Which is better for a patio cover?

Either works. Both are 26 in. by 6 ft. clear polycarbonate with 99.9% UV blocking. Pick the SUNTUF for price and the Palram if you want bronze or green to match a roof.

Is the SUNTUF worth the extra over the Palram?

There is no confirmed Palram price to compare. The SUNTUF is $27.98 at Lowe's as of November 8, 2026, so check the Palram's current price before deciding.

Both use co-extruded UV protection on polycarbonate, so expect similar service life. Neither listing gives a warranty length, so confirm it with the store.

Can I bend either panel over a curved frame?

No. Both are rigid corrugated panels. For a curved roof, use a flat polycarbonate sheet rated for bending instead.

Do they block heat as well as light?

They block 99.9% of UV rays but still pass visible light and heat. For shade, choose a bronze or gray tint rather than clear.

How many panels do I need for a 12 ft. by 6 ft. roof?

About six panels. Each covers 26 in. wide by 6 ft. long, and you overlap one corrugation at each seam, so add one extra panel for waste.

Palram Clear Corrugated Polycarbonate Panel vs SUNTUF Corrugated Polycarbonate Roof Panel

These are near-identical 26 in. by 6 ft. clear polycarbonate corrugated panels, and both claim 20x the strength of fiberglass and 99.9% UV blocking. The SUNTUF is the safer buy at $27.98 at Lowe's as of November 8, 2026, because it has a known price and is stocked at 3 stores. Palram's edge is color choice: clear, blue, bronze and hunter green versus gray only on the SUNTUF.

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