Homeowners love spending time outdoors with their families until the sun scorches them, rain drives them inside, or they realize that their beautiful deck or patio is just an oversized landing pad with no real weather protection or style.
For residential contractors, every uncovered outdoor structure is a missed opportunity. No roof? That’s lost square footage, less profit, and lower long-term satisfaction for the client. Roof coverings don’t just finish a space — they elevate it. And more importantly, they let you add value and profit to every deck, patio, and pergola job.
But — not all roofing materials are equal. Between budget-busting custom shingle-covered gable or hip roofs and flimsy fabric canopies, contractors need a solution that delivers real protection, real style, and real ROI.
Polycarbonate VS Traditional Roof Options
When it comes to deck and pergola covers, polycarbonate checks boxes that asphalt shingles, metal panels, clay tiles, and fiberglass sheets struggle with:
- Strength without Weight: Polycarbonate panels are virtually unbreakable and incredibly lightweight. Unlike metal or clay, they don’t need heavy framing. Unlike shingles, they won’t blow off in a breeze. That means faster installs and fewer callbacks.
- Clarity and Shade Control: Polycarbonate helps contractors provide homeowners with something traditional roofing can’t – daylight. Polycarbonate panels can come in clear, tinted, or opaque colors — delivering just the right balance of brightness and shade. No skylights, no extra wiring, just natural beauty. Many polycarbonate roofing sheet products are available in varying light transmission percentages so homeowners can choose the perfect fit.
- Low Maintenance, Long Life: Polycarbonate doesn’t crack, warp, rot, or rust. It withstands rain storms, offers protection from harmful UV rays, and shrugs off hail. That translates to fewer maintenance calls and more satisfied customers.
- Clean Aesthetics at an Affordable Price: Where fabric looks temporary and custom roofs get expensive fast, polycarbonate bridges the gap — offering a modern, high-end appearance without the premium price tag. Homeowners get the elevated design and long-term performance they want, while you stay within budget and maximize your bottom line.
Polycarbonate is the material that delivers strength, style, speed, and satisfaction in one package. So what options out there will help get the job done right?
SUNTUF®: The #1 Corrugated Panel in the Market
Palram’s SUNTUF® is a true gem within residential corrugated roofing. It’s designed specifically to cover patios, pergolas, carports, sheds, and other backyard structures — and is built to last without breaking the bank.
Why Contractors Keep Choosing SUNTUF®:
- Virtually Unbreakable: Made from high-impact polycarbonate, SUNTUF withstands hail, and heavy snow without cracking or breaking. That’s peace of mind — and a powerful selling point to homeowners.
- UV Blocking + Daylight Friendly: SUNTUF blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays while letting soft, natural light filter through. Homeowners get comfort, brightness, and long-lasting clarity.
- Easy Handling, Fast Install: Palram’s polycarbonate roofing panels are easy to store, cut, carry, and install with basic tools.
- All-Weather Warrior: Whether you build in Maine or Arizona, SUNTUF delivers. It performs in extreme cold, high heat, snow, and sun, offering year-round protection.
- Design Versatility: Available in a wide range of tints, 15+ colors, and light-diffusing options — from ultra-clear high light transmission to a blue offering complete shade — you can match any home style or customer need.
- Lifetime Warranty: The panels are backed by Palram’s Lifetime Limited Warranty. SUNTUF isn’t just tough — it’s trusted.
SUNTUF® turns every deck into an all-season space, every pergola into a destination. It’s why it’s the top-selling corrugated polycarbonate roof panel in North America.
And for jobs where you might need some different options beyond what SUNTUF offers, Palram has you covered with even more roof panel solutions:
EZ Glaze® – Panels that look like Glass, but cost way less
3X thicker than SUNTUF, EZ Glaze professional-grade panels are a game-changer for contractors who want to deliver high-end visual appeal without high-end hassles.
- Clean, Modern Aesthetic: EZ Glaze mimics glass with its low-profile design and crystal-clear appearance. It’s ideal for decks & patios, poolside lounges, or sunroom extensions where style sells.
- Fewer Accessories Required: Unlike shingled roofs and corrugated panels, EZ Glaze only requires screws and foam tape to install on an existing structure, streamlining the install process.
- Fast & Easy Install: The edge of the panels features a unique profiled design that easily overlaps and fastens directly to rafters.
- DIY and Pro-Friendly: Panels can be installed with common tools and minimal labor. No heavy equipment. No glass-cutting. No stress.
- Durability Meets Design: While it looks delicate, EZ Glaze handles wind, rain, snow, and UV with ease. It won’t crack, yellow, or discolor and is available in Clear and Bronze colors.
- Lifetime Warranty: EZ Glaze is backed by Palram’s Lifetime Limited Warranty for worry-free performance.
SUNSCAPE® – The Full 3 Part Roof Covering System
SUNSCAPE offers a sophisticated, glass-like appearance without the added cost or weight of glass. The glazing panels are made of impact-resistant polycarbonate and are available in three colors; clear, translucent white, and transparent grey.
An easy install for any contractor, SUNSCAPE panels are 2 feet wide and are available in 8, 10, 12, & 16 foot lengths and can be trimmed to fit an existing outdoor roof structure. Now, homeowners can match their new roof covering to their home’s distinctive style and enjoy all-weather, long-lasting protection.
- Complete Roofing Kit: Panels, inner & end profiles, end caps, fasteners — it’s all there. No guesswork, no hunting for parts for this full roof panel system.
- Weather-Tight Design: Miami Dade County approved, SUNSCAPE is engineered to seal out rain, resist wind uplift, and handle snow loads, all while keeping a clean appearance.
- Gorgeous aesthetic: An even higher-end solution than SUNTUF and EZ Glaze yet still affordable, SUNSCAPE offers that truly elegant architectural aesthetic that higher-end homes may require.
Roof it and Reap the Rewards!
Every uncovered patio or deck is a revenue leak. Roof coverings don’t just protect the space — they unlock its full potential. With polycarbonate panels from Palram, you can turn a basic build into a more profitable project.
✅ Homeowners love the light, comfort, and year-round usability.
✅ Contractors love the speed, margins, and upsell power.
✅ Everyone wins when the roof goes on!
Plus, with Palram’s Panel Pros Contractor Rewards App, registered contractors can earn rewards! It’s easy. Just download and register for the Panel Pros App. Then earn rewards for your Palram roof panel purchases! Simply upload your receipts in the app, earn points and redeem for gift cards and other promo items. The app also has valuable install tips, product spec info, install help videos, and more!
About Palram Americas
Palram Americas is an end-to-end, state-of-the-art thermoplastics manufacturer based in the Lehigh Valley, PA. For over 60 years, Palram has provided high-quality polycarbonate & PVC solutions used in countless markets spanning construction and architecture, sign and display, agriculture, safety & security, transportation, DIY and outdoor living.
Whether you’re a contractor, fabricator, designer, architect, printer, or even a homeowner interested in DIY projects, Palram’s range of polycarbonate and PVC solutions will help transform your vision into reality.
To learn more about Palram’s home & outdoor living panel & sheet products, see here.
To sign up for Palram’s Panel Pros Contractor Rewards program which will help you save money long-term on roof panel installs, download here.
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