FAQ's |
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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.
Do I really need to buy Palram's recommended closure strips and screws?
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.
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.
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.
How do I cut these panels?
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.

I'd like to build a greenhouse. What are my options?
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.
What are purlins and closure strips?
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.
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 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.
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 in the Downloads tab under the Warranties section at the bottom of the page for each individual product.
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 a product specifically designed for hurricane protection: Stormlite™ Multi-Wall Polycarbonate. Review the product page for more information.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 that film to bond the sheet surface, after which it will not be practically possible to remove it from the sheet!

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!
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
If polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation, why is there a ‘UV side’ to face outwards?
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.
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.
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.
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:
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?

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 or other covering products?
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.
Why does dripping occur on the underside of my panels?
If you have installed, or are planning to cover a patio or sunroom with Suntuf, Suntop, Palruf, Palsun, or Sunlite, it is possible that you may experience water droplets dripping from the underside of the panels, especially at the horizontal supporting members. This is almost certainly due to condensation build up on the underside of the panels. The condensation that forms is not a direct result of the Suntuf panels but rather the surrounding environment in which the panels are installed. To learn what condensation is, why it occurs, and a few suggestions that can help minimize it, download Tech Brief #5007.
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.
How do I special order Suntuf corrugated polycarbonate in a specialty color, or in 4' widths.
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

What is a neutral cure silicone?
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.
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