Translucent sheet roofing – surface deterioration or crazing

Causes

UV light

Build-up of dirt 

The material is at the end of its serviceable life

Listed under: Roof, cladding, roof cladding, translucent sheets

Cause

UV light

Repair

  • older types of translucent sheet roofing often became yellowed and more brittle over time due to long-term UV exposure. This cannot be corrected – if the appearance is unacceptable, then the roofing should be replaced
  • new products today are designed to be much more resistant to UV light and are commonly available with a 10 or 15-year light transmission warranty
  • there is a wide range of products on the New Zealand market. The traditional translucent profiled sheet roofing, typically with a corrugated profile, is available. Flat acrylic sheets that look like glass, but weigh a lot less than glass, are also available. Both of these are produced as a clear material (which allows the greatest transmission of light and heat) as well as grey or bronze tints that reduce the light and heat passing through
  • the roofing comes with aluminium extruded accessories (rails, end caps, span bars etc.) and flashings folded from aluminium or galvanised steel
  • because translucent sheet roofing is only used over open areas of houses (decks, verandahs, entrances, covered walkways, carports) it does not have the same weathertight requirements as ordinary roofing
  • most translucent sheet roofing is not designed to support foot traffic and should not be walked on
  • the roofing usually requires a roof pitch no less than 3° and no more than 30°
  • some manufacturers say their sheeting will expand/contract up to 5 mm per metre on temperature changes. Installation instructions address this. Tapes are provided for under the sheeting to reduce creaking sounds
  • follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer
  • clean translucent roofing with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. This may not be sufficient for lichen – follow the manufacturer’s recommendation

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Cause

Build-up of dirt 

Repair

  • clean sheets with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive or alkaline cleaners. If lichen is a problem, follow the roofing manufacturer’s advice or use a proprietary cleaner for removing moss, mould and lichen
  • if the appearance of the cleaned material is not acceptable, replace sheets as indicated in the first repair

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Cause

The material is at the end of its serviceable life

Repair

  • see first repair

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