While we always see bricks, stones, metal, and tiles forming most of the roofing sector for all kinds of commercial and residential structures, there is also a requirement of transparent roofs. While structures like greenhouses and conservatories always require transparent roofs, there is a trend of building many other structures with transparent roofing materials too. These include stadiums, railway stations, airports, car ports, patios, awnings, and many more. The four most common materials used to construct such transparent roofs include glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, and ETFE foil.
Glass roofs Glass is the most traditional material used to construct transparent structures. It brings in maximum light, thus reducing the amount of artificial lighting required, and in turn reducing the electricity bills. However, this material has a number of downsides. It is prone to cracking and breaking with forceful impacts. It is very heavy, making it difficult to carry, transport, and install. It is expensive to purchase, and also expensive in terms of care and maintenance. And, when cut or drilled, it produces harmful shards.
Acrylic roofs Acrylic roofs are not only transparent, but flexible and heat resistant too, making them perfect for structures standing in the scorching heat. Moreover, it is durable, shatterproof, and easy to clean. Another added benefit is that it is reusable, thus proving to be eco-friendly. It is also