still not sure?
Have you read this article but are you still in doubt about the roof type? Then request a free sample pack, view our photo gallery, contact our customer service team or check out our virtual showroom.