ᐅ Patio Roof: Laminated Safety Glass (VSG) vs. Polycarbonate

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning a terrace roof structure using aluminum profiles. For the roof covering, various manufacturers offer laminated safety glass (VSG) or polycarbonate (also known as Plexiglas).
Does anyone have experience regarding durability, appearance, heat transmission, or other aspects after a few years?
Polycarbonate is significantly cheaper but also lighter and can be selected with heat-reflective coatings (since the terrace faces south).

Thanks in advance for any comments, tips, or suggestions.

I worked for a carpentry company that built patio roofs. They always used laminated safety glass (VSG), and I would always choose it as well.

It can be walked on for cleaning, does not fade, and is resistant to scratches.

For me, the decision would be clear.

Best regards

Patchwork schrieb:
Polycarbonate (Plexiglas)

Over time, it becomes cloudy as it ages because the surface is not as smooth as glass. Since we are occasionally considering getting a patio roof (probably not), we have given it a bit of thought. I think a roof over your head, once you have it, should be noticeable. So, personally, I wouldn’t mind if polycarbonate becomes opaque eventually. It would also provide pleasant sun protection. However, it seems that moss and similar problems may occur over time. At my parents’ place, you can climb onto the glass roof to clean it, but that probably wouldn’t work with polycarbonate.

That said: I have no personal experience!