Corrugated plastic sheet is notoriously hard to cut – or is it? No, in fact, when using the right method it is quite an easy process.
For several years, we have been asked how to cut corrugated plastic properly as there are several ways recommended online that don’t not work in real life. As the manufacturer of the Corrapol® range, we have experimented with multiple ways to cut corrugated plastic roofing and so this ‘how-to’ video will show you our tried and tested method.
Alongside the polycarbonate sheet range, the Corrapol® corrugated plastic sheets are one of the most popular materials to use when creating a clear roof. Primarily this is because of their simplicity and speed of installation. With the increasingly popularity of modern flashing systems, like the patented Rock n Lock flashing and Top wall flashing, the bar has been lowered for DIYers to install a corrugated roof themselves – even with little DIY experience.
This ‘how to’ video should solve one of the main outstanding installation questions that homeowners still struggle with.
This how to cut corrugated plastic video covers all types of clear corrugated roofing sheets that we manufacture, including:
- Corrapol Stormproof Corrugated Sheet
- Corrapol PVC Corrugated Sheet
- Corrapol GRP Corrugated Sheet
At the top of the range, Corrapol Stormproof is manufactured from a virtually unbreakable resin that offers unrivalled quality. Its superior strength is combined with a UV protection that helps prevent the sheet from going brittle over time – and in turn, outlasting all other clear corrugated options. Stormproof corrugated sheets are popular for both residential and commercial roofing projects ranging from small to large.
For installers looking for a more budget option then the Corrapol PVC is the sheet to choose. With a good lifespan, the pvc corrugated sheet is popular for smaller home projects such as small lean-tos and shelters.
When following the correct method, as shown in this how-to guide, all three variants of Corrapol® corrugated sheeting are easy to cut, with little DIY experience required. Read on below to learn the tools required and the steps to cut corrugated plastic:
Tools required:
- Appropriate PPE
- Multitool (with semi-circle disk blade)
- Tape measure
- Pen or Pencil
- Straight Edge Level (or similar)
- Sharp knife or Stanley knife
- Tin Snips (Optional)
How to Cut Corrapol Corrugated Plastic Sheet - Steps:
1. Always wear the appropriate PPE equipment. Safety goggles are suggested when cutting to protect your eyes
2. Using a tape measure, measure your cutting point and mark on both sides of the sheet
3. Using a straight edge (a length of timber is fine) mark across the sheet peaks to create a guideline for your cut
4. Set up your multitool – this is the best tool to cut corrugated plastic. Avoid any coarse-toothed saws as they will tend to damage the edges
5. Select a fine-toothed semi-circle blade
6. Attach the blade to the multitool. A 45-degree angle is the best position to make it easier to cut with and hold straight
7. Set the multitool speed to its fastest option
8. Cut the corrugated plastic sheet, starting at the edge. It is important to take care of the first few millimetres to ensure a smooth cut
9. Follow the guide line across the sheet. Keep a steady hand whilst cutting to ensure a neat finish to the cut.
10. Don’t force the blade through the sheets just let it do its work!
11. When approaching the end of the cut you must slow down to create a clean finish to the cut
12. Run a sharp knife along the edge to remove any burrs or use gloves to pull off any swarf
13. For cutting out smaller shapes you can also use tint snips. For example, when trimming a notch out for around a waste pipe.
14. When trimming down the width of a corrugated sheet remember to cut at the centre of the trough. This ensures your corrugated Rock N Lock flashing will still fit properly
At Clear Amber, we manufacture the widest available range of corrugated plastic sheet sizes available anywhere. With a range of lengths from 1 metre long right up to 4 metres long. This means oftentimes you can simply just use the closest combination of lengths to overlap and cover your area. Saving the need to cut at all!
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View our Corrapol® Corrugated Plastic Sheet Range
