Twin-wall Vs Multiwall Sheet: Choose the Right PC Plastic
Twin wall and multiwall both are a great choice when you’re shopping for polycarbonate sheets. But while buying, you should consider your application and purchase based on your requirements. Although both offer extreme strength and versatility, you should select one based on your usage to get the best result.
And today, in this guide, we’ll focus on giving you a clear idea of what you should choose and why. But first, let’s be clear on the basics. The multiwall polycarbonate means a multi-layered structure of polycarbonate panels used for different purposes, as mentioned earlier.
The twin-wall polycarbonate sheet means a double-layered polycarbonate panel. This has a layer on both sides and the interior is connected by plastic materials dividing the interior part into small chambers.
As you have learned that the two things are, we can now dive into the elaboration to know details about what polycarbonate panel is best for you.
What Purpose Do You Require a Twin-wall Polycarbonate for?
You need to be sure about how much light you require under your polycarbonate sheet and how much heat insulation is required. The twin-wall polycarbonate sheet comes up in three categories. Check below to know is this what you need.
4mm Polycarbonate Sheet
These are generally used for greenhouse glazing that comes up with UV ray protection. This allows 85% light transmission, and the heat insulation is minimum and gives a mini curve radius of 600mm.
6mm Polycarbonate Sheeting
This is virtually unbreakable, durable and this provides better thermal insulation than glass because of its twin-wall property. This has better thermal insulation than glass and allows 82% of light to transfer. Know more about the difference between glass and polycarbonate.
10mm Polycarbonate Sheeting
This can be used for greenhouse because it provides perfect thermal insulation compared to other twin-wall materials. It allows 80% of light transmission and better thermal insulation than 4mm or 6mm multiwall polycarbonate sheets.
Have you seen how the light allowance decreased as it got thicker? This is a matter of fact you should know about and that is – the more the multiwall sheet gets thicker, the lesser light emission and more thermal insulation. A 4mm multiwall sheet cannot provide much thermal insulation like a 10mm multiwall.
Exceptions in light transmission may occur for bronze/opal layered materials. If this is bronze coated, the light transmission will be 33% and 40% for opal.
What Purpose Do You Require a Multiwall Polycarbonate for?
Ever thought of using an alternative to glass for your carports, greenhouses, skylights, patio covers, etc.? The multi-wall polycarbonate panel can be used for these purposes. It also comes up in different categories.
I have described the features and qualities for you in the next sections. So you can learn and choose your ideal polycarbonate sheet.
16mm Multiwall Sheeting
These polycarbonates can be used for greenhouses as they provide excellent thermal insulation, but you also need to know that the light transmission is way less than the twin wall options.
Carports and skylights can be constructed with this material too. This provides UV ray protection and the mini curve radius is 2400 mm.
25mm Multiwall Sheeting
These are applicable for patio covers and pergolas. This can be used for gardening roofs for plants that require less sunlight as they allow 62% light allowance if clear but has exceptions: bronze layered (11%) and opal (28%).
You might use a dark-coated multi-wall to reduce light entrance for your plants. Before that, you need to be sure how much light and heat insulation your plants require.
35mm Multiwall Sheeting
For the construction of a conservatory, you can use the 35mm multiwall sheeting. It’s much lighter than glass and a flexible tool to be used for your conservatory.
The light transmission is 63%, which means you can rest under this roofing and protect yourself from direct sunlight. These are not applicable for greenhouses generally. The nominal sheet weight is 3.9kg/m2.
If you want to do something different to attract or entertain tourists, you might set-up a close area conservatory on sea-sides or hilly areas for people to have a great view and enjoy this unique feature. The roofing and walls of the conservatory can be set-up with multi-wall polycarbonates.
40mm Multiwall Sheeting
This is polycarbonate facade panel, the normal colors are clear, opal white.
Twin-wall Vs Multiwall: Know Your Type
Twin-wall and multiwall are of the same property, but the fundamental difference is that the twin-wall is double-layered while the multiwall has more layers. And we have discussed earlier- the more the thickness of your polycarbonate panel, the more insulation it provides.
So if you require greater heat insulation, then the multiwall polycarbonate panel would be suitable for you. It also helps to establish a roof over the plants that require minimum sunlight.
Otherwise, solid polycarbonate sheet can be also used as roofing panel, with UV coating layer, the lifespan is more than 10 years.
What Polycarbonate Is Best for Greenhouses?
People prefer the twin-wall polycarbonate over multiwall for greenhouse purposes for cold countries based on its various features. 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate panels have been in use traditionally from the past. But, corrugated polycarbonate will be used for greenhouse roofs in variable zone countries.
What Can You Use for Greater Thermal Insulation?
If you are expecting something to keep you warm in cold countries or expecting better thermal insulation, then the multiwall polycarbonate panel will be suitable for you. The 25mm, 32mm and 35mm multiwall polycarbonates provide the highest level of thermal insulation.
They can also be used for the roofing of a conservatory. Let me give you a bonus idea.
If you want to create something for your own or have unique hotel or restaurant ideas on tourist spots, you can think of building a curved room that is transparent and provides thermal insulation. It keeps you warm then you can construct your unique transparent space with the multiwall polycarbonate.
Roofing: Twin-wall vs Multiwall
Before choosing the right roofing material, ask yourself what your needs are? You need to select your appropriate material based on your requirement.
Do You Require More Light?
If you require more light, you can select the twin-wall polycarbonate panels, which are broadly used for greenhouse roofing. The 4mm and 6mm twin-wall panels are used for greenhouses. You can apply the 10mm polycarbonate sheets as windshields, carports, pergolas, sheds, etc.
But if you don’t require enough light and want to create an environment for relaxing or suppose for plants that require minimum sunlight, then you can create a shady ceiling with a coated multi-wall polycarbonate.
The multiwall polycarbonate panels of 25mm,32mm, and 35mm provide the highest thermal insulation that a twin-wall polycarbonate sheet cannot offer. These can be used for cold countries or industrial purposes. It keeps you warm and the transparent property allows you to watch the open sky and coin the stars at night.
Why is Twin Wall Polycarbonate Best for Greenhouses?
Because of the excellent light transmission ability, twin wall plastic is preferred for greenhouse applications. Here is more information about the greenhouse.
Plants require light for their survival as well as heat too. For this reason, the twin-wall polycarbonate is appropriate material for greenhouse purposes as this allows up to 85% of light transmission. Choose your best material based on your requirements.
Conclusion
Anyway, multi-wall polycarbonate is lighter weight than flat solid polycarbonate, but the strength will be the same. And it is the best material for the greenhouse.
UVPLASTIC is a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate sheet, fi you have questions, please contact us.
