How IR-Blocking Treatment Works on Polycarbonate Roof Sheets and Facade System?

Stay Cool, Let the Light In

Polycarbonate roof sheets and facade System are a popular choice in modern construction, because of their lightweight and transparency. However, standard polycarbonate can allow a significant amount of infrared (IR) radiation to pass through, leading to heat buildup beneath the surface. This is where IR-blocking technology steps in — delivering thermal comfort without sacrificing natural light.

What Is IR Radiation and Why Does It Matter?

General Purpose polycarbonate sheets naturally allow IR to pass through along with visible light. This is why, under a typical clear polycarbonate roof, it often feels hotter than the actual air temperature — the IR rays are heating up the surfaces below.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:

• Visible light (which we see) passes through — this is great for brightness.

• Infrared radiation (which we feel as heat) also passes through — this causes heat buildup under the roof.

The Science Behind IR-Blocking Polycarbonate

IR-blocking polycarbonate sheets are specially engineered to reflect or absorb infrared rays, while still allowing visible light to pass through. This selective filtration is achieved through the application of advanced coatings or additives on the sheet’s surface or throughout the material itself.

Types of IR Treatment:

1. IR-Reflective Coatings
   These coatings reflect a large portion of the sun’s infrared rays before they penetrate the material, keeping the space underneath cooler.

2. IR-Absorbing Additives
   Integrated into the polycarbonate during manufacturing, these additives absorb IR energy and dissipate it harmlessly without passing the heat through to the interior.

Some innovations even apply IR filters only to the exterior surface, which prevents the buildup of internal heat — a game-changer for efficiency and comfort.

Real-World Performance and Benefits

Products like Dott. Gallina’s ArcoPlus panels demonstrate the effectiveness of IR-blocking polycarbonate:

• Up to 50% Better Heat Reduction
  Compared to standard sheets, these products significantly cut down heat gain.

• Superior UV Protection
  Up to 99.9% UV filtering extends the life of the sheet and protects occupants.

• Reduced Glare and Enhanced Comfort
  Natural light is preserved while the harsh glare and heat of direct sunlight are minimized.

• Durability and Aesthetics
  These advanced sheets maintain color, clarity, and strength, even in extreme weather.

How Tinted Grey Polycarbonate Works in Heat

Grey-tinted polycarbonate sheets reduce both light transmission and heat gain, but they do it in a different way than high-tech IR-blocking sheets.

Here’s how they work:

1. Light Absorption & Shading

• The grey tint darkens the sheet, which reduces visible light coming through.

• This naturally lowers the brightness and provides shade, helping reduce the feeling of heat.

2. Partial IR Blocking

• The tint can absorb some of the infrared (IR) radiation, which helps in reducing heat.

• However, unlike IR-treated sheets, tinted sheets do not actively reflect IR — they mostly absorb it.

3. Heat Build-up

• Since grey tint absorbs more sunlight (including heat), some of that energy can warm up the sheet itself, which may then radiate heat downward.

• This means grey sheets help reduce glare and direct heat, but they can still get hot to the touch.

Applications Across Industries

IR-blocking polycarbonate is ideal for:

• Commercial and Industrial Skylights

• Sports Centers

• Residential Verandahs

• Architectural Facades

The combination of thermal insulation, light transmission, and impact resistance makes it a favorite among architects and builders aiming for sustainable design.

Final Thoughts

IR-blocking treatment transforms polycarbonate from a simple transparent material into a smart roofing and façade solution. By combining visibility with temperature control, it enables brighter, cooler, and more energy-efficient spaces — perfect for today’s demanding architectural needs.

Whether you're designing a sunlit atrium, a modern warehouse, or a cozy outdoor patio, IR-treated polycarbonate sheets help you stay cool while staying in the light.