Polycarbonate vs glass for canopies and skylights

June 9, 2026Gallina India5 min read

For canopies, walkways, atriums and skylights, architects usually weigh glass against polycarbonate. Both let light in; they differ in almost everything else.

Weight

A solid polycarbonate sheet weighs about half as much as glass of the same thickness: 4 mm PoliComp® weighs 4.8 kg/m², against 10 kg/m² for 4 mm glass. Multiwall sheets are lighter still. Lighter glazing means lighter steelwork, smaller foundations and easier, safer installation.

Impact and safety

Polycarbonate is around 250 times more impact resistant than glass. It resists hail and accidental impacts without shattering, which is why it is used for safety glazing, schools, sports facilities and public spaces.

Thermal insulation

Even as a solid sheet, polycarbonate insulates slightly better than glass – 5.33 W/m²K for 4 mm PoliComp® against 5.82 W/m²K for 4 mm glass. Multiwall structures go much further: a 16 mm 6-wall arcoPlus® 6166 panel reaches 1.62 W/m²K.

Sun and heat

All Gallina polycarbonate is UV protected by co-extrusion, blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation and protecting the sheet from ageing. In hot climates, the IR treatment holds back infrared heat while letting light through – a practical answer to the "greenhouse effect" under clear roofs.

Shape and design freedom

Polycarbonate can be cold-curved on site into barrel vaults and tunnels, and comes in clear, opal, bronze and other colours. With Project Caleido, double-colour panels let designers control light and colour together.

Where glass still makes sense

Glass is harder and more scratch-resistant, and some projects need its specific look. For most overhead and canopy applications, though, polycarbonate delivers more safety and insulation for less structural weight.

Planning a canopy or skylight? Contact Gallina India for a recommendation.

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