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A polycarbonate roof is a modern solution for your home. Polycarbonate roof: types of material, installation steps, photos and videos Thick polycarbonate for the roof

Many modern products have appeared on the domestic building materials market, among which is roofing polycarbonate. Light-transmitting roofs built using it make it possible to create a stable connection between the external space and interior design homeownership, which is a new direction in architecture.

Requirements for polycarbonate roofing

Since in lately Since polycarbonate roofs have become popular among property owners, it doesn’t hurt to know that such structures have a number of requirements:

1. A roof constructed using polycarbonate must provide an illumination value that is not less than the standard values.
2. It is necessary that light-transmitting slopes sufficiently protect the room from bright sunlight.
3. Roof structure in terms of strength, hydro- and thermal insulation, as well as in terms of protection against penetrating noise, it must comply with building codes and regulations.
4. For a polycarbonate roof, it is necessary to provide sufficient ventilation capacity and the ability to remove smoke in the event of a fire.
5. Snow layers from a transparent roof should be easily removed.

Advantages of a polycarbonate roof

Roofs, the creation of which uses polycarbonate roofing material, can have different structural solutions - single or gable, arched and others. Thanks to this, designers have the opportunity to not limit their own imagination when designing roofs, because this material has good ductility and the same strength characteristics.

Translucent designs fit perfectly into different construction projects. The construction of polycarbonate roofs is especially recommended when arranging a greenhouse or garden planted with living plants. Such translucent roofs are an excellent solution if it is necessary to build a wide variety of outbuildings, including garages, bathhouses, gazebos, sheds, greenhouses, indoor swimming pools, etc.

The presence of a light-transmitting surface on the roof can significantly reduce energy consumption, since it is possible most of go without using electric lighting devices for a day. Since the room is well heated by the sun’s rays, the owners also manage to save on heat supply.

The advantages of polycarbonate roofs include:

• ability to transmit about 90% of light;
• protection from infrared radiation;
• high bearing capacity;
• simple installation, simple processing;
• low weight - the material is 15 times lighter than glass with a similar degree of strength;
• high impact resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes - such roofs can be used in the range from +120 to -50 degrees
• sufficient service life - carbonate roofing is capable of maintaining its original qualities for 10-12 years;
• fire safety - the material does not support combustion, and during the heating process does not emit toxic chemical compounds.

Honeycomb material

Roofing cellular polycarbonate is an ideal material for the construction of a winter garden, greenhouse or greenhouse. This roof covering is capable of allowing the maximum amount of light to penetrate into the premises.

Cellular polycarbonate is a panel made from sheets of this material, which are connected by longitudinal stiffeners. These products may have different quantities layers, and accordingly differ in thickness.

Cellular polycarbonate roofing is often installed in cases where thermal insulation properties are not significant. For example, this could be the construction of canopies in the courtyard, the installation of a canopy and other objects.

Roof coverings from this material are created indoors natural light, facilitating a comfortable stay in them, since they have excellent light transmitting qualities and the fact that they can diffuse light well.

Monolithic material

The material looks like silicate glass, it is smooth and transparent. Its load-bearing capacity and impact resistance are many times greater than those of glass. Roofing from monolithic polycarbonate used in the construction of pitched and flat roofs due to its insufficient flexibility.

Installation of structures made of cellular polycarbonate

Creating a translucent roof is simple and therefore many home craftsmen try to build them on own plots on one's own.

When performing installation, you must adhere to certain rules:

1. Cellular polycarbonate slabs are laid so that the side with protection from ultraviolet radiation is located on the outside - a marked film will help identify it.
2. The material is installed parallel to the direction of the roof slopes.
3. The slabs are connected using a profile in the shape of the letter “H”.
4. For fastening, studs and threaded screws, self-tapping screws are used, installed complete with a gasket and washer.
5. In order to ensure thermal expansion, the holes for fastening fittings should be made oval or their diameter should be slightly increased in accordance with the diameter of the screw or screw. Polycarbonate should be laid using rubber gaskets 3 millimeters thick.
6. During the installation of the roof, installers should not walk on the slabs, but move with the help of pedestal boards.
7. The protective film is removed from the material immediately after completion of the work, since this will be more difficult to do later.
8. For sealing, use neutral sealants that do not contain compounds harmful to polycarbonate.

Choosing roofing polycarbonate

The thickness of polycarbonate for roofing ranges from 4 to 35 millimeters, and there are also different sizes of polycarbonate sheet. The weight of the sheet depends on this parameter, and it can range from 2 to 2.5 kilograms. There are 7 standard sizes of polycarbonate according to thickness. Each variety has its own purpose - the material must be used in accordance with their technical characteristics.

Knowing how to choose polycarbonate for a roof helps ensure that there is sufficient natural (daylight) light entering the room. This is done in each case individually, taking into account the characteristics of the structures being built.

Polycarbonate roofing sheets are made from high quality thermoplastic material that is durable, ductile, unbreakable and light in weight. Compared to glass, it weighs 6 times less, and compared to acrylic glass - 3 times less. Polycarbonate roof is used in industrial, commercial And residential construction. The inherent light weight of the material avoids additional load on the structure.

Roofing material is available in a wide range color scheme and different textures, which allows you to create unique and unique design. Moreover, unlike conventional or standard materials for roofing, most polycarbonate roofing materials are made from recycled materials, thereby significantly reducing negative impact on the environment.

Types of material

There are 2 types of PC for roofing - monolithic transparent And structured or cellular. Polycarbonate transparent sheets are either completely transparent or slightly tinted, and are used where maximum illumination through the roof is necessary - in greenhouses, solariums, attic windows, glassed-in terrace and patio. Monolithic polycarbonate sheets for roofing must have a layer of protection against ultraviolet rays.

Unlike monolithic, cellular polycarbonate for roofing is less transparent and therefore finds use for more traditional purposes. Cellular PC is produced in a wide range of colors.

In terms of functionality, such material not inferior to metal roofing sheets, but unlike metal, it is not subject to corrosion, and its honeycomb structure provides additional insulation and sound insulation.

Cellular polycarbonate roofing is mainly used for industrial buildings such as: warehouses, flat or pitched roofs for verandas, gazebos, canopies and small residential buildings.

Featuring a rectangular tunnel structure with thin walls and a multi-layer structure that traps air between layers, honeycomb sheets increase thermal insulation and energy efficiency structures. The material is flame retardant, does not support combustion and does not emit toxic substances.

Cellular PC with a thin protective layer on both sides of the sheet ensures high daylight penetration and 100% UV protection. Another feature of this type of polymer is its high elasticity; the sheets bend well without pre-molding, which is widely used in buildings complex shape, such as arched passages and domes.

The polymer is available in different colors and textures. The material is also produced in corrugated (profiled) form. Profiled polycarbonate roofing sheets typically come in wave-shaped sheets and have either a round or square outline to increase strength and allow water drainage.

Properties and installation features

All types of PC sheets have the following properties: heat resistance, resistance to any weather conditions and impacts, flexibility, lightness and non-flammability.

As load-bearing structure for polycarbonate roofing, square or rectangular structural steel pipes are used, depending on the construction design.

The sheets are usually installed between aluminum connecting profiles using rubber seals EPDM for waterproofing. This system is known as dry glazing.

Profiled or corrugated sheets, like metal ones, are attached using self-tapping or self-drilling screws (STSD).

Innovative roofing materials

The quality of PCs is constantly improving thanks to technical and scientific innovations. Currently, new installation possibilities are being studied and products are being developed to provide the consumer with additional benefits. For example, roofing sheet with a combination of various additives and shades that block a significant amount of glare without affecting the quality of light passing through the sheet or its aesthetic appeal.

Corrugated sheets in transparent shades of bronze, grey, opal and milky white provide high UV protection, which allows them to be used for structures on outdoors such as: patio, pool deck and veranda.

Polycarbonate sheets with double UV protection have high rate wear resistance. The discoloration in this type of material is no more than 4 delta units according to the yellowing index, while the discoloration of ordinary sheets is more than 10 delta units.

Another type of material in this segment is cellular polycarbonate, airgel filled. This type of product has maximum thermal insulation, excellent weather resistance, high light transmittance and increased impact resistance. Its thermal insulation properties are superior to three-chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows filled with argon.

Ultraviolet protective coating applied by coextrusion during the sheet manufacturing process. This type of roofing is environmentally friendly and is used for glazing roofs in conservatories, eco-houses, lanterns, open structures and industrial buildings.

A similar energy-saving product is profiled extruded polycarbonate with a protective layer against UV radiation, which is applied by co-extrusion to the outside of the material, and reflective particles are included inside the sheet. Material reflects up to 60% solar radiation and reduces the building's heat load, which in turn reduces the use of air conditioning and can reduce energy consumption by 10-30%.

Video: "Translucent roofing and wall polycarbonate systems"

Modern architecture is characterized by new trends that imply exclusive ideas, non-traditional original solutions and styles, application of new technologies and use the latest materials, which differ unique properties and characteristics. All this is necessary to give humanity, saturated with city life, the opportunity to regain at least some of the free communication with nature. That is why today you can see transparent polycarbonate roofs, like those shown in the photo, not only over greenhouses and winter gardens, but also, if not over all, then over some of the premises in cottages and private houses.

Features and requirements for designs

The use of polycarbonate provides endless possibilities and scope for creating architectural masterpieces. Thanks to this material, it is possible to build roofs of various shapes - two or single slopes, domed, hipped, arched, pyramidal polygonal and others. Moreover, they can be installed both above heated rooms and above cold ones. Since the main task of a polycarbonate roof is to ensure the flow of natural light into the room, the corresponding requirements are also imposed on it:

• the illumination indicator must meet accepted standards;
• a polycarbonate roof made of cellular or monolithic sheets must have sound insulation that meets statistical data, as well as heat, water and vapor barrier;
• protect work areas from too much sunlight;
• ensure constant ventilation of the premises, especially in case of smoke during fires;
• be able to remove snow easily and quickly.

Types of structures

By design features polycarbonate structures there are the following types:

• attic windows and lanterns;
• buildings that have several elements transmitting light;
• structures built on the basis of light-transmitting profile systems. Such roofs can be built in any shape - but flat and sliding ones look best.

For lighting attics along with traditional vertical windows, you can also use dormer windows, which are mounted directly on the roof plane. Skylights are glass overhangs of a building or skylights. Their glazing can be done with either ordinary glass or polycarbonate.

Note: For structures consisting of profile systems, any type of polycarbonate roof is suitable.

Manufacturers usually offer ready-made technical solutions for the most popular types of roofs. If the need arises to create another design, it is much more difficult - designers of manufacturing companies can always develop new options.

For system profiles during construction gable roofs In addition to polycarbonate itself, you can use:

• for small and medium-sized spans - aluminum is suitable;
• for spans large size steel is more acceptable.

Advantages of polycarbonate

The main advantages of polycarbonate products are:

1. Low specific gravity, which makes it possible to design and build elegant, original, lightweight buildings large sizes, increase the width of spans of structures. In addition, due to the lightness of the material, it becomes possible to realize any design ideas without spending a lot of money.
2. High load-bearing capacity.
3. Transparency and flexibility, which makes it easy to manufacture roof structures of any complexity.
4. Excellent chemical resistance.
5. Low flammability.
6. High thermal insulation qualities.
7. Impact resistance.
8. Preservation of mechanical and physical properties at temperatures from −45 to +115 degrees.
9. The durability of the material; with proper care, it will serve, maintaining its qualities, for 10-12 years or more.
10. Large sheet sizes, which is very convenient when working on the installation of large-area structures.

In addition to the listed advantages, polycarbonate is easy to bend, cut, drill, and glues well. If the roof surface is made with a sufficient slope, then the snow will not be able to linger not only on the arched, but even on the flat surface.

Choosing polycarbonate

When constructing roofs, the issue of paramount importance is the choice the desired type material. There are many types of polycarbonate sheets on sale, which differ in color and thickness. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 3 mm to 3.2 cm. Each type is intended for different purposes and in order to make the right choice, you need to know the features of each of them.

So, for roofs that have special requirements, 32 mm material is suitable. On polycarbonate roofs large area Sixteen-millimeter sheets can be used. Since this type can withstand heavy loads, it can be used in the construction of stations, parking lots, gas stations and other similar structures. Ten-millimeter sheets are ideal for sports facilities, including swimming pools. For arranging canopies, canopies, and glazing balconies, you can use sheets with a thickness of 8 mm, and five millimeter sheets for canopies. Since greenhouses do not carry a serious load, they can use material with a thickness of only 3.5 mm.

Types of polycarbonate

There are several types of this material:

1. Monolithic. This type is similar to silicate glass - it is void-free, durable and not heavy. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 4 cm to 0.75 mm, has a different surface structure, size and color. Manufacturers also produce multilayer monolithic sheets with a rough surface of the top layer, the second layer blocks UV rays, and the third holds the entire structure.
2. Cellular polycarbonate has a corresponding honeycomb structure. It looks very nice on domed roofs. This type can be both colored and transparent. It is also perfect for creating outdoor advertising, interior design, making partitions, ceilings and other translucent structures.
3. Sheets with a trapezoidal or wavy profile are called profiled and are more suitable than others for arranging façade and roof coverings. They are used to make roofs over greenhouses, winter gardens, greenhouses, canopies over parking lots and over gardens to create domed vaults.

Price

The cost of polycarbonate depends on its thickness and size, which can be: A - 6 m x 210 cm, B - 12 m x 210 cm. Prices are approximate, since they may vary slightly for each region.

So, sheets 0.35 cm thick, size A cost 1,250 rubles, B - 2,500. Six-millimeter sheets: A colored - 2.65 thousand rubles, transparent - 2.4 thousand, size B - transparent 4.8 thousand rubles, color 5.8 thousand

Sheets for polycarbonate roofs, 10 mm thick: size A transparent - 3,300 rubles, colored - 3,670. B - transparent 6, 7 thousand rubles, colored - 7,300 rubles.

A sixteen-millimeter sheet size A will cost: transparent 5,800 rubles, and color - 6,200. Size B - color 12,500, and transparent 11,700 rubles.

The thickest and most durable thirty-two millimeter polycarbonate will cost: sheet A transparent - 9,200 rubles, and colored - 10,200. For option B you will have to pay 18,600 rubles for transparent, and for colored - 20,400.

A protective canopy over a porch or a polycarbonate canopy is today de facto recognized as the most effective solution or even a home building standard. Durable and at the same time beautiful polycarbonate plastic allows you to better protect the space under the roof from snow and rain and at the same time make the canopy more elegant and attractive in comparison with slate or corrugated sheets.

All that remains is to decide which polycarbonate to choose for the canopy, cast or multilayer cellular.

Types of roofing polycarbonate

Like any roofing material, polycarbonate plastics have their disadvantages associated with changes in the characteristics of polycarbonate due to prolonged exposure to the sun, under conditions of cyclic heating and cooling. Of course, it is preferable to find out which polycarbonate is best for a canopy before construction protective structure than to completely trust the sellers’ advertising and discover that the roofing material has failed in the second year of service.

Today, three types of polycarbonate are used for canopies:

For your information! The main quality of polycarbonate is its high strength, which is maintained throughout the entire life of the material only if the polymer contains compensating additives that slow down the degradation and aging of plastic under sunlight.

Therefore, if the list of basic requirements for a polycarbonate canopy includes the strength of the roofing, it is better to purchase a “branded” one. quality material with certificates and guarantee. It is better not to use polymer made from recycled materials for awnings and canopies; in the second year of service under the sun, it turns into fragile, glass-like, breaking plastic.

Properties of polycarbonate plastic, what to pay attention to first

Only manufacturers know all the secrets of the material; ordinary ordinary consumers have to decide which polycarbonate is better for a canopy, based on the reviews and experience of those who have used plastic in practice to equip canopies, gazebos and hanging structures.

The main characteristics of the material are given in the table, which will help to better understand the properties and predict the behavior of polycarbonate.

First of all, several interesting features catch your eye:

The above arguments do not at all mean that cast polymer is better than cellular polymer. In each specific case, it is necessary to take into account the design features of the canopy and its main purpose. For example, the weight of a monolithic sheet is about 7.2 kg per square, while 1 m 2 of a cellular polycarbonate panel weighs only 1.3 kg. For a light wooden arch with roof dimensions of 1.5x1.5 m, it is better to use a cellular roofing covering weighing 3 kg than a monolithic panel weighing 16 kg.

Features of selecting roofing polycarbonate for a canopy

At first glance, choosing which polycarbonate option is best for a canopy does not present much difficulty, but this is not entirely true. The right choice This is quite difficult to do, since it is necessary to simultaneously take into account three factors:

• Strength and stability of the polycarbonate panel under wind and snow loads;
• Color, required level of light transmission of polycarbonate;
• Durability and resistance to mechanical damage.

In the very simple case You don’t have to look for what thickness of polycarbonate is best to use for a canopy, and don’t take into account all the factors listed. You can just do it arched canopy made of monolithic material, as in the photo.

In this case, there is no need to look for a method on how to calculate a polycarbonate canopy, high stability and durability of even the thinnest monolithic plastic and metal frame will provide a huge margin of safety. But this approach only works for small arched or flat canopies. Monolithic material is often used also in cases where it is required by the design of the canopy or lighting conditions, when the price of construction is not a determining factor.

For greenhouses, car and yard sheds, this design method will lead to an increase in the cost of financial resources, materials and effort. In many cases, using the simplest rules, you can effectively use cellular polycarbonate structures.

How to choose the right size for polycarbonate roofing

It's best to choose suitable option polycarbonate sheet when designing a canopy structure using a specialized computer program. In this case, the program will display the exact thickness of the polycarbonate for the canopies and the recommended lathing pitch.

At home, the calculation of a polycarbonate canopy can be performed using a simplified scheme. First of all, you will need to determine the thickness of the honeycomb panel. Typically, panels with a thickness of 6 mm and 8 mm are used for arched and lean-to canopies; both versions of honeycomb plastic are highly durable.

Next, you can estimate the size of the polycarbonate sheet for the canopy using the given diagram of the dependence of the strength of the coating on the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet. It can also be used to determine the pitch of the sheathing under polycarbonate for a lean-to canopy.

As can be seen from the diagram, the optimal pitch is in the range of 0.6-0.7 m; at larger values, the effect of thermal expansion begins to affect. That is, in hot weather, when heated, too thin a sheet sags between the rafters, and in severe frosts a characteristic cracking sound appears. This leads to the formation of cracks around the holes of the material fastenings.

Advice! When purchasing, you can ask the sellers what is the best rafter pitch to use for a given thickness of the honeycomb panel.

The thickness of the sheet and the type of polycarbonate must be selected based on the installation location of the canopy and the method of use. For example, 8mm thick material is perfect for car and yard canopies. It can also be used for canopies and canopies on the porch of a one-story house.

For multi-storey buildings and areas where hail often occurs, it is best to use monolithic polycarbonate sheets. Icicles and medium-sized hail upon impact freely pierce a sheet of honeycomb material 4 mm thick, and for recycled plastic, a layer of 6 mm and even 8 mm is broken.

Optimal polycarbonate canopy designs

Most good option An arched carport with a polycarbonate roof is shown in the photo below. The design is based on a double-beam arch with vertical pipes- supports.

It is best to make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands according to the drawings.

The advantage of this design is that the load on the sheathing and on the polycarbonate itself is balanced in any wind, snow or rain. The open design provides good ventilation of the space, so there is no overheating effect under such a canopy.

To avoid problems with thermal expansion, the honeycomb material is laid in sheets 1 m wide, with the obligatory use of compensation spacers. It is better not to install polycarbonate without washers, no matter how high-quality and certified the material is, the thermal expansion of the plastic will still manifest itself, and you need to properly compensate for it, otherwise the coating will stretch and will be blown out by the wind in “bubbles”.

For single-pitched flat circuits With wooden frame It is best to use profiled honeycomb panels or monolithic plastic. In this case, the roofing, due to its own increased rigidity, will strengthen the frame and rafter system.

Advice! Monolithic material is better in single-pitched canopies with a large angle of inclination. Flat roofs with cast glass they drum hard even in light rain.

To install a lean-to canopy on the facade of the house, we can recommend using the structure shown in the figure. This scheme very well protects the terraces from gusts of wind and is not sensitive to the pressure of snow cover of any thickness.

How to choose a color for the roof

One of the problems that has to be solved when planning a structure is related to tinting and painting the roofing material. Manufacturers offer enough large selection polycarbonate flowers for canopy, photo.

Often the problem of what color of polycarbonate is best to choose for a canopy is associated with the fear of a greenhouse or greenhouse effect, especially if light blue or colorless tones are used. Polycarbonate plastic blocks ultraviolet radiation well, but allows heat rays to pass through, so the layer of air under the canopy warms up very quickly.

If you like transparent and lightly colored polycarbonate brands, then it is best to make ventilation ducts at the top point of the structure. A small draft will remove excess heat.

For the color perception of human eyes, smoky, light green, bronze and yellow colors. They are not irritating and do not cause color blindness.

Conclusion

The choice of which polycarbonate is best to use for a canopy is always subjective and largely depends on the preferences and taste of the owner. Cellular brands are cheaper, but require care and proper design of the frame. Monolithic polycarbonate material tolerates heat and frost well, has good external properties, but the roof is very heavy and quite expensive.

How building material It has been known in developed countries since 1960; currently, global production exceeds 3 million tons. Polycarbonate roofing is a good option for covering most outbuildings - from very prestigious verandas, gazebos, swimming pools, to the manufacture of ordinary carports or greenhouses. This material allows you to create strong, durable and beautiful structures at relatively low financial costs.

Unique physical characteristics make it possible to use roofing polycarbonate in almost all climatic regions of our country, and modern innovative fillers make it more resistant to mechanical damage and adverse climatic influences.

Prices for cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate

Currently, the construction industry produces several types of materials used for roofing for various purposes. They all have their own individual differences.

Table. Types of polycarbonate for roofing

Type of polycarbonate	Brief operational and physical characteristics
	The most famous among developers is polycarbonate, it has a cellular structure with various sizes and geometry. To protect surfaces from hard ultraviolet radiation A special film is used, it is glued only on the front side. Due to the use of innovative film, the service life can exceed ten years. Panel thickness 4–25 mm, specific weight 0.8–3.5 kg/m2, bending radius 0.7–4.3 m.
	It is made from monolithic material; by giving the sheets different geometries, the bending resistance parameters are significantly increased. It has a wide range of products, differing in appearance and size.
	It is used quite rarely; reinforced frames are required for installation. Such requirements increase the estimated cost of the coating, which makes it uncompetitive among other types of coatings.

To facilitate and speed up the installation process, the industry produces special additional profile elements:

• end profile;
• corner profile;
• ridge profile;
• connecting one-piece;
• connecting detachable.

Prices for polycarbonate profiles

Polycarbonate profiles

Additional elements can have different designs and be supplemented with special details. But these changes do not affect their main purpose and technology of use. High-quality construction is impossible without the use of connecting and decorative elements.

Advantages of polycarbonate coatings

Roofing material has a number of undeniable advantages over traditional coatings.

1. High strength with low specific gravity. One of the most important advantages of polycarbonate. In terms of impact strength per unit weight, polycarbonate is 8 times stronger than PVC and acrylic plastics and 200 times stronger than ordinary window glass. At the same time volumetric mass 16 times less glass and 3 times less acrylic materials.

   

2. Low thermal conductivity coefficient. Due to this property, it is possible to reduce heat losses by approximately 30–50% compared to other types roofing coverings. Considering the high cost of coolants at present, this is a very important advantage; it is widely used during the design of greenhouses, indoor swimming pools, winter gardens, insulated terraces and other heated premises.

   

3. High transparency and weather resistance. Depending on the manufacturing technology, the transparency of the coating ranges from 72–90%, which allows you to save significant financial resources on interior lighting. This indicator is especially important for greenhouses and winter gardens. The material is approved for use at temperatures -40°С…+120°С. In this interval, polycarbonate retains its original physical characteristics.

   

4. Chemical inertness. The coating is not afraid of contact with aggressive chemical compounds and can be used in urban environments with a large number smog. By fire safety the material is considered to be highly flammable and self-extinguishing.

   

5. Manufacturability. Polycarbonate plates are easy to cut and process, they can bend and do not crack during an accidental fall. Installation work do not require the use of special expensive tools and devices. Coating is done quickly, impact climatic conditions minimal.

   

Polycarbonate can be used to cover various types of roofs: arched and flat, inclined and complex broken. But regardless of the types of rafter systems, there are universal recommendations for all types of work.

Work can begin only after the frame is completely ready, materials, additional elements and hardware have been purchased. Tools must be prepared and a work plan drawn up.

Cutting and drilling

Taking into account the thickness, the sheets can be cut with an ordinary sharp mounting knife, electric jigsaw, portable circular saw or Bulgarian. It is recommended to select the type of tool taking into account the thickness of the sheet and the volume of work. To prevent the appearance of microcracks during cutting with impact cutting tools, the sheet must be firmly fixed on both sides.

It is strongly recommended to drill holes between the ribs of cellular polycarbonate. The distance between the holes is at least 20 cm, the distance from the ends is more than 40 mm. The drill must be sharp and located at right angles to the surface.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

End sealing

The technology concerns only cellular polycarbonate. One of the disadvantages of this material is that dust gets into the honeycombs, then mosses and lichens begin to grow on it. The appearance of the coating deteriorates significantly; it is even theoretically impossible to clean the honeycombs. You have to either put up with the current situation or completely change the roof.

To prevent such negative phenomena, the upper open honeycombs should be tightly closed with special, especially durable self-adhesive tapes and additionally use decorative overlays. The lower ends are covered with perforated tape, through small holes the condensate that forms in the honeycombs due to temperature changes is removed. If there is below decorative elements, then it is recommended to drill small holes in them. Monolithic sheets do not have this problem.

Sheet orientation

The main condition is special protective layer from ultraviolet rays should be located on the front side. Polycarbonate itself reacts very negatively to UV radiation. The service life is increased by using a special film, but it is very expensive and in order to reduce the cost of the material, it is glued only on one side. It is on this side that there is a protective polyethylene film with the manufacturer’s logo.

Cellular polycarbonate can only be bent along the direction of the honeycomb, the bending radius depends on the specific technical characteristics and is indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. Monolithic profiled sheets, on the contrary, can only be bent across the profiles.

Fixing sheets with hardware

To fasten the roof, it is recommended to use special self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Such elements eliminate the possibility of leaks and at the same time compensate for thermal expansion. It is strictly forbidden to use ordinary nails or self-tapping screws, to overtighten the fasteners, and not to leave gaps where the sheets join.

Rules for connecting panels with additional elements

These elements perform not only a decorative function, they are involved in creating a durable and airtight roof structure. Panels can be connected to each other using two methods:

• using one-piece profiles;
• using split profiles.

At junctions with vertical walls, wall profiles are used. In each specific case, the master must make a separate decision on the optimal sealing method. You can use factory rubber bands and gaskets or seal the joints with modern sealants.

Step-by-step instructions for installing polycarbonate

Before starting work, you should make sure that all materials and tools are available, check the readiness and correctness of assembly. IN required quantity you should purchase special screws and sealing washers, end and side profiles, sealing tapes, etc. It is strongly recommended that you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their recommendations exactly.

Plan the work in such a way that all preparatory operations are carried out on the ground; prepared slabs with the required dimensions and drilled holes must be supplied to the structure. This minimizes material losses, reduces time, improves quality and increases work safety.

Important. Never walk on cellular polycarbonate. During installation, decisions and technologies should be made that do not require the technician to move along the already installed roof.

Step 1. Prepare the slabs required sizes, unscrew around the entire perimeter with outside protective polyethylene film with the manufacturer's logo and carefully glue the end sealing tape. Cover the open honeycombs with end profiles and press them tightly into place. When adjusting the position, hit better by hand, but it is also possible to use a rubber mounting hammer.

When cutting slabs for arc covering, you need to keep in mind that the length of the arc is always greater than a straight line. It is recommended to pre-measure it with a tape measure; if this is not possible, then cut the sheets with a margin. Exact sizing will be done after installing the sheets on the frame. Keep in mind that the length of the connecting profiles on the arched frame is longer than the length of the slabs.

Step 2. Lay the first sheets on the roof, making sure that the internal stiffeners are strictly parallel to the direction of the slope of the slope. The slabs should be aligned along the top edge of the structure. The bottom edge should protrude slightly beyond the last run of the system.

Step 3. Firmly screw the base profile to the structure and check its position again. If everything is normal, then insert the first sheet into it and fix its position. To do this, you should use special hardware; the distance between the screwing points of the lower purlin is 15–50 cm. The diameter of the hole is approximately 1 mm larger than the diameter of the screw.

Step 4. After fixing the first sheet of polycarbonate, attach a clamping profile to its extreme side. Using the same algorithm, continue fixing the sheets along the entire length of the slope.

Step 5. Remove the protective film from the outside of the cover. As mentioned above, underneath there is a special layer that prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the polycarbonate.

Important. Do not leave plastic film on surfaces for long periods of time; it will be difficult to remove over time. And the remnants of the film have negative influence on appearance structures.

Prices for popular models of laser levels

Laser level

Is it possible to install polycarbonate in winter?

This issue worries a large number of developers. They want to reduce construction time as much as possible by performing some roofing works V winter period time. Moreover, manufacturers allow this option for installing polycarbonate.

1. It is difficult to predict the magnitude of thermal expansions. For example, if the dimensions of the gap between the slabs at sub-zero temperatures leave it within 1–2 mm, then in summer there is a high probability of warping of the coating.
2. Plasticity parameters decrease. The slabs become brittle and are more difficult to cut and drill. In addition, installation of the coating on semicircular structures becomes much more complicated.

Thermal expansion - important factor, which must be taken into account during installation

A well-installed coating will be used without problems for a long period of time. To periodically clean surfaces from accumulated dirt, you need to use ordinary detergents. Acids, alkalis, chlorine and ammonia are prohibited. During maintenance, all measures should be taken to prevent mechanical damage to the protective film.

Video - Roofing polycarbonate

Laying polycarbonate roofing does not require professional skills or special equipment. Even a novice master can cope with the installation of this material; the main thing is to carefully read the instructions. You can read about how to make a polycarbonate roof for a terrace yourself.