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Holiday Closure Announcement
Holiday Closure Dates:
- December 13, 2024: Last day for pre-Christmas orders of Colourbond Roof, Gutter, and Flashing. - December 21, 2024: January 12, 2025 (inclusive): Shop closed. - January 13, 2025: Shop reopens; deliveries and order pick-ups resume. Our sales and customer service teams are available to assist with any questions or support related to product orders before the holidays. Thank you for choosing Bighands Building Supply this year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season! Best regards, Bighands Building Supply
Polycarbonate in Home Design
The contemporary look of the material has made it popular in the last few years in award winning architectural projects, especially in Europe.
Here, we share some of our favourite projects which have used polycarbonate in a stylish and clever way.
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Why Polycarbonate is Perfect for Your Greenhouse
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Spend Less, Get More! 5 Key Advantages of PC Over PVC
PC panels outperform PVC in durability, transparency, heat resistance, and eco-friendliness, making them the superior choice for long-term use in construction and beyond.
Didn't Read version
5 Core Benefits of PC Panels:
1️⃣ Impact-Resistant & Hail-Proof – Stays intact even in extreme weather conditions.
2️⃣ Eco-Friendly & Recyclable – Reduces environmental impact and supports sustainability.
3️⃣ Naturally Transparent & Crystal Clear – Enhances lighting and elevates space aesthetics.
4️⃣ High-Temperature Resistant – Maintains stability without deformation in extreme heat.
5️⃣ Lightweight & Easy to Install – Saves construction time and labour costs.
PC Building Materials: Our Three Promises:
✅ No Replacement Needed for 10 Years – Reduces maintenance costs by 70%, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
✅ Quiet Indoors on Rainy Days – Minimizes noise disturbances, improving resident satisfaction by 50%.
✅ Enhanced Building Aesthetics – Upgrades architectural appeal, boosting customer satisfaction by 100%.
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In-Depth Analysis
PC (Polycarbonate) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are both commonly used plastics in construction, electronics, automotive, and packaging. However, PC panels offer superior performance in key areas.
Feature | PC (Polycarbonate) | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
---|---|---|
Transparency | High (89% light transmission) | Low to medium (requires additives to improve transparency) |
Impact Resistance | Extremely strong (250x that of glass) | Weak (easily cracks) |
Temperature Resistance | -100°C to 130°C | -15°C to 60°C |
Environmental Friendliness | 100% recyclable, halogen-free flame retardants | Contains chlorine, may release harmful substances when discarded |
Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-8 years (prone to aging in outdoor use) |
Cost | Relatively high | Relatively low |
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Here’s why PC is the better choice:
1️ Impact-Resistant & Hail-Proof – The “Safety Guardian” in Extreme Weather
PC panels have 250 times the impact strength of regular glass and 30 times that of acrylic, making them highly resistant to hail and strong winds. This is why PC materials are widely used in automotive lighting systems, where they account for over 50% of car light plastics. Their durability makes them ideal for outdoor skylights, greenhouses, and roofing, ensuring structural integrity even in harsh weather conditions.
2️ Eco-Friendly & Recyclable – The Future of Green Building
PC panels are 100% recyclable and free from halogen-based flame retardants, meaning they do not release toxic gases when burned. In contrast, PVC panels contain chlorine, which can release harmful dioxins when disposed of, making them far less environmentally friendly.
3️ Naturally Transparent & Crystal Clear – Superior Lighting Performance
PC panels boast up to 89% light transmission, with a light degradation rate of just 6% over 10 years—significantly better than PVC's 15-20% degradation rate. Their UV-resistant coating ensures long-term clarity without yellowing or fogging. This is why high-end smart home devices often use modified PC for infrared lenses and speaker casings, offering both functionality and aesthetics.
4️ High-Temperature Resistant – Built for Extreme Environments
PC panels can withstand temperatures ranging from -100°C to 130°C without warping, softening, or losing stability. This makes them perfect for high-temperature industrial settings, such as automotive engine components and outdoor display enclosures. Meanwhile, PVC panels soften and deform above 60°C, limiting their application in high-heat environments.
5️ Lightweight & Easy to Install – Revolutionizing Construction Efficiency
With a density of just 1.2g/cm³, PC panels are 50% lighter than glass and even lighter than PVC panels. In construction, this reduces steel framework costs and improves installation efficiency by over 30%. Additionally, their low thermal expansion minimizes the need for complicated gap allowances, cutting down on labour and project timelines.
Why Upgrade to PC Panels?
✅ No Replacement Needed for 10 Years – Reduces Maintenance Costs by 70%
PC panels have a lifespan of 10-15 years, with minimal degradation. For example, PC noise barriers on highways effectively block up to 40dB of sound while maintaining durability—whereas PVC panels degrade too quickly for long-term outdoor use.
✅ Quiet Indoors on Rainy Days – Reduces Noise Disturbances by 50%
PC panels with multi-layer hollow structures effectively absorb rain impact noise. In contrast, PVC panels resonate loudly during storms, disrupting indoor comfort.
✅ Enhanced Building Aesthetics – Increases Customer Satisfaction by 100%
PC panels can be customized with glass-like or metallic finishes, making them perfect for high-end architectural designs. In smartphone manufacturing, ultra-tough modified PC is used for high-pressure molded glass-like back covers, balancing durability and aesthetics.
Upgrade from PVC to PC: A Game-Changer for Quality and Value
PC panels are rapidly replacing traditional materials in construction, automotive, and electronics due to their superior durability, environmental benefits, and performance. Choosing PC is not just a cost-saving move—it’s an investment in longevity, safety, and sustainability.
Make the switch today! Enjoy the benefits of long-lasting durability, energy efficiency, and stunning aesthetics with PC panels!
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