Top off profits with corrugated panels

trial buildings come in 5,6 and 8 oz. Sturdy and affordable, fiberglass panels capitalize on the most economical lighting source, the sun, said Brent Snyder, Glasteel Tennessee. Although fiberglass may do the job, it can be difficult to work with and may shatter or leave fiberglass slivers in your hand. About seven years ago manufacturers introduced an alternative: PVC (polyvinylchloride) building sheets. Stronger and more attractive, they're a step up in quality and in price. "PVC and fiberglass are completely different resins," said Elizabeth Benham, Sel Group International. 'PVC is more consumer friendly. It's flexible, so it's easier to ftansport and work with. It's not susceptible to breakage and weathers about the same as fiberglass. Lightweight fiberglass is a little less expensive, but PVC is competitive with heavier fiberglass."

But nothing is perfect. PVC can break and tends to get brittle at low temperatures and soften in extreme heat. After a few years, it begins to lose its UV resistance.

Suntuf USA, a subsidiary of Palram, produces PVC in white opaque to minimize the effects of the weather on the panels. They also manufacture even tougher panels, made of virtually unbreakable comrgated polycarbonate. Though twice the price of 6 oz. fiberglass, polycarbonate sheets offer yearround strength under any conditions, 1007o tfV protection and guaranteed hail resistance, said Suntufs Hanna Beit Halachmi.

"If properly installed, it can take 150 mph winds or a 314" hailstone at 90 mph," said a spokesman for GE Plastics, producers of a similar polycarbonate. "You can drop it. We've driven over it with a forklift. You cut it with a regular panel saw, and it's the only really crystal clear product."

Corrugated panels are typically stored vertically, to save space and increase visibility and accessibility. GE offers retailers three display options. A self-standing rack for end caps can be moved around the store for special attention. For those who display the polycarbonates with their other corrugated panels, a big swing ann shows how the product is used. And for smaller stores that must rack them in the warehouse, there's a countertop merchandiser.

Story at a Glance

How to market corrugated fiberglass and plastic panels

".. advantages: sturdy, lightweight, versatile ... various types, uses, accessories.

Also available are signage, brochures, continuous loop point-of-purchase videos, and concept drawings, material lists and instructions for deck, porch, greenhouse, gazebo, patio cover and carport projects.

To increase corrugated panel sales, "advertise it as a project," advises Paul Hatton, Omega Comrgate{ Anaheirn, Ca. "Assemble all the materials for your customers and everything needed for a certain dimension covered patio for, say, $499.99. Projects are less price competitive. Some stores, like 84 Lumber, offer their decks in three different designs, sort of good, better, best. You can advertise corrugated panels the same way."

Other retailers have constructed sample awnings or greenhouses. Some have built small displays inside the store above their racks.

Finally, make sure your selection of corrugated panels is easy to find and that accessories are at hand. Although installation only requires ordinary hand tools, add-on items include corrugated, rib-shaped redwood filler strips, special aluminum nails, waterproofing sealant and aluminum flashing. Certain supplier displays hold panels and a supply of accessories.