Category: Outdoor applications

How to Install Multiwall Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels

 

A man installing hurricane panels on his home

If you’ve used plywood to protect your home from hurricanes in the past, hurricane panel installation using multiwall polycarbonate is a doable DIY. Like plywood, polycarbonate hurricane panels can be direct mounted to your home without the use of installing a framing system, but they are lighter, transparent, and can be reused. Here’s what you need to know (about tools, materials, and maintenance) and how to install hurricane panels.

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How to Install a Pergola Using Twinwall

 

Twinwall pergola installed in a backyard

When it comes to extending the life of your pergola and enhancing its features, it’s crucial to carefully choose the quality of the materials you use to build it. Twinwall polycarbonate panels from Acme Plastics are an excellent, durable choice for your pergola roof, as they are lightweight, easy to install, and offer optimal light transmission. Twinwall polycarbonate is also thermally efficient because it traps air between the layers of its sheeting. While it offers many benefits, you need to be cautious when learning how to install a pergola roof panel properly. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to install a pergola roof with Twinwall panels from Acme Plastics.

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How to Work with Bullet-Resistant Acrylic

 

Bullet-resistant acrylic

Bullet-resistant acrylic sheets are commonly used in place of glass when impact protection or ballistic security is needed. The material is chosen for use in many applications from retail panels and POP displays to schools and television studios. It is less expensive than bullet-resistant polycarbonate and laminated glass, making it a cost-effective option for those uses. Underwriters Laboratories approve Level 1 bullet-resistant acrylic sheets  for the following: “protection is provided against complete penetration, the passage of fragments of projectiles, or spalling (fragmentation) of the protective material to the degree that injury would be caused to a person standing directly behind the bullet-resisting barrier.”

Bullet-resistant acrylic is also easier to work with since it is pliable and can be cut, sanded, and heated. Here’s what you need to know if you want to work with bullet-resistant acrylic. 

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10 Acrylic Plastic Safety Tips To Know

 

Proper PPE for handling acrylic plastic safely

Whether you’re a professional manufacturer or a DIY enthusiast exploring new creative avenues, acrylic plastic is an undeniably valuable material. Its versatility, clarity, and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of projects, from sleek signage to intricate artwork. In this guide, we’ll delve into essential     acrylic plastic safety tips to equip you with the knowledge and precautions necessary to work with this material.

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How to Cut HDPE Sheets and Boards

When it comes to finding a durable and lightweight material with many uses, you can’t go wrong with HDPE sheets and boards. HDPE boasts high-impact strength, durability, and the ability to resist corrosion from weather, alcohol, and acids.

Once you figure out how you want to use them, you’ll also need to know how to cut HDPE sheets. Fortunately, it isn’t hard, but you do need to choose the right tools and keep safety precautions in mind.

Before you start, here’s a crash course on HDPE—and how to cut HDPE sheets.

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Why Polycarbonate Is The Right Roofing Material For A Greenhouse

Whether you are a hobbyist or a certified horticulturist, you rely on a greenhouse for year-round gardening. If you are building a new greenhouse or replacing any panels, you need to consider a greenhouse roof material that offers light transmission and heat properties. There are a variety of roofing materials—each with its own unique physical and aesthetic properties. What you ultimately choose depends on what type of structure you are putting a roof on. While metal might be the right material for a gardening shed, you wouldn’t want to use it on a greenhouse. You want a translucent material that provides thermal insulation as well as protection. Traditional materials for a greenhouse roof include glass, fiberglass, acrylic, and polycarbonate panels. Polycarbonate roofing panels, such as  twinwall and multiwall polycarbonate sheets, can be used as roofing panels and greenhouse panels. The panels are an ideal roofing material for greenhouses due to their lightweight properties, cost-effectiveness, and insulation capabilities.

Here, we go into more details on those properties, plus a few more reasons on why polycarbonate is a great greenhouse roof material.

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What Is Starboard Material: Understanding Marine Grade HDPE

Those in the marine industry are probably already aware of the many perks of starboard material, which is often used to replace wood, plastic, or laminate items on their boats. But others might be wondering: What is starboard material? No worries—we have everything you need to know about this versatile material.

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10 Marine Board Use Cases

If you’re a boat owner, you might already be familiar with the benefits of marine board. A form of HDPE plastic, marine board is stronger than typical HDPE. In fact, it is formulated and designed to withstand the harsh weather associated with oceans, lakes, rivers, and such. Not only will it not rot, splinter, swell or peel, but it doesn’t require any painting, finishing, or maintenance. All of this makes it a popular choice for boats and docks.

But that is just the beginning of what is marine board used for. With that in mind, here are 10 marine board use cases to consider for your next project.

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How to Cut Corrugated Plastic Roofing (or PVC Roofing)

Whether you’re in the construction industry or a DIY-er in your own home, you want materials that are strong, yet easy to work with on a variety of projects. So it makes sense that corrugated plastic roofing is so popular. Made of polycarbonate thermoplastic polymer material. corrugated plastic roofing boasts an octagonal-wave shape (hence its corrugated look). The flexible, yet durable, material is weather resistant, remaining strong during strong impacts (including wind and hail) and temperatures from -40°F to +270°F. And corrugated plastic roofing won’t degrade or deteriorate over the years, making it a solid investment for any homeowner. While corrugated plastic roofing is easy to install, you will have to cut the sheets to fit your project needs. Not sure where to start? Here is a rundown on how to get the job done.

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5 Reasons to Use Acrylic Sheets for Your Pergola Covers

 

With warmer weather on the way, people are ready to start enjoying their backyard areas. One way to do just that is with a pergola, which can offer protection from the harsh rays of the sun or a summer sprinkle throughout the season. That means you’ll have more time to enjoy a book, eat a meal, or simply relax outside with family and friends.

After making the investment in a pergola, you’ll undoubtedly want it to last for years to come—and if it can offer more protection from the elements, even better. Enter acrylic sheets such as Acme’s Pergola Roof Panels. They not only resist harsh weather and UV rays, but are also easy to install, customizable, and cost-effective.

Not convinced acrylic is right for your pergola cover? Here are five reasons why you should make the choice.

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