How to properly cover a pitched roof with polycarbonate. A polycarbonate roof is a modern solution for your home. Prices for polycarbonate profiles

The most popular roofing material for gazebos, greenhouses and porches is cellular polycarbonate. And for good reason, because he copes with this task very well. The polycarbonate roof perfectly transmits light and provides reliable protection from precipitation.

Positive qualities of polycarbonate

Perhaps it is difficult to find material that has only positive qualities. There are no perfect products. And we do not consider this reinforced plastic to be an exception to the rule.

Of the positive qualities, the following can be noted:

1. Lightness and strength. Thanks to the honeycomb structure, even 24 mm of the thickness of this material in combination with the crate (cell size 75x150 cm), cellular polycarbonate can withstand a load of up to 200 kg per 1 m2. This margin of safety is quite enough to withstand winter snowfalls and icing.
2. Low thermal conductivity. The honeycomb structure forms cavities filled with air. They create air insulation inside the material. Like in double glazing. In addition to this, plastic itself has a lower thermal conductivity than glass. This property allows you to successfully use this material for the construction of greenhouses.
3. Good optical properties. Polycarbonate panels can be painted in various colors. And depending on the color, they let through from 11 to 85% of the sun's rays. In addition to this, it is able to scatter light. Does not pass ultraviolet.
4. High degree of safety and shock resistance. Due to the ability to withstand significant impact loads, 200 times higher than the characteristics of glass, this type of plastic is used for the manufacture of protective and armored anti-vandal glasses. Even if the material breaks, it does not form sharp fragments. Therefore, it is used with pleasure for the construction of public transport stops. In addition, polycarbonate has a high fire safety.
5. Large, easy to use sizes. The construction of glass roofs and canopies requires the creation of numerous individual frames. Or use rather tricky hanging mechanisms and mounts. Otherwise, the appearance of the structure suffers. Unlike glass, honeycomb plastic does not create such an inconvenience. The overall dimensions of polycarbonate sheets can reach 1200 x 105 cm. And this is with 44 kg of weight for a 24 mm sheet thickness.
6. Ease of installation work. Due to its low weight, sufficient strength and large dimensions, a team of assistants is not required for the installation of a polycarbonate roof. One master who knows his business is enough.
7. Thermal stability. This material "feels good" at temperatures ranging from -40 to +120 degrees.
8. Democratic prices.
9. Ease in processing.

Disadvantages of polycarbonate

When choosing this material, you need to take into account the fact that large hail can break through a polycarbonate roof. Although at present, manufacturers have learned to deal with this problem with a protective film coating.

Another significant disadvantage is that this plastic has a high thermal expansion coefficient.

Polycarbonate roof rafters

Despite the fact that polycarbonate is a fairly light material, it is still worth considering and building a supporting structure for it. The crate is made of a thin profile. You can use a square with a section of 20 x 20mm or 20 x 40mm. Usually this is quite enough for the roof to gain the necessary strength.

The arched shape of the roof significantly increases the rigidity of the structure and allows it to withstand more significant loads. This feature is fully used when using polycarbonate. A 16 mm sheet of honeycomb plastic, laid on an arched structure with a pitch of 125 cm, with a radius of curvature of 240 cm, does not require the construction of a crate. It is enough just to guide individual arched supports interconnected.

When designing rafters for a polycarbonate roof, you need to remember that the slope for the slope should be 45˚ or more. The optimal parameter is the angle of inclination of the rafters 50˚.

Features of mounting polycarbonate

Polycarbonate sheets are attached to the rafters, so their pitch must match the parameters of the sheets.

In order to prevent dust and other contaminants from accumulating in the polycarbonate cavities, as well as to isolate from cold winter air, the ends of the sheets must be sealed with silicone. If possible, you can use special plugs. Thus, it is possible to obtain excellent sealing and thermal insulation of the material, bringing its performance closer to a double-glazed window.

Sheets are attached to the rafters and supporting structures with self-tapping screws and press washers.

When installing, it is worth considering the ability of plastic to expand in the heat. Therefore, expansion joints are provided. They are performed at the junction of individual plates and are almost invisible. It is enough to leave a gap of about 5 mm between the sheets. Sometimes such seams are made larger, as a result of which they also perform a decorative function, creating elegant roof reliefs.

Cutting polycarbonate

We have already noted the fact that the plastic surface is easily damaged. Therefore, sheets must be cut very carefully, making sure that the protective shockproof film remains intact.

A grinder and a jigsaw with a fine-toothed file cope with cutting polycarbonate. When working with a jigsaw, its platform touching the material is pasted over with a soft material. This will keep the surface of the sheet from unwanted damage.

Due to its unique properties, cellular polycarbonate is an excellent solution for the manufacture of roofs, canopies and greenhouses. The main thing is to correctly develop the design of the roof and take into account the characteristics of the material.

Create, live and enjoy every moment. And may your home always remain a place of joy and satisfaction.

Roofing materials such as polycarbonate are gaining more and more popularity. This option is widely used to cover verandas, individual sections of the house. This is not only original and beautiful, it provides a reliable roof and natural lighting of the room with bright sunlight. The room becomes very cozy and inviting.

Benefits of a polycarbonate roof

The material is very practical and has many advantages:

• polycarbonate panels protect the room from exposure to the sun, passing diffused light and reliably protects from ultraviolet rays;
• the relatively light weight of the structure makes it possible to make an original roof;
• high thermal insulation capabilities, as a result, there is no need to additionally insulate the room;
• polycarbonate has high soundproofing capabilities;
• resistance to accumulations of moisture;
• ability to ventilate the room;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• tolerates temperature fluctuations;
• relatively flexible material, withstand the load from precipitation;
• easy to install, process;
• resistant to mechanical stress, can be drilled, bent and cut to size.

The material is very durable, it can withstand a layer of snow weighing two hundred kilograms per square meter.

The disadvantages of the material are manifested in the fact that during transportation large sheets of polycarbonate can bend and deform. And although the material is durable, it loses in quality to glass and requires more careful handling when working with it, saving and installing it. It has a low abrasive resistance, which manifests itself in the appearance of scratches, cracks. As a result, the integrity of the polycarbonate roof can be compromised by strong hail.

Weighing all the pros and cons, we can confidently say that polycarbonate is recognized as one of the best materials for mounting roofs of corridors, greenhouses, outbuildings. Another plus is that the material is relatively inexpensive.

Polycarbonate roof device

Although it is conditionally possible to distinguish three types of polycarbonate, after all, two types are the most used and popular, these are monolithic and cellular.

Monolithic polycarbonate is used for roofs of various sizes and shapes with the prospect of supporting the weight of a large amount of snow and gusts of wind. The size of the panel of monolithic material is two by three meters. The thickness ranges from two to twelve millimeters. Twelve mm polycarbonate is also called anti-vandal, because it can withstand the impact of an adult strong man without damage.

Cellular polycarbonate weighs much less due to its porous structure with air chambers. The material has high mechanical strength with low weight. This material is ideal for the manufacture of complex elements of arches, roofs. Cellular material has a diverse range of colors. The thickness of the material varies from four to thirty millimeters, the length of the panel ranges from two meters to six or twelve.

There are two most common options for polycarbonate roofing:

• straight roof;
• arched roof.

Straight polycarbonate roof

The straight roof option is most often used in the construction of open verandas, gazebos. When deciding to use polycarbonate, it becomes possible to create an open, bright space. But since the insulation of the roof will lead to the loss of the properties of the polycarbonate roof, it is not advisable to build such a roof option for winter houses. Only summer housing options are suitable for arranging a polycarbonate roof.

You can make a straight roof in several solutions: hip, single or gable. For a roof made of polycarbonate, powerful rafters are not required, the material is quite light. It can be a board up to fifty millimeters, pre-treated with special protective solutions. The distance between the rafters is selected taking into account the width of the panel. When cutting the material, it should be cut so that the stiffeners coincide with the direction of the roof slope. The sheet should be correctly laid, taking into account the special ultraviolet coating, it should be outward.

The polycarbonate panel is attached to the wooden base with self-tapping screws. A hole is drilled in the sheet slightly larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw and screwed tightly into the body of the sheet. The joints are closed with detachable profiles.

All parts where there are gaps must be treated with sealant.

Arched polycarbonate roof

It is not difficult to make an arched roof, the only difficulty is to prepare the arcs, it is necessary to bend evenly using a template, otherwise the covering may be distorted. Arcs from the profile are cut so that it is easier to bend the material for the required roof shape. But if the arcs have practically no bend limit, then polycarbonate behaves differently, this should not be forgotten and the material must be bent carefully. Attach polycarbonate as well as to a wooden surface, use self-tapping screws and fix with washers. The joints and the end area are covered with sealant.

Arched roofs are used in small areas, they make canopies, gazebos.

Technology for mounting polycarbonate on the roof

The material has been used for about ten years and during that time has shown excellent qualities in terms of wear resistance. From polycarbonate, you can make a roof of any kind, shape and size. In the private sector, cellular polycarbonate is most often used: swimming pools, greenhouses, verandas, sheds - all these structures can be covered with transparent cellular material. You can make a roof with any angle of inclination or completely flat. All this depends on the desire and imagination of the owner.

To obtain a roof of the required shape, it is necessary to prepare a frame in advance for attaching polycarbonate panels. Steel pipes, aluminum profiles are ideal for the frame. In the presence of a polycarbonate profile, the roof dome will be perfectly transparent and this is an ideal solution from an aesthetic point of view. Carbonate profiles can be detachable and monolithic. The main advantages of a carbonate profile are:

• light weight;
• transparency;
• quality;
• tightness.

Polycarbonate is classified according to quality characteristics:

• premium class - has been in operation for more than twenty years;
• elite - the service life is more than twelve years;
• optimal - a guarantee of more than ten years;
• economical - shelf life varies from five to eight years.

Polycarbonate is chosen based on needs. If you need reliability and practicality - choose a thicker material. If beautiful shapes, aesthetics and configurations are thinner, which bends well.

When arranging the panels, the sheets should be aligned so that the rafters have a joint.

After that, the frame is mounted. Particular attention is paid to the grooves, they are closed with a special adhesive tape or tape. Sheets are attached to the frame, taking into account the requirements for fastening. There are tips to help you do all the tapas correctly:

• holes for self-tapping screws should be slightly larger than the tools themselves;
• it is not recommended to screw the self-tapping screw all the way, the panel should be able to move under the influence of temperatures;
• it is necessary to work with polycarbonate panels carefully so as not to damage the upper protective coatings;
• it is recommended to remove the protective film after drilling and cutting.

Polycarbonate material suitable for the construction of roofs of any shape. The choice of quality and option depends on the taste and capabilities of the owner. Installation of the material is not difficult, but requires compliance with some nuances. The cost of polycarbonate depends on the characteristics of the material and varies.

Types of polycarbonate for roofing

Roofs made of polycarbonate material are easy to install with your own hands without the involvement of specialists. And on the market you can find several types of polycarbonate, in order to choose the most suitable one in each case, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each material. There are such subspecies of polycarbonate:

• profiled - these are panels with a wave or trapezoidal profile, used to cover outbuildings and greenhouses, making decorative canopies;
• cellular - is a material with voids inside, used in the advertising business and in construction, is an excellent option for creating partitions in rooms, design, for street advertising;
• monolithic - a solid smooth material that looks like glass, but is much lighter and more versatile.

Polycarbonate sheets differ in thickness, size, color, structure. There are varieties with a predominance of individual qualities: some protect very reliably from ultraviolet radiation, others are distinguished by increased strength or multi-layeredness.

Due to the lightness of the polycarbonate material, it is possible to build original complex structures that will have a low specific gravity.

How to choose polycarbonate for roofing

Polycarbonate is widely used in various industries and has gained such popularity due to its main qualities:

• high light transmission ability;
• a small mass of material and, as a result, a lightweight design;
• comparative cheapness of the material;
• the ability to widely apply the material and work with it.

The thickness of the material ranges from four to thirty-five millimeters. The weight of the sheet also depends on this. It varies between a kilogram and two and a half. The material does not lose its qualities with temperature differences and can withstand numbers from forty degrees of frost to one hundred and twenty heat. Impact resistance, high thermal insulation abilities, resistance to contact with aggressive chemical compounds allows the material to be widely used in everyday life and in production.

The term of use of structures made on the basis of polycarbonate ranges from five to twenty years.

There are seven standard sizes of polycarbonate in thickness. Each of the varieties has its own purpose and is used according to the technical specifications:

• thirty-two millimeters - used to cover buildings with a large roof size, can withstand significant loads;
• sixteen millimeters - also a suitable type of polycarbonate for large spans, withstands loads well;
• ten millimeters - suitable for vertical elements in public buildings;
• eight millimeters - sheds for the yard, car, glazing of balconies;
• four millimeters - small greenhouses, sheds over the threshold;
• three millimeters - greenhouses, greenhouses.

Polycarbonate roof drawings can be found on the Internet, there are a lot of options. Very often, some variant is taken as a basis and modified in the process of covering the structure. There you can also see a photo of a polycarbonate roof and choose the one that you liked the most.

Polycarbonate roof fasteners

To carry out actions to fix polycarbonate sheets, you need to prepare tools. Mounting deserves special attention, since the strength and reliability of the structure depends on them. There is a wide variety of fastening material, which is used depending on the complexity of the design and the quality of the material.

You can select the following fasteners:

• polycarbonate thermal washers;
• stainless thermal washers;
• polypropylene washers;
• self-tapping screws;
• bolt nuts.

A polycarbonate thermal washer helps secure the sheets to the frame and hold them securely. These fasteners are more reliable and better than polypropylene washers and have a wide color palette. As for polypropylene, they are not covered with a protective material and, when exposed to aggressive ultraviolet radiation, quickly fade and lose strength. They should be used on roofs in shaded areas. Fasteners are inexpensive, but also short-lived.

Stainless steel washers are reliable and do not loosen, most often used on a metal profile. The washer has a rubber element in the kit, which allows you to comply with the rule of tightness. Application in dry rooms is recommended.

Do-it-yourself polycarbonate roofing is possible with a properly prepared drawing and following all the instructions. Reasonably executed fastening of the polycarbonate profile to the frame, the use of high-quality fastening structures will allow you to create a reliable roof with your own hands, which can protect the room and create comfort for a long period of time.

If you still have questions about how to make a polycarbonate roof in practice, if necessary, get installation advice, watch the video, which will answer all frequently asked questions.

Polycarbonate is a new building material and has been used for the manufacture of roofs relatively recently. It is characterized by sufficient strength, transparency, stability and the possibility of quick installation. It is because of this that the material is so popular. Also, its properties allow you to make a roof of completely unimaginable shapes, and even an inexperienced builder can do this.

Features and characteristics of polycarbonate roofing

Polycarbonate is a sheet polymer material, and surpasses many similar materials in terms of its performance characteristics. For example, it is 200 times stronger than glass and 8 times stronger than Plexiglas.

Polycarbonate can be of different colors

In addition to strength, its other characteristics are also valuable:

• light weight;
• flexibility;
• ease of processing and installation;
• resistance to fire, chemicals and aggressive environment;
• impact resistance;
• long service life.

The scope of polycarbonate is quite wide, including it is suitable for arranging the roof.

Polycarbonate is stronger than glass

Roof polycarbonate

Polycarbonate allows you to increase the functionality of your own home. For example, if you wish, you can equip the second floor, which will serve as a pavilion, greenhouse or greenhouse. This allows you to rationally use the space, which is especially important if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site is too small to implement all the ideas.

Polycarbonate allows you to equip a round roof, which will eliminate the retention of snow and rainwater on it, so that the service life of such a roof increases many times over.

The round roof will not allow the snow to linger

Roof polycarbonate is a material with a multi-chamber cellular structure, which is formed by several stiffeners. This type of material is called honeycomb because it resembles honeycombs of bees.

There are other types:

This material can have different thicknesses, and for the manufacture of the roof of various buildings, this parameter is very important:

• for a private house, you can use polycarbonate with a thickness of 8 or 16 mm (the second option is suitable for arranging surfaces with a large area, since it can withstand significant loads);
• for visors, garages or terraces, material with a thickness of 8 mm is suitable;
• greenhouses and awnings can be made of 3.5 and 4 mm polycarbonate.

You can also choose a color, and this parameter affects the performance of the material:

Video: how to choose a good polycarbonate

Polycarbonate roof for home

A polycarbonate roof is erected only over those premises that do not require the arrangement of an insulated roofing pie. In the case of a residential building, these are most often attics, terraces, attics or balconies. The shape of the roof can be absolutely any, since the material is quite flexible and allows you to build various structures.

Polycarbonate can be used for an attic or attic roof

The peculiarity of a polycarbonate roof for a house is that it does not require the arrangement of a truss system in its classical sense. In addition to the rafters, profiles are installed and a frame is formed. Polycarbonate profiles can be detachable and one-piece. They are characterized by increased tightness and strength, low weight, UV protection, and they can also be selected in a color that matches the main fabric.

The process of installing a polycarbonate roof on a residential building occurs according to the following plan:

1. Installation of rafters. It is recommended to use a beam with a section of 60 * 40 mm or 60 * 80 mm. Set at a distance of 1.01 m if it is the central rafters, and 1.04 m between the side rafters.

   For the installation of polycarbonate, you need to mount profiles

2. Profile mounting. They need to be fixed on the end and connecting profiles. Additionally, it is recommended to fix the limiters. They should be placed at a distance of 2 cm from the edges.

   You can connect sheets with profiles or sealant

3. End protection. Side surfaces must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays with adhesive tape. Moreover, the upper part can be pasted over with ordinary tape, and the lower one - with perforated tape.

   The ends of polycarbonate must be sealed with adhesive tape

4. Material laying. After installing the frame, polycarbonate sheets should be mounted directly. This must be done in such a way that the joints are airtight. This will make the roof structure waterproof. Additionally, the seams can be finished with waterproofing mastic.
5. Fixing caps and plugs.

polycarbonate roof for garage

Separately, polycarbonate roofs for the garage are not erected. Most often, a full-fledged structure is constructed from this material, which can have a completely different shape. For installation of the structure it is necessary:

1. Remove part of the soil with a depth of 30–35 cm.
2. Install the formwork, which is recommended to be reinforced with props, and then cover the structure with a film. Additionally, you can insulate this building.
3. Make wells for poles with a depth of 1 m. The diameter of the wells can be 20 cm. In these holes you need to install poles that can be made from asbestos-cement pipes.
4. Now we need to prepare the site for the garage itself. It must be covered with sand, and it must be moistened and carefully compacted. Next, the site should be poured with cement mortar, and the pipes must also be poured. After that, plates must be installed in the pipes and the structure should be left to harden for several days.

   Asbestos-cement poles are suitable for the foundation of the garage

5. After the concrete has hardened, attach the bottom trim to the plates. To do this, it is recommended to take boards with a section of 15 * 5 cm. You need to fasten them to the edge at once, two pieces at a time.
6. Install wall studs.
7. Make the top harness.
8. Sheathe the entire structure with sheets of cellular polycarbonate.
9. Install vertical beams for the roof, on which you need to fix the rafters and the sheathing directly for the polycarbonate sheets.
10. Remove the film from the material.

    After installation from polycarbonate, it is necessary to remove the film

Terrace Polycarbonate Roof

For the roof of the terrace, you can use lighter polycarbonate, which is much cheaper, which means that the whole structure will be democratic.

The polycarbonate roof will give the right light to the terrace and protect it from the rain

Above the terrace, an arched roof is most often constructed. It's very easy to make it:

1. Make elements of the truss system. They can be made from metal or wood. Treat these elements with special compounds to protect against moisture.
2. Install the rafters on the top trim of the terrace. Self-tapping screws can be used for fastening.
3. Cut polycarbonate sheets into pieces of the required size.
4. Drill holes in the material for fastening. They are recommended to be installed every 30-40 cm. The diameter of the holes should be 3-5 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screws. This is necessary so that the polycarbonate is not damaged as a result of thermal expansion.

   You can not tighten the screws on polycarbonate too much

5. Attach a profile to the extreme rafter leg, insert the first sheet of polycarbonate into it. Remember that you need to mount them along, not across. It is necessary to fix polycarbonate sheets with special galvanized self-tapping screws, and it is necessary to protect the attachment point with thermal washers or rubber seals. This must be done, otherwise water will flow into the holes.

   Stiffeners must be placed along the rafters

6. The bottom of the material must be sealed with perforated tape, otherwise debris will accumulate in the cavities.

   For the ends, you can use regular and perforated tape

Video: installation rules for cellular polycarbonate

Polycarbonate Roofing Tool

Working with polycarbonate is possible only if a special tool is available:

1. Circular saw or grinder. This tool can only be used to cut thick polycarbonate. An even cut can be made if the sheet is fixed on two sheets of fiberboard, and the cut line must exactly coincide with the junction line of two fiberboard boards. Work can be carried out around metal with a diameter of 25 cm, while it is recommended to adjust the speed of rotation of the disk and set it to 4000 rpm. Before cutting, it is recommended to moisten the polycarbonate sheet with water, and after work, process the cut point with sandpaper with a fine fraction.

   To cut polycarbonate you will need a grinder or a jigsaw

2. Electric jigsaw. This tool is ideal for cutting polycarbonate if the roof is of complex shape. Moreover, you can work even with the thinnest material, it can be cut into several sheets at once. To do this, two boards should be laid on cardboard with a slight gap (no more than 5 mm). Lay a sheet of polycarbonate plastic on them and secure. To cut into a jigsaw, insert a carbide file for metal, and you need to choose one that has frequent and low teeth.

   Together with a jigsaw, you need to use a file with small, frequent teeth.

3. Stationery knife. When using this tool, the cut will be perfectly even, but you will not be able to make it quickly. And this is the only drawback. To cut a polycarbonate sheet, you need to make markings with a knife, laying it on a flat surface. Next, according to the markup, make an incision along the stiffener. Make a fold along the incision line, cut through the bottom layer of plastic. In the case of cutting monolithic polycarbonate, this procedure can be carried out without bending, it is enough to draw a knife along the guide.

   It will take a long time to cut polycarbonate with a clerical knife

4. Hacksaw. This tool is recommended to be used only if there is no other tool at hand and there is no way to get it. If careless actions can easily damage the sheet. If, nevertheless, there is no other way out, then you need to fix the polycarbonate sheet, make an incision according to the markings made earlier, and then process the edges with a clerical knife and sandpaper.

   A hacksaw is not the best tool for cutting polycarbonate

5. Cutters. Use this tool if you want to get an openwork pattern on a plastic sheet. With it, you can round corners, cut edges, cut curved elements, engrave. To do this, you need to fix the polycarbonate sheet on a flat surface, install the cutter in a manual machine, insert the roller from above. When cutting curved shapes, you need to prepare cardboard stencils in advance. Additionally, you need to take care of the timely removal of sawdust, as they can damage the material itself. To do this, you can install a fan, which during operation will immediately blow them off.

It is strictly forbidden to use secateurs, guillotine knives, blades with high teeth. This will not give you the desired result. The cut will be wavy, and it will be very difficult to mount such a sheet. Also, in no case should you make an incision and then break the sheet. Such a cut will be uneven.

Video: how to cut cellular polycarbonate

Polycarbonate roofing rules

When arranging a roof made of polycarbonate plastic, certain rules must be followed:

• sealing of seams can be carried out exclusively with neutral compositions; polyurea is ideal for this;
• polycarbonate sheets have a special coating against ultraviolet radiation, it must be directed upwards for the protection to work;
• holes for self-tapping screws can be made not round, but oval, so thermal play will be provided;
• when installing the roof, it is necessary to exclude the walking of a person on the material;
• metal parts are recommended to be pre-painted white, this will not allow polycarbonate to heat up locally;
• it is necessary to exclude direct contact of polycarbonate plastic with wood and metal; rubber gaskets must be laid between these materials.

polycarbonate roof slope

There are features in the arrangement of the crate, which is able to set the roof to the required slope. The minimum slope should be 30 degrees. Despite the fact that the material is considered durable, it is still not able to withstand heavy snow loads. The optimal value is the number 50.

Polycarbonate roof should be as steep as possible

The calculation of the parameter largely depends on the climate of your area. The more snow falls in a year, the steeper the roof should be. In this case, an arched structure is considered ideal, which practically does not retain snow on its surface. And if you take into account the even surface of the material, then even an angle of 30 degrees is sometimes enough.

Features of mounting a polycarbonate roof

The service life of a polycarbonate roof depends not only on the material used, but also on the correct installation.

Polycarbonate Roof Sealing

Sealing the seams and ends of polycarbonate is a very important step in arranging a plastic roof. There are different sealants that can be used when working with polycarbonate:

Errors when installing a polycarbonate roof

Despite the ease of installation of polycarbonate sheets, some errors may still occur:

1. The crate is incorrectly selected, its inconsistency with the thickness of the polycarbonate. The distance between the rafters must be strictly observed and not be unnecessarily large. The result of this may be the deflection of the sheets and their damage.
2. The use of aluminum profiles as load-bearing. Not all of them are able to cope with such a load. That is why you need to fasten the sheets to the rafters.
3. Strong fixation of self-tapping screws. As a result of this, when exposed to the sun, the sheet expands and breaks, since there is no margin for this.
4. No thermal washers or rubber gaskets. Because of this, at the junction, the sheet of polycarbonate plastic may be damaged.
5. The protective transport film has not been removed. If this is not done immediately after installation, it will gradually peel off during the operation of the roof and spoil its appearance.

Features of the operation of the polycarbonate roof

Polycarbonate is a durable material, but only if the structure based on it is used correctly. After installing a polycarbonate roof, you need to ensure its proper care:

1. In the summer, periodically wipe the roof, timely eliminate structural violations, if they appear, and clean from dirt and debris. But in no case should abrasive chemicals or powder be used to clean the surface. It is possible to wash the roof only when the material is not heated by the sun.
2. Periodically adjust the pressure level of the thermal washers.
3. In winter, remove snow, but in no case scrape it off with hard objects, as this may violate the integrity of the polycarbonate.

It is strictly forbidden to clean the surface of the roof with products intended for cleaning cars. This also applies to special shampoos, and brushes with long handles.

Polycarbonate roof should be cleaned in time

The lifespan of a polycarbonate roof

The average service life of polycarbonate is considered to be a period of 10 years, but it can be significantly increased if the rules are carefully followed:

• storage before installation (this should be done in a well-heated room in factory packaging and a protective film, and the packages should not be stacked close to each other);
• transportation (it is possible to transport only in the lying position in the factory packaging, while they must be carefully fixed);
• installation;
• operation.

Polycarbonate Roof Repair

It is possible to extend the life of a polycarbonate roof if structural violations and repair work are eliminated in a timely manner. They may consist either in replacing the damaged sheet, or in eliminating the broken integrity of the sheet, if the crack is minor.

If a small crack or hole has formed on the sheet, then they can be:

• seal with silicone sealant (it can be matched to the color of the material itself);
• tighten with thermal washers and self-tapping screws.

In the event that the damage is significant, it is worth replacing the damaged sheet with a new one. You need to do this in the following sequence:

1. Remove the damaged sheet in such a way that the adjacent material is not damaged.
2. Remove the sealant from the rafters, then apply a new layer.
3. Lay a new sheet of polycarbonate, in advance you need to make holes for fasteners on it. Fix with self-tapping screws, insulating them with thermal washers.

In the event that the edge sheet is to be replaced, the operation scheme is almost the same, but the material must be inserted into the restrictive profile.

Video: replacing old polycarbonate on the roof

Polycarbonate is a very reliable and practical material that can be used to equip the roofs of gazebos, greenhouses, terraces, canopies and even residential buildings. And all because of the attractive cost and the ability to do the installation yourself.

Polycarbonate is widely used today in the construction industry. The material is produced by melting plastic granules and passing the resulting mass through a special form - a spinneret. As a result of this technology, sheets are obtained that have a cellular structure, in which several polycarbonate sheets are connected by means of longitudinal stiffeners. Polycarbonate is credited with universal qualities; it is an optimal substitute for glass in the modern construction industry. Consider the features of the application and installation in this article.

One of the areas of application of this material is the installation of roofs. The material is suitable for the installation of roof structures of various shapes. It can be a gable, single-pitched polycarbonate roof or a hipped one.
Polycarbonate can cover not only the roof of a dwelling, because. it is also suitable for the terrace. He will make her more comfortable and cozy. The terrace area increases the usable area of ​​the house and at the same time allows you to enjoy a good outdoor recreation. The roof of the terrace should be a continuation of the architectural ensemble of the main building. Mostly she builds without an attic. The main function of a terraced roof is to protect the site from the bright sun and rain. Polycarbonate will successfully cope with this task.

Polycarbonate roofs. A photo:

Varieties of polycarbonate

You can make a polycarbonate roof from two of its varieties:

1. Monolithic type material is used for arranging roofs of curved and flat shapes. Such polycarbonate has significant advantages, the number of which is not inferior to glass. But at the same time, it also has a drawback that prevents its widespread use - this is a high cost.
2. Structured polycarbonate, which is also called cellular, is more affordable financially and therefore has gained great popularity. This material is also called light-transmitting plastic. The roof, made on its basis, will allow you to stay on the terraced area in hot weather and not feel discomfort from the sun's rays.

Advantages of polycarbonate material:

• high rates of thermal insulation;
• light weight, which simplifies the installation process;
• elasticity, thanks to which you can independently mount arched ceilings without the help of specialists;
• resistance to various chemical influences;
• long period of operation - up to 20 years;
• low flammability - the material is able to restrain the spread of fire in the event of a fire;
• the ability to maintain operational properties at temperatures from -40ºС to +120ºС.

Which polycarbonate roof to choose?

High-quality polycarbonate is produced on the basis of primary granulate. But there are technical conditions that allow the manufacturer to add secondary raw materials to the products. The content of the last component can reach 70% of the total mass of polycarbonate sheets. Such material can be distinguished by its low cost, but at the same time it also has low performance. A visual inspection will help determine the quality of the product:

1. A quality sheet has an absolutely smooth surface.
2. If bubbles, inclusions or other defects are observed on the surface of the material, it is not recommended to purchase such polycarbonate.
3. Also in the selection process, the weight of the sheets should also be guided. Roof polycarbonate, which is 0.4 cm thick, should weigh 0.8 kg. The mass of sheets 1 cm thick is 1.7 kg.
4. On sale you can find products labeled "light", which indicates that the weight of the material is 15% less than the established norm. When working with these sheets, standard methods for determining atmospheric loads cannot be used. The situation is complicated by the fact that not all manufacturers put this label. You can distinguish such material by its low cost.
5. When purchasing without fail, you need to pay attention to the presence of a protective film. Its function is to protect sheets from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. If polycarbonate does not have this coating, it will lose its performance characteristics without even serving for one year.
6. Film thickness should also be taken into account. If this indicator does not exceed 35 microns, the material will last no more than 5 years. With a thickness of 60 microns, the sheets will retain their properties for 10 years.
7. You can determine the thickness of the protective coating by reading the certificate that is attached to the product. It's impossible to do this visually.

In general, according to quality indicators, the material is divided into 4 categories:

• "premium", which is able to serve for 20 years;
• "elite" - the period of service is about 12 years;
• "optimal" - retains performance for 10 years;
• "economical" - will last for 5-8 years.

1. Polycarbonate requires special storage conditions. It should only be kept in a dry area.
2. Before installation, it is recommended to seal the cells with adhesive aluminum tape or a sealing agent. This will help prevent the accumulation of dust and moisture.
3. If condensation is found inside the material, it can be removed by blowing the sheets with compressed air.
4. Before installation, it is not necessary to remove the protective coating from the surface.
5. Polycarbonate should not be covered with polyester or metallized film, since condensation will form as a result of the contact of these materials. As a result, the film and sheets will lose performance.
6. Do not step on polycarbonate during installation work. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to the formation of cracks on the surface of the material. For movement, special ladders should be equipped on the crate or rafters.
7. A polycarbonate roof cannot be completely flat. The minimum allowable slope should be 5%.
8. If the material is inserted into frames, the coefficient of linear expansion must be taken into account when designing their size. This indicator is determined based on the thickness of the sheet.
9. When working with the material, you may encounter the need to use not whole sheets, but individual fragments. This task is easily solved. Polycarbonate sheets lend themselves well to cutting, welding, gluing, drilling. For cutting, a jigsaw, hand saw or hacksaw is used, and for forming holes, an automatic or manual drill equipped with a metal drill is used.
10. Polycarbonate makes it possible to install roofs of non-standard shapes. For this purpose, cold, vacuum and thermal forming methods are used. During transportation and storage of the material, mechanical impact should be avoided.

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof must be made so that you can freely remove the snow cover from its surface. Also, the design must have sufficient strength. The roof can be given a wide variety of shapes. Initially, the frame is mounted on which the sheets are installed. For frame construction, profile elements made of steel, aluminum or polycarbonate are used.

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

Polycarbonate profiles are divided into two types: detachable and one-piece. There are cavities inside the polycarbonate material. 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 material may be deformed during operation.

How to cover the roof with polycarbonate with your own hands

For installation you will need:

• boards;
• bars with a section of 40-60 mm;
• a hammer;
• axe;
• nails, screws, screws;
• saw;
• building level;
• screwdriver;
• scotch;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• mastic.

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

1. Work begins with the installation of a frame structure. For this purpose, one of the three types of profiles described above can be used.
2. The sheets have a standard width of 2.10 m. The space between the beams should not exceed 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 junction of the sheets is in the central part of the bar.
3. The next step after the installation of the rafters is the installation of the frame. In the case of using metal profiles, the end sides of the cut sheets must be sealed with adhesive tape. This will prevent debris and moisture from getting into the grooves.
4. When using a polycarbonate profile, this measure is not necessary, since these profile elements are initially equipped with a special film. It prevents the penetration of various contaminants into the cells of the sheet, which have opened due to trimming.
5. If the profile is collapsible, installation is performed in the following order:

• initially, the profile parts are attached to the bars with the lower part;
• after which polycarbonate is mounted, on which the upper part of the frame structure is installed.

1. A non-separable type profile is immediately attached to the rafters using self-tapping screws. On these fasteners, after 20-30 cm, thermal washers are located, to which polycarbonate sheets will be mounted.
2. There are two ways to cover the roof with polycarbonate. The first provides for a point method, in which fixation is carried out after 30 cm.
3. According to the second, fixing profiles are used. The area of ​​​​the seams must be treated with mastic. There is an inscription on the sheets. They should be placed on the frame so that the side with this inscription is directed upwards. A compensation space of 5 mm is left between the sheets. Then the profile covers are fixed and the plugs are attached.
4. Limiters are installed from the edges of the profile elements, which are fixed with rivets.
5. At the last stage, the side parts and the surface of the sheets are pasted over with adhesive tape. This will help protect the material from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. For this purpose, ordinary tape is suitable. The lower part also needs a protective coating. In this case, you will need perforated tape, which will prevent the penetration of insects into the cavities.

Rules for cutting and drilling

Cutting sheets into fragments must be done as carefully as possible to avoid damage to the upper protective layer. This procedure is carried out using a circular saw or electric jigsaw. It is important to choose the optimal speed. Cutting too slowly will cause chipping. Excessively high speed will cause overheating and melting of the polymer. Sheets should not vibrate when cutting, this will lead to the appearance of microcracks.

If fastening is carried out by means of self-tapping screws, holes must first be prepared in the sheets, the diameter of which should be 1-2 mm larger than the size of the fasteners. To do this, use a drill for non-ferrous metals. Self-tapping screws can not be twisted to the maximum. Sheets in conditions of temperature differences will move. A polycarbonate roof for a terrace should be installed taking this condition into account.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate refers to innovative materials and has been used in the construction industry relatively recently. But at the same time it is already actively used. This material is used for various purposes, one of which is the installation of roofs. It has all the properties required for a roofing material. Installation of polycarbonate sheets does not require qualified knowledge. You can do it yourself, after reading the instructions.

Polycarbonate roof. Video:

It has been known as a building material in developed countries since 1960, at present the world 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 car sheds 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 to cover roofs for various purposes. All of them have their individual differences.

Table. Types of polycarbonate for roofing

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 a different design, complemented by special details. But these changes do not affect their main purpose and technology of use. High-quality without the use of connecting and decorative elements is impossible.

Advantages of polycarbonate coatings

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

1. High strength with low specific weight. 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, the bulk density is 16 times less than glass and 3 times less than acrylic materials.

   

2. Low thermal conductivity. Due to this property, it is possible to reduce heat losses by about 30-50% in comparison with other types of roofing. Considering the high cost of heat carriers at present, this is a very important advantage; it is widely used during the design of greenhouses, indoor 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 makes it possible 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 of -40°С…+120°С. In this range, polycarbonate retains its original physical characteristics.

   

4. chemical inertness. The coating is not afraid of contact with aggressive chemical compounds, it can be used in urban areas with a lot of smog. According to fire safety, the material is considered flame-retardant and self-extinguishing.

   

5. Manufacturability. Polycarbonate slabs are easy to cut and process, they can bend, do not crack during an accidental fall. Installation work does not require the use of special expensive tools and fixtures. The coating is carried out quickly, the influence of climatic conditions is minimal.

   

Polycarbonate can 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 are purchased. Tools must be prepared, a work plan drawn up.

Cutting and drilling

Given the thickness, the sheets can be cut with an ordinary sharp mounting knife, an electric jigsaw, a portable circular saw or a grinder. The type of tool is recommended to be selected taking into account the thickness of the sheet and the amount 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 stiffeners 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 should be sharp, located at right angles to the surface.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

End sealing

The technology applies only to 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 cells. You have to either put up with the current situation, or completely change the roof.

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

Sheet Orientation

The main condition is that a special protective layer against ultraviolet rays should be located on the front side. Polycarbonate itself reacts very negatively to UV radiation. The duration of operation is increased by a special film, but it is very expensive and, in order to reduce the cost of the material, it is glued on only one side. It is on this side that there is also a protective plastic 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

For fixing the roof, it is recommended to use special self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Such elements eliminate the possibility of leakage and at the same time compensate for thermal expansion. It is strictly forbidden to use ordinary nails or self-tapping screws, tighten the fastener strongly, and do not leave gaps at the joints of the sheets.

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 interconnected in two ways:

• with the help of one-piece profiles;
• with split profiles.

Wall profiles are used at junctions with vertical walls. In each case, the master must make a separate decision on the optimal method of sealing. 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 correct assembly. In the required quantity, special screws and sealing washers, end and side profiles, sealing tapes, etc. should be purchased. It is strongly recommended that you carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and follow his 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 should 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 master to move along the already installed roof.

Step 1. Prepare the plates of the required dimensions, unscrew the protective polyethylene film with the manufacturer's logo around the entire perimeter from the outside and carefully glue the end sealing tape. Close open honeycombs with end profiles, firmly seat them in place. When adjusting the position, it is better to strike with your hand, but the use of a rubber mounting hammer is also allowed.

When cutting slabs for arc coating, it must be borne 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 it is not possible, then cut off the sheets with a margin. Exact adjustment of dimensions will be performed after mounting the sheets on the frame. Keep in mind that the length of the connecting profiles on the arch frame is greater than the length of the slabs.

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

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

Step 4 After fixing the first polycarbonate sheet, attach the 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, under it there is a special layer that prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching polycarbonate.

Important. Do not leave plastic film on surfaces for long periods of time, it is difficult to remove over time. And the remnants of the film have a negative impact on the appearance of the structure.

Prices for popular models of laser levels

Laser level

Is it possible to mount polycarbonate in winter?

This question worries a large number of developers. They want to shorten the construction time as much as possible by performing some roofing work in the winter. Moreover, manufacturers allow this option for mounting polycarbonate.

1. It is difficult to predict the magnitude of thermal expansion. For example, if the dimensions of the gap between the plates at sub-zero temperatures are left within 1–2 mm, then in the summer there is a high probability of warping of the coating.
2. Reduced plasticity parameters. Plates become brittle, harder to cut and drill. In addition, the installation of the coating on semicircular structures is much more complicated.

Thermal expansion is an important factor to consider when installing

A well-installed coating will be used without problems for a long period of time. For periodic cleaning of surfaces from accumulated dirt, ordinary detergents should be used. Acids, alkalis, chlorine and ammonia are prohibited. During care, all measures should be taken to prevent mechanical damage to the protective film.

Video - Roofing polycarbonate

Installation of roofing polycarbonate does not require professional skills and special equipment. Even a novice master will be able to cope with the installation of this material, the main thing is to carefully read the instructions. You can read about how to independently make a polycarbonate roof for a terrace.