Polycarbonate or glass roof: which suits your garden?

When choosing a veranda almost everyone starts with the colour, but the roof makes the biggest difference in how you experience the space. We install both roof types every day and see in practice what makes customers happy. This is what you need to know.

Polycarbonate: diffuse light without overheating

Polycarbonate is a plastic panel with air chambers. Our panels are 16 mm thick, UV-resistant and carry up to 100 kg per m², so a load of snow is no problem either. You choose clear or opal (milky white).

Clear lets through the most light and looks like glass from a distance. Opal scatters the light: you sit in a soft, even light without harsh shadows and without the sun on your head. The heat-reflecting version keeps the temperature under the veranda noticeably more pleasant on a summer day.

Polycarbonate is lighter than glass. That saves on the construction and on the price.

Glass: maximum daylight and an open feeling

Our glass roof consists of 8.76 mm laminated safety glass: two layers of glass with a foil in between. If a pane breaks, the fragments stay attached to the foil. The glass is clear, so you see the clouds by day and the stars at night. That open feeling is why many customers choose glass.

Glass is heavier and more expensive than polycarbonate. You can combine it with a round or a classic straight decorative gutter, and most customers with a glass roof eventually add sun shading.

The comparison at a glance

Which roof suits which garden?

Choose polycarbonate if:

• your patio faces south or west and you sit in full sun in the afternoon;
• you mainly use the veranda to sit dry and cool, for example with children;
• you have a tight budget and would rather invest in LED lighting or a sliding wall.

Choose glass if:

• your patio faces north or east, or lies in the shade of trees or neighbours;
• you want to keep as much light as possible in the adjoining living room or kitchen;
• appearance comes first and you see the veranda as an extension of the house.

Not sure? Visit the showroom in Nijmegen. There you see both roofs side by side and notice the difference in light straight away.

Frequently asked questions about the roof

Can I switch from polycarbonate to glass later? Technically yes, but glass is heavier and the construction must be designed for it. Tell us when requesting a quote if you are considering this, and we will make the frame suitable right away.

Does polycarbonate discolour? Our panels are UV-resistant and protected on both sides. With normal use they stay clear or nicely opal for years.

How do I keep a glass roof clean? A soft brush with water and a little glass cleaner is enough. A good decorative gutter makes sure the water drains neatly.

Whichever roof you choose: our team measures on site, installs the veranda usually within one or two days, and you get a 10-year warranty on product and installation. Request a quote and tell us which roof you prefer, or let us advise you.

This article is general information, not legal or structural advice. Rules and prices can change; we assess your situation during the site survey.