Glazed Roofing: Plastic Vs Glass – BC Profiles

When adding an extension or conservatory to your property, there are a number of elements to consider. Space, roof type, layout and flooring are all areas, amongst many others, to think about when planning this type of construction work on your home

But one element which often seems to divide opinion is glazing. 

Glazed roofing, skylights or roof windows are great for bringing more natural light into an extension or conservatory. Often, extensions and conservatories can be constricted when it comes to size, so the more natural light the better. When it comes to glazed roofing, skylights and roof windows there’s two options, plastic or glass. Many believe that glass is the best option, while others prefer plastic or polycarbonate. 

So which is the best option? We take a look at the benefits of both plastic and glass glazing. 

Benefits of Plastic Glazing

There are a number of benefits to choosing plastic, polycarbonate or acrylic for your glazing. 

Economical

Polycarbonate sheets are much more affordable than glass roofing, often running up to 3 to 4 times cheaper. There’s also less need for maintenance with plastic sheeting, which can also reduce costs of repairs and replacements. 

Durable 

Plastic glazing is highly durable and is around seventeen times stronger than glass, meaning it is virtually unbreakable. This results in a longer lasting finish and less time and money spent on replacement or repairs. There’s also no chances of it shattering into shards like glass would. In the rare event that it did break, the sheet would remain intact in one large piece. 

Long Lasting

As well as its durability leading to a longer lifespan, plastic glazing also holds its appearance for a considerable number of years too. Although plastic can discolour, the higher grade used with glazing means there’s less chance of this happening. Acrylic glazing can also withstand much more wear and tear from the elements, staying intact even in harsh weather conditions.

Insulating 

Plastic glazing offers superior levels of insulation when compared to glass. This means a warmer extension or conservatory as it helps to retain heat within the building. This can also lead to increased energy efficiency due to less heat loss from central heating. 

Easy Installation

Plastic glazing is also easy to fit and allows much more flexibility than glass. There’s also less risk of shattering, making it easier to install, transport and carry. 

Benefits of Glass Glazing 

Although glass is a more traditional option, it is still a popular choice for roofing and glazing projects. 

Appearance

With a glass roof, you tend to get a more polished, clean look due to its complete transparency, adding to the overall appearance of the extension or conservatory you are constructing. Crystal clear glass can also allow more light into the room and may provide a clearer view for those who enjoy looking up at the sky. 

Traditional Style

If you own a period property or an older build, then glass may be more in-fitting with the style of your home. An older house is more likely to suit a glass roof, as opposed to plastic, which may look out of place on a more mature structure. 

Sound Proofed

If opting for glass glazing, you will find that less noise is generated when rain or hail drops onto the panels as opposed to plastic. So if noise from heavy rain bothers you, you may want to opt for glass. 

Insulation

Glass provides great levels of insulation and allows the sun’s rays to penetrate through much more than plastic would, which can also add to the heat levels within the room, creating a warmer feel. 

“As we can see, there are a number of advantages to choosing both glass roofing and plastic glazing when building an extension or conservatory on your property, but polycarbonate does seem to offer more in terms of benefits. When deciding between the two, choosing the material for construction all comes down to personal preference and what you want from your build.” Jon Cooper, Owner of BC Profiles.