in March 2009 I replaced the roof on my patio with 20 sheets of
polycarbonate panels from Lowe's:
Tuftex 26" X 12' UltraVinyl Clear Panel, a.k.a. PolyCarb clear, Item
#: 13114, Model #: 1318C
Some of the panels had a manufacturing defect making them susceptible
to damage, presumably from sunlight. Most were fine. They were strong
enough to stand on (although you wouldn't want to) and still
flexible. But ~4 out of 20 were completely shot. They were so fragile
and brittle that falling pinecones punched holes through them, and
you can break the material off with your fingers. I think they were
more yellow than the intact panels.
Anyway, I replaced them all this week.
Lowe's just refunded me $700 for the panels, although they did not
cover the cost of labor and other material such as screws and glue.
I kept some sample material in case Lowe's wants to go after the
manufacturer, Tallant Industries, Fredericksburg, VA.
- Jed
