Polycarbonate Roof terrace : installation instructions

Polycarbonate today is widely used in the construction industry.The material is produced by melting the plastic granules and pass the resulting mass through a special form - the die.As a result of this technology are obtained sheets having a cellular structure in which multiple polycarbonate sheets are joined by longitudinal ribs.Polycarbonate is credited with universal quality, it is in the modern construction industry is the best substitute for glass.Consider the features of the application and installation in this article.

Application polycarbonate

One of the applications of this material is the installation of roofs.Material suitable for installing roof structures of various shapes.This may be a gable, lean-to roof made of polycarbonate or tent.

polycarbonate can cover not only the roof of the dwelling, asit is a suitable option for the terraces.It will make it more comfortable and cozy.Decking area increases the useful area of ​​the house and at the same time allows you to enjoy a wholesome recreational in nature.The roof terrace is to be a continuation of the architectural ensemble of the main building.Mostly it is building without attic.The main function is to protect the roof decking area from the bright sun and rain.This task polycarbonate handle success.

Roofs made of polycarbonate.Photo:

Species polycarbonate

Make a roof made of polycarbonate can be of two varieties of it:

1. monolithic type of material used for the arrangement of curved roofs and flat forms.This polycarbonate has substantial advantages, in which the number is not inferior to the glass.But at the same time it has a flaw that prevents its widespread use - is the high cost.
2. Polycarbonate structured type, also referred to as a cell, is more accessible financially and thus received a lot of popularity.This material is also called light transmitting plastic.The roof, made on its basis, will allow to stay on a terraced site in hot weather, and do not feel discomfort from the sun.

advantages of polycarbonate material:

• high levels of thermal insulation;
• light weight that simplifies the installation process;
• elasticity, making it possible to mount their own arched ceilings without the help of experts;
• resistance to various chemical influences;
• an extended period of operation - up to 20 years;
• low flammability - material can contain the spread of flames in case of fire;
• ability to maintain performance characteristics at temperatures from -40 ° C to + 120 ° C.

What polycarbonate roof you choose?

quality polycarbonate is based on the primary granules.But there are technical specifications that enable the manufacturer to add products and secondary raw materials.The content of the last component may reach up to 70% of the total weight of polycarbonate sheets.Such a material can be identified by low-cost, but at the same time it has low performance.Identify high-quality products to help visual inspection:

1. quality sheet has completely smooth surface.
2. If there are bubbles, inclusions or other defects to acquire a polycarbonate is not recommended on the surface of the material.
3. also in the selection process should be guided, and the weight of the sheets.Polycarbonate roof, a thickness of 0.4 cm, should weigh 0.8 kg.Mass sheets 1 cm equals 1.7 kg.
4. On sale you can find products labeled «light», which suggests that the weight of the material is 15% less than the norm.When working with these sheets can not use the standard methods for determining atmospheric loads.The situation is complicated by the fact that not all manufacturers have put this mark.To distinguish this material may be in its low cost.
5. When purchasing a mandatory need to pay attention to the presence of the protective film.Its function is the protection sheet from the negative effects of UV rays.If polycarbonate is not given coverage, it will lose its performance, and not having served one year.
6. should take into account the thickness of the film.If this figure is less than 35 microns, the material will last no more than 5 years.With a thickness of 60 microns, the sheets retain their properties for 10 years.
7. determine the thickness of the protective coating can be familiarized with the certificate that comes with the product.Visually, this is not possible.

In general, in terms of the quality of the material is divided into 4 categories:

• «premium», which is able to last for 20 years;
• «elites" - the period of service is 12 years;
• «optimal» - maintains performance over a period of 10 years;
• «economical» - will last for 5-8 years.

installation on the roof of polycarbonate: general recommendations

1. Polycarbonate require any special storage conditions.It should only be in a dry place.
2. recommended to seal the adhesive aluminum tape or sealant before installing the cell.This will help prevent the accumulation of dust and moisture.
3. If the material found inside the condensate, it can be removed by blowing compressed air sheets.
4. not need to be removed from the surface of the protective coating before installation.
5. Polycarbonate must not be covered with polyester or metallized film as a consequence of the contact of these materials will be condensation.The resulting films and sheets lose performance.
6. During the installation work can not step on the polycarbonate.Failure to do so will lead to the formation of cracks on the surface of the material.To move follows on the crate or rafters build special ramps.
7. roof made of polycarbonate may not be completely flat.The minimum slope should be 5%.
8. If the material is inserted into the frame, when designing their size must take into account the coefficient of linear expansion.This indicator is based on the thickness of the sheet.
9. When working with the material can be called upon to apply than whole pages, and individual fragments.This problem is easily solved.Polycarbonate sheets lend themselves well to cutting, welding, gluing, drilling.For cutting use a jig saw, a hand saw or a hacksaw, and for the formation of holes - automatic or manual drill, equipped with a drill for metal.
10. Polycarbonate enables you to install custom roof forms.For this purpose methods are used cold, vacuum and thermoforming.Transport and storage of the material to avoid mechanical action.

roof made of polycarbonate with their hands should be provided so that you can freely remove snow from its surface.Also, the design should be of sufficient strength.Roof can be given the most diverse form.Originally performed frame assembly to which sheets are installed.For use of the carcass structure profiled elements made of steel, aluminum or polycarbonate.

latter option has several advantages over the first two materials.Profiled polycarbonate roof allows you to mount the roof without visible connection zones.Also, this material has integrity, low weight and high strength.This creates a visual effect hovering above the building roof.

Profiles of polycarbonate are divided into two types: one-piece and split.Inside the cavity are polycarbonate material.The sheets should be placed so that the location of the cavities is parallel to the direction of the structure.If this condition is ignored, the operation of the material can be deformed.

As polycarbonate cover the roof with his hands

for installation required:

• board;
• bars with a cross section of 40-60 mm;
• hammer;
• ax;
• nails, screws, wood screws;
• Saw;
• building level;
• screwdriver;
• Scotch;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• mastic.

installation process is carried out in the following sequence of actions:

1. work begins with the installation frame structure.For this purpose, you can use one of the above three types of profiles.
2. sheets have a standard width -. 2, 10 m space between the beams should not be more than this distance.In order to be able to join several sheets, the gap between the rafters should be calculated in such a way that the connection sheets are in the central part of the bar.
3. next step after the installation of the rafters is to set the framework.In the case of metal profiles end faces trimmed sheets need to seal with tape.This is to avoid contact with debris and moisture grooves.
4. When using polycarbonate profile in this measure is not necessary, because these profile elements are originally equipped with a special film.It prevents the penetration of the leaf cells that are opened as a result of cutting, various contaminants.
5. If the profile is collapsible, the installation is performed in the following order:

• originally profiled parts are attached to the bottom of the bars;
• then mounted polycarbonate, which is mounted on the upper frame structure.

1. profile, the disposable type is attached directly to the rafters with screws.On these fasteners are placed through a 20-30 cm thermowashers, which will be the installation of polycarbonate sheets.
2. Cover polycarbonate roof in two ways.The first point provides a method in which fixation is carried out by 30 cm.
3. According to the second retaining profiles are used.The area to be treated joints with mastic.On the pages there is an inscription.Positioning them on a frame to be so that this marked side facing up.Is left between the sheets in the compensating space of 5 mm.Then, fixed profiled cover and fasten cap.
4. From edge profile elements mounted guides, which are fixed by means of rivets.
5. At the last stage of the lateral and the surface sheets okleivayut tape.This will help to protect the material from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.For this purpose, fit a normal adhesive tape.The lower portion also requires the sheeting.In this case, you will need a perforated tape, which will prevent the penetration of insects into the cavities.

Terms cutting and drilling

Cutting the sheets into pieces to be performed as carefully as possible, to avoid that the upper protective layer damage.This procedure is carried out by means of a circular saw or jigsaw.It is important to choose the optimum speed.If the cutting is carried out too slowly, it will cause chipping.Excessive speed will result in overheating and melting of the polymer.Sheets when cutting should not vibrate, it will lead to the appearance of cracks.

If fixing is carried out by means of self-tapping screws, pre-sheets need to prepare the hole diameter should be 1-2 mm higher than the size of the fasteners.To do this, use the drill for non-ferrous metals.Self can not tighten to the maximum.Sheets under temperature extremes will move.Polycarbonate Roof garden should be set taking into account this condition.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate belongs to the innovative materials and is used in the construction industry recently.But he is already actively used.Apply this material for a variety of purposes, one of which is the installation of roofs.It has all the properties necessary for the roofing material.Installation of polycarbonate sheets does not require expert knowledge.You can do it yourself, after reading the instructions.

roof made of polycarbonate.Video: