FAQ's

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. 

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.

In order to ensure long-term warranty coverage, it is highly recommended to use Palram-approved fasteners and accessories. Palram corrugated products, fasteners and accessories should be thought of as 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.

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.

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.

Corrugated and Multi-wall panels may be cut with a circular saw (using a very fine-toothed blade for plastic panels, veneer, or plywood). For best results, it is often better to cut a few corrugated panels at a time to reduce vibration; clamping the panels also helps. Also, if using a standard circular saw blade, better results may be seen by running the blade backwards (turn it over to reverse direction). 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. You can also view our general Corrugated Products Installation Overview video.

With Palram, there are several options. For hobbyist and homeowners our sister company, Palram Applications, offer easy-to-assemble greenhouse kits. Palram Applications products are available through many online resellers, and select retail garden centers throughout North America.

If you plan to design and build your own structure for your home, consider our Suntuf corrugated polycarbonate panels. Our Sunlite multi-wall panels are available in select markets as well. Suntuf is widely available at Home Depot's throughout North America, as well as many indepent retailers. Sunlite is available at select Home Depot's and some independent retailers.

For commercial applications, our DynaGlas and ThermaGlas panels are a great choice. DynaGlas and ThermaGlas are available from Commercial Greenhouse Manufacturers and Greenhouse Supply Distributors. Contact our Master Distributor, Green-Tek, for a Dealer near you.

Feel free to contact us with your specific needs and we'll help you make the best decision for your application.

Look in the installation links for a set of instructions on how to use our Palruf panels for this application.

Purlins are cross members, or horizontal supporting 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.

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 virtually 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.

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 in the Downloads tab under the Warranties section at the bottom of the page for each individual product.

Suntuf flashing accessories are indeed available in all Suntuf colors, although they may need to be special ordered depending on your retailer.

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 a product specifically designed for hurricane protection: Stormlite™ Multi-Wall Polycarbonate. Review the product page for more information.

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. While we can test a paint for compatibility, we have no way of controlling whether a paint manufacturer will remain consistent with their formulas over time.

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.

Yes. We can provide test reports and other such documents. Please contact your Palram Dealer if you require these data, or Contact Us. This is technical data and is not to be considered a warranty.

No. Palram accessories are available in some standard colors, and they may need to be specially ordered depending on your retailer.

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.

Crest fastening is always be preferred, but some corrugated product require fastening in the corrugation valley. See the individual Installation Guide for each product to see specific instructions.

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.

No. In case it can’t be avoided during installation. It's recommended to use a crawl board that is strong enough to support the weight of the person, and that spans at least three purlins or supporting members.

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 that film to bond the sheet surface, after which it will not be practically possible to remove it from the sheet!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some of them do. Rigid PVC and polycarbonate sheets are practically opaque to UV radiation, making them a perfect barrier against this harmful radiation. They actually block UV-A and UV-B radiation better than nearly any sunscreen lotion.

On the other hand, acrylic roofing sheets generally transmit a considerable portion of the UV radiation.

Polycarbonate (PC) inherently blocks UV radiation by absorbing it and not allowing it to pass through the panel. However, the absorption of UV also degrades polycarbonate, therefore, the sheet(s) has to be protected against UV radiation. Most Palram PC products feature a very thin co-extruded layer of UV-resistant PC resins that protect the entire sheet from UV radiation. In most cases, UV protection is applied to one side, however, two-sided UV protection is available for select products. 

In order to ensure the protection of single-sides UV protected sheets, they must be installed with the marked UV protective layer facing out toward the sun. Although sheet products can also be UV protected on both sides, most of the sheets are protected on one side that is marked clearly.

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’.

Yes, you can paint structural rafters or supports, but be sure to paint only with light or white color. Do not use dark colors like black or brown, that can absorb and reflect intensive heat.

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.

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.

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:
http://www.vinylinfo.org/Recycling/VinylRecyclingDirectory.aspx
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?

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.

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 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.

No, don't use PVC cement. PVC and polycarbonate do not react well. Also, generally speaking, the panels are not recommended to be "glued" together. For sealing, 100% silicone caulking is safe and generally works well.

Suntuf panels are sold at Home Depot and many other home improvement centers and lumber yards. Most stores will stock two sizes in two or three colors, however, all Home Depot stores (and other participating retailers) also have a special order program with us. From time to time, sales associate in the stores are not familiar with our products or our special order program.
 
Your best bet is to visit the Pro Desk at your local Home Depot store, or a special order desk at a participating dealer. The associate there can contact us and we can provide ordering assistance if they are unsure how to place a special order. We are open weekdays from 8 am – 5:00 pm EST (800) 999-9459

A neutral cure silicone is a sealant which releases alcohol or another non-acidic substance whilst curing. This sealant has virtually no or has completely no odour.

Other typical silicone sealants include acetoxy silicone. An acetoxy silicone is a sealant which releases acetic acid whilst curing. This sealant is commonly recognised by its strong vinegar-like smell.

What is the difference between acetoxy and neutral cure silicone?
As acetoxy cure silicones release acetic acid whilst curing they can cause problems when used on certain substrates. When used on natural stone they can cause discolouration, when used on certain metals they can cause corrosion and on bituminous surfaces they can cause "bleeding" of the bitumen. So when applying sealant to sensitive surfaces we would always recommend using a neutral cure silicone over a acetoxy silicone as they will not react. Generally acetoxy silicones are used for kitchens, bathrooms and other internal sealing applications as they are more cost effective and faster curing than their neutral curing counterparts. Whereas neutral cure silicones have better adhesion and weatherproofing properties compared to acetoxy silicones making them the superior option for external applications.

Suntuf panels can conform to an arch radius of 20-feet or greater. This is mentioned in our Suntuf Installation Guide. If you're not sure what the radius is, here's a formula that can help you figure it out. Granted, you need to know a little math, but we can help you do the calculation if you can gather the dimensions as shown in the illustration: