How to Choose the Thickness of Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet
When planning a Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet project, are you confused about selecting the right thickness? What impacts does the thickness of Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet have on project quality? How to choose the most suitable one for your needs?
The thickness of Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet determines the building’s thermal insulation performance and snow/wind load resistance—two crucial parameters that serve as the foundation for all design work. Simply put: the thicker the Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet, the better its thermal insulation and the higher its snow/wind load resistance (note that snow/wind load also relates to the spacing of the supporting framework).
Different Specifications and Models
Firstly, different specifications and models fundamentally determine the price differences of Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet.
- Price Variation by Thickness: The price of 10mm thick Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet is exactly twice that of 4mm thick sheets.
- Price Variation by Weight: For example, among Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets of the same thickness, four-layer sheets are more expensive than double-layer ones because they are 0.2kg heavier per square meter. Honeycomb-structured sheets are another 0.2kg heavier per square meter than four-layer sheets.
- Price Variation by Function: Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets with additional functions such as anti-fog, frosted, or dual-color features have different prices. These special functions typically increase the cost by 2-5 yuan per square meter compared to standard sheets.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose specifications and models that suit your specific needs rather than pursuing the thickest or most layered options. The most suitable choice is always the most cost-effective.
Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet Thickness and Corresponding Applications
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| Thickness of Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet | Common Applications |
| 4mm Double-layer Hollow | Residential carports, awnings, indoor screen panels, small outdoor canopies for bicycles/electric vehicles, export mini greenhouses |
| 6mm Double-layer Hollow (Economical and Versatile) | Carports, awnings, bicycle shelters, various canopy panels, partition boards, small greenhouses |
| 8mm Double-layer Hollow | Anti-fog greenhouses, building eaves awnings, building lighting channels, light wells |
| 10mm Double-layer Hollow | Building eaves awnings, building lighting channels, light wells |
| 12mm Multi-layer Hollow | Cold regions with insulation requirements |
| 16mm Multi-layer Hollow | Mainly used for lighting in large building venues |
| 20-25mm Multi-layer Hollow | Mainly used for lighting in large building venues |
Case Studies: Choosing the Right Thickness
1. Roof Lighting Projects
For roof lighting in large stadiums, 16-25mm thick four-layer or X-shaped Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets are recommended. Milky white light-diffusing sheets are preferred, but can be customized based on actual needs to allow light transmission without excessive glare. The multi-layer structure optimizes load-bearing capacity, resisting hail, snow pressure, and typhoons to better protect the safety of venue occupants.
2. Ceilings for Swimming Pools and Hot Spring Hotels
In high-humidity environments such as swimming pools and hot spring hotels, anti-fog products are ideal—16mm anti-fog four-layer Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets are recommended. With a thermal conductivity as low as 2.4W/㎡, these sheets effectively insulate the pool area from external heat or cold, saving energy for cooling and heating while being environmentally friendly. Additionally, they offer a light transmittance of up to 74%. Under the guidance of the anti-fog coating, the pool area remains bright for extended periods. The UV-resistant feature also extends the sheet’s service life by blocking ultraviolet rays.
3. Indoor Partitions
Indoor decoration focuses on appearance, sound insulation, and impact strength—8mm double-layer Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets fully meet these requirements. Available in traditional colors such as transparent, brown, milky white, grass green, and lake blue, custom colors are also offered to enhance aesthetic appeal. These sheets provide sound insulation of up to 17dB and an impact strength 250 times that of glass and 20 times that of tempered glass.
4. Agricultural Greenhouses
For agricultural greenhouses, 8mm thick double-layer hollow Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets with anti-fog function are recommended—this is the mainstream specification for greenhouses. With a standard width of 2.1m and customizable lengths, these sheets offer a light transmittance of over 75%, sufficient to meet plant lighting needs. The anti-fog function prevents fog droplets from damaging plants.
5. Carports and Awnings
Requirements for carports and awnings are relatively flexible, with thickness options of 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm depending on budget. The 6mm option is recommended for its cost-effectiveness. Note that thicker sheets do not necessarily mean better durability—avoid low-quality counterfeits. High-quality Polycarbonate Hollow Sheets can last for at least ten years, while inferior products may age and crack within 2-3 years.
