Is this the end for polycarbonate?

With the massive swing from polycarbonate to glass for conservatory roof glazing, is this the end for polycarbonate?” asks Scott Nicholas, Managing Director of specialist conservatory roof glass manufacturer Reflex Glass.

“The increase in availability of value added glass products, coupled with the reduction in price of blue tint easy clean glass means the price gap between glass and polycarbonate is now smaller, but it has increased the gap in terms of desirability.

“Who wants an obscured striped plastic roof in their conservatory that is also susceptible to wind and rain noise, when they can have a gleaming, easy clean, glare-controlled, unbroken view with high performance insulated glass instead?"

“It's not rocket science, and the market has well and truly woken up to the distinct advantages of glass in conservatory roofing over polycarbonate. With last year’s split reckoned to be 40% glass and 60% polycarbonate, I think this year must easily be 70% glass and 30% polycarbonate and growing."

“The polycarbonate roof shapes industry is suffering big time with many firms struggling in what is a low margin and shrinking market for them. Many Reflex glass installers up and down the country no longer bother to offer domestic customers a polycarbonate option as it is now seen as a utility material only suitable for use in a porch or lean-to where the customer is not going to spend any significant or quality time."

“With many installers well and truly on the performance glass band wagon, solar control and easy clean glass has now become a standard specification for many conservatories."

“That's because the final installation is so much more attractive, with a quality feel. Polycarbonate will soon be assigned to the construction industry’s skip of out-dated and obsolete products, only perhaps still getting a look-in at the DIY end of the market.

“The glazing industry has seen the swing from PVC back to timber following improvements in appearance, thermal performance and conservation requirements, now we are seeing the same from polycarbonate back to glass."

”Are people becoming anti plastic?"

“I don't personally think so, it’s just that people are becoming better informed, and the more information you have about products the better the decision making. When all the cards are on the table, glass is the clear and obvious winner every time and so is timber."

"For example, the original Georgian windows in my home date back over 250 years, are still going strong, and will likely outlast my lifetime."

“We are seeing many polycarbonate roofs installed in the 1990's now being re-glazed in glass. Consider the massive volume of PVC windows fitted almost indiscriminately over the last twenty years and more years to properties around the country, now being replaced by timber windows, and if these are in a conservation area, are VAT exempt! What a wonderful opportunity!"

“With more of the specialist glass firms gearing up to handle increased growth in conservatory roof glazing, partly due to home improvement activity as house sales decline further, expect to see prices tumble further as competition becomes even more fierce.”