1. Do I really need to buy Palram's recommended closure strips
and screws?
2. Why can't I just nail the panels into place?
3. Why do I have to predrill fastener holes?
4. Do Palram products keep the "heat" out?
5. How long do the panels last?
6. How do I cut these panels?
7. What should I use to clean my panels?
8. Does Palram have Miami-Dade code approval?
9. Does Palram have ICBO approval?
10. Does Palram have an LARR number?
11. Does Palram have CCMC approval?
12. My building inspector says I need to know your flame spread rating.
Can you provide this information?
13. Do Suntuf flashing accessories come in all of the same colors
the panels do?
14. I'd like to build a greenhouse. What are my options?
15. I'd like to use your panels to create an under-deck liner.
How can I do this?
16. What are purlins and closure strips?

1. Do I really need to buy Palram's recommended closure strips and screws?
Yes. Palram products are a system meant to provide the best possible installation. Proper use of the complete system (panels, closure strips, fasteners, etc.) greatly reduces the possibility of problems and insures that product warranty will be honored.

2. Why can't I just nail the panels into place?
There are a couple of problems with nailing Palram panels. First, there is significant possibility for impact damage to the panel in the area of the attachment. Second, nailing the panels in place prevents them from safely expanding and contracting with temperature change, resulting in warping of the product.

3. Why do I have to predrill fastener holes?
Predrilling the holes insures the panels will have room to expand and contract properly with temperature change. Skipping this step can lead to distorted or warped panels.

4. Do Palram products keep the "heat" out?
Suntuf is available in a variety of colors each with its own heat and light transmission properties. While all Suntuf panels block 100% of harmful UV radiation, there are variations in heat and light transmission. Clear panels allow most solar light and heat through while lighter, opaque colors are more reflective. If excessive heat buildup is a concern, our "Solar Control" panels are you're best bet.

5. How long do the panels last?
Palram warranties our polycarbonate panels for 10 years against most types of failures. With proper installation, we expect our product to far exceed this amount of time.

6. How do I cut these panels?
Suntuf panels may be cut with either a circular saw (using a very fine blade, eg: plywood, etc.) or a jig saw. For best results it is often better to cut a few panels at a time to reduce vibration. Also, if using a toothed circular saw blade, better results may be seen running the blade backwards. Panels may also be cut by hand by carefully using tin snips or a utility knife.

7. What should I use to clean my panels?
Water with a mild household detergent should be sufficient to clean Suntuf panels. NEVER use a solvent based cleaner (ammonia, etc.).

8. Does Palram have Miami-Dade code approval?
Yes it does. If you require a copy of approval documentation please contact us.

9. Does Palram have ICBO approval?
Not yet, but it will soon. In the meantime our technical department can provide technical data such as flame spread ratings, loading data, and other information building inspectors generally request in lieu of ICBO approval. If you require such information, please contact us.

10. Does Palram have an LARR number?
Yes it does. If you require a copy of approval documentation please contact us.

11. Does Palram have CCMC approval?
Not yet, but it will soon. In the meantime our technical department can provide technical data such as flame spread ratings, loading data, and other information building inspectors generally request in lieu of CCMC approval. If you require such information, please contact us.

12. My building inspector says I need to know your flame spread rating. Can you provide this information?
Yes. We can provide ANSI E84 test reports and other such documents. Please contact us if you require these data.

13. Do Suntuf flashing accessories come in all of the same colors the panels do?
Suntuf flashing accessories are indeed available in all Suntuf colors, although they may need to be special ordered depending on your retailer.

14. I'd like to build a greenhouse. What are my options?
With Suntuf, there are several options. For hobbyist and homeowners we offer our easily assembled Master-Gro greenhouse kits as well as plans using our Suntuf panels. For commercial applications, our Sunlight panels are a great choice. Please contact us with your specific needs and we'll help you make the best decision for your application.

15. I'd like to use your panels to create an under-deck liner. How can I do this?
Click HERE for a set of instructions on how to use our Palruf panels for this application

16. What are purlins and closure strips?
Purlins are cross members running across the rafters of your structure. Closure strips match the corrugation pattern of the panels and are attached to the purlins.