Updated September 10, 2025
Temporary wall systems are essential during construction and renovation, especially in occupied facilities. For years, many contractors have relied on plastic sheets or drywall to block off areas. But those options are messy, inefficient, and not reusable. Plastic sheets rarely hold up. Drywall drives costs higher with material, labor, and disposal.
Polycarbonate wall panels entered the market as a low-cost alternative. They are lightweight, reusable, and cleanable, making them attractive compared to single-use methods. Yet when you look closer, their weaknesses often outweigh the benefits—especially for healthcare and commercial projects where safety, compliance, and durability matter most.
Pros of Polycarbonate Wall Panels
Polycarbonate wall panels do provide some advantages:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Cleanable surface
- Resistant to water
- Lower cost compared to drywall or RealWall sound-attenuating panels
For very short-term projects, polycarbonate may seem cost-effective.
Cons of Polycarbonate Wall Panels
The disadvantages quickly become apparent:
- Susceptible to scratches and damage
- Panels can shift or bump out of framing
- Less durable than engineered alternatives
- Lower fire performance compared to ASTM E84 Class A standards
In short, polycarbonate walls may reduce upfront costs, but they deliver limited long-term value.
A Smarter Alternative: LiteBarrier™ by STARC
If you’re looking for lightweight temporary walls that can contain dust, debris, and disruptions—without the fragility of polycarbonate—consider LiteBarrier.
LiteBarrier isn’t polycarbonate. It’s built with fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels set in a slim anodized aluminum frame. This engineered design delivers superior strength and durability, making LiteBarrier the most durable lightweight modular wall system available.
Key benefits include:
- Durability: FRP panels resist dents, scratches, and impacts far better than polycarbonate.
- Rapid Setup: Lift-and-drop connections allow one person to install 100’ of wall in about an hour.
- Compliance: Meets ICRA Class IV/V standards and carries an ASTM E84 Class A fire rating.
- Integrated Negative Air: Duct collars, diffusers, and pressure ports support seamless negative air setup.
- Professional Look: Panels blend into occupied environments, maintaining a clean appearance during construction.
- Sustainability: Panels can be reused across hundreds of jobs, cutting drywall waste and reducing costs.
Explore LiteBarrier
Why Facilities Managers and Project Managers Choose LiteBarrier
Facilities Managers and Project Managers know that construction projects in sensitive spaces require reliable solutions that balance safety, speed, and ROI. LiteBarrier checks all the boxes:
- Protects patients, staff, and visitors by containing dust and airborne debris
- Supports infection control standards in healthcare settings
- Installs quickly to minimize disruptions
- Provides long-term savings through repeated reuse
Polycarbonate walls may serve niche needs, but for professional projects that demand performance, LiteBarrier is the proven choice.
FAQs: Polycarbonate vs. LiteBarrier
Yes, but they are prone to scratches and impacts, limiting their lifespan compared to fiberglass-reinforced panels like LiteBarrier.
Yes. LiteBarrier exceeds ICRA Class IV/V recommendations and meets ASTM E84 Class A standards for smoke and fire spread, making it suitable for healthcare and other sensitive environments.
Absolutely. LiteBarrier panels include duct collars, diffusers, and pressure ports to support seamless connection to negative air machines and monitoring devices.
LiteBarrier uses fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP), which provides superior strength and impact resistance. This allows it to be reused across hundreds of projects, far outlasting standard polycarbonate panels.
A Stronger Choice Than Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate wall panels may seem appealing on cost alone, but they often fail under the demands of healthcare and commercial construction. LiteBarrier provides a more durable, professional, and compliant solution that contains dust and debris while supporting infection control.
Talk to a temporary wall systems expert to learn how LiteBarrier can support your next project.