16mm or 35mm? Clear, opal or bronze? How our four polycarbonate-roofed systems differ, and how to pick the right thickness and finish for your project.
We use polycarbonate roofing across four different carport and canopy systems, each with its own thickness and finish choices to suit the size and use of the structure. Here's how they compare, and how to pick between them.
| System | Thickness | Finishes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit Canopy | 16mm polycarbonate | Clear, Opal | Widths 3m–10m, projections 1.5m–4m. 10-year system guarantee, instant online guide price. |
| Evolution Canopy System | 16mm multiwall polycarbonate | Clear, Opal, Bronze | Modular aluminium-framed kit. Roof pitches 5°–20°, integral box-gutter drainage. |
| Simplicity 35 | 35mm structured polycarbonate | Clear, Opal, Bronze | Heavier-duty, for larger covered areas. Certified non-fragile roof to ACR[M]001:2014. |
| Canofix Cantilever Canopy | Polycarbonate glazing sheet | Clear, Bronze | Smaller wall-mounted entrance canopy. Projections 650mm–1.5m, widths 1m–10m. |
Figures as published on our polycarbonate roofing page and carports, verandas & canopies page.
Generally, a thicker, more structured polycarbonate roof spans further and takes more load, at the cost of letting through slightly less light than a thinner multiwall sheet. For a typical domestic canopy, 16mm multiwall (Kit Canopy, Evolution) is usually sufficient; for larger covered areas or where a non-fragile roof certification is needed, Simplicity 35's 35mm structured panel is the stronger option.
All three finishes are available on Evolution and Simplicity 35; Kit Canopy offers Clear or Opal; Canofix offers Clear or Bronze.
ACR[M]001:2014 is the UK test standard roofing materials are assessed against for the risk of someone falling through if the roof needs to be accessed for maintenance or cleaning. Our Simplicity 35 system is certified as non-fragile to this standard — worth checking if your project has a specific requirement for it (for example, over a walkway or where regular roof access is expected).
16mm multiwall polycarbonate (used on our Kit Canopy and Evolution systems) is lighter and suits smaller domestic canopies and carports. 35mm structured polycarbonate (used on Simplicity 35) is a heavier-duty option for larger covered areas, and is certified as a non-fragile roof to ACR[M]001:2014.
Clear lets through the most light and gives the clearest view through the roof. Opal diffuses light more evenly and reduces glare and visibility through the roof. Bronze cuts down more light and heat transmission and gives a darker, more discreet look. All three are available across our Evolution, Simplicity 35 and Canofix systems; Kit Canopy offers clear or opal.
ACR[M]001:2014 is the UK test standard roofing materials are assessed against for the risk of someone falling through if they need to access the roof for maintenance. Our Simplicity 35 system is certified as non-fragile to this standard.