When choosing roofing or skylight materials, FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) and PC (polycarbonate) are both very common choices. They are both lightweight, highly transparent, and durable. However, each material has its own advantages, suiting different environments and needs.
1. Strength and Impact Resistance
FRP sheets are made from a composite of high-strength glass fibers and resin, offering extremely high impact resistance and tensile strength. They are also highly weather-resistant, withstanding hail and strong winds without deformation.
PC sheets are also very strong, with impact resistance up to 250 times that of glass. However, if they are not properly treated with UV protection, they can easily age, yellow, or become brittle after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
2. Weather and UV Resistance
FRP skylight sheets are designed for outdoor use. Their surface is formulated with a UV-resistant formula to effectively prevent aging, fading, and cracking, with a service life exceeding 20 years.
PC sheets offer higher transparency and optical properties, but their UV resistance is relatively weak. They tend to discolor, darken, or lose their luster over time due to exposure to sunlight, making them more popular for interior decoration.
3. Light Transmission
Polycarbonate sheets have a high light transmittance, typically reaching 85%–90%, making them suitable for locations requiring high levels of natural lighting.
FRP sheets have a slightly lower light transmittance (approximately 70%–80%), but they provide a softer, more even, and glare-free light, making them more suitable for environments such as agricultural greenhouses, factories, and warehouses.
4. Cost and Maintenance
FRP panels offer a more cost-effective and low-maintenance option. Their self-cleaning surface resists dust and corrosion, ensuring they remain clean over time.
PC panels are slightly more expensive, but offer a more transparent and aesthetically pleasing appearance. They are commonly used in architectural decoration and high-end skylight roofing.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
Both FRP and polycarbonate have their strengths.
If you need a durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective material for industrial or agricultural buildings, FRP is the better choice.
If you need maximum transparency and aesthetic appeal for commercial or residential projects, Polycarbonate may be more suitable.
At Zhenneng Composite Materials, we offer high-quality FRP skylight roofing tiles that combine strength, weather resistance, and long service life-helping customers achieve lasting performance with low maintenance.