DIY or pro? The reality of installing polycarbonate hoods

Polycarbonate hoods are everywhere right now. You see them above front doors, side paths, and north-facing windows, quietly doing the job of letting light in while keeping weather out. If you are considering a polycarbonate awning, the big question usually comes next. Is this a simple DIY job, or one best left to professionals?


The answer depends less on the sheet itself and more on what happens around it.

DIY kits vs custom frames

Modular polycarbonate kits often start around $150 and look deceptively simply. Panels slot in, brackets screw on, and suddenly you have coverage. The issue is not the polycarbonate. It is the interface with your home.

Professional installations use custom-fabricated frames and, more importantly, proper flashing. Flashing directs water away from cladding, brickwork, and internal wall cavities. Without it, rain can track behind the awning and slowly cause rot, mould, or internal leaks. This is where many DIY installs fail months later, not on day one.

What actually matters in installation

Here is where decisions make the biggest difference:

  1. Sealing and flashing, not just silicone, to prevent water ingress behind cladding.
  2. Correct fall and spacing so water drain forward, not sideways or back toward the wall.
  3. Frame rigidity ensures that wind and debris loads are transferred safely into the structure.
  4. Fixing points, aligned with structural elements rather than just surface materials.

These steps rarely show up clearly in flat-pack instructions but are standard practice for professionals.

Built for hail, not just rain

1.      Polycarbonate is often chosen for durability, and for good reason. It is up to 250 times stronger than glass, making it highly resistant to hailstorms and falling debris common in Melbourne and surrounding regions.

2.      Multiwall sheets offer insulation and strength through internal chambers, while solid sheets provide clearer views with maximum impact resistance. For north-facing windows exposed to hail, a well-installed polycarbonate awning is one of the most reliable shading options available.

UV protection without the darkness

A common myth is that polycarbonate creates a greenhouse effect. In reality, quality sheets block up to 99% of UV while still allowing high light transmission. Clear panels maximise brightness. Tinted options soften glare without turning entrances dark or enclosed. This balance is why polycarbonate works so well for doorways and walkways.

So, DIY or pro?

If the goal is short-term cover, DIY can work. If the goal is long-term protection, proper water management matters more than upfront savings. A polycarbonate awning only performs as well as the system holding it in place. When sealing, structure, and drainage are done right, it becomes a bright, durable, and genuinely weatherproof addition to your home.

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

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