Cellular polycarbonate is a sheet of partially transparent cellular material made from complex chemical polyester compounds with the participation of dihydric alcohol catalysts. To put it simply, it is a material made of transparent, durable and flexible plastic. Today we will look at how the roof of a house made of cellular polycarbonate is installed.

Cellular polycarbonate

To address this issue, a more complete understanding of what it is is required. cellular polycarbonate. Structurally, a sheet of cellular polycarbonate consists of two parallel sheets, between which vertical solid partitions are located at equal intervals. Sheets of cellular polycarbonate are made by extrusion - mechanical pressing of a semi-liquid viscous mixture of polyester compounds.

Standard sheet thickness varies from 4 to 32 mm, and standard sheet width and length are 2100 by 6000 mm or 2100 by 12000 mm. Although the material is classified as transparent, during its production polymer dyes are introduced into the main composition, making it possible to obtain cellular polycarbonate with blue, green, cyan, turquoise and aquamarine tints of color.

It must be said that the production of cellular polycarbonate is closely related to the production of monolithic polycarbonate. The composition of the materials is approximately the same; monolithic polycarbonate differs from cellular polycarbonate, first of all, in its solid structure and relatively high rigidity. It has a smaller bend radius, and due to the solid structure, it weighs much more. Monolithic polycarbonate is made with sheet thickness from 2 to 12 mm. The standard sheet size is 2050 by 3050 mm.

The use of cellular polycarbonate in private suburban construction

Given their low weight, good flexibility and high strength, cellular polycarbonate sheets are widely used in the construction of semicircular and flat roofs.

Porch for the house, assembled from cellular polycarbonate
Roof of a house made of cellular polycarbonate

Roofs made of cellular polycarbonate are made both over residential buildings and installed during the construction of greenhouses, verandas, terraces and open parking lots for vehicles.

How to build a house roof made of cellular polycarbonate

The basis for a cellular polycarbonate roof is a system of arched or straight rafters mounted on vertical supports or longitudinal supports, depending on the area and design of the roof.

When calculating the roof, the following factors must be taken into account:

• Standard sheet size and the most economical cutting;
• Thermal change in sheet size at maximum annual temperature;
• Maintaining the strength and desired shape of sheets when exposed to gusty winds and possible load from fallen snow;
• Permissible bending radius of the sheet with a pre-calculated radius of the semicircular roof;
• Number of mounting and fastening elements for polycarbonate sheets - joining and end profiles, thermal washers and self-tapping screws.

Sheet dimensions and location of load-bearing rafters

Knowing that a standard sheet has dimensions of either 210x600 cm or 210x1200 cm, the arrangement of the rafters is calculated in such a way that the joints between solid sheets fall directly on the path of the rafters, and when cutting the sheets there is a minimum amount of waste. It is optimal to mount the rafters in increments of either 70 cm or 140 cm. In this case, you should not be afraid of such a spacing as 140 cm, since transverse beams will also be mounted on the rafters, and the total weight and load of the sheet is very insignificant.

Sheets of cellular polycarbonate at their joints are attached to the rafters. For this purpose, a special profile is used that takes into account the temperature deformations of polycarbonate.

Due to its flexibility, cellular polycarbonate allows you to build arch-shaped structures. Arched rafters are used for their construction. You can read about the technologies for assembling and installing such rafters in a special article: Arched rafters - assembly and installation technology.

Thermal change of polycarbonate sheets and associated calculations

The thickness of the rafters, both wooden and metal, depends on the thermal change properties of the sheet. During a hot sunny day, cellular polycarbonate expands slightly when heated, and when the temperature drops, it returns to its original size. Taking into account this property of the material, the sheets are attached to the rafters or sheathing not with a rigid installation, such as metal tiles, but with self-tapping screws or bolts with thermal washers.

thermal washer for mounting cellular plycarbonate

Structurally, a thermal washer is a gasket for a fastening screw or bolt with a cover located at the top. When installing polycarbonate sheets, the hole for fastening in it is made 2-3 times larger in diameter than the diameter of the mounting screw. When the sheet narrows or expands, its mounting hole in any case remains covered with a thermal washer. However, given that the diameter of the holes in the sheets can reach 10-15 mm, the beams for joining two adjacent sheets must have an appropriate width with a margin.

The coefficient of thermal expansion of cellular polycarbonate is in the range of 0.065-0.072. This means that when the temperature changes from -30° to +30°, one meter of polycarbonate will increase by 3.90-4.32 mm.

If a pitched roof is being erected on wooden straight rafters, then a edged board with a width of 80x100 mm. That is, to join two sheets, the initial width of the rafter edge of 40 mm is approximately doubled. When installing a semicircular roof on wooden prefabricated rafters, as a rule, the upper surface of the rafters does not need to be expanded, since the prefabricated arched wooden rafters themselves have a rib thickness of more than 100 mm.

The ability of sheets to resist wind and physical stress

If you plan to install a single-pitched or gable roof covered with cellular polycarbonate, then the angle of the rafters should be at least 5 degrees. With this angle, rainwater will not accumulate on it. An angle of 25-30° at which snow bags can form is not recommended. The optimal angle for snow rolling is 45-50°. It should be taken into account that with a large angle of inclination, there will be a significant load on the surface of the polycarbonate in strong winds, which can negatively affect the service life of the roof.

During installation arched roof Sheets made of cellular polycarbonate are mounted with a certain bending radius, so their resistance to loads due to tension increases on its own.

For example, if, when sheathing an arched roof, you use a sheet 10 mm thick and bend it, giving it a bend radius of 200 cm, then the sheet will either burst or become deformed during a thermal change. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to either use sheets of greater thickness, or initially calculate the bending radius of the rafters for sheets of a certain thickness. A small bending radius contributes to the formation of microcracks, which lead to the resolution of the polycarbonate, so it is recommended to make the bending radius larger than the minimum.

Length of connecting and end profile

When designing, they try to place the connecting profile longitudinally to the roof rafters. A polycarbonate sheet is also placed longitudinally along the slope or arc of the arch. By counting the number of whole sheets, it is not difficult to calculate the total length of the joining profile between them. The length of the end profile is calculated based on the transverse length of the slope or arc of the arch. An aluminum blind profile is used as the upper end profile, and the lower edge of the polycarbonate is covered with self-adhesive perforated aluminum tape. The holes on the lower end tape are necessary for the timely release of condensate from the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet.

Comparison of buildings using cellular polycarbonate with buildings made of other materials

If we compare cellular polycarbonate with roofing materials such as slate, metal tiles and corrugated sheets, then polycarbonate immediately wins in terms of such qualities as flexibility, light weight, transparency and ease of processing during installation.

Comparing cellular polycarbonate with piece roofing material, such as ceramic or bitumen tiles, is generally pointless, since these are materials with completely different technical properties. It is more appropriate to compare cellular polycarbonate with other sheet materials chemical industry, for example, with PMMA - polymethacrylic or PVC - polyvinyl chloride.

In general terms, houses built or roofed with cellular polycarbonate are distinguished by the following qualities:

• Less energy consumption due to partial natural light;
• Relatively low thermal conductivity of the roof due to cavities in the thickness of the polycarbonate;
• Minimum weight load on load-bearing walls and the foundation of the building;
• Faster and cheaper roof installation due to the dimensions of polycarbonate sheets;
• Relatively low price compared to houses covered with other roofing materials;
• A regular gable or single-pitch roof is easy to install yourself.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account some features of a polycarbonate roof. If there is no insulation under a half-carbonate roof, then in the summer the room under the influence of sunlight warms up excessively, and in cold weather it cools down faster. The greenhouse effect appears. Therefore, polycarbonate is often used in the construction of greenhouses.

If insulation is installed under polycarbonate, its advantage in light transmission is lost.

Another disadvantage of polycarbonate is cracking or individual cracks when the temperature changes. This is due to large temperature deformations of the material itself.

Thus, cellular polycarbonate has a wide range of applications due to its distinctive characteristics: light transmission, strength, low price and good weather resistance.

How to build a house roof from cellular polycarbonate

The roof of a house made of cellular polycarbonate is a technology for installing structures for a house made of cellular polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate roofing for home, balcony, veranda

Is it possible to cover the roof of a residential building or greenhouse with polycarbonate, how to do it correctly? The answer is very simple: polycarbonate today is a high-quality building material, which is successfully used for the construction of canopies, greenhouses, sliding and stationary roofs of terraces, and residential buildings.

Diagram of the correct installation of polycarbonate for an arched roof.

Advantages of the material and its disadvantages

In order to cover a roof with polycarbonate, you do not need to have any special knowledge; this material is light and attractive, perfectly transmits light, cutting off harmful radiation. This makes it the most optimal for installation on greenhouses, as awnings on balconies, sliding and ordinary roofs of residential buildings.

Among the advantages it should be noted:

• the possibility of obtaining diffused light with ultraviolet protection;
• light weight, which greatly simplifies installation;
• high thermal insulation characteristics;
• sound, heat, hydro, vapor barrier properties;
• low flammability;
• smoothness of the surface, which prevents precipitation from accumulating;
• simple processing.

The only disadvantages are excessive flexibility and fragility, that is, you need to be careful when transporting. Polycarbonate is like glass: it can break if dropped.

Stages of installation of a polycarbonate roof

Point mounting of polycarbonate.

Today, polycarbonate roofing is a completely common sight that no longer surprises anyone. Such roofs have different shapes, they are very durable and reliable. For installation, you just need to build a lightweight frame made of aluminum, steel or polymer, to which the roofing sheets are attached using self-tapping screws. Special requirements There is no need for such roofs; they can be quickly installed with your own hands. The installation steps are not difficult even for beginners.

Basic tools you will need:

• drill, square, tape measure;
• building level, without which it is difficult to level the frame;
• electric jigsaw and screwdriver.

We choose the material and make a fashionable design

Polycarbonate is used to cover the roof of a wide variety of buildings, but most often it can be seen on sheds and during the construction of greenhouses.

Today manufacturers offer large selection such material, but it is necessary to choose the one that best suits the requirements of the roof.

There are several groups of polycarbonate, the quality of which depends on the manufacturing features and properties:

1. Economy This material, which has a service life of five to eight years, can be used when small greenhouses are made in summer cottages.
2. Standard. Its optimal service life is up to ten years and can be used in the construction of sheds, large greenhouses, and garages.
3. Elite The service life is up to twelve years; such a polycarbonate roof can be installed even near a residential building.
4. Premium Service life up to twenty years. This is a high-strength, reliable material that is excellent for the construction of any roof.

Installation of the rafter system

A polycarbonate roof must be strong and reliable, but for this it is necessary to prepare a foundation - a rafter system. Before making a polycarbonate roof, you need to take into account that the sheets have a standard size with a width of 210 cm. Do not forget about the temperature gap of 5 mm; trimming with a well-planned scheme will not be necessary.

Greenhouse rafters are made from wooden beam or a metal profile, which have a cross-section of 40 by 60 mm. These are optimal sizes that guarantee reliability and stability. When laying the sheets, the joint should be in the middle of each beam, so we calculate the pitch especially carefully. The stages of constructing a truss structure for a greenhouse are:

• first, the rafters are attached in increments of 1.04 meters, and in the center - 1.01 meters (strictly between the central axes);
• after this, the end and connecting profiles are fastened to the rafters using rivets at a distance of 2 cm from the edge;
• to protect plates on side surfaces Attached with regular tape.

Herself truss structure it is built taking into account factors such as the size of the roof, the required loads on the surface, and the shape of the roof itself.

Fastening frame profiles

Most often, polycarbonate is used to cover the surface of a greenhouse or for canopies, but it can also be used for the roof of a residential building. In any case, all fastenings must be reliable and of high quality, and the frame for the sheets must be durable. Experts recommend using an aluminum profile that meets all requirements. When choosing a profile, you must ensure that its thickness matches the thickness of the sheet itself.

You need to attach it to the beams with your own hands, use special devices no need. The fixed profile for the roof is fixed using self-tapping screws or thermal compensation washers, the fastening spacing is 30 cm.

The collapsible roof profile is installed in stages. To begin with it is screwed in bottom part frame, then the top - as the polycarbonate sheets are fixed. During installation, we should not forget that the installation of the profile with your own hands is carried out using its various modifications: connecting, ridge, end, internal and external corners.

Cutting polycarbonate sheets

When making a polycarbonate roof, it is very important to correctly and accurately cut the sheets and drill holes for future fastening elements. If you do not follow all the rules, the sheet will simply crack.

Processing of cellular polycarbonate.

Do-it-yourself cutting can be done using a jigsaw or a circular saw; the tooth must be small, and the speed must be selected carefully. The fact is that too low a rotation speed can lead to chips on the material, and too high a speed can lead to overheating and melting of the polymer. Vibrations of polycarbonate should not be allowed, because they cause the formation of microcracks, leading to splitting of roof sheets.

When strengthening polycarbonate sheets, it is recommended to use special self-tapping screws, which allow for high-quality installation. In this case, carefully use your hand to drill holes in the fastening areas. The diameter of the holes should be 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the screw. This is necessary so that the polycarbonate does not crack as a result of thermal expansion.

Drilling work must be carried out on a flat, stable surface, using only sharp tools.

How to install and seal seams?

Before you begin installing polycarbonate roofing panels, it is necessary to seal their end parts. To do this, you should prepare waterproof aluminum tape, which is applied to the end, and a special vapor-permeable perforated tape is glued underneath, which perfectly protects the sheet from dust.

It must be remembered that complete sealing of all seams is unacceptable. This can lead to cracking of the material during installation and future use, which will cause leaks. This is especially dangerous when constructing a greenhouse, since it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature inside it.

Do-it-yourself installation of polycarbonate is carried out only using stiffening ribs, which have a vertical orientation. If the roof is rounded, then installation is carried out along a radius. The sheets must be secured using fixing profiles. If the width of one sheet is more than a meter, then fixation is carried out pointwise, using self-tapping screws.

During installation, this material lends itself well to cutting, drilling, gluing, and bending.

It is not allowed to tighten the fastening elements with tension, since the polycarbonate must retain some mobility. This is necessary due to the fact that with temperature changes, a polycarbonate roof can move slightly, that is, the sheet changes its size.

The sheet itself during installation (without removing protective film) is laid on the rafters or support profiles, after which it is screwed with self-tapping screws. For a greenhouse, the sheets must be laid in such a way that their short side faces the ground, this is especially true for arched structures.

Features of working with polycarbonate sheets

Laying polycarbonate roofing sheets with your own hands is one of the simplest processes, but you still need to observe some nuances:

• Before work, you should not remove the protective film; it is removed only after the installation is completed;
• in the case where moisture has accumulated inside the honeycomb, it can be easily removed by blowing the sheet with compressed air (you can use a regular vacuum cleaner);
• installation of polycarbonate does not involve covering it with polyester and metallized films;
• It is forbidden to walk on the surface of the sheets during work; special ladders must be installed for this;
• If a polycarbonate roof has complex shapes, then they can be achieved using cold, vacuum, thermal formation, and hot bending.

Today, a roof made of cellular or monolithic polycarbonate is the best option for many buildings. Thanks to the features and advantages, such durable materials can be used to cover the structure of any greenhouse, shed, garage, or balcony. Polycarbonate panels are also used, if desired, to build a light-transmitting roof or a special sliding structure for a residential building.

Installation of a roof made of this material is very simple; it includes installing rafters and special lightweight profiles, cutting polycarbonate and fastening sheets using special screws. Everything is extremely simple!

How to make a polycarbonate roof with your own hands?

Nowadays, polycarbonate roofs are relevant for houses, attics, terraces, and gazebos. All kinds of decorative elements, awnings, windows, and even entire pavilions are made from it.

Since the use of the material is very diverse, within the framework of one article it is worth deciding which polycarbonate will be discussed.

Types of polycarbonate

Monolithic polycarbonate. Available in flat or corrugated versions. Externally it is very similar to silicate glass, but is highly durable and lightweight. Elegant, unusual, and at the same time practical material for the roof! But so far this plastic is quite expensive.

For independent device For roofs of terraces, gazebos and much more, cellular polycarbonate is ideal. It is a cellular material consisting of two or more thin layers, connected under different angles stiffening ribs. Except yours affordable price, it has another advantage, which is important specifically for roofing material. This is the ability to diffuse direct sunlight. Thus, a polycarbonate roof for a terrace becomes not only luminous, light, aesthetic, but also very comfortable, because the scorching effect is no longer present.

Advantages of cellular polycarbonate:

• light weight
• temperature range – from +120 to - 40 ºС
• good fire performance
• elasticity - easy to make arches
• Service life with proper installation is up to 20 years
• high thermal insulation properties
• immunity to chemical influences
• Wide decorative possibilities in shape and color

Flaws:

• Significant thermal expansion (compensated by proper installation).
• The material itself is not resistant to UV radiation. In production, one side of the sheet is duplicated with a protective layer, which must not be damaged. Installation is carried out together with a protective film, which is removed immediately after installation.

Choosing the right material

Standard sheet dimensions are 2.1 x 6.1 m or 2.1 x 12.1 m.

Application depending on thickness:

• 4-6 mm is the thinnest and most fragile material. Used to cover greenhouses, greenhouses, small transparent inserts;
• 6-8 mm – canopies, polycarbonate roofs for gazebos, small outbuildings, etc.;
• 10 mm – vertical covering with good sound insulation
• 16 - 32 mm – used in case of increased roof load

The greater the thickness of the sheet, the higher its density, rigidity and less flexibility.

How to distinguish high-quality polycarbonate for roofing when purchasing?

• Perfect smooth surface free of bubbles, foreign inclusions and other defects.
• The weight of the sheet is standardized by manufacturers. 1 sq. m should weigh:

o 4 mm sheet - 0.8 kg;

o sheet 6 mm – 1.3 kg;

• Polycarbonate labeled “light” is a marketing ploy by some manufacturers. This is a material where the thickness or height of the partitions is reduced. Of course, it is unreliable under atmospheric loads. We have to take into account that due to the certain difficulty of identifying such discrepancies by eye, unscrupulous sellers may try to sell it instead of the standard one.
• The presence of a UV protective layer and its thickness. Without such protection, the roofing material will lose its properties very quickly. With a layer thickness of 60 microns, the service life of polycarbonate is 10 years. You can determine the thickness using the certificate.

Conventionally, based on quality, honeycomb material can be divided into:

• “premium” - service life 20 years;
• “elite” will last about 12 years;
• “optimum” – 10 years;
• “economical” – works for 5-8 years.

Connecting and fastening elements

A polycarbonate roof is installed using special profiles, fasteners, protective tapes, and sealant.

Connecting profiles

There are one-piece and detachable ones, the lower part of which is attached to the frame of the building. Then the ends of the sheets are inserted into it. After this, the seam is covered with an external strip that hides the fasteners. According to their purpose, profiles are divided into:

• connecting in one plane;
• end / end with drip and drainage channel for the lower cut (removing moisture accumulated in the combs)
• ridge

Made from polycarbonate and aluminum.

Polycarbonate profiles are used when it is necessary to maintain complete transparency of the roof. This profile is strong, but not load-bearing. But it bends perfectly.

Aluminum is useful if the polycarbonate roof has a complex configuration. Or if the region has strong wind or snow loads. Also suitable for the installation of cellular polycarbonate is a profile “facade system”, complete with a special decorative cover, painted in various colors according to the RAL standard. When using an aluminum profile in work, it is necessary to protect the polycarbonate from overheating with a special EPDM seal.

Ordinary self-tapping screws, when heated, can also damage the material. Therefore, special thermal washers made of elastomer are used. The most appropriate option in all respects is polycarbonate washers, equipped with an O-ring, which allows you to securely fix the sheet without squeezing it. Fastening with self-tapping screws is carried out using a screwdriver strictly vertically in relation to the plane of the sheet, and, most importantly, without pinching. Holes under the thermal washer cap should not be allowed.

Sealing tapes

Before installation, the cellular edge of the sheet, which will be located at the top of the building, is sealed with sealed tape, protecting it from dirt and moisture. All lower cells are covered with perforated adhesive tape to remove condensation from the cells. Then a U-shaped profile with pre-drilled holes is put on top of the tape.

You need to buy exactly the kind of transparent sealant that is suitable for working with polycarbonate. All joints are sealed to prevent the formation of condensation inside the sheet, from which the material loses its transparency.

Rules for working with cellular polycarbonate

• It is better to store in a dry place where there is no danger of condensation forming in the cells.
• You can work with polycarbonate at temperatures down to –5°C. If the air temperature is lower, there is a risk of chipping when cutting and fastening.
• In order to avoid deformation and unhindered internal ventilation at the site, the sheet should be oriented with internal grooves / stiffeners from top to bottom or parallel to the direction of the arched roof arc.
• The side with UV protection is covered at the factory with mounting film with inscriptions. This side should be facing up.
• For cutting, you can use a hand saw, a jigsaw, or a hacksaw. A cutting speed that is too slow will cause chipping, while a cutting speed that is too fast can melt the material. When cutting, the sheet should not vibrate to avoid the formation of microcracks.
• You cannot walk on a cellular polycarbonate roof. For ease of work, you need to organize flooring.
• The profile is fastened with thermal washers every 20-30 cm. You can make point fastening to the sheet with the same distance.
• The pitch between the rafters should be a multiple of the standard sheet width, and the connecting seams should be in the middle of the rafters.

Frame materials and roof shape

The frame is usually made of wood or metal. For example it could be wooden gazebo with a polycarbonate roof. The choice of one material or another will mainly determine the style of construction.

• A wooden structure made of bars and boards is suitable for a straight roof. The slope of the slope must be at least 6°. Transverse sheathing is usually laid on the rafters in increments of 40-50 cm. And the main roofing material is placed on it.
• A 40 mm board is suitable for supports and rafters. In order to bring the entire frame flush, a 50x20 block for transverse sheathing is laid with its end in the slots of the rafters.
• The frame is treated with bioprotective and fire retardant solutions. If necessary, it can be tinted or painted.
• Frames are made from metal for both straight and arched and domed roofs. Creating a dome requires quite complex calculations. It is better to entrust it to professionals.
• Aluminum is used for light buildings, steel for large structures with a large weight load. Arches of large radius are reinforced with struts, transverse stiffeners, and additional supports.
• If arched roundings are assumed, then in metal frame notches are made on opposite sides. After this, it is bent according to the template. In this case, the minimum bending radius of polycarbonate should be taken into account.

In general, if you know the listed features and the rules associated with them, doing a polycarbonate roof with your own hands is not at all difficult, and the result of the work will please you with its functionality and aesthetic appearance.

DIY polycarbonate roof

Sunlight is the main treasure of a summer day! If you spend a lot of time in your garden, you will probably appreciate the properties of polycarbonate as

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 geometries. To protect surfaces from harsh 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 without the use of connecting and decorative elements impossible.

Advantages of polycarbonate coatings

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

1. High strength with little 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, the volumetric mass is 16 times less than glass and 3 times less than 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 of 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 rooms.

   

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 funds 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 lot of smog. According to fire safety, the material is considered low-flammability 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 does not require the use of special expensive tools and devices. Coating is done quickly, impact climatic conditions minimal.

   

Can be coated with polycarbonate various types 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 covered with special, especially strong 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 are decorative elements at the bottom, it is recommended to drill small holes in them. Monolithic sheets do not have this problem.

Sheet orientation

The main condition is that a 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 slabs of the required dimensions, unscrew along the entire perimeter with outside protective plastic 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 becomes difficult to remove over time. And film residues have a negative impact 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 work in the winter. 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 are left within 1–2 mm, then in the summer there is a high probability of the coating warping.
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 craftsman 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.

Currently, new materials are appearing on the construction market, which immediately become popular due to their unique properties. This is exactly what polycarbonate is - a polymer material that has the highest degree of resistance to mechanical stress and temperature changes, which contributes to its widespread use, in particular in the construction industry.

Almost everything can be made from polycarbonate: fences, windows, gazebos, canopies, verandas, suspended ceilings. Moreover, today you can even build a roof from polycarbonate and, most importantly, you can do it yourself, since installation is not very difficult, but the result will please you. Arrange a transparent polycarbonate roofing it is possible above any structure, including above a residential building, a cold attic, above a balcony area, terrace, veranda - anywhere where natural light would be useful.

Properties of polycarbonate

Since any roof must meet certain requirements, the material for its installation must have the appropriate characteristics. Polycarbonate is one of those materials that have the necessary properties:

• transparency of the material, thanks to which it is possible to provide natural light through the roof, approximately as shown in the photo, for a longer time every day than through windows;
• excellent impact resistance that can withstand even large hail and other falling objects;
• impact resistance and absence of chips and splinters in case of possible damage;
• low degree of flammability and combustion resistance. In addition, even near an open fire, when the material melts, it does not emit harmful compounds;
• good performance in sound and thermal insulation properties;
• light weight of the material, making polycarbonate panels easy to deliver to the construction site, easy to process, do all the installation work, create fairly light polycarbonate roofs with your own hands, expanding the possibilities of design desires, and all this at a not so high cost;
• unique flexibility of the material, allowing you to create various architectural forms of any level of complexity. Moreover, polycarbonate bends perfectly in one direction, but in the opposite direction it is quite rigid. This allows it to withstand any serious loads;
• high load-bearing capacity;
• retains all its properties in the temperature range from +125 to - 45 degrees, therefore it will serve equally in the summer heat and at the lowest temperatures in winter;
• lends itself to any type of processing: gluing, bending, drilling, cutting, thanks to which the structure will be reliable and durable, the main thing is that the angle of inclination of the flat roof is so sufficient that snow cannot linger on the surface;
• relatively low cost;
• long service life, which, depending on the quality and thickness of the material, ranges from 7-8 to 25 years.

Design Features

Polycarbonate structures can be erected in a variety of shapes: flat, but with an angle of inclination so that rainwater can flow freely. In addition, you can make top part houses in the form of a pyramid, a prism, a dome, a hemisphere - there are simply no restrictions on the imagination of the owners of the house.

Important to know: To give the roof the required form, you must first make a base frame on which the roof surface will then be mounted.

When building a polycarbonate roof with your own hands, you can create the foundation from profiles made of aluminum or steel material. If you want to create a completely transparent building surface, you can purchase ready-made polycarbonate profiles and then the roof will not have any visible connections. This option allows you to create an original roof that seems to be floating above the building.

Required tools and materials

Before you plan to build any structure, you need to take care of purchasing the necessary materials. In this case - polycarbonate plates. Depending on their quality, they are divided into several types:

1. The most affordable and economical option, but it will last from 5 to 8 years.
2. Optimal polycarbonate will last a couple of years longer. If you cover the roof with this type of material, you can not think about its repair and other types of maintenance for more than ten years, as happens on roofs made of other materials.
3. The service life of elite polycarbonate is slightly longer - 12-15 years.
4. Premium canvas has the longest service life; it will retain its appearance and properties for more than two decades.

The pricing of each type of polycarbonate material depends on the amount of recyclable materials added at the manufacturing stage, as well as on the size of the sheets and their thermal resistance indicators.

Tools required for work:

• plane, hammer;
• level or bar;
• sealant for filling voids and gaps;
• material for making a frame and subsequent laying of a polycarbonate roof with your own hands;
• tape for finishing ends;
• jigsaw, screwdriver, hacksaw;
• fastener Usually these are self-tapping screws with thermal washers.

DIY installation

The construction of a roof, like any other structure, begins with the preparation of a project or drawing, according to which the amount of material required for the work is calculated.

Installation of rafters

When installing a base under polycarbonate, you need to take only high-quality material, since the reliability of the operation of polycarbonate sheets and the appearance of the building depend on the strength of the rafters. Therefore, it is best to use a beam with a cross-section of 40-60 cm or a metal profile for the frame. The roof structure can be strengthened by installing additional bars, placing them in the transverse and longitudinal direction between the beams.

When installing the rafters, in order not to cut the panels again, you will have to take into account that the width of the polycarbonate sheets is 210 cm plus a 5 mm temperature gap on each side. Knowing these subtleties will help you correctly calculate the length for an arched or flat roof.

Profile fastening

When installing connectors and fasteners, you need to ensure that the profiles selected for the job are those that are intended for use on at this stage, there are models of profile products for sale for connecting operations, ridge, end, external and internal connections. In addition, the dimensions of any type of profile must match the thickness of the sheet. If the work will be performed on metal or aluminum profiles, then the end parts of the sheets must be sealed with tape.

The collapsible profile is attached in several stages - first the lower element, and then the panels are installed, and after them - the upper element of the profile.

Note: To install a non-separable profile, no additional preparations are made: the polycarbonate is placed on the finished frame and secured using a point method or with fixing profiles.

When building a polycarbonate roof, the material should be placed in honeycombs only vertically; if placed across, moisture will accumulate inside and the material will darken. If the roof is rounded, the edges of the honeycomb are directed along the radius.

Cutting polycarbonate

When cutting off excess material, you should work cutting tool, and this could be a jigsaw and circular saw, with sharp small teeth. The speed will have to be selected experimentally, since too high a speed leads to overheating of the polymer and its melting, and if it is too low, chips will form on the material. During operation, polycarbonate should not be allowed to vibrate; this can cause microcracks to form.

Drilling polycarbonate

When executing installation work Using self-tapping screws, before screwing them in, you need to make holes, the diameter of which should be 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the fastener.

Good to know: For the job, it is best to use a drill designed for non-ferrous metal.

But knowing how to make a roof from polycarbonate is not enough, you need to know how to secure it, you should never screw in the screws all the way, you need to leave room for the temperature play of the polycarbonate material.

And most importantly, for all types of work it is allowed to use only sharply sharpened tools and perform them only on a flat surface, while trying not to damage the protective film on the polycarbonate sheets. If it is removed earlier, debris or even very small plastic particles may get inside the hollow channels, which will then need to be removed either with compressed air or by shaking out the sheets themselves, which, given their size, is quite problematic.

To make a polycarbonate roof with your own hands, you need... If you put polycarbonate on the roof across the honeycomb, then inside there will be...

Building a lean-to polycarbonate roof: analysis of the nuances and subtleties of construction technology

In many of its qualities, modern polycarbonate roofing is not only not inferior to traditional pitched roof coverings, but even surpasses them! Lightweight, environmentally friendly, easy to install and light-diffusing. The fashion for the sky, which can be seen through the roof, already exists all over the world. We dreamed of such a ceiling in own home, favorite workshop or new veranda? Are you inspired by new architectural fads? Then all you have to do is figure out how a pitched roof under polycarbonate is constructed - and everything will work out! And you will be surprised how durable and aesthetically pleasing the roof will be, which will be no worse than the glossy samples from magazines about country construction.

Pros and cons of polycarbonate as a roofing material

You will be interested to know that such a popular and familiar polycarbonate was born completely by accident! One day, a German scientist mixed the ingredients needed for the experiment in a new way, and a dense transparent sediment settled at the bottom of the flask. This is where they began to make new translucent structures. They differed in that they weighed 6 times less than glass, but were stronger.

And modern roofing polycarbonate is valuable for the following qualities:

• Does not emit toxic substances.
• Does not support combustion, is difficult to ignite.
• It is light in weight.
• Simply cut and processed.
• Easily bends into the desired shape.
• Flexible and easily bears the weight of snow.
• It is heat-resistant and does not change its properties in hot weather and severe frost.
• Available in a variety of colors.

And as a material for a pitched roof it has the following additional advantages:

• Excellent sound absorption. That is why it is now actively used as an acoustic screen along busy highways - to reduce harmful noise for residential buildings. Those. under such a roof it will be not only warm, but also quiet.
• One side has a protective layer against ultraviolet radiation, and the other has reflective particles. Moreover, the material reflects up to 60% of sunlight, which significantly reduces the thermal load of the entire building in hot weather. This means that you won’t have to purchase air conditioners.
• Virtually indestructible: extreme impact resistance ranges from 900 to 1100 kJ/m2, while the strongest polystyrene has only 10 kJ/m2.

And in order to give roofing polycarbonate the necessary qualities, modern manufacturers cover the sheets with special films:

• Anti-condensation film. With such a coating, a shed roof under polycarbonate will not collect moisture on the inner surface.
• UV film. This type of UV protective coating protects the sheet from clouding and yellowing.

Ultraviolet protection is applied to polycarbonate using the co-extrusion method in the factory. And a new level of technical progress in this area is polycarbonate roofing sheets with double ultraviolet protection. They have the highest wear resistance - only 4 delta yellowing index units, compared to 10 for conventional sheets.

Of course, roofing polycarbonate has its disadvantages, some of which are quite serious:

• Collects static electricity.
• It is not always designed for the point pressure of the weight of the person doing the repairs.
• In the event of a fire, it melts and drips hot drops onto everything in the room.

But regarding the last point, we note that in the event of a fire, very little remains unharmed. Therefore, you should not refuse a fashionable polycarbonate roof because of this.

And we note that the quality and properties of roofing polycarbonate are getting better every day. New shades of toning appear and new additives are introduced that block the amount of glare, and as a result, the sunlight that passes through the sheet is cleaner. And what else is to come!

Types of modern roofing polycarbonate

But let's first figure out what kind of polycarbonate you can use for roofing.

Monolithic polycarbonate

Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid plate with a thickness of 2 to 12 mm. It is much stronger than glass, but at the same time much lighter, which is why it tops the rating of modern vandal-proof plastics.

Monolithic polycarbonate for roofing is produced in cast or corrugated form.

Profiled monolithic polycarbonate

Corrugation is a profile that we see in the form of a wave-like shape or a square outline. It's not only beautiful! A carefully selected profile makes this material 2-3 times stronger, plus rainwater rolls off much more easily. But attaching one to the roof is, of course, more difficult - you will have to use additional silicone supports.

Modern roofing polycarbonate sheets are produced mainly in three types of sections:

Moreover, working with corrugated polycarbonate is no more difficult than with cellular or monolithic ones.

Profiled monolithic polycarbonate has many more advantages than sheet polycarbonate:

• Higher strength, like a metal profile.
• Service life up to 30 years.
• High wear resistance.
• Transparency level up to 92%.
• Easy to install and handle.
• High plasticity.
• Light weight - only 1.7 kg per square meter.
• Wide range of colors.
• Resistance to temperature changes, burnout and adverse precipitation.

And finally, aesthetic appeal!

Individual corrugated sheets are produced in shades of gray, bronze, milky white and opal: these provide excellent protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. This means that under such a roof various materials will fade and deteriorate less.

Cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate, which is slightly less transparent than monolithic, is also valuable as a roofing covering. But it has an important function - ray scattering. You will choose just such a roof covering if, for example, you are building a winter garden or greenhouse: direct rays burn the delicate leaves of plants. The same applies to economic and storage facilities– not a single item will last under the scorching sun.

Diffused light is also considered more valuable due to the fact that it penetrates more into the dark corners of the room and does not give such nasty things as fungi and mold a chance to live there. But how does this happen? The fact is that monolithic polycarbonate has a holistic and transparent structure, and therefore the light beam that passes through it only slightly changes its angle, and that’s all. And a cell phone is made not only of horizontal planes - it has many vertical partitions. As a result, the passing beam is divided into thousands of smaller ones, each with its own angle. This is diffused light.

Cellular polycarbonate for roofs is produced today in the following types according to the type of internal structure:

• Single-chamber standard, with a thickness from 4 to 10 mm.
• Two-chamber standard, with sheet thickness of 16 mm.
• Reinforced, reinforced, but with a thickness of 4-6 mm.
• Four-chamber, with a sheet thickness of 25 mm.

Cellular polycarbonate consists of two panels, which are interconnected by stiffening ribs. Therefore, in fact, most of the cellular polycarbonate is air.

Internal stiffening ribs give polycarbonate special strength, thanks to which it can easily withstand severe wind and snow loads. Range extreme temperatures– within the range from -20° to +80°С. What other roofing covering boasts similar parameters?

Cellular polycarbonate, the honeycombs of which are filled with airgel, is a new type of product. It has high impact resistance and thermal insulation, which surpassed three-chamber double-glazed windows with argon.

Choosing the thickness of roofing sheets

Any polycarbonate is not suitable for you. The fact is that the construction market today offers PC sheets of various thicknesses - both for greenhouses and for glazing with increased load. Therefore, when choosing polycarbonate for a roof, proceed from what exactly you want to cover.

Sheets 4-6 mm thick are the most fragile. They are used for greenhouses and greenhouses, advertising stands and small translucent roof inserts:

Sheets 6-8 mm thick can already be safely used for the roof of a gazebo and a small outbuilding, awnings and glazing of the ends of a pitched roof. Working with it is as easy as shelling pears:

Polycarbonate 10 mm thick is usually used for vertical glazing in order to create a noise-absorbing barrier. This polycarbonate will be an excellent transparent wall in the attic under a pitched roof.

PC sheets with a thickness of 16 to 32 mm are used where there will be increased load: for the roofs of private houses, industrial premises and winter gardens. And for the roof of the house, of course, you will need polycarbonate with a thickness of 16 mm and above. But don’t think that it’s better for them to finish everything at once: both the ends and the complex parts. The fact is that the thicker the PC sheet, the denser and stiffer it is, and the greater the load it can withstand, but its flexibility has already been reduced significantly.

We don’t particularly take wind loads into account, because... The pitched roof has a low windage area.

What kind of rafter system is needed?

As rafters for a pitched polycarbonate roof, we advise you to use both wooden blocks and square and rectangular pipes. Here detailed master class such construction:

But remember that the minimum slope of a polycarbonate pitched roof is 10%.

Which fasteners and profiles to choose

Unlike ordinary, more traditional types of roofing, where everything is prosaic and the method of fastening is indicated by the manufacturer, you will have to tinker with polycarbonate. And first of all, you need to decide how exactly it will be more profitable to connect the sheets together.

Profiling systems

These are made from polycarbonate or aluminum. The profiling systems are two structural connecting elements that close the ends of the slabs using bolts and sealants. And today special profiles are sold for polycarbonate roofs:

• UP - end. Naturally, the ends of roofing sheets are sealed with this profile.
• PSK or PSB – connecting. They connect panels in the same horizontal plane.
• RP – ridge. They connect panels in a gable roof.
• HP – one-piece profile, which is used for mounting small planes and arches. Those. You will make such a fastening only once, and later you will not be able to remove it.
• SP and HCP are split profiles that are used for the installation of pitched roofs and their vertical parts.
• PT is an end profile for polycarbonate, which has an improved design. There is already a drip and a drainage channel, thanks to which the outflow of water is improved.

And all these profiles differ in the material from which they are made.

Polycarbonate profiles

Take polycarbonate ones if maximum transparency of the roof is vital for you and in no case should there be any shadows there. Quite life situation, by the way. In the modern world of design and architecture, for example, it has become fashionable to make the attic absolutely transparent, from where you can see everything - both the sky and the city. And inside, equip a personal office, a small gym for all family members, or a mini-bar for frequent get-togethers with friends.

Aluminum profiles in this case will look terrible - like prison bars, and, of course, will ruin the entire aesthetics. It is for such design whims that transparent polycarbonate profiles were developed, which are almost invisible. And at the same time, we note that they are quite durable:

Such profiles, of course, are not load-bearing, but they can be bent as easily as polycarbonate itself. Plus, they heat up under the sun much less than aluminum ones, while having additional ultraviolet protection.

Aluminum profiles

Aluminum profiles are indispensable if you plan to build an unusual or architecturally complex roof. Such profiles provide excellent tightness and meet all reliability requirements. Therefore, if snow and wind loads are above average in your area, it is better to use such a mount.

The advantages of an aluminum profile include its length - more than 6 meters. This means that you can easily use this profile for large structures, without any joints.

An aluminum profile “facade system” is also suitable for the roof. He has a special decorative cover, which covers the profile and thus masks the screws. The cover itself is factory painted in a color according to the RAL table, and therefore you can use both white and colored for the roof, adding bright accent design of the whole house.

But for aluminum profiles it will be necessary to use special EPDM seals, which will protect the roofing polycarbonate from transferring heat to the aluminum parts and protect against moisture getting inside. These seals are installed using a rubber hammer and a roller shutter.

Special thermal washers

Polycarbonate cannot be fixed with simple roofing screws - there are special thermal washers for this. What is their difference? The fact is that polycarbonate is a mobile material, subject to thermal expansion and contraction. And under ordinary self-tapping screws, the fastening points will eventually become covered with cracks, which will gradually increase:

All these rubber spacers and neoprene discs are necessary to ensure that the cellular polycarbonate does not get squeezed. If this happens, then rain or melt moisture will easily get inside the panel, and this is already a round of new problems.

Note that the lion's share of special seals that are used are made of elastomer. This material behaves well in terms of thermal expansion and ensures complete tightness of the connections. For a roof, these parameters are especially important, you will agree:

Another important task that thermal washers for polycarbonate are designed to solve is getting rid of the so-called cold bridges. We are talking about places through which cold penetrates into the structure and where, due to temperature differences, condensation forms directly on the surface of the sheet. And thermal washers allow you to give the entire structure a finished and aesthetic look. A special snap-on lid hides the screws, and the color of the washers does not stand out against the background of the entire sheet.

Moreover, such washers are sold in two types:

1. Polycarbonate washers. Frost-resistant, last 10 years or more, perfectly match polycarbonate in color. An additional advantage is that they are equipped with a special four-circuit sealing ring made of elastomer.
2. Polypropylene washers. They last about 2 years, they are afraid of ultraviolet radiation, which makes them brittle. The color of the washers does not always match the shade of the tinted polycarbonate roof. But it’s more affordable, if that’s important to you.

Of course, polycarbonate washers are more suitable for building a roof from the same material. But it is also important to attach them correctly:

• Step 1. Select the mounting location. This must be done slowly and carefully, because the “random” hole will also have to be closed with the same washers. At least aesthetically you will lose.
• Step 2. Calculate the distance between the washers - for this we have presented a detailed table for you below.
• Step 3. Select the diameter of the hole.
• Step 4. Screw on the washer. This must be done accurately, not too loosely and not too tightly, so as not to press the washer. Just make sure that the sealing material does not stick to the sheets.

A screwdriver will help to secure such a washer:

Sealing tapes

All lower edges of installed roofing sheets must be covered with aluminum tape and UP profile. And not with a simple aluminum tape, but with a perforated one, which is capable of releasing condensate that has accidentally accumulated in the honeycombs. Why are holes also required to be pre-drilled in the UP profile?

Where the next panel overlaps along the wave of the sheet, use sealing tape, as well as along the fixation lines of the lower and upper overlap.

So, step by step:

• Step 1. At the top of the wave, drill holes for screws - 10 mm each.
• Step 2. Now in drilled holes fasten the screws on the left side.
• Step 3: Drive screws into every other wave, starting at the bottom beam.
• Step 4: Now attach screws to every third wave.
• Step 5. Start fastening the last, topmost sheet on the left side.
• Step 6. Fix the side overlaps of the sheets every 30 cm.

Here's more detail:

Roofing sealant

When installing a polycarbonate roof, be sure to use a special roofing sealant. Moreover, you need to purchase one that is designed specifically for this material, because... they are produced on a neutral basis and do not destroy the polycarbonate itself. Sealant will be needed to seal all joints and fastenings of the transparent roof.

Secrets and subtleties of technology from the pros

So, we figured out a little about the sheathing. Now let's move on to working with sheets. You cannot step on the polycarbonate itself during its installation, so make special platforms.

In this case, you need to work only at positive temperatures, not lower than -5°C, so that cracks from the fastening do not appear. The fact is that roofing polycarbonate itself can easily withstand cold down to -20°C, but unless holes are drilled in it at that moment.

Otherwise, it is important to adhere to certain rules:

How to work with polycarbonate roofing sheets?

Roofing polycarbonate can be cut using either conventional cutting or a laser. But these are already machine operations, where the laser power and cutting speed are adjusted in the factory. But with this method, the edges of the cut will no longer be transparent - either white or brown, depending on the cutting speed.

To drill through polycarbonate sheets, you will need high-speed drill bits, either designed for metal or with a carbide insert. This is the only way to maintain the sharpness of the cut edges of the sheets.

And one more point: during drilling, any tool heats up the polycarbonate. Therefore, if you want the drilled holes to be clean and not melted, then work with the sheets not in the hot sun, but in a cool workshop - at least. It is ideal if you can cool the polycarbonate a little in advance - but not below zero temperature, so that there is no cracking. In general, do everything you can to reduce the amount of heat generated while working on your roof.

All this is really important. After all, incorrectly made holes in polycarbonate for the roof are a whole problem. This only doesn’t really interfere in a greenhouse if water flows through the fastenings onto the plants when it rains, but for a residential building, as you understand, this doesn’t bode well.

How to properly secure sheets to the roof?

Try to use not too long panels for the roof - only up to 7 meters. In this case, always lay polycarbonate sheets with ultraviolet protection towards the top. The easiest way to cut polycarbonate is with a hacksaw with fine teeth and a circular saw.

Always make the overlap length 200 mm, 100 mm for each sheet from the fixation line on the support. Place the last fixation line within 50-100 mm. If you are making a monolithic polycarbonate roof, be sure to leave gaps in the frames to accommodate thermal expansion.

There are also special silicone linings for fastening with thermal washers for profiled polycarbonate. For wavy ones:

And for trapezoidal polycarbonate they are:

Are connecting profiles required?

But few people know that roofing polycarbonate sheets can also be glued together, and not just connected with special profiles. So, it is only important to follow just a few rules:

1. Clean the ends of the sheets from any contamination, especially subtle dust.
2. All surfaces of future glued ends must be smooth and even.
3. The varnish or solvent used must not thicken or change its appearance.
4. The room where you do all this should have as low a humidity as possible.
5. Use low-active varnishes - this is the only way to avoid bleaching.
6. The glued surfaces must remain under pressure until final curing.
7. Be sure to wear personal respiratory protection.

The easiest way to clean polycarbonate sheets is with isopropyl or methyl alcohol, or mild soap solutions.

If you decide to make a rather complex shed roof from polycarbonate, you will also need welding in the process. You will use it to process finished parts. Thus, welding with a hot pad (300°C) will help to achieve strength in the joints of the sheets, and welding with hot air with a welding rod (120°C) will pre-dry these welded areas. Ultrasonic welding is also used, with processing at 20 kHz in the range of 25-40 microns.

And finally, you will need to sand down any unsightly parts. The easiest way to do this is to use silicon sandpaper with a grit of 400 or 600.

What about the ventilation of such a roof?

So, you have chosen polycarbonate, you have drawn up a roof design, and now it’s time to think about ventilation of the under-roof space. The fact is that in the case of a pitched roof, ventilation is not often thought about at all, even dormer windows are not always placed. And this, when using polycarbonate as a roofing material, will lead to its overheating, which in the heat can even cause some parts to change shape slightly.

Moreover, you should not give up partial insulation of a pitched polycarbonate roof:

As you can see, everything is simple! Got new ideas? Go for it!

Do-it-yourself shed roof under polycarbonate: instructions, diagrams, drawings

Everything about the types and work with roofing polycarbonate: fasteners, insulation, profile selection and even insulation. How to properly build a pitched roof under polycarbonate -

DIY polycarbonate roof

Polycarbonate is a modern material often used in construction for the construction of partitions, walls, curtains and decorative elements. Polycarbonate has also become widespread as a roofing covering. Roofs of houses, gazebos, open terraces, awnings and canopies over the entrance are erected from it. A polycarbonate roof allows you to realize the most daring ideas thanks to the features of this material.

DIY polycarbonate roof

The advantages of polycarbonate include:

• Low weight with high mechanical strength;
• Ability to transmit light;
• Wide range of shades and color solutions;
• Original and elegant appearance;
• Ease of installation and processing;
• Polycarbonate does not rust, is not destroyed by chemicals and microorganisms, and is resistant to temperature changes if installed correctly.

Polycarbonate also has disadvantages. One of them is instability to UV radiation if the protective layer is damaged, so during installation it is necessary to monitor the integrity of the protective film and remove it only after completion of all work. Another feature of polycarbonate that should be considered carefully is its high coefficient of thermal expansion. It is necessary to install polycarbonate using special self-tapping screws through pre-drilled holes of larger diameter. Otherwise, when the temperature changes, the material may deform.

Types of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is divided into monolithic and cellular. Monolithic polycarbonate has high strength and has a standard thickness from 2 to 12 mm. The dimensions of the monolithic polycarbonate sheet are 2.05x3.05 meters. Its area of ​​application is roofs of various configurations that experience heavy snow and wind loads. Monolithic polycarbonate with a thickness of 12 mm is considered vandal-proof and can withstand a hammer blow without the slightest damage.

Cellular polycarbonate has significantly less weight due to its cellular structure: the sheet consists of two or more thin sheets of polycarbonate connected by stiffening ribs along the entire length of the sheet. This material structure allows for high mechanical strength at low weight. Arched structures, domed roofs and others are made from cellular polycarbonate. complex elements. Cellular polycarbonate can be either transparent or matte and has a wide range of shades. Standard thickness is from 4 to 32 mm, sheet dimensions are 2.1 x 6.1 or 2.1 x 12.1 meters.

Materials for making the frame

The polycarbonate roof frame can be made from various materials. The decisive factor in the choice is the basic style of the building and the expected weight of the structure, taking into account the snow load. IN wooden buildings When making a straight roof, a rafter system made of wooden blocks or boards is used, on which transverse lathing and polycarbonate sheets are laid. This design fits perfectly into general style and gives the structure lightness, volume and light.

Arched structures of canopies, verandas, as well as domed roofs are usually made on a frame made of aluminum or steel profiles. Steel is used for bulky structures and high snow loads. For light buildings, light is enough aluminum profile. For arches of large radius, additional supports and struts, transverse stiffeners from the profile are also used.

The polycarbonate is fastened to the profile using special self-tapping screws with a sealing washer. The joints of the sheets are connected using an H-shaped profile for polycarbonate.

Direct polycarbonate roof: implementation technology

A straight polycarbonate roof is usually used when constructing open terraces, gazebos, small garden houses. Choosing polycarbonate as a roofing material allows you to obtain natural light and create a feeling of lightness and open space. At the same time, such a roof cannot be properly insulated without losing its transparency, so it is of little use for buildings used in winter.

1. A straight polycarbonate roof can be of any design: single-pitch, gable or hip. The rafter system depends on the type of roof. Rafters for this lightweight material How polycarbonate can be made from boards 40 mm thick. The wood is treated with an antiseptic and fire retardant solutions; if desired, it can be given a certain shade.
2. The pitch between the rafters must be selected based on the standard width of the sheet, so that the distance between the bars is the same, and the joints of the sheets fall on the rafters. The transverse lathing is made from 50x20 mm bars, cutting them into the rafter board laid at the end.

Straight polycarbonate roof

Arched polycarbonate roof

Arched roofs are most often used in the construction of canopies, canopies, and summer gazebos. They are extremely simple in design, and the most difficult task is making arcs from a profile or square pipe. Actually, the difficulty is to bend it evenly around the entire circumference, and for this it is better to use a template.

Do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof - step-by-step method!

Find out more about what a polycarbonate roof is and how to make it yourself. Detailed methods and videos will help you figure it out.

Today, among other roofing materials, polycarbonate has proven itself to be excellent. It’s no wonder. After all, the coating has a number of advantages and at the same time has only a few disadvantages, and even those are rather warnings for proper operation. It is thanks to the special properties of polycarbonate that many craftsmen wonder how to make a polycarbonate roof with their own hands. In the material below we will consider in detail the positive and negative aspects coating and master the technology of its installation.

A polycarbonate roof is a beautiful, bright, modern and practical structure. It is most often used to cover attic spaces, greenhouses, gazebos, attached verandas, etc., since such a roof provides maximum natural light. In addition, they prefer to use polycarbonate due to its positive properties:

• Strength of the material. Polycarbonate roofs, installed in accordance with all the rules, have a high load-bearing capacity. That is, they can withstand sufficient loads in the form of snow and rainwater, which also quickly remove themselves. It is worth knowing that all types of roofs are as durable as possible, since polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than thick glass. Polycarbonate is able to withstand precipitation in the form of hail, as well as withstand mechanical impacts of various kinds.
• Excellent light transmission. Here it is worth knowing that polycarbonate panels transmit between 85 and 93% of natural daylight. Against the background of increased strength, this quality becomes one of the advantages when installing roofs of both residential and auxiliary premises. At the same time, we note that it is the cellular structure of polycarbonate that is capable of softly scattering sunlight, creating lighting in the room that is familiar to the human eye. Therefore, covering the roof with such material is an excellent solution.
• Light weight coating. To build a polycarbonate roof, the master does not need to put in a lot of effort. Thus, a monolithic polycarbonate slab will weigh half as much as glass of the same size.
• Flexibility. This roofing material has increased flexibility, which allows it not to bend even at sub-zero temperatures. However, it is worth remembering that polycarbonate should only be bent along the cellular grooves. Otherwise, internal tension will simply break him. Thanks to the use of polycarbonate roofing, it is possible to install complex curved structures. Most often, arch-shaped roofs are made from polycarbonate panels.
• Low thermal conductivity of the material. It is worth noting here that a similar advantage is inherent in polycarbonate due to its cellular structure. Thus, air collects in the honeycomb cavities of the panels, which is the key to retaining heat in a room with a polycarbonate roof.
• Good sound insulation. It is an additional positive quality of the panels in combination with low thermal conductivity. Due to this quality, polycarbonate panels are often used to create soundproof screens.
• Environmental friendliness of the panels. Regarding the safety of using polycarbonate in residential premises, it is worth noting that this roofing material is produced on the basis of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. All other additives in the form of plasticizers and dyes are not harmful to human health. A positive example is the use of various utensils made from this polymer in the medical care sector.
• Absolutely non-flammable. Unlike other polymers, polycarbonate is not capable of burning. Its ignition temperature reaches 600 °C, which automatically eliminates the possibility of fire. Even if a fire suddenly happens, everything around will burn first, but not the floors and other elements made of polycarbonate. That is, polycarbonate can even be used as a fire-resistant material. In addition, it is worth noting that such a coating is prone to self-extinguishing, which is not unimportant. In the absence of air access to the room, polycarbonate stops combustion.

Important: when melting, polycarbonate does not form fusible hot drops that can injure a person. When heated strongly, the panels simply shrink and become deformed, forming only holes in their structure.

• Inertness to aggressive environments. Polycarbonates do not react in any way to fuel, oil and lubricants. In addition, he is not afraid of weak acid solutions, alcohols and copper sulfate.
• Durability of the coating. A polycarbonate roof, provided that the panels are installed correctly, can last up to a quarter of a century (25 years). This frees the home owner from regular roof repairs.
• Safety for humans. In addition to safe melting, polycarbonate slabs are also not prone to crumble into small fragments under strong mechanical stress. In the worst case, such material simply becomes covered with cracks.
• UV resistance. It’s worth knowing here that the entire range of polycarbonate varieties is equipped with a top protective film that gently reflects ultraviolet rays. This means that polycarbonate roof panels do not suffer from negative sunlight. In addition, such film protection protects people who are under the polycarbonate roof from ultraviolet radiation.
• Easy to install. In this case, every master should know that working with polycarbonate panels is quite easy. The material is fed to drilling, cutting, sawing using a standard jigsaw or grinder.
• Optimal panel size. Thanks to the dimensions of the polycarbonate panels, working with this coating is very convenient. In particular, polycarbonate manufacturers produce slabs with dimensions of 600 x 120 cm and 210 x 1200 cm. Thus, the labor intensity of the work process is significantly reduced.

Disadvantages of polycarbonate coating

Like all other materials, polymer has several disadvantages. These are:

• The possibility of rendering panels unusable if the protective coating is damaged. In this case, it is worth noting that if during installation any violations of the integrity of the protective coating were discovered, then over time dust, soot, and dirt will begin to accumulate in the slabs. The polycarbonate will become cloudy and lose its performance characteristics.
• High degree of expansion when heating and cooling. In this case, the master must understand that polycarbonate sheets will expand under the sun, and when exposed to low temperatures, they will shrink. As a result, if the slabs are not properly installed and fixed, the polycarbonate may become deformed. To avoid this, it is necessary to leave technical gaps when laying the panels using a special fastening profile.
• Polycarbonate susceptibility to mechanical damage. In particular, this applies to snow crust covering a polycarbonate roof. That is why it is necessary to clear fallen snow from the roof in a timely manner so that it does not damage the polymer roof when it freezes.
• Possibility of damage to panels by alkali, concentrated acid or acetone. If there is a risk of using these substances indoors, then installing such a roof is not recommended.
• Excessive reflection solar radiation. This parameter is positive in extreme heat in the summer, but does not play into the hands of the residents of the house in the cold season. That is, a room with a polycarbonate roof will warm up less during the cold season.

Polycarbonate roofing installation technology

If you do not know how to make a polycarbonate roof, then the technology below will allow you to do all the work yourself. Moreover, regardless of the type of roof. So, in order to cover the roof with polycarbonate, you need to prepare the following tools and accessories:

• Grinder or jigsaw;
• Special self-tapping screws with sealing washers made of polymer;
• Fixing connecting profiles;
• Decorative closing profiles;
• End profiles;
• Self-adhesive dustproof tape.

It is necessary to plan the process in such a way that all preparatory work (installation of a metal profile frame, cutting of panels) is carried out before lifting the slabs onto the roof. This will help you save time.

Important: during the work process it is forbidden to walk on the fixed slabs. Firstly, it is unsafe, and secondly, it can damage the panels.

The installation process will look like this:

• The panels are cut to the required dimensions. In this case, the cutting speed is selected individually, using a trial method. When cutting slowly, the material can crumble, and when cutting too fast, it can melt along the edge. When cutting panels and profiles for an arched ceiling, it is worth taking into account that the length of the end profile when bending will be slightly greater than the length of the panel. Therefore, it is better to cut the profile with a margin of 15-20 cm. Then, when installing the arched ceiling, we simply trim it.
• Now you need to slightly unscrew the protective films around the edges and seal them with dust-proof film. The ends are covered with end profiles.
• Remove the bottom protective film from the cut panel. At the same time, the top film with the manufacturer’s logo has not yet been removed. It is this side of the coating that should face upward during installation. Upon completion of work, it is carefully removed.

Important: when installing an arched roof, you must remember that each type of panel has its own minimum degree of cold bending. You can find it out from the seller in the store. And for installation pitched roof It must be taken into account that the degree of slope must be at least 10% or 6 degrees.

• When fixing the slabs to the frame, you should be careful and ensure that the edges of the panels are parallel to the roof frame. This will ensure free movement of moisture and snow along the roof. In this case, the lower edge of the slab should protrude 20 cm beyond the roof frame. These overhangs will protect the building walls from rain. The upper edge of the panel is aligned with the horizontal frame of the structure.
• Now we fix the special base profile on the longitudinal rafters of the roof with special self-tapping screws. We insert a polycarbonate sheet into it. The panel is also fixed along the horizontal strip with self-tapping screws. But for them you need to make holes several centimeters larger than the cross-section of the fasteners. This will be the so-called technical gap for expansion and condensation. Up to 5 pieces can be used per sheet 210 mm wide. fasteners.
• After one sheet is mounted, the clamping profile-base is covered with a closing profile. In this case, you should make sure that it is securely pressed along its entire length.
• Now you need to put on the clamping profile-base from the other edge of the sheet and fix it to the frame in the same way as the first. Then do all the actions by analogy with the previous ones, thus moving from left to right or vice versa.
• Upon completion of the work, remove the protective film from the top of the roof. You should not delay removing it, since when heated in the sun, the film is more difficult to remove.

Tip: to make a polycarbonate roof look more organic, when installing the frame, you can weld longitudinal posts with a pitch equal to the width of the polymer sheet. As a result, the finished roof will be perfect.

The most popular roofing material for gazebos, greenhouses and verandas 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

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

The following positive qualities can be noted:

1. Lightness and strength. Thanks to the cellular structure, even 24 mm of thickness of this material in combination with the lathing (cell size 75x150 cm) cellular polycarbonate can withstand a load of up to 200 kg per 1 m2. This safety margin 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. As in double-glazed windows. In addition to this, plastic itself has lower thermal conductivity than glass. This property allows this material to be successfully used for the construction of greenhouses.
3. Good optical properties. Polycarbonate panels can be painted in various colors. And depending on the color, they transmit from 11 to 85% of the sun's rays. In addition to this, it is capable of scattering light. Does not transmit ultraviolet radiation.
4. High degree of safety and impact resistance. Due to its 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 vandal-proof glass. Even if the material breaks, it does not form sharp fragments. Therefore, it is gladly used for the construction of public transport stops. In addition, polycarbonate also has 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 fastenings. Otherwise, the appearance of the structure suffers. Unlike glass, cellular plastic does not create such inconvenience. Dimensions 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 to install a polycarbonate roof. One master who knows his business is enough.
7. Heat resistance. This material “feels well” at temperatures ranging from -40 to +120 degrees.
8. Reasonable prices.
9. Ease of 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 currently manufacturers have learned to combat this problem with the help of a protective film coating.

Another significant drawback is that this plastic has high value coefficient of thermal expansion.

Polycarbonate roof rafters

Despite the fact that polycarbonate is quite lightweight material, nevertheless, it is worth considering and constructing a supporting structure for it. The lathing is made of thin profile. You can use a square with a cross section of 20 x 20 mm or 20 x 40 mm. 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 exploited 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 sheathing. Just guides of individual arched supports connected to each other are enough.

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 rafter angle of 50˚.

Features of polycarbonate installation

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

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

The 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 heat. Therefore, expansion joints are provided. They are performed at the junctions of individual plates and are practically invisible. It is enough to leave a gap of about 5 mm between the sheets. Sometimes such seams do more, 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 surface of plastic is easily damaged. Therefore, you need to cut the sheets very carefully, making sure that the protective shockproof film remains intact.

A grinder and a jigsaw with a fine-toothed file can handle cutting polycarbonate. When working with a jigsaw, its platform touching the material is covered with soft material. This will preserve the surface of the sheet from unwanted damage.

Due to its unique properties, cellular polycarbonate is great solution in the manufacture of roofs, canopies and greenhouses. The main thing is to correctly develop the roof design 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.