Instructions / Assembly

18
Thermal Insulation
On very hot days, the surface temperature of the sheet might reach up to +50°C (+122°F). The U-value characterizes the degree
of thermal transmittance oered by a given glazing material, so higher U-values are associated with materials that are poor
insulators and result in a greater loss of heat. The following table compares the U-values of glass and PALSUN sheets of equivalent
thicknesses. Thicker sheets of a given material will oer greater
thermal insulation and be characterized by a lower U-value and
reduced heat loss. For any given thickness, the U-value of PALSUN
sheet is lower than that of glass. This means that heat loss from
the building interior, as well as penetration of heat or cold into
a building, will be less if it were glazed with PALSUN than for
one glazed with glass. This can result in a signicant reduction
in energy costs both for heating in winter and air-conditioning
during the summer. Note that use of Solar Control sheets will
insulate just as well, but will also reduce air-conditioning costs
because of Near Infra-Red reection and reduced heat buildup.
Thermal Characteristics
Thermal Expansion
The thermal expansion of PALSUN & PALTUF is higher than that
of glass. This important factor must be taken into account when
mounting the sheets. The graph on the right shows the degree
of expansion/contraction as a function of temperature.
Service Temperature
The temperature range over which the characteristics of PALSUN and PALTUF are retained extends from -50°C to +120°C (-60°F to
+250°F) for short periods and from -50°C to +100°C (-60°F to +210°F) for long periods. This range of temperatures makes PALSUN
and PALTUF sheets suitable for use in most climates.
Expansion/Contraction with Temperature
60
40
20
0
-20
-2 -1 0 1 2
Dimensional Change (mm/m)
Temperature (°C)
15
Thermal Insulation of PALSUN® vs. Glass
Thickness
mm in
PALSUN U-Value
(W/m2·°K)
Glass U-Value
(W/m2·°K)
3.0 (0.12) 5.47 5.81
5.0 (0.20) 5.19 5.72
6.0 (0.24) 5.07 5.68
8.0 (0.31) 4.48 5.60
10.0 (0.39) 4.63 5.52
12.0 (0.47) 4.43 5.45