Using Plexiglass for Patio Cover?

17 years ago

Has anyone used plexiglass as a cover for a patio structure or pergola? Our contractor suggested using tinted plexiglass as a roof for a pergola-like patio structure. We are worried that it might look cheap, get scratched and/or damaged, might be hot, etc. I'd appreciate any feedback from BBers who have experience with this idea. Thanks!

Featured Answer

john_hyatt

17 years ago

Hi ya Birgit!! I used some 4' x 16' honeycomb lexann pannels for a job in Houston put together with H chanell ghessss what a pain to install those grometed screws have to be screwed down exactly right with no dimple down/ still flush with the panels. This was a job for the Tax Laywer,bless her heart she condecends to do my work. It came out real good but its a lot of work even for this ol guy.
Lexan is really strong they make windshields for the Nascar Cup cars out of it. Install this material one time/ never worry again. Cant say the same with the knock off stuff invest in the real thing.

That job is on my site under redwood deck with lexann roof it has a sunburst detail. www.deckmastersllc.com its being rebuilt so forgive a few voids in the picture area. John

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Comments (8)

tomplum
17 years ago
I've seen polycarb.Interesting. Did they have a suggestion of where to source it?
john_hyatt
17 years ago
I have used LexAnn with good sucess. The box stores sell a knock off called suntuff for some unknown reason I have trouble with that stuff leaking with out a lot of silacone over each screw. J
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tomplum
17 years ago
Do you have a a good source for lexan you could recommend?
john_hyatt
17 years ago
I have a local supplier for the Lexan corrugated pannels, a person could google up for your area. J
Birgit
17 years ago
Sorry this message is a few weeks out. We ordered 1/4" polycarbonate, also known as Lexan (don't use plexi, it's not really strong enough and it will cloud easily) on top of our pergola beams over our hot tub (clear). The builder didn't get it all done before winter, but we've had some of it up for 4 months and it still looks fine. I used Pierce Ohio companies for our order and had no problems.

http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/polycarbonatesheet.html

We ordered the contractors 10-pack of 4'x 8' sheets (we're covering a 13' x 17' space. It was a bit salty (around $1,400), but they packaged it very well, and it arrived via semi truck fairly quickly. Overall, I'm happy with it (if only I could keep the birds from flying over it).

Birgit
tomplum
17 years ago
Please post pics birgit!
Birgit
17 years ago
Just posted some pics in a new thread ... called Ipe Pergola Update w/Poly ... Pictures.

Thanks,
Birgit