Anybody Have PVC or Polycarbonate Ceiling Panels

[L+10]

Has anybody out there used PVC or polycarbonate ceiling panels in their garages? How did it work out? Any Lessons Learned or recommendations? I'm thinking about a product called AG-TUF.

 

[Thruxton]

Have them in our stable- they do provide light, but need to be kept clean.

 

[race]

I am going to put the Ag-Tuf panels on my ceiling and walls in the new garage. I went and looked at a finished garage with the panels, and it looks great. I liked the brightness and the fact you can wash them down. I will put pictures in my thread once we have it installed.

Curious about THRUXTON's comment on " need to be kept clean " ?? Does it attract dirt with static ? Or would your walls get dirty with any product ? I was told it was easy to clean. What is your take on that ?

 

[L+10]

Looking forward to seeing your photos. I also didn't understand comment on keeping them clean.

 

[Thruxton]

I'm not sure why, but the ones on my barn get covered (in big spots, not uniform) with a brown-black resinous layer of ****. Probably because of all the trees around. But it's not hard to clean, just a small nuisance to have to do it every 3-4 years Since I haven't cleaned them, uh, lately, I'll see if I can get a pic to post.

 

[schultzee]

Ag-Tuf PVC is considered a "liner panel," which can be used to line a garage interior. PVC is highly chemical resistant and can be washed down easily. It's widely used in animal confinement facilities and large scale agricultural "garages." Take a look at this garage that won the Top Shop award. In the Top Shop photo, the Ag-Tuf is lining the ceiling, which helps to create a nice bright work area. Standard Ag-Tuf features a greca or "box-rib" corrugation. For more info, see the sales sheet here. Because it is a commercial-caliber liner panel, the product line includes extrusions and closures to help seal edges.

Ag-Tuf is available through commercial ag supply dealers and distributors. Palram also manufacturers two other corrugated PVC products that are marketed through typical consumer channels: Palruf and Sun n' Rain. Both of these products feature a sinus wave, or "rounded wave" corrugation. They are effectively the same product, but use different brands for different sales channels. Palruf is sold through most Home Depots across the country, while Sun n' Rain is sold through independent lumber yards and home improvement stores. Palruf and Sun n' Rain have a closures available, but do not have a line of plastic closure extrusion channels available like with Ag-Tuf.

Regarding the need for cleaning, I believe those comments related to roofing applications. Ag-Tuf is not recommended for use as a roofing panel, however, there is a version of the product, Ag-Tuf UV, that can be used for roofing. Palruf and Sun n' Rain can be used for roofing applications, however, I would highly recommend using our polycarbonate products instead: Suntuf or Suntop. Polycarbonate offers tremendous impact resistance and can handle more extreme temperatures than PVC (-40° to +250°). Suntop comes in an array of opaque and translucent colors, while Suntuf is available in translucent or transparent colors. Palram literally have hundreds of millions of square feet of its polycarbonate roofing products installed on a variety of applications throughout the world.

While Suntuf and Suntop polycarbonate does not have the same chemical resistance as our PVC products, it can be easily cleaned using light detergents and a soft cloth or brush. Pressure washers are also okay, provided you don't get the tip too close to the glazing material.

If you use the product for a project, please feel free to send us photos. There's a good chance we'll feature them in our applications gallery on our web site.

Hope that answers some questions!

Stan Schultz
Director of Marketing
Palram Americas
http://www.palramamericas.com

 

[L+10]

Thank you. That is very helpful. I knew I didn't want install, tape and mud drywall. Ag-Tuf looks like a great alternative

 

[aebbern]

Palram also manufacturers two other corrugated PVC products that are marketed through typical consumer channels: Palruf and Sun n' Rain. Both of these products feature a sinus wave, or "rounded wave" corrugation. They are effectively the same product, but use different brands for different sales channels. Palruf is sold through most Home Depots across the country, while Sun n' Rain is sold through independent lumber yards and home improvement stores.

Stan - thanks for the detailed info on your products. One question about Palruf - is it not suitable for the ceiling of a residential garage? I ask because your site has this statement about it:
"Generally speaking, Palruf should be used only for open-sided, well ventilated projects. This is related mostly to heat build-up and the adverse affect it can have on the appearance of Palruf product."

If the ceiling is well insulated, there should not be an issue of heat build up inside the garage. Would it be an acceptable alternative for the ceiling in a 24 x 26' garage?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Steve Works]

I do. I would recommend it if you want reliable long-life housing.
_________________________
Steve Works
Agro panels

 

[nupurtuflite]

Polycarbonate Panels have become the most popular material in the construction industry. Because, polycarbonate also has a special UV protective from the sun light also have multi layered polycarbonate roofing sheets that have alternating color in each cell, to increase the thermal efficiency as well as bring a new innovative look to your roofs or facades.

 

[jblnut]

I've been in more farm structures than I can count with "plastic tin" on the ceilings. It is easy to clean and holds up well. In most dairy facilities the corrosion resistance is a big deal so it's also great for that.

I helped hang it a few times and although it is lightweight it is rather flimsy until it is secured so depending on the size of the panel it can be a handful if you're doing it your self.

 

[ford33]

If its an attached garage you may have building codes that require a fire resistant product usually drywall. Check your local building codes.

 

[jabin]

I have a 24'x12' addition behind my garage that I replaced the roof with Tuftex panels from Lowe's last weekend. It's incredibly strong and let's in a lot of light even though its on the North sideof the building. But I did notice an increase is heat, as expected. I would not hesitate to do it all again if I had to.

They are very easy to install but they have specific installation instructions. I screwed up and my grid pattern is a little too big so I'm concerned with snow load this winter.