"polycarbonate"

At Trade Access Panels, we are often asked questions from customers regarding the Polycarbonate Rooflights which we supply. We have tried to note down the most frequently asked questions below to hopefully assist you.

When selecting your new polycarbonate rooflight, the main deciding factor should be how energy efficient you need or want it to be. In this process it is important to ascertain the rooflight’s U-value. U-values measure how effective a rooflight is as an insulator. The lower the U-value the more thermally efficient your polycarbonate rooflights will be.

A dated conservatory area is transformed by Breezefree with a retractable glass roof and polycarbonate curtain walling. Nagan Johnson Architects approached Breezefree to refurbish a dated conservatory area as part of the fit-out of the Cuban restaurant group’s second site in London’s Smithfield district. The brief required a modern retractable glass roof, to replace the old lean-to rooflight, and translucent curtain walling, to replace the dilapidated brick walls and windows...

Able Canopies were commissioned by Bouygues (UK) Ltd to produce five bespoke canopies at Oaklands School in Tower Hamlets, London. These canopy installations were part of a major Building Schools for Future (BSF) project managed by Bouygues (UK) Ltd to refurbish parts of the school and construct a new building at the site. The canopies were crucial to bringing the whole look and feel of the refurbished site together and so communication, teamwork and painstaking attention to detail were vitally important to ensure a successful installation.

The Multi-Link-Panel system glazed with Georgian wired polycarbonate from pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix was specified by Network Rail for the entrance canopy element of a £1 million refurbishment of historic Wigan Wallgate station in Lancashire. The glazing panels, each comprising fast-track “fix and link” aluminium structural bars glazed with 6mm solid Georgian wired polycarbonate, were pre-assembled at Twinfix’s factory in Warrington, Cheshire, for delivery to site for installation by specialist contractor Everlast Rail.

Over the years Twinfix have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof-glazing.

We reglazed the porte cochere at Victoria Station using our aluminium-framed Multi-Link-Panel fitted with our Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing. This virtually unbreakable glazing mimics the traditional Georgian wired glass that would have been fitted to the three roofing areas when it was first built, but it has all the many benefits of polycarbonate, as well as Heritage approval for use at this prestigious and busy London station.

Polycarbonate walkway canopy to shelter pupils and staff moving around the Academy site

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost-effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. This year, Twinfix worked with Principal Contractor AmcoGiffen restoring Pembroke Dock Station. Twinfix supplied its non-fragile roofing system the Multi-Link-Panel to replace the old tired, discoloured glazing at Pembroke Dock Station.

The Olympic Stadium’s transformation into a multi-use stadium has seen the specification of Marlon CS polycarbonate rooflights. The 44,000m² roof is the largest cantilevered roof worldwide and includes 4,484 polycarbonate sheets. The project was a feat of production and delivery logistics with each sheet cut to size forming 2,756 unique shapes and labelled with a unique placement code to ease installation. With the stadium width 84 metres at its deepest, the transparent roof covers all 54,000 spectator seats protecting fans from the elements as well as ensuring optimum grass growth for pitch perfect conditions.

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. Its innovative Multi-Link-Panel has been used in many markets, such as in the replacement of broken glass or failed PVC in station canopies and depot roof lights, where its patented fixing method results in incredibly quick installation times, a real bonus when working with limited possession times.

he BriefAddenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridgeshire were looking for a wall mounted canopy to provide shade and shelter over the main entrance of their Accident and Emergency department. At the time of enquiry, they didn’t have any form of shelter over the entrance and patients and visitors were exposed to the elements when queuing or waiting outside.Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Project Manager came to Able Canopies for a quotation in hope that we could offer a product that met their design needs, whilst providing the weather protection required. The canopy specification presented to Able Canopies was a wall mounted canopy with a polycarbonate roof and toughened glass or polycarbonate front panels.

The new canopy we recently installed at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Whitehaven has provided their nursery children with an additional 32 square metres of covered outdoor learning and playing space. Powder coated in RAL 5010 Matt Blue, the aluminium frame has a roof glazed with our Multi-Link-Panels NF fitted with 25mm opal multiwall polycarbonate glazing. The NF indicates that these panels pass the recommended drop test, ACR[M]001:2014, achieving a Non-Fragile designation. The polycarbonate glazing incorporates a special coating that prevents the passage of UV in sunlight, so it will help to give protection to those underneath.

The Gateshead NHS staff at Spire House love the new ambulance shelter; vehicles can now be cleaned with ease in all weathers beneath the spacious polycarbonate roof with its practical and contemporary straight design.

Brett Martin delivers a gold standard performance at Dublin National ArenaBrett Martins’ Marlon Clickfix VF polycarbonate glazing system is delivering exceptional natural daylight inside Dublin’s National Indoor Arena. The system has been used to create a bright, appealing interior that will help provide the perfect environment for sports, whilst providing exceptional aesthetics.This 18,480m2 multipurpose facility features 2,300m2 of the Marlon Clickfix VF glazing system specified in clear and blue glass polycarbonate for the roof gables and as part of the triangular-patterned façade on the front elevation, a key architectural feature of this multi-sport arena. With aesthetics, light and U-values a vital consideration for the design of the arena, Brett Martin’s daylighting solution offered optimum light transmission, minimal installation time and an ability to accommodate building movement. 

Wrexham Maelor Hospital loves the new outdoor canopy. Thanks to the strong polycarbonate roof, it has given staff and patients a way to spend time in the fresh air throughout the year, which will surely be beneficial for everyone’s mental health. It has improved the efficiency and the look of the facilities outside.

Wrexham General Station is a main line railway station and the main railway station serving Wrexham, north-east Wales. The station was first opened in 1846 and expanded in 1912. It comprises four operational platforms with two disused bay platforms at the southern end of Platform 1. Until the early 1980s what is now Platform 4 of Wrexham General, was a separate station: Wrexham Exchange.After working with MPH Construction on a number of station refurbishment projects across Wales, the Principal Contractor approached Twinfix to carry out the survey for the canopy refurbishment at Wrexham Station as well as designing, manufacturing and supplying the replacement roof glazing for 3 of the platform canopies at the station. The panels were installed by a third-party roofing company.The work spanned 532 square metres and comprised of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system glazed with 6mm Georgian wired polycarbonate.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – The Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing combines the appearance of Georgian wired glass with all the material benefits of polycarbonate. As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, the addition of the Twinfix Georgian wired polycarbonate at Wrexham General Station has preserved the building’s unique appearance and character, while providing modern levels of safety for passengers and staff.

In 2018, pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix marked the first use in the UK of its premium bolted glass canopy. In fact, two of its new “spider-bolt” contemporary canopies have been used at the new Trumpington Park Primary School which supports the new Great Kneighton housing development near Cambridge, along with an existing secondary school and existing library building.

Sutton station, owned and operated by Network Rail needed refurbishment. The station was showing signs of its age, with the old timber work in need of replacing, the roof leaking and the glass roof sections in need of some TLC. Due to their age, the glass roof sections had become fragile and had subsequently broken, Also because of the difficulty in safely cleaning them, they were proving more of a light blocker, than a source of natural light.It was decided that the glass roof sections would need replacing and in order to do this, Twinfix were consulted by Network Rail and asked to offer a solution. Twinfix were mindful of the aesthetics of the station but were also very aware that they could offer something which would provide a long-term solution for the station. Utilising their Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix put forward a solution which would do justice to the refurbishment work, the station was receiving whilst bringing the roof up to date and delivering an outcome which would last the test of time. By replacing the old steel and glass sections with their sustainable aluminium and polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix’s proposed solution would maintain the look and feel of the old roof, but deliver something which is virtually unbreakable, doesn’t need repairing or regular replacement and would allow routine cleaning to be carried out, keeping the station flooded with light. By replacing the old glass with a slightly obscured 6mm polycarbonate, the light inside the station would be diffused rather than harsh, and significantly brighter than the current situation.The new system would not only last the rigours of time, but is made of sustainable materials. Polycarbonate has minimal impact on the environment and is fully recyclable at the end of its long life. Polycarbonate panels, used in place of glass can be manufactured to give the same look as more traditional glass with features such as Georgian wired but with a significant weight saving. This weight saving means that transportation, manual handling of lifting is easier and requires less energy, plus the structural elements can be reduced as the weight they are required to support is reduced. The result is a total saving on energy and materials needed for installation. Once installed polycarbonate is considerably stronger than glass and is unlikely to break. Depending upon the requirements and location of the installation, Twinfix manufacture a ‘non-fragile’ version which, in testing could withstand far greater impact than an equivalent glass panel. This is especially good for areas where people might accidentally step or fall onto the panels such as rail station roofs. This inherent toughness also reduces the need to replace the glazing panel as often as glass and with UV coatings the panel doesn’t yellow with age or become brittle.Aluminium is known as the ‘Green metal’ due to its ability to be recycled again and again, without degradation of its inherent properties. Recycling aluminium also saves 95% of the energy required in the production of aluminium from raw materials. Compared to traditional steel, aluminium is approximately 2.5 times lighter, strength for strength, so again there is a weight saving comparable to that associated with polycarbonate over glass. Unlike steel, aluminium will not rust, and the application of powder coating will prevent corrosion. Powder coating is a pigment encapsulated in a powdered resin and then cured in an oven to harden the paint surface.Working with the roofing contractor, G.S. Moore, and as part of the larger station refurbishment, delivered by BAM Nuttall, Twinfix were able to replace the existing damaged glass roof in the entrance, the footbridge and the platform adding up to an area over 340 metres square, bathing the covered areas in natural light.Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix, said; “It was a pleasure working with the team at Network Rail, G.S.Moore and BAM Nuttall. Sutton Station roof was in a dramatic need of replacement. We are proud of the finished product and that we were able to offer a long-term solution that delivers the aesthetic charm of the old roof, increases light levels for passengers, improves safety for all using the station and offers a sustainable, future proof outcome. We look forward to being part of delivering more excellent results for our clients in the future.”

Speltham Contacts Ltd. contacted us because they were working on a project at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. They were undergoing a big extension to allow them to cater for 105 extra children. Morgan Carn Partnership Architects who were also working on the project, specified a curved free standing timber canopy with a polycarbonate roof system and aluminium guttering.

Above food preparation areas, the existing rooflights needed replacing, but it was vital no broken glass could ever enter the production chain for obvious reasons. Our PlasGard patent glazing system combined with ‘unbreakable’ multi-wall polycarbonate was the obvious solution. Ventilators were fitted with fly-screens to prevent insects entering the building as again everything had to be done to prevent contamination of the food-stuffs being produced below.

VELUX Commercial won the tender to deliver the 45.6m x 4.3m structural barrel vault rooflight system, with integrated ventilation, planned for the central gallery. The use of a diffused polycarbonate solution also minimises glare on sunny days. A vertical frame was designed to incorporate ventilation.The rectangular aluminium structure sits beneath the rooflight - accomodating 23 EN 12101 certified centre pivot louvres for both smoke and comfort ventilation.

Plumstead Manor School is located in Royal London Borough of Greenwich and is a secondary school and sixth form offering a world-class education to young people.Covered outdoor areas have proved a strong asset for our schools throughout the pandemic, helping create extra covered space for year groups. With students spending more time outside school buildings there is an increasing demand for covered space and the Streetspace team were able to help Plumstead Manor School transform an underutilised playground area into valuable all-weather space for breaks and lunch times, complete with a snack shack unit.The Streetspace TRITON canopy with its multiwall polycarbonate roof system is a versatile design with column spacing and layout that can be configured to allow for external building features or below ground services while maintaining the structural design integrity. The Plumstead Manor School canopy is a great example of this with a 28 m length and a span width of 9.5 m narrowing to 6.5 m.The multiwall polycarbonate roof system has integral UV blocking and protects students from the sun’s harmful rays during the summer months, while providing shelter in the winter. TRITON canopy steelwork and rainwater systems are colour powder coated to coordinate with school’s colour scheme and adjacent building fabric.

Toploc provides sustainable cover for Solas Eco Garden CentreMarlon Toploc was the ideal canopy glazing solution for this impressive retractable canopy roof at the Solas Eco Garden Centre.  In addition to Marlon Toploc providing all of the characteristics required to realise the designers specification, product manufacturer, Brett Martin's values align perfectly with Solas when it comes to sustainability and a greener future. Solas is one of the few Eco Garden Centres in Ireland, providing an excellent, eco-friendly, customer experience.  Now employing over 100 people the Garden Centre brings a breath of fresh air to the local community.Clear Marlon Toploc panels provide 64% light transmission, flooding the area underneath with natural daylight to create a bright and airy outdoor space while providing shelter from the changeable Irish weather.In this instance, clear 16mm sevenwall Marlon Toploc panels were cold curved on-site and mounted in sections at three different heights to a retractable pulley, allowing the canopy roof to open. The Marlon Toploc panels are secured with the Marlon polycarbonate cap profile for a seamed finish on the canopy roof.Marlon Toploc polycarbonate panels are strong and durable and co-extruded with UV protection on both sides as standard to protect the panels and everything underneath from harmful UV rays. The Marlon Toploc standing seam system is light in weight making both installation and on-going movement of the retractable roof easy.

Marlon Clickfix1040 polycarbonate glazing panels in a range of geometric shapes played a significant role in the design of the Ice Arena Wales, bringing light and exceptional aesthetics to this world-class facility near Cardiff bay. Ice Arena is home to the Cardiff Devils and is a 3,000 seat arena featuring an Olympic standard primary rink for hockey and figure skating. More than 450m2 of Marlon Clickfix RL were cut-to-fit and installed to provide a daylighting solution which offered optimum light transmission, ease of installation and suit the angular metal cladding profile.

Sir James Smith Community School recently contacted NBB in need of a shelter for their outdoor recreation space. After liaising with our site surveyors, it was decided that a bespoke Winterbourne freestanding shelter with guttering would fit the space best. To install, freestanding posts were subsurfaced into the ground, and clear 16mm triple wall polycarbonate was used for the roof glazing. The finished shelter measured L15000mmxD8000mmxH2400mm in the colour Umbra Grey - RAL 7022. The shelter was treated with Triplex anti-corrosion multi-layer powder coating to ISO 12944, which guarantees the shelter for 25 years.

The Ascot Cycle Compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised box section to BSEN ISO1461 Several cladding options including; Wooden slats Wooden boards Waved sheet metal Perforated sheet metal Toughened glass Polycarbonate Aluminium fixing straps Anti climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof Various gate options i.e swing, slide or automated Padlock/Hasp locking mechanism, swipe or keyed.

Surespan supplied a number of circular dome rooflights with triple layers to The Key, situated in the new Science Central development at Newcastle University. These large 1500 (49”) and 2000 (79”) diameter polycarbonate domes feature triple layers providing a U-value of 1.8 W/m²K. The rooflights were supplied with electric opening actuators to allow ventilation to control the temperature of the fabric structure. Surespan Dome skylights were specified due to their high sustainability and small impact on the environment. The triple layers ensure compliance with energy-saving requirements and offer excellent air tightness.

West Kirby railway station’s 1930s platform canopy was long overdue refurbishment. Whitesales were brought in by Briggs Amasco, Network Rail’s roofing contractor, to design, manufacture and install a series of non-fragile rooflights for the 900sq m replacement roof. After our initial roof survey, we specified bespoke polycarbonate Em-Vault continuous barrel vault rooflights. They’re compatible with the chosen Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system and have light transmission of up to 88%. The standard mill finish frame would keep costs low and blend with the canopy's concrete finish.

Dundale Primary is a thriving community school that places a strong emphasis on inclusion for all. Their vision is to be a school where all children thrive, love learning, and develop resilient foundations for success in life as positive members of society.Our site surveyors visited the school several times to discuss the various options with the school and they decided our Winterbourne Freestanding Shelter would be the perfect walkway for the job, and they opted for colour Blue RAL5002 to fit in with the existing area.Constructed from high-quality sturdy steel and a strong polycarbonate roof, the school is very happy with their new walkway and we too think it looks fantastic!

With the pop-up culture seen as a fast, low-cost solution to revitalising urban environments, Brett Martin Daylight Systems’ lightweight, robust Marlon CS profiled polycarbonate glazing panels have been an integral element in the creation of Boxpark Croydon, a new pop-up mall featuring shopping and dining venues built from 96 stripped and refitted shipping containers arranged around a covered courtyard space for year-round events. The project saw the creation of a transparent roof made up of Marlon CS Longlife panels which can be used to form complete roof coverings or incorporated into any corrugated metal roofing and cladding system.

Twinfix is delighted to announce that its Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System has been chosen for the replacement of Crestwood Community School’s old glazed roof. The new 1087 square meter roofing system and the gable end spanning 207 square metres, are now glazed with 25mm multi-wall polycarbonate, providing numerous benefits to the school and its students.The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System is a robust and durable solution, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and high-traffic areas. The system’s non-fragile design is engineered to be shatterproof and resistant to damage, ensuring the safety of those below in the event of an impact.The new roofing system at Crestwood Community School provides excellent thermal insulation, creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers. The polycarbonate glazing also allows for natural light to filter through, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and further reducing energy costs.“We are delighted that our Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System has been chosen for Crestwood Community School’s roof replacement,” said Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix. “The system’s non-fragile design and excellent thermal insulation make it an ideal solution for schools. We are proud to have provided Crestwood Community School with a high-quality roofing system that will enhance the safety and comfort of its students and staff.”Twinfix is committed to providing high-quality, innovative roofing solutions that meet the needs of its customers. The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System is just one of the many products in Twinfix’s range of roofing solutions designed to enhance safety, comfort, and energy efficiency in commercial and public buildings.

The BriefWeald of Kent Grammar School were having some building works completed at their school in Tonbridge, Kent. As part of the renovation, they wanted to create an outdoor space which would be protected from the weather whilst still keeping an open and airy feel to the area which would be used to extend their dining area into the outdoors all year round.  The SolutionAfter looking through our product portfolio, they could see that the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy would be the perfect solution, the addition of polycarbonate side panels and doors, similar to our modular outdoor classrooms, would provide the full weather protection required, whilst still having full visibility inside and out.

THE BRIEFStreet furniture packageSpecified by PLACE DP for this high-calibre school re-build, an important element of the street furniture package, along with the benches and planters provided, was the parent and pupil waiting area situated at the front of the school. WHAT WE DIDCombined seatingThe requirement was for a large combined seating and cycle parking canopy, which was achieved by installing two large clear span units side by side. THE RESULTPleasing visual impactThe non-fragile polycarbonate roofing system is designed to let the light through, whilst stopping harmful UV rays. The bright and airy design of these shelters gives a pleasing visual impact to this area and reflects well on the quality of the whole school.

Enhancing Mental Health Care with Specialised Fitted Furniture SolutionsWith the rising number of mental health issues, companies like David Bailey Furniture Systems Ltd are facing new challenges in providing specialised fitted furniture systems to the NHS. The demand for furniture with anti-ligature properties, unbreakable polycarbonate mirrors, and anti-ligature hooks has increased as mental health care places more emphasis on patient safety and well-being. This case study highlights David Bailey Furniture's collaboration with Medical Architecture and Kier to supply bespoke specialist fitted furniture for Kimmeridge Court. An innovative inpatient unit at St Ann's Hospital in Poole, Dorset, designed to provide a therapeutic retreat for individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders.The treatment of eating disorders necessitates a safe and therapeutic environment. David Bailey Furniture understands the importance of incorporating anti-ligature designs into fitted furniture to reduce the risk of self-harm. By minimising ligature attachment points, these specialised fitted furniture units help prevent individuals from using fixtures as a means of self-inflicted harm, prioritising patient safety and facilitating a supportive environment for recovery.Traditional mirrors can pose significant risks when broken. To mitigate this, Kimmeridge Court incorporates unbreakable polycarbonate mirrors from David Bailey Furniture, that can withstand impact, reducing potential harm and ensuring patient well-being. Additionally, anti-ligature hooks with magnet or adhesive fixings are utilised, providing a secure alternative to traditional hooks and eliminating points of vulnerability. These innovative fixtures maintain a therapeutic space while preventing ligature attachment and ensuring patient safety.David Bailey Furniture played a crucial role in the development of Kimmeridge Court, supplying a wide range of other specialised fitted furniture systems. The company provided shelving, wall-mounted units for TVs, and other bespoke units for 10 bedrooms and ensuites. These fitted units incorporated polycarbonate mirrors, magnetic hooks, hygiene-friendly sloping tops, and secure fixings to prevent the removal of components that might cause injury. Additionally, disabled-friendly units and worktops were supplied for the kitchens, offices, and other areas of the building, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility.With over 40 years of experience, David Bailey Furniture has been a trusted supplier of fitted furniture systems to the NHS. The company works closely with Hospital Trusts to ensure that their fitted furniture meets modern medical needs, particularly in the realm of mental health care. Through its collaboration on the Kimmeridge Court project, David Bailey Furniture has contributed to the advancement of mental health care in the NHS and as its importance continues to grow, the company remains committed to playing its part in supporting initiatives that improve mental well-being.

As part of the Building Schools For The Future Programme, Broxap were awarded the contract to supply shelter elements on this prestigious new build school at Newham, London. There was a requirement for an outdoor area beyond the classrooms with a specified decked area and shelter arrangment. Broxap produced a design to client specification featuring a bespoke monopitch version of the Newcstle Senior Shelter. This was clad in UV reducing Multiwall polycarbonate and submerge fixed into the ground, the decking element was then added beneath and around the shelter columns.The shelter is minimal and unobtrusive yet protects the decked area from the elements and provides UV protection to pupils beneath.Other shelter elements contained within the school provide by Broxap included a run of Castleford cycle shelters complete with Sheffield cycle racks.