 | How important is it to follow Palram general recommendations on product usage? |
| I need to bond two sheets of Palruf PVC roofing along one edge where they will overlap by one corrugation. Will the cement used on PVC pipe also work on Palruf? I am more interested in the strength of the bond than in it being waterproof. |
| Do I really need to buy Palram's recommended closure strips and screws? |
| Why can't I just nail the panels into place? |
| Why do I have to predrill fastener holes? |
| How do I cut these panels? |
| I'd like to build a greenhouse. What are my options? |
| I'd like to use your panels to create an under-deck liner. How can I do this? |
| What are purlins and closure strips? |
| Do Palram products keep the "heat" out? |
| How long do the panels last? |
| Do Suntuf flashing accessories come in all of the same colors the panels do? |
| Can I use any of Palram's products as a hurricaine screen? |
| Is there a paint that is appropriate for polycarbonate? |
| Do Palram products keep the "heat" out? |
| What should I use to clean my panels? |
| My building inspector says I need to know your flame spread rating. Can you provide this information? |
| Do Palram accessories come in all of the same colors the panels do? |
| In roofing with corrugated panels, what are purlins and closure strips? |
| In roofing with corrugated panels, where should I start? |
| In roofing with corrugated panels, should I insert screws at valley or crest points? |
| Is it OK to fix screws by a power screwdriver? |
| Is it OK to walk over roofing sheets while in storage, during or after installation? |
| How should I store packed sheets? |
| Why are there polyethylene films on certain sheets and should I peel it off? |
| Can the sheets be curved? |
| Can these sheets catch fire? |
| Do any Palram polycarbonate products have a UL 94 fire rating? |
| Do the sheets expand in heat? |
| Do plastic roofing sheets really block UV radiation? |
| If polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation, why is there a ‘UV side’ to face outwards? |
| In Sunlite, can I leave on the masking tapes that block both ends? |
| Should I paint the structural rafters with any paint? |
| What's the difference between ThermaGlas® and Sunlite®? |
| What is the difference between DynaGlas® and Suntuf®? |
| Can I recycle my old polycarbonate or PVC panels? |
| How can I determine if a sealant is compatible with Palram's polycarbonate products? |
| In light of the change from "CCA" treated wood to "ACQ" treated lumber should there be a more protective screw used with the installation of Suntuf? |
| I am using the Suntuf polycarbonate panels for a roof over my deck. Is there a recommended cement I can use on this material? Will clear PVC cement work? |
| The universal plastic closure pack has 1/2 inch countersunk holes where the wood screws go, the wood vertical strips do not. Am I missing something? How are the screws going to hold the panel down if they are under the panel, Or do the screws go into the small rectangle holes? |
| Which of Palram's products have received CCMC Approval? |
| What is the recommended ceiling height when installing Palruf or Suntuf over a barbecue or gas grill? |
How important is it to follow Palram general recommendations on product usage?
Very. Palram recommendations for the storage, installation and general treatment of products are drafted to ensure that the product’s quality and serviceability is met to full extent, and following these recommendations ensures that product warranty isn't void. Please be sure to visit the specific product's documents page for more information. Back to Top
I need to bond two sheets of Palruf PVC roofing along one edge where they will overlap by one corrugation. Will the cement used on PVC pipe also work on Palruf? I am more interested in the strength of the bond than in it being waterproof.
If this is going to be used outdoors, the sunlight may break down the PVC cement and create some crazing in the Palruf. You may want to consider an adhesive caulk that is compatible with PVC. The PVC cement used for piping is sometimes tinted blue. The bond from this type of adhesive will be good, but the fit must be snug. The PVC Pipe cements are not meant to fill gaps. The other word of caution is ventilation. These cements are loaded with solvent which evaporates upon curing. The solvent attacks the surface of the PVC to make a bond. Again, the better choice would likely be adhesive caulk that is compatible with PVC. Back to Top
Do I really need to buy Palram's recommended closure strips and screws?
Yes. Palram corrugated products are a system meant to provide the best possible installation. Proper use of the complete system (panels, closure strips, fasteners, etc.) greatly reduces the possibility of problems and insures that product warranty will be honored. Please see the installation instructions for the specific product for details. Back to Top
Why can't I just nail the panels into place?
There are a couple of problems with nailing Palram panels. First, there is significant possibility for impact damage to the panel in the area of the attachment. Second, nailing the panels in place prevents them from safely expanding and contracting with temperature change, resulting in warping of the product. Please be sure to read the installation instructions available on each product's document page on this website. Back to Top
Why do I have to predrill fastener holes?
Predrilling the holes insures the panels will have room to expand and contract properly with temperature change. Skipping this step can lead to distorted or warped panels. Please be sure to read the installation instructions located on the specific product's document page. Back to Top
How do I cut these panels?
Corrugated and Multi-wall panels may be cut with a circular saw (using a very fine blade, eg: plywood, etc.). For best results, it is often better to cut a few corrugated panels at a time to reduce vibration. Also, if using a toothed circular saw blade, better results may be seen running the blade backwards. Panels may also be cut by hand by carefully using tin snips or a utility knife. For other cutting instructions and further details, please visit each product's document page. Back to Top
I'd like to build a greenhouse. What are my options?
With Palram, there are several options. For hobbyist and homeowners we offer our easily assembled Snap & Gro greenhouse kits (see the link to the left) as well as plans using our Suntuf panels (found on the Palram Americas Site). For commercial applications, our Sunlight panels are a great choice. Please contact us with your specific needs and we'll help you make the best decision for your application. Back to Top
I'd like to use your panels to create an under-deck liner. How can I do this?
Look in the installation links for a set of instructions on how to use our Palruf panels for this application. Back to Top
What are purlins and closure strips?
Purlins are cross members running across the rafters of your structure. Suntuf, Palruf, Sun 'N Rain, and Suntop panels are fastened to purlins. Closure strips match the corrugation pattern of the panels and are attached to the purlins. Closure strips can be made of wood, foam, or plastic. Please see each product's document page for complete installation information.
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Do Palram products keep the "heat" out?
Palram products are available in a variety of colors (varies by product), each with its own heat and light transmission properties. While all Palram panels block 100% of harmful UV radiation, there are variations in heat and light transmission. Clear panels allow most solar light and heat through while lighter, opaque colors are more reflective. If excessive heat buildup is a concern, our "Solar Control" panels are you're best bet. Please see each product page for more information on color offerings, light transmission percentages and warranty terms. Back to Top
How long do the panels last?
Palram manufactures a variety of different products for different applications. Most have industry-leading warranties against manufacture-related defects, as well as specific warranties related to the intended use for the product. However, with proper installation and maintenance, we expect our products to far exceed the warranty periods.
 Many of our products are engineered to be installed outdoors and are warranted accordingly. Nevertheless, the lifespan of outdoor products can be affected by how well they were installed, as well as environmental factors like air pollution, winds, and erosion by sand particles.
Warranty details can be found on the Documentation page for each individual product. You'll find the link to the Documentation page in the left side bar shown on any product page. Back to Top
Do Suntuf flashing accessories come in all of the same colors the panels do?
Suntuf flashing accessories are indeed available in all Suntuf colors, although they may need to be special ordered depending on your retailer. Back to Top
Can I use any of Palram's products as a hurricaine screen?
While most of Palram's polycarbonate panels have excellent impact resistance, the thin gauge of these products makes them inappropriate for this application. However, Palram does have two products specifically designed for hurricane protection: Stormtuf™ Corrugated Polycarbonate, and Stormlite™ Multi-Wall Polycarbonate. Review the product pages for each of these products for more information.
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Is there a paint that is appropriate for polycarbonate?
Unfortunately we can’t recommend painting our panels. While polycarbonate is a very resilient material, it is potentially sensitive to chemicals contained in many exterior paints. Back to Top
Do Palram products keep the "heat" out?
To a certain extent. Palram sheets are available in a variety of colors each with its own heat and light transmission properties. While most Palram sheets block 100% of harmful UV radiation, there are variations in heat and light transmission. Clear sheets allow most solar light and heat through while opaque colors are more reflective. In case excessive heat buildup is a concern, we offer several products that outperforms conventional heat/light ratio: Solar-Control sheets, SUNLITE SLT, SUNTUF and more. Back to Top
What should I use to clean my panels?
Warm water with a mild household detergent should be sufficient to clean Suntuf or Sunlite panels. Wipe off any remained dirt with a soft cloth and wash again. NEVER use a solvent based cleaner (ammonia, etc.). AVOID using sponges or brushes that can scratch the panels surface. Back to Top
My building inspector says I need to know your flame spread rating. Can you provide this information?
Yes. We can provide test reports and other such documents. Please contact your palram dealer if you require these data. Back to Top
Do Palram accessories come in all of the same colors the panels do?
No. Palram accessories are available in some standard colors, and they may need to be specially ordered depending on your retailer. Back to Top
In roofing with corrugated panels, what are purlins and closure strips?
Purlins are cross members running across the rafters of your structure. Closure strips match the corrugation pattern of the panels and are attached to the purlins. Back to Top
In roofing with corrugated panels, where should I start?
You can choose to install left to right, or right to left, or start at the middle and continue to both sides.It is recommended to Always advance against the dominant wind at the site. Never start at both sides, or at any two separate points. Back to Top
In roofing with corrugated panels, should I insert screws at valley or crest points?
Crest fixing should always be preferred. Back to Top
Is it OK to fix screws by a power screwdriver?
Adjustable electric screwdriver is allowed, provided you set the torque to the minimal needed, in order to prevent over-tightening and local deformation of the panel. For that reason, pneumatic tools should be avoided. Back to Top
Is it OK to walk over roofing sheets while in storage, during or after installation?
No. In case it can’t be avoided during installation, use stepping ladders or crawling boards. Back to Top
How should I store packed sheets?
Store in a protected, shaded, ventilated site, with no direct exposure to sunlight and winds. In outdoor temporary storage cover with opaque protective film, and avoid PVC films and heat-absorbing materials. Please note: Surface protective films that cover sheets are highly sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause gluing of that film to the sheet surface, after which it will not be practically possible to remove it from the sheet! Back to Top
Why are there polyethylene films on certain sheets and should I peel it off?
The surface films in certain sheets, like Sunlite and Palsun sheets, are needed for protection against dirt and scratching, and also used to carry important information to the installer and final customer. The indication of the UV protected side that should be installed facing outwards is extremely important.It is recommended to peel off the protective films only after installation. In case this will not be feasible and the film will be peeled off before laying the sheets, it must be remembered to at least mark the UV protected surface, so that the sheet will not be installed inside out.
Note: wrong installation damages are not covered by Palram.Please also note: Surface protective films that cover sheets are highly sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause gluing of that film to the sheet surface, after which it will not be practically possible to remove it from the sheet! Back to Top
Can the sheets be curved?
Yes. Sheets can be cold-curved and serve in arched shapes, provided the relevant Palram specifications for minimum radius in cold curving are followed. These specifications can be found in the Installation Instructions of the relevant sheets.
Solid sheets can be cold-curved in any direction.
Corrugated sheets can be arched so that the corrugations themselves are curved (lengthwise).
Multi-wall sheets can be arched so that the actual ribs will be curved (lengthwise).
Curving is not recommended across the ribs direction. Back to Top
Can these sheets catch fire?
Yes. In principle all plastic materials are flammable, and will catch fire in presence of exterior flame. The ignition temperature of polycarbonate sheets is 490ºC (915ºF), and PVC sheets 391ºC (736ºF). Both materials are self extinguishing, and fire will decay when the exterior flame source is removed. Compared to PC and PVC, acrylic sheets are more flammable. Back to Top
Do any Palram polycarbonate products have a UL 94 fire rating?
Yes, some Palram products do have a UL 94 fire rating. Please visit the UL 94 Tech Brief for the most up-to-date information. You may also click here to view the Palram UL listing on the official UL website. Back to Top
Do the sheets expand in heat?
Yes. Plastic sheets expand with heat, and shrink with cold.
As engineering plastics, PC and PVC demonstrate limited expansion/contraction Vs other plastics, however this change in dimensions should be considered. The use of enlarged screw holes in corrugated sheets (and aluminum profiles in multi-wall and solid sheets) are standard methods that should be followed. Always use the guidance in Palram installation instructions.
Example 1: A 5 meter long Suntuf sheet will add up 3.25mm when the temperature is raised by 10ºC.
Example 2: A 3 meter long Palopaque solid sheet will shrink by 2.0mm when cooled by 30ºC. Back to Top
Do plastic roofing sheets really block UV radiation?
Some of them do. Rigid PVC and polycarbonate sheets are practically opaque to UV radiation, making them a perfect barrier against this harmful radiation.
On the other hand, acrylic roofing sheets generally transmit a considerable portion of the UV radiation. Back to Top
If polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation, why is there a ‘UV side’ to face outwards?
Polycarbonate blocks UV radiation by absorbing it. This absorption mechanism might degrade the material, and the sheet has to be protected against it. Protection to the sheet is achieved by coating it with a special material that converts the UV radiation into heat that emits to the external air layer.
In order to protect the sheets, they must be installed with the marked UV protective layer facing outside. Although sheet products can also be UV protected on both sides, most of the sheets are protected on one side that is marked clearly. Back to Top
In Sunlite, can I leave on the masking tapes that block both ends?
No. These tapes are good for packaging/storage only, and are not strong enough for field service.
After installing sunlite sheets, seal top end with aluminum foil ‘Solid tape’, and bottom end with special ventilating ‘Breather tape’. Back to Top
Should I paint the structural rafters with any paint?
Yes, but be sure to paint only with light or white color. Do not use dark colours like black or brown, that can absorb and reflect intensive heat. Back to Top
What's the difference between ThermaGlas® and Sunlite®?
ThermaGlas™ branded products are engineered specifically for commercial greenhouse applications. Panel widths, thicknesses, pigments, and special greenhouse-specific features such as guaranteed condensate control are consistent with commercial growers' needs. Aside greenhouse-specific features, ThermaGlas is the same as Sunlite (for equal thicknesses, weights, and panel widths). Outside of North America, Palram uses the Sunlite Plus brand as opposed to ThermaGlas. Back to Top
What is the difference between DynaGlas® and Suntuf®?
DynaGlas™ branded products are engineered specifically for commercial greenhouse applications. Panel widths, thicknesses, pigments, and special greenhouse-specific features such as guaranteed condensate control are consistent with commercial growers' needs. Aside greenhouse-specific features, DynaGlas is the same as Suntuf (for equal thicknesses, weights, corrugation profiles, and panel widths). Outside of North America, Palram uses the Suntuf Plus brand as opposed to DynaGlas. Back to Top
Can I recycle my old polycarbonate or PVC panels?
Palram's Polycarbonate and PVC sheet products are recyclable. Many cities and towns have recycling programs that include curbside pick-up. If so, Polycarbonate products such as SUNTUF, SUNLITE, PALSUN, DYNAGLAS, or THERMAGLAS should be marked "Plastic #7" prior to recycling. PVC products such as PALRUF, AG-TUF, PALOPAQUE, PALCLEAR, or PALIGHT, should be marked "Plastic #3".
If local recycling is not available, other resources are available:
For PVC products, visit the Vinyl Institute's Recycling Provider Database:
For polycarbonate products, visit The Association of Post Consumer Plastic Recyclers site and download their materials buyers and seller's list:
http://www.plasticsrecycling.org
How can I determine if a sealant is compatible with Palram's polycarbonate products?
Palram tests various sealants for compatibility with its polycarbonate product. We attempt to purchase sealants that are widely available at home improvement stores and lumber yards. Click here to learn more about sealant compatibility and to download a list of product that have been tested. Back to Top
In light of the change from "CCA" treated wood to "ACQ" treated lumber should there be a more protective screw used with the installation of Suntuf?
The new guide lines by the manufacturers of the ACQ lumber call for heavily galvanized or stainless steel due to the corrosive nature of the ACQ treatment. The change in the treated lumber chemical is a concern. Manufacturers of ACQ do recommend the use of either stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized fasteners (which Palram’s fasteners are not made from). That said, you have two basic options for using ACQ lumber:
1. Use a comparable fastener made from an ACQ approved material. Make sure that such a fastener uses either a neoprene or EPDM washer and that it is installed persuch a fastener uses either a neoprene or EPDM washer, and that it is installed per Palram’s recommendations.
2. Use Palram’s fasteners. Initial tests with ACQ have shown no adverse effect on our fasteners. This is added to the fact that the fasteners are being used to secure a light weight plastic panel (rather than connect structural members). If you use our fasteners, our 10 year warranty will still apply.
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I am using the Suntuf polycarbonate panels for a roof over my deck. Is there a recommended cement I can use on this material? Will clear PVC cement work?
No, don't use PVC cement. PVC and polycarbonate do not react well. For sealing silicone is safe and generally works well. Back to Top
The universal plastic closure pack has 1/2 inch countersunk holes where the wood screws go, the wood vertical strips do not. Am I missing something? How are the screws going to hold the panel down if they are under the panel, Or do the screws go into the small rectangle holes?
I know it’s confusing, but they go in the rectangular holes. Back to Top
Which of Palram's products have received CCMC Approval?
Several of Palrams covering and glazing products have received CCMC Approval. For details, click here. Back to Top
What is the recommended ceiling height when installing Palruf or Suntuf over a barbecue or gas grill?
There really is not a set height. All grills are different and cook at various temperatures depending on what they are grilling. Customers who wish to grill under Suntuf or Palruf must be certain that the maximum temperature above the grill never exceeds 212°F for Suntuf and 122°F for Palruf. These temperatures represent the maximum service temperature for both products. If the products are subjected to temperatures higher than these, the product warranty will be voided and damage can occur to the panels. Back to Top
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