With advancements in materials and design, the starlight dome—often referred to as a polycarbonate dome house or bubble house—has quickly become a popular architectural choice following the rise of sunrooms. Valued for both aesthetics and functionality, these transparent structures are increasingly favored across sectors such as boutique hotels, resorts, and outdoor restaurants. However, one of the most critical decisions when planning a dome house is material selection. The two most common options are PC (polycarbonate) sheets and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sheets. What are the key differences? Let’s take a closer look.
PC Sheets: Made primarily from polycarbonate, a high-strength, transparent, and energy-efficient material widely recognized in international markets for durability and performance.
PVC Sheets: Composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride, a common and versatile plastic used across numerous industries but with limitations for permanent outdoor applications.
PC Sheets: Offer up to 95% light transmittance—comparable to glass—and include a UV-resistant coating that prevents yellowing and degradation. After ten years, PC sheets retain about 94% of their original light transmission.
PVC Sheets: Experience 15–20% light loss over time and lack long-term UV resistance, making them less ideal for starlight domes where clarity and durability are essential.
PC Sheets: Known for excellent sound insulation, reducing noise by up to 40 dB. They are the preferred material for highway sound barriers and other high-performance applications.
PVC Sheets: Provide decent noise reduction but degrade under prolonged sun exposure, limiting their suitability for outdoor installations.
PC Sheets: Feature high rigidity and accommodate thermal expansion well, allowing for straightforward and secure installation in all climates.
PVC Sheets: Prone to aging, warping, and are highly flammable. Not recommended for permanent outdoor structures such as bubble houses or restaurant enclosures.
Thanks to their non-toxic composition, high heat resistance, impact strength (often called “unbreakable glass”), and flame-retardant properties, PC sheets are used in a wide range of demanding settings—from aircraft canopies and curved facades to bullet-resistant windows, security barriers, and skylights. They are also widely used in doors and windows for banks, detention facilities, and modern architectural projects like polycarbonate dome houses.
As one of the most produced plastics globally, PVC is affordable and easily customized with additives to achieve varying physical properties. It is commonly used in automotive components, signage, and certain types of industrial plastic parts. However, it is not suited for structural, load-bearing, or long-term outdoor applications such as a commercial-grade dome house.
When it comes to building a durable, beautiful, and functional starlight bubble house, PC sheets are the clear winner. They provide superior light transmission, long-term UV resistance, effective sound insulation, and structural integrity—making them the ideal choice for hospitality, dining, and residential projects.
Ready to build your own polycarbonate dome house? Contact us today for expert guidance and a customized solution tailored to your needs.
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