All forms of translucent or ‘see through’ sheet products including PVC, fibreglass and polycarbonate roofing now require safety netting installed.  Netting must be under any sheeting used for permanent shade structures, pergolas or canopies as these structures can potentially be an invitation for children to use as a climbing frame.

The Ministry of Education does have some restrictions on the type of translucent sheeting installed at schools due the products flammability and the tendency for it to become brittle and weak with age. Meaning the time has passed for installing reinforced fibreglass roofing products with fire retardant attributes which are also deemed trafficable. Fortunately, Alsynite NZ LTD, the sole New Zealand distributor for Laserlite Polycarbonate products, has alternative solutions.

Designers should now be looking at the benefits offered by polycarbonate products. Laserlite roofing is now available in a heavier commercial grade that is ideal for installation on school structures. Laserlite industrial polycarbonate sheets are 250 times stronger than glass and exhibit exceptional resistance to impact, while providing protection of 99.9% harmful UV radiation. Three profiles are available supplied in an Opalescent tint for heat and UV reduction.

Testing has additionally been carried out on Laserlite polycarbonate roofing for its flammability characteristics, achieving results of between 0 and 2 for spread of flame and smoke-developed indices.