Polycarbonate awning VS Glass awning
Polycarbonate awning
Features:
Made of transparent panels of a thermoplastic polymer called Lexan
Can be clear, translucent, or opaque, and can also have colors
Can be shaped into flat, arched, slightly curved, or other forms
Can be paired with stainless steel or other simple frames, or decorated with filigree-design supports
Pros:
Very strong, 250-300 times stronger than glass
Virtually unbreakable, suitable for areas prone to impact or extreme weather conditions
Very light, typically 2-5mm thick, while glass is about 10mm thick
Easy to install, reduces the load on the frame and the structure
Excellent insulation, can trap heat and prevent cold air from entering
Blocks up to 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays without blocking natural light
Resistant to sun, snow, rain, heat, cold, and fire
Generally less expensive than glass
Cons:
Can get scratched over time and lose its clarity
Requires regular cleaning and polishing, or a protective coating
May produce noise when rain or hail falls on it
Glass awning
Features:
Made of solid glass panels, usually tempered or laminated for safety and durability
Can be clear, tinted, frosted, or patterned
Can be shaped into flat, curved, or other forms
Can be paired with metal, wood, or other frames, or supported by cables or rods34
Pros:
More resistant to scratches than polycarbonate
More aesthetically pleasing and elegant than polycarbonate
Can retain heat and provide shade
Can reduce noise from rain or hail
Cons:
More fragile than polycarbonate, can crack or shatter under stress or pressure
Heavier than polycarbonate, typically 10mm thick, while polycarbonate is 2-5mm thick
Harder to maneuver and install, and increases the load on the frame and the structure
More susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction, which can cause cracks or leaks
More expensive than polycarbonate, as it requires more material and labor to produce and install
Based on these factors, polycarbonate awning seems to be a better choice as it offers more strength, durability and insulation while being lighter, cheaper and easier to install than glass. However, the final decision depends on your personal preference, budget and design. I hope this information helps you make an informed choice.