Polycarbonate or glass for your canopy: which to choose?
Updated 26 October 2026 · 5 min read
For an open canopy, 16 mm polycarbonate multi-wall sheet is usually the light and affordable choice. Laminated glass 44.2 looks better and sounds quieter in the rain, but is much heavier and more expensive. For a closed garden house, an EPDM or bitumen roof is the obvious option. The roofing affects the entire structure, so decide early.
Polycarbonate multi-wall 16 mm
Multi-wall sheet is hollow with several internal walls. That makes it light and somewhat insulating.
- Weight: about 2.5 kg/m². Lighter beams and a lighter foundation are enough.
- Light: lets light through, but mostly diffuse. You get plenty of daylight below, without a clear view up.
- Sound: rain is louder than on glass or a closed roof.
- Price level: low.
- Maintenance: needed to keep algae and dirt away; the edges must be properly sealed with profiles and tape.
When installing, mind the slope, the direction of the channels (they must run downhill) and thermal expansion. A very shallow slope encourages dirt build-up.
Laminated glass 44.2
Laminated glass consists of two glass layers with a film between them. If it breaks, the fragments stay stuck to the film.
- Weight: about 22 kg/m², more than eight times that of multi-wall sheet. The structure, span and anchoring must be designed for it.
- Light: clear, with a view upward; almost the feel of a conservatory.
- Sound: rain is quieter than on polycarbonate.
- Price level: high, and installing it is heavier work. You usually need several people or a lifting aid.
- Safety: laminated glass is safer than single glass overhead.
Solar panels as a roof
Glass-glass or roof-integrated solar panels can form the roof. That generates electricity and provides shade. It is heavier than polycarbonate and needs a robustly designed structure. Read more in solar carport: yield and permit.
EPDM or bitumen for a garden house
A flat or gently sloping garden house often gets a closed roof of EPDM rubber or bitumen on board material.
- Suitable for garden houses, sheds and outbuildings.
- Fully sealed against water, but lets no light through.
- EPDM is light and lasts long; the finish at the edges and connections determines whether the roof stays watertight.
- Price level: low to medium.
Comparison
| Roof | Weight | Light | Sound in rain | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate 16 mm | approx. 2.5 kg/m² | diffuse | louder | low |
| Laminated glass 44.2 | approx. 22 kg/m² | clear | quieter | high |
| Solar panels | heavier | gives shade | medium | high, earns back |
| EPDM / bitumen | light | none | medium | low to medium |
What else to weigh
- Snow and wind: the characteristic snow load in the Netherlands is about 0.7 kN/m². A heavy roof needs a stronger structure; a light roof catches a lot of wind and must be well fixed. See foundations.
- Heat: under polycarbonate and glass it can get warm in summer. An opal or tinted version reduces solar gain.
- Drainage: a gutter and downpipe prevent water from running onto your neighbour's land, see neighbours and boundaries.
- Lifespan and upkeep: ask the supplier about the warranty and maintenance of the specific sheet.
Note: the structure must match the roof. Do not simply swap polycarbonate for glass without re-checking the beams and posts.
How to choose
- Want an affordable, light canopy you can install yourself? Polycarbonate is the logical choice.
- Want an atmospheric, quiet canopy and have budget and help? Laminated glass comes into play.
- Want to generate electricity? Consider a solar carport.
- Building a closed garden house? EPDM or bitumen fits.
What next?
Try different roofs in the 3D configurator and see the effect on the price indication. A general cost overview is in cost of building yourself. Hofplan plans take your roof choice into account in the materials list; see what a canopy drawing contains.