Choosing the right corrugated polycarbonate sheet in 2026 comes down to three decisions: match the wave type to your project, size the thickness to your span and snow or wind load, and pick a colour with a co-extruded UV layer. Get these three right and a corrugated PC roof stays clear, watertight and impact-resistant for 15 years or more. This guide walks through each decision and gives you the specification numbers to compare suppliers.
Step 1: Match the wave type to your project
Corrugated polycarbonate sheets are sold by wave profile, and the profile drives both strength and drainage. The number in the name is the effective coverage width in millimetres, so an 840 sheet covers 840 mm per panel once the overlap is accounted for.
| Wave profile | Effective width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 840 | 840 mm | factories, warehouses, carports |
| 900 | 900 mm | factories, warehouses, wider spans |
| 930 | 930 mm | large-span roofs, stadiums, exhibition halls |
| 970 | 970 mm | large-span roofs, airports, stations |
Small-wave profiles (750 / 820) suit greenhouses, farm sheds and curved canopies where the sheets need to bend. Extra-large profiles (1050) cover very wide spans in one pass. For most commercial and industrial work, 840 and 900 are the default choice.
Step 2: Size the thickness to your span and load
Thickness is the main lever for strength and stiffness. The wider your purlin spacing and the heavier your snow or wind load, the thicker the sheet needs to be.
| Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|
| 0.8 – 1.2 mm | light, short-span covers: greenhouses, small canopies |
| 1.5 – 2.0 mm | general roofing: carports, factory daylighting bands |
| 2.5 – 3.0 mm | heavy-load, long-span work: stadiums, heavy snow regions |
As a rough rule, a 1.5 mm sheet is the practical minimum for a roof that carries any snow, and 2.0-2.5 mm is the safe middle ground for most industrial buildings. Thicker sheets also hold their shape better on wide purlin spacing.
Step 3: Pick a colour and check the UV layer
Colour changes both how much light gets through and how the space underneath feels.
- Clear transmits roughly 85-88% of light – the best choice for daylighting a factory or warehouse.
- Opal / white diffuses the light and cuts glare, which suits work areas and carports.
- Lake blue, grass green and tea (bronze) give partial shading and a coloured finish for facades and canopies.
Whatever colour you pick, make sure the sheet carries a co-extruded UV layer on the weather side. That layer is what stops clear sheets from yellowing over the years, so it’s non-negotiable for any outdoor roof.
Corrugated polycarbonate sheet specifications at a glance
These are the ranges our factory supplies as a corrugated polycarbonate sheet manufacturer. Custom sizes are available on request.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 mm |
| Wave profiles | 750 / 820 / 840 / 900 / 930 / 970 / 1050 |
| Effective width | 840 / 900 / 930 / 1050 mm (by profile) |
| Overall width | 900 / 960 / 1000 / 1100 mm (by profile) |
| Wave height | 20 – 50 mm (by profile) |
| Wave pitch | customisable to match steel or tile profiles |
| Length | cut to length, up to 12 m |
| Colours | clear, lake blue, grass green, tea, opal, custom |
| UV protection | co-extruded UV layer |
| Service temperature | -40°C to +120°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which corrugated PC profile should I use for a factory roof?
840 or 900. These medium-wave profiles are the most common industrial choice – strong enough for standard purlin spacing, wide enough to cover quickly, and compatible with common steel roof profiles.
What thickness corrugated polycarbonate do I need for a carport?
1.5-2.0 mm is the standard for carports and residential canopies. Step up to 2.5-3.0 mm if you’re in a heavy snow area or your spans are wide.
Do corrugated polycarbonate sheets turn yellow over time?
Not if they carry a co-extruded UV layer. That layer blocks most UV and keeps clear sheets from yellowing for 10-15 years outdoors. Sheets without UV protection can yellow within 3-5 years.
Can corrugated PC sheets match my existing steel roof profile?
Yes. The wave pitch is customisable, so sheets can be formed to match standard steel and tile profiles for mixed roofing or replacement work.
How long do corrugated polycarbonate sheets last?
With a co-extruded UV layer and correct fastening – oversized holes and EPDM washers to allow thermal movement – expect 15 years or more. Clear sheets keep most of their light transmission through that period.
Jietai is a manufacturer of corrugated polycarbonate sheets, supplying the full wave-type and thickness range with co-extruded UV protection, cut to length up to 12 m. Contact our team for a quote and we’ll confirm the right profile and thickness for your project.
