Polycarbonate is one of the most versatile clear plastics available in the consumer market. You can use this plastic material throughout your home and for a wide range of different purposes, such as greenhouse glazing, conservatory roofing, and as protective screens or windshields.
 
Keeping your polycarbonate products in good nick is a fairly simple process - and the more you clean and care for your plastic, the longer it will last, saving you money in the long run! In this blog, from The Plastic People, we are going to think all about cleaning and maintaining polycarbonate. 
 
If you are looking for information on cleaning or caring for another plastic - such as acrylic (perspex) make sure to click here to check out our other guides! As always, our customer services team are on-hand if you need any advice on plastic and plastic products. Email them at service@theplasticpeople.co.uk with your query today. 
 
How often should you clean polycarbonate? 
 
Though time frames differ depending on the application of the material, we recommend giving your polycarbonate a good clean twice a year. Obviously, for protective screens and windscreens, cleaning should occur more often. 
 
Over the year, and particularly during the winter and autumn months, polycarbonate roofing (also known as twinwall or multiwall panels) can collect a range of debris and dirt from falling leaves and such. Giving your roofing a good clean in spring and the summer will ensure it stays looking brand new and clear!
 
Roofs with a steeper pitch can probably be cleaned only once a year as the majority of debris and water will roll off the end into gutters, or other waste management systems. Shallow roof pitches will need greater attention, however. 
 
For greenhouse glazing, cleaning can occur whenever the polycarbonate panels look dirty to the eye. To let the most light through to your plants and flowers, remember to give the inside and outside of the panels a wipe whenever they are dull or misty with dirt. 
 
What you will need to clean polycarbonate
 

 
How to clean polycarbonate? 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
When should you replace polycarbonate?
 
The majority of polycarbonate roofing comes with a guarantee which ensures the plastic material lasts for a certain number of years - refer to your user manual or supplier for further information. 
 
As a general rule of thumb, polycarbonate has a life expectancy of between 15 and 20 years. After this time, your polycarbonate may begin to turn cloudy, let less light through, and the UV-resistant coating may be worn down. 
 
Remember that, when replacing polycarbonate roofing or glazing, you do not need to replace any glazing bars or supports. Only change the panels themselves - this will save you some money too! 
 
We recommend using polycarbonate as an alternative to glass in a wide range of scenarios, such as greenhouse glazing. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and lighter, making it virtually indestructible and easy to work with! Click here to check out our range of polycarbonate products and offerings. 
 
Further Help
 
That brings us to the end of this blog on caring for and maintaining polycarbonate roofing, glazing, and other plastic products. If you still need help or guidance, make sure to reach out to our plastic experts who will be happy to offer their skills! Email service@theplasticpeople.co.uk or click here.