How to attach polycarbonate to plastic pipes. How to properly fix polycarbonate to a metal frame. Split profile connection

When people talk about polycarbonate in everyday life, they usually mean sheet thermoplastic polymer material, which is widely used in modern construction, various industries, advertising and in everyday life. There are two types of polycarbonate sheets on the market - monolithic and honeycomb. Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid translucent sheet, resembling glass in appearance, only much stronger and lighter. Has a high impact resistance with good flexibility. Cellular polycarbonate is a hollow sheet, the internal structure of which is a multi-layer structure with longitudinal stiffeners.

Polycarbonate sheets have high impact resistance as well as excellent flexibility.

Monolithic polycarbonate is most often used instead of glass in educational and medical institutions, gyms, swimming pools. In shopping centers, it is used to equip shop windows. Cellular polycarbonate is used mostly in utility and utility structures. In the field of individual construction and summer cottages, this material is used as a coating for greenhouses, greenhouses, greenhouses, translucent awnings and other similar structures. The solution to the question of how to fix polycarbonate depends on the design in which it will be used and the operating conditions.

Mounting methods for monolithic polycarbonate

One of the ways to fix polycarbonate is to fix it with thermal washers.

The use of this material instead of glass for translucent fences, partitions, showcases also presupposes fixing it using structures used for ordinary glass. These are either frame structures in which the sheets are inserted and then fastened, or holders of various designs, with which the sheets are fixed in the desired position. Distinguish between "wet" and "dry" methods of installation and fastening of monolithic polycarbonate.

With the "wet" method, a compatible polymer putty is applied around the entire perimeter of the frame and the edge of the material, the sheet is installed in the frame. Then the joints are additionally treated with a silicone-based sealant. It is also possible to use rubber strips or special profile gaskets for complete sealing.

In the "dry" method, only mechanical fastening means are used, which are used as various profiles and other elements in combination with rubber gaskets, profiled seals. In order to fix the sheets using these means, threaded connections (bolts, nuts), self-tapping screws and other similar elements are used. This method of securing sheets is cleaner, more accurate. In order to properly fix the sheets with both methods of fastening, it is necessary to provide gaps for possible thermal expansion of the polycarbonate in order to avoid its deformation or destruction.

Before starting the installation, it is necessary to drill holes in the polycarbonate sheets for fastening to the frame.

The use of monolithic polycarbonate as light-transmitting coatings in frame structures (in greenhouses, greenhouses, verandas), both vertically and on the roof, allows the sheets to be attached to the frame using conventional fasteners (bolts, screws, self-tapping screws) using rubber sealing washers. The fixing step along the frame should be approximately 500 mm.

It is necessary to drill holes in the sheets in advance with this step. From the edge of the sheet, the hole should be at least 20 mm and 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the fastener to compensate for thermal changes in the size of the sheet. It is convenient to drill holes in polycarbonate with wood drills at a low speed, controlling the heating of the drilling zone. Fastening according to the rules ensures a snug fit of the sheets to the frame, but without unduly tightening the fasteners. The pressing force of the sheet and the size of the hole for fasteners should not interfere with the "temperature" shift of the sheet.

Methods for fixing cellular polycarbonate

The easiest way to fix this type of polycarbonate is by point fixing. Self-tapping screws with special thermal washers are used for it. At the same time, reliable fastening of sheets, sealing of the attachment point, elimination of the "cold bridge" and prevention of sheet crumpling are achieved. All this is ensured by the use of a thermal washer, consisting of a plastic washer with a leg, a sealing washer and a cover that covers the hole for the self-tapping screw.

The leg of the plastic washer should be equal to the thickness of the sheet, and the hole in it for the leg should be 2-3 mm larger than its diameter. In sheets of long length, the holes for the legs are made oval along the stiffeners. The step of fixing the sheet is about 400 mm. It is unacceptable to tighten the screws very tightly until the sheet crumples. Self-tapping screws are installed at least 40 mm from the edge of the sheet.

Panels, laid in several rows with a large coverage area, are joined together with special docking profiles.

With their help, the edges of the panels are also fastened. Profiles are one-piece and split. Fastening of one-piece profiles to the frame is carried out using self-tapping screws with thermal washers, similar to the point fastening of sheets. The edges of the panels are clamped by profiles, and to the intermediate elements of the frame, the panels, if necessary, are fixed using the point method.

The split profile for fixing polycarbonate has two parts - “base” and “cover”. The “base” is attached to the frame with self-tapping screws with a pitch of approximately 300 mm. The panels are stacked so that each one goes into the “base” by about 20 mm. The “cover” of the profile is installed on the base and snaps into place when pressed or lightly hit by a wooden (plastic) mallet. Split profiles are made of both polycarbonate and aluminum.

In addition to joining profiles, there are also special profiles for fixing panels in places where the frame configuration is changed. To fix the panel to the wall, a wall profile is used. In order to connect and fix the panels at an angle to each other, corner profiles are used. A ridge profile is used to decorate the ridge on the roof. Unlike wall and corner, it can be mounted at different angles in accordance with the slope of the roof.

What you need to firmly remember

In all cases of joining panels with each other, with connecting profiles and other structural elements, you should remember about the change in the linear dimensions of the polycarbonate under the influence of the ambient temperature. In order to properly fix the panels and exclude their deformation and breakage, it is enough to provide thermal gaps in all, without exception, places of possible contact of polycarbonate with neighboring elements. In practice, there is a minimum clearance of 3.5 mm per meter of panel length in any direction. And it is unacceptable to clamp the panels with fasteners, leading to thermal stresses.

Holes for fasteners in cellular polycarbonate should be drilled in the middle between the partitions, but in no case in the partition itself. For cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 4-10 mm, the use of thermal washers for point mounting is mandatory. Panels with a thickness of 16 mm and more are recommended to be fastened in ways that exclude the use of thermal washers, for example, using special profiles. Special components allow the structure to be properly fastened, to give it a beautiful look and ensure durability.

How to fix polycarbonate correctly

The question of how to fix polycarbonate is inextricably linked to the design in which it is used. Mounting options for monolithic and cellular polycarbonate are discussed in detail in this article.

How to fix polycarbonate to a wooden frame?

Polycarbonate is an inexpensive but practical and durable polymeric translucent material that has recently been widely used in construction. It is used to create the roofs of gazebos, sheds, the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses, decorative glazing, as well as advertising structures and elements of urban infrastructure. Ultra-lightweight polycarbonate has a high load-bearing capacity, so it can be mounted on a base made of inexpensive wood or a more durable metal profile. In this article, we will tell you how to properly attach polycarbonate sheets to a wooden frame in order to avoid damage to the material.

Material features

Polycarbonate is a modern building material, it belongs to the group of polymer thermoplastics, which includes carbonic acid and bisphenol A. It has a high light transmittance of up to 92%, not inferior to that of silicate glass, flexibility, high bearing capacity and strength, as well as low thermal conductivity ... The following types of polycarbonate are produced:

• Monolithic. Monolithic polycarbonate plastic resembles ordinary silicate glass in appearance. It has a smooth surface, high transparency (up to 92%). The technical and operational characteristics of this material are much superior to those of glass, since it retains heat better, is much stronger and more durable. Fastening of monolithic polycarbonate to the frame is carried out only in one plane, since it bends worse than the honeycomb.
• Cellular. Cellular polycarbonate plastic differs from monolithic honeycomb structure with internal stiffeners filled with air. It has a lower thermal conductivity, lighter weight, bends better, but is considered less durable. Cellular polycarbonate can be attached to a metal or wood frame, as it is suitable for creating curved, curved structures.

Important! Experienced craftsmen note the high strength, wear resistance and durability of polycarbonate plastic, combined with an affordable price and light weight. To maximize the potential of this practical material, it is necessary to strictly observe the technology of mounting the coating to the base.

Fixing rules

To create a roof, canopy or other polycarbonate structure, you need to create a solid frame. The material belonging to the group of thermoplastics, with a high bearing capacity, is lightweight, so it can be attached to wood or metal. The use of timber supports reduces construction costs while shortening the life of the structure. When installing polycarbonate on a natural wood frame, experienced craftsmen recommend following the following recommendations:

1. When creating a design project and cutting material, it is necessary to take into account that condensate must drain through the cells of cellular polycarbonate, and then evaporate.
2. When fixing polycarbonate plastic to a pitched structure, the stiffeners should be located along the slope, with vertical glazing - vertically.

Note! The service life of polycarbonate plastic, depending on the quality and type of material, is 10-25 years, and a wooden frame without special processing will last no more than 5-10 years. To prevent rotting and deformation of wood, the frame is impregnated with antiseptic agents.

Required tools

Fastening polycarbonate among professional builders is considered an easy task that even an inexperienced craftsman can handle. The advantage of this material is that it does not require expensive equipment or special tools to work with it. To fix polycarbonate sheets on a wood frame you will need:

• Polycarbonate. The standard sheet width of this material is 2100 mm, and the length is 3, 6 or 12 m.
• Drill with a set of drills. For outdoor installation, it is easier to use electric models with a powerful battery.
• A screwdriver or screwdriver to tighten the fasteners.
• Galvanized self-tapping screws with washer and rubber seal. A rubber gasket seals the hole made in the material, and a washer protects the polycarbonate from cracking when the fasteners are tightened.
• A connecting strip, which is used to tightly connect sheets of material to each other.
• Tape for insulating the ends of polycarbonate plastic, necessary to protect against moisture infiltration.
• Hammer, nails and 5 cm thick timber impregnated with an antiseptic composition for the installation of the frame.

Please note! Professional craftsmen never use nails, rivets or washers of too large a diameter to fasten polycarbonate. In order not to damage the material, which, moreover, expands under the influence of temperature, the self-tapping screws are not tightened completely, leaving a gap of 1-3 mm.

Fastening technology

Before starting to fasten sheets of polycarbonate plastic, a frame is assembled from a wooden bar soaked in an antiseptic composition. The elements are placed so that a support is located under each joint of the sheets. Fastening polycarbonate to a wooden base is as follows:

1. Carry out cutting of sheets, cutting into the desired size using a circular saw or a special knife. The cut is made strictly between the stiffeners.
2. The first polycarbonate sheet is placed on the frame so that it protrudes 0.3-0.5 mm forward. Before installation, the ends of the sheet are protected with a special sealing tape.

Note! Subject to the rules for fastening polycarbonate plastic and recommendations for preparing a wooden frame, such a structure will withstand even intense loads, having served for at least 15-20 years.

How to attach polycarbonate to a wooden frame

How to properly attach polycarbonate to a wooden frame? Features of working with material and rules for installing polycarbonate plastic on a wooden base

How to properly fix polycarbonate

• Fastening solid polycarbonate
• Installation of cellular polycarbonate
• Fixing panels
• One-piece profiles
• Detachable profiles
• General recommendations

Today, polycarbonate is becoming more and more popular in industries such as construction, advertising, engineering. The variety of colors, strength, flexibility and easy installation of the material attract many people. There are two types of this material: monolithic and cellular polycarbonate. The fixing of cellular polycarbonate is slightly different from that of a monolithic one.

Diagram of the installation of the sealing tape at the end of the panel.

Often, the owners of private houses do not want to attract third-party organizations and want to do all the installation work with their own hands. In this case, the question inevitably arises: how to fix polycarbonate? Next, we will consider the nuances and rules of installation of each type.

Fastening solid polycarbonate

For work, you will need the following inventory:

• roulette;
• building level;
• electric jigsaw or circular saw;
• drill;
• drill;
• screwdriver;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• self-tapping screws;
• gaskets;
• thermal washers;
• silicone sealant.

So how to fix polycarbonate correctly?

On a prepared frame of an inclined or pitched structure, polycarbonate can be mounted in a "dry" or "wet" way.

"Wet" fastening is carried out using polymer putty, which is distributed around the frame perimeter. Then a sheet of polycarbonate is laid on it, leaving gaps (about 2 mm) for temperature changes, and pressed strongly against the base, removing all excess putty. Rubber strips (spacers) can be used instead of polymer putty.

Monolithic polycarbonate fence scheme.

The sheets are fastened at the corners or along the longest sides. The peripheral part (joints) is treated with silicone sealant. To give the structure a more finished look, the silicone can be covered with wooden slats or plastic corners. This mounting method is used for wooden or metal frames.

In the case of mounting monolithic polycarbonate on steel heavy duty frames, for sealing inside and out, first a rubber seal is placed, and then a layer of sealant is applied.

The more widespread "dry" installation method. It looks much neater and cleaner. It is used over large areas of coverage. In this case, profiles, seals and covers with rubber gaskets are used, and adhesive materials are not used. All connections are made with bolts, nuts and screws.

This method of fastening is practiced in the case of installing partitions, soundproof barriers or light gates. The system is arranged in such a way that moisture, getting on the upper layer of protection, does not reach the inner lining and flows down through the drainage channels.

When designing, it is necessary to pay special attention to the aspect ratio of the structure. The best option for glazing is a square. If the shape is rectangular, then with an increase in the size of the parallel sides, the strength of the sheet decreases, and the load exerted on it increases in direct proportion to the increase in length.

Monolithic polycarbonate has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, as a result of which it is necessary to leave large gaps, which will exclude bending and distortion of the sheet.

Diagram of a cellular polycarbonate device.

Polycarbonate differs from glass in that it bends a lot. But when glazing, this will not affect. All deflections will disappear after removing the loads. For flexible plastic, a deep fit and enlarged grooves are required. This will help to securely plant the polycarbonate and prevent the sheet from falling out with strong deflections.

Installation of cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate is used for the construction of pitched or arched roofs with a slope of 25-30% (at least 11%).

This material is easy to drill and cut. Cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 0.4-1.0 cm can be cut even with a knife. But for a straight, smooth cut, it is better to use a circular saw or jigsaw.

When attaching cellular polycarbonate to the roof, use conventional drills for drilling. Holes are drilled between the ribs at a distance of at least 4 cm from the edge. To eliminate vibration, the sheets must be held while cutting. After cutting, all chips and debris are removed from the panel cavities.

The ends are sealed with aluminum or polycarbonate profiles of the same color. Such profiles are distinguished by their durability and strength. They are tightly fixed at the edges and do not require additional fastening. If the profile is without perforation, holes are drilled in it to drain the condensed moisture.

The upper ends of cellular polycarbonate, installed vertically or obliquely, are sealed with an aluminum tape, and the lower ends are closed with a perforated tape, which prevents the ingress of dust and ensures the drainage of condensation.

In the arched structure, both ends are closed with punched tape. Leaving the end face open reduces its durability and transparency.

Installation diagram of cellular polycarbonate.

It is strictly forbidden to glue the ends of the sheet with tape and tightly close the bottom edges!

In a sheet of cellular polycarbonate, the stiffeners are located along the length of the panel, therefore, the structure is built so that moisture condensed inside flows through the channels, being taken out:

• if the installation is vertical, then the stiffeners must go vertically;
• if pitched - along the slope;
• in an arch-like structure, the ribs are arranged in an arc.

The permissible bending radius must be stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Fixing panels

Cellular polycarbonate is fixed to the frame pointwise using self-tapping screws and thermal washers.

The thermal washer is a plastic sealing washer on a leg with a corresponding height of the panel and a lid with a latch. It ensures the reliability and tightness of the panel mounting. The leg of the thermal washer adjacent to the frame prevents the panel from crushing. The opening for it should be slightly wider to protect against thermal expansion. The distance between the fasteners is 0.30-0.40 m.

To prevent deformation of the sheet, it is forbidden to fix the panels rigidly or overtighten the screws!

To install cellular polycarbonate with their own hands, use detachable or one-piece, colored or transparent polycarbonate profiles.

One-piece profiles

The panels are inserted into a special groove in the profile, which must match the sheet thickness. The profile is attached to the support using self-tapping screws and thermal washers.

Detachable profiles

Fixing scheme of one-piece profile.

The split profile consists of a "base" and an upper snap-on cover. To mount the split profile, holes slightly larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw are drilled in the "base" with a step of 0.30 m. Then the profile is attached to the frame support. A sealant is applied to the "base", sheets are laid, taking into account a thermal gap of up to 5 cm, a profile cover is placed on top and snapped into place with a wooden mallet. The ends are closed with a special plug.

For fixing cellular polycarbonate at a right angle, use corner profiles. They will perfectly hold the panel and hide the flaws of the corner joint. When the sheet is adjacent to the wall, a wall profile is used. For the ridge of the roof, a ridge profile is obtained with a grip of up to 4 cm. It will firmly connect the sheets with any thermal expansion.

When installing polycarbonate panels, thermal expansion must be taken into account. Light or transparent sheets heat up less than colored ones by 15%!

1. The surface of cellular polycarbonate is very sensitive to mechanical influences. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the protective film from the sheet when fastening.
2. It is impossible to clamp the polycarbonate too much.
3. Small holes drilled in the profiles at the bottom facilitate natural air circulation. In most cases, this will be sufficient to prevent steam condensation in the ducts. The top end must close tightly.
4. Before installation, the material must be kept for several days in a dry room. Then the ends are sealed with aluminum tape. If there is moisture in the panels, it can be removed by blowing the honeycomb with compressed air.
5. Do not lay vapor-proof materials (for example, various films) on top of cellular polycarbonate. The evaporated moisture will form a thin aqueous layer between the film and the polycarbonate. As a result, bubbles may appear, the film peels off or the metallized layer may turn black.
6. Design of roofs made of cellular polycarbonate should take into account a slope of at least 5 ° (approximately 9 cm per 1 m) to ensure the drainage of rainwater.
7. Walking on the panels is strictly prohibited. If necessary, boards are used, which should rest on several panel edges.
8. As far as possible, the sheets should be stored in a room isolated from external natural factors. Intense exposure to sunlight can cause the surface of the sheet to stick to the film.

Having made the correct calculation of the amount of materials at the design stage and following the above instructions, installing the structure and fixing the polycarbonate with your own hands will not cause any problems.

How to fix polycarbonate? This question is asked by many owners of private houses. There are "dry" and "wet" methods.

How to fix polycarbonate: methods, instructions

Polycarbonate is a modern thermoplastic polymer material produced in the form of sheet blanks of a given size and widely used in industry and everyday life in the manufacture and decoration of light-type structures. Products made of thermoplastic polymers can be conditionally divided into two groups, one of which is monolithic polycarbonate, and the other is cellular.

Cellular

Polycarbonate products are made in the form of a homogeneous sheet material that resembles ordinary glass in appearance. Like glass, they do not trap light rays, significantly surpassing it in terms of strength and reliability. In addition, products of this class are characterized by high resistance to shock loads, as well as the ductility and flexibility of the starting material.

Cellular polycarbonate is produced in the form of multilayer sheet blanks with internal voids reinforced with special stiffeners. Thanks to such an original structure, products made of cellular polycarbonate are distinguished by high impact resistance, which does not prevent them from being flexible enough and easy to install.

Monolithic

Note that monolithic polycarbonate is widely used as a substitute for glass in institutions of a wide variety of profiles, including trade enterprises, schools, hospitals, gyms and swimming pools. In addition, in recent decades, this material has been successfully used in the construction of light-type country buildings (hotbeds, greenhouses and greenhouses).

Methods of mounting sheets

Frame for polycarbonate

The main method of fixing monolithic polycarbonate products is to use special thermal washers to fix it.

We also note that the supporting frame on which polycarbonate sheets can be mounted are typical designs used for simple glass:

• frames with special grooves used as fastening zones for sheet material;
• arched structures, involving the installation of polycarbonate sheets with a diametrical bend;
• holders of various types, providing fixation of sheets in a given position.

Regardless of the type of base used, there are two ways of mounting and fixing monolithic polycarbonate, conventionally called wet and dry.

Docking profiles

In accordance with the first of these methods, the material is fixed on the frame using a special polymer putty applied around the perimeter of the frame structure, as well as on the edge of the sheet. After joining them, the seams of the resulting joint are additionally sealed using a silicone filler. With this mounting option, it is also allowed to use special profile gaskets (or rubber strips).

Corner profile

With the so-called dry method of planting the sheet, mechanical fastening elements are used, represented by profiles of one type or another and used in conjunction with rubber gaskets. In this case, fasteners with a threaded connection, as well as self-tapping screws or similar elements are used to fix sheet blanks. The dry method of fastening sheet blanks is more accurate due to the absence of liquid components.

With any of the fastening methods we have considered, when laying the sheets, thermal gaps should be provided to exclude the possibility of deformation of the material when it expands.

Installation procedure

Before you start fixing the sheets on the frame, you will need to prepare (drill) holes in them according to the size of the fastener you have chosen.

Fasteners

For vertical and horizontal fastening of sheets of monolithic polycarbonate in greenhouses, on verandas and in greenhouses, standard bolted joints equipped with rubber sealing washers can be used. At the same time, the pitch of their fastening on the frame base should not exceed 500 mm.

Veranda roof

Marking and drilling of holes for fasteners is carried out immediately before their installation in a previously prepared place.

The distance from the edge of the mounted sheet should be about 20 mm; moreover, its value should exceed the hole diameter by 2 мм3 mm.

Mounting scheme for cellular polycarbonate

To prepare holes in polycarbonate, standard wood drills can be used; in this case, direct drilling of the hole should be carried out at low speeds of the tool used, which provide the ability to control the temperature of the working area.

Mounting

Competent fastening of sheets to the frame assumes the formation of a well-fitted joint, ensuring their tight fit to the seat.

How to fix polycarbonate - different ways

This article has all the information about fasteners that are used to work with polycarbonate.

Durable, lightweight and flexible translucent polycarbonate is widely used in construction and construction of structures for various purposes. The advantages of the material include resistance to temperature extremes, safety for health. The durability of polycarbonate largely depends on compliance with the installation technology. It is important to correctly attach the polycarbonate to a metal frame or wooden base to prevent deformation of the material under stress and thermal expansion. The installation method is selected based on the frame material and the characteristics of the structures being built.

Veranda with polycarbonate roof

Monolithic and honeycomb polycarbonates are suitable for the manufacture of arched and pitched awnings, canopies and verandas. The affordable cost of the honeycomb sheet and its ability to withstand high loads (the indicator depends on the number and location of stiffeners) makes the material suitable for the manufacture of greenhouses and greenhouses for private use and for industrial cultivation of crops in greenhouses.

When preparing for the installation of translucent material on the frame, pay attention to the following points:

• In cellular polycarbonate, the stiffeners are located along the length of the sheet. When installing the panel vertically or with an inclination, the hollow channels should be oriented from top to bottom, in free-form structures - parallel to the bends.
• On the outside of the polycarbonate sheet, designed for outdoor use, a special coating is applied to prevent the destruction of the polymer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Do not remove the protective film with the designation of the front surface until the installation is completed, so as not to confuse which side of the panel should face outward.
• The material is not designed for increased snow loads, therefore, the minimum angle of inclination of the slopes with a length of up to 6 meters should be 5 degrees. The longer the slope is, the greater the angle of inclination should be. In this case, both the sheet stiffness index and the sheathing step should be taken into account.
• For arched structures, the permissible bending radius should not be more than 150 polycarbonate thicknesses.

Types of cellular polycarbonate for the roof

Preparing for installation

At the preliminary stage, you should prepare the necessary tools and materials, mark and cut the panels in accordance with the project, protect the ends of the prepared elements.

Used for cutting polycarbonate:

• Assembly knife. It can be used for small volumes of work, the recommended sheet thickness is up to 10 mm.
• Hand saw for metal.
• High speed saw. Prerequisites are the presence of a stop, carbide, fine teeth of the blade that are not set.
• Electric jigsaw.
• Band saw with band up to 20 mm wide and up to 1.5 mm thick. In this case, the pitch of the teeth should not exceed 3.5 mm, and the cutting speed should be 1000 m / minute.

It is required to provide conditions under which the cutting will not be accompanied by vibration of the panel.

Chips and a strip of protective film are removed from the ends of the prepared elements of cellular polycarbonate. If the panel will be fixed vertically or at an angle, it is necessary to determine the upper end and seal it with a special continuous aluminum tape. The lower end is pasted over with perforated tape. In the arched structure, both ends are lower, so they are protected with perforated tape. This protection prevents dust and insects from entering the channels, condensation settling and mold growth.

Protection of the material from moisture and dust

If the sealed ends remain free after installation (according to the project), then they are closed with a special end profile. Holes are pre-drilled in the lower profile through which condensate will drain. The hole pitch is 30 cm.

At the stage of preparation, you need to choose an installation technology. You can join sheets of monolithic material with glue. For honeycomb panels, it is better to use a special docking profile made of aluminum or polycarbonate. You also need to choose how to fix the polycarbonate. Manufacturers offer various fasteners for fixing the sheets to the battens.

Docking and end profiles

Fasteners

The choice of fasteners affects the speed, convenience, installation quality and durability of the structure. Pay attention to the following parameters:

• characteristics of a self-tapping screw (fasteners are selected depending on the material of construction - metal or wood);
• material of manufacture and parameters of the washer.

Self-tapping screws can be sold complete with washers or purchased separately. If polycarbonate glazing is required for a wooden structure, self-tapping screws for wood should be selected as fasteners. It is recommended to fasten cellular polycarbonate to a metal frame with self-tapping screws with a galvanized tip or a stainless steel drill tip.

Various fasteners

Thermal washers polycarbonate

Washers made of the same material are produced specially for fastening polycarbonate sheets, which allows you to choose an option that is ideally suited in color - such fasteners look aesthetically pleasing and not striking.

The thermal washer consists of the following elements:

• convex upper part with a wide leg and a hole for a self-tapping screw;
• elastic polymer seal (ring);
• screw hole plug.

The height of the leg of the thermal washer must be selected based on the thickness of the panel. The leg limits the pressure, due to which the sheet is fixed tightly, but without compression. Thanks to this, the glazing remains flat even when heated under the sun.

Thermal washer fixing rules

The thickness of the leg influences the choice of the drill with which the hole for the fasteners is made. The hole diameter should be 3 mm larger than the stem diameter, so that deformation of the sheet elements does not occur during thermal expansion.

Polycarbonate thermal washers are the most practical and attractive option for decorative designs. Provided they are correctly installed, they seal the mounting hole hermetically and securely fix the sheet material to the frame. The service life of polycarbonate washers is about 20 years.

Thermal washers polypropylene

The polypropylene thermal washer is also a polymer cap with a hole for a self-tapping screw and a plug that tightly presses the O-ring to the surface of the sheet cover. This product is different from a polycarbonate washer:

• less elastic seal, which is made of foamed plastic;
• lack of a puck leg;
• lack of a coating that protects against ultraviolet radiation;
• opacity and relatively small color gamut.

Since the washer does not have a leg, fasten the fasteners carefully so as not to overtighten... Polypropylene washers fade in the sun within a few years, lose color and begin to deteriorate. The small choice of colors and the lack of an exact match with the material limit the use of fasteners - it is suitable for hidden places and for indoor structures, for the installation of greenhouses and greenhouses made of thin polycarbonate, designed for 3-4 years of operation.

Thermal washers made of polypropylene

The advantage of polypropylene washers can be called an affordable cost - they are cheaper than polycarbonate. This view is for 6 mm fasteners. Accordingly, holes in the sheets must be made with a 9 mm drill to maintain the thermal clearance during installation.

Other types of washers

If there are no special requirements for aesthetics of the design, it is possible to fix polycarbonate sheets to the frame using ordinary flat wide washers. At the same time, for indoor structures, it is sufficient to use a thin rubber seal, for outdoor structures, a thick elastic seal is required to prevent moisture from entering the mounting hole in the polycarbonate.

Concave washers in stainless steel or galvanized steel complete with an umbrella pad in expanded polymer or thick EMDP rubber. Such fasteners allow you to reliably fix the polycarbonate coating on the metal frame if you need to build a structure with a large glazed surface in a region with strong winds. To fasten the washer with the gasket, self-tapping screws or bolts are used, preferably corrosion-resistant, since the head of the fastener remains exposed to atmospheric precipitation.

Washers, stainless steel

Disc-shaped stainless washers have a serious advantage over conventional flat washers - they are able to ensure the tightness of the mounting hole.

Joining sheets together

In the simplest cases, sheets

polycarbonate can be overlapped, but this option will not allow you to ensure the tightness of the canopy or greenhouse. Therefore, the following options for joining the panels are used.:

• bonding with a silicone-based composition (first of all, this is an option for monolithic polycarbonate);
• use of a one-piece profile;
• the use of a split profile.

Mounting through a split profile

Profiles are also used for arranging glazing abutments to walls or other structures. When inserting the edges of the sheet into the profile, you need to ensure that a gap of 2-3 mm remains along the entire length for the thermal expansion of the material.

Fastening polycarbonate

Let's consider how to properly attach polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame. By the beginning of the installation work, it is required to have available sheets cut to size with sealed ends, a suitable profile for joining the sheets and fasteners, calculating how many self-tapping screws with suitable type washers are required. The frame of the structure must be designed for the atmospheric loads that it will experience after glazing.

The fixing of polycarbonate can be carried out in a point manner. Each sheet must be screwed to the crate with self-tapping screws for metal, installing them with a step of 300-400 mm. The panels are laid with an overlap (the overlap width is at least 200 mm, while it must be placed on the rafters) or a one-piece profile is used to connect them. It is recommended to calculate the size of the elements in such a way that the connecting profile falls on the rafters of the frame, this will increase the rigidity of the glazing and make it more aesthetic.

What kind of crate is needed for polycarbonate

A small canopy or canopy can be mounted using only a split profile - each sheet will be securely fixed on both sides. But this option is not suitable for a greenhouse, since the surface area is large and it is experiencing serious wind and snow loads. In addition to the split profile, each sheet must be attached to the crate with self-tapping screws and washers.

Fastener installation rules

It is most convenient to measure the frame and mark the polycarbonate sheets on the ground in order to make holes in them that are 2-3 mm larger in diameter than the thickness of the self-tapping screw or the leg of the thermal washer. After drilling the holes, observing the required distances between the attachment points, it is necessary to remove the chips.

You will need the help of a partner to lift the sheets to the top of the structure and align them there. Through the holes made in the polycarbonate in the metal frame, a hole is drilled with a thin drill, and then, using a screwdriver, a self-tapping screw is screwed into the metal, after putting a washer on it.

In order to properly fix the sheet material, self-tapping screws must be screwed at right angles to the frame element. Polycarbonate should be fastened tightly, but without indentation, so for people without the skill of such work it is easier to use thermal washers with legs. After completing the fasteners and making sure that the installation is correct, put the plugs in the thermal washers.

Fixing rules

Knowing how and how to attach polycarbonate to a metal frame, you can mount a glazed structure of any complexity. If you follow the instructions, the structure will last a long time without losing its aesthetic appeal.

Reading time: 16 minutes

Polycarbonate is a popular building material from which greenhouses, sheds, gazebos, decorative partitions in premises, as well as advertising structures are made. The material is popular for its good performance. This includes strength, good light transmission and durability. At the same time, sheet panels can be bent, which makes them in demand not only for the manufacture of straight, but also arched structures. They do not withstand the load from snow, so the roofs of buildings must be made sloping. This is especially true for areas with snowy winters.

When using panels as cladding of structures, it must be taken into account that this sheet material must be correctly fixed to the frame. Fastening polycarbonate is a fairly simple job, and there is a tool for doing it in almost every home. You can quickly learn how to attach polycarbonate to metal frames; for this, a description of almost all existing methods is presented below. With a properly selected structure, high-quality installation of sheet material and its sealing, the structure will flawlessly serve for many years.

Types of polycarbonate fastening

Fastening polycarbonate to the frame can be done in four ways: point, profile (using special profiles), galvanized tape (suitable for arched structures) and mixed (considered professional).

Point

The point method of attaching sheets to a metal frame is often used. For this, self-tapping screws and washers are used for attaching polycarbonate. Moreover, ordinary self-tapping screws are used extremely rarely in installation (only in warm rooms).

It is necessary to fasten polycarbonate to metal using roofing screws with a gasket (also called an EPDM washer), as well as self-tapping screws with a rubber thermal washer or screws and thermal washers with a leg. The self-tapping screws used in the fastening should be for metal, because only such hardware can reliably cut into the iron profile and fix the sheet material.

It is necessary to disassemble each of the above types of fasteners in detail in order to understand how best to attach polycarbonate to a metal frame.

Roofing screw with EPDM washer - this is the simplest and most affordable fastening of polycarbonate sheet to an iron frame. To avoid the consequences of frequent wetting, this self-tapping screw is covered with a very reliable anti-corrosion layer. It comes with an EPDM washer that looks like a rubber gasket with an iron cover. This washer allows you to tightly close the hole under the screw and evenly distribute the load on the sheet.

Due to the small diameter and thin gasket, the screws are sometimes overtightened during the screwing process. Therefore, dents appear in the area of \u200b\u200bthe fasteners, which break the tightness of the hole and moisture, dirt and microbes penetrate into the honeycomb panels. When using roofing screws in the installation, it is not necessary to make holes in the panels and the iron frame, but still experts recommend drilling them. It is better to use painted screws for mounting colored SPK.

Self-tapping screw with rubber thermo washer - also a reliable fastener for sheet panels. It looks like a roofing screw, but it comes with a large and rather thick silicone or rubber thermal washer. When the screw is screwed into the sheet, the thermal washer flattens out from pressure and at the same time evenly transfers the load to the material. This reduces the risk of screw tightening and denting.

Self-tapping screw for metal and thermal washer with a leg Is a new type of fastener specially designed for sheet metal panels. Thermal washer for polycarbonate looks like a washer with a cylindrical leg, which goes into the hole drilled in the honeycomb panels and abuts against the frame. A self-tapping screw is placed in the leg, screwed into the iron, and the cap of the thermal washer evenly presses the sheet against the metal. When choosing this type of fastener, it must be borne in mind that the length of the leg should be selected depending on the thickness of the material. For the tightness of the fastening, a special sealing ring is placed under the thermal washer, and on top it is sealed with a cap. Thanks to this technology, the washer does not cut into the sheet and it is unrealistic to overtighten the screw.

Holes for self-tapping screws for fixing polycarbonate need to be made 2-3 mm larger than the width of the thermowell leg, so that after thermal expansion of the sheet, the attachment point does not deform. High quality thermal washers are made from polycarbonate so that they have the same coefficient of expansion as the skin.

There is another type of fastener - universal thermal washers... They have no legs. This deteriorates the quality of the fastening, but you do not have to look for a thermal washer with a leg of the required length. Such a fastener is often used in wooden structures, when working with which you need to remember how to fasten polycarbonate to wood. In some cases, the cladding material breaks under the gasket (if the screw is overtightened).

Self-tapping screws for thermal washers are available with a hexagonal and round head. In addition, they can be used with a regular or Phillips screwdriver. They have the same connection quality, but still working with a hex head is more comfortable - when working with a screwdriver, the bit practically does not slide off the screw and therefore the cladding material is less likely to be damaged.

Mostly self-tapping screws with a width of 4.8 - 8 mm are used, but the length depends on the thickness of the sheets and iron. The selection of screws for example looks like this: in the arrangement of greenhouses, panels with a thickness of 4 mm and a galvanized pipe with a section of 20 × 20 and a thickness of 1 mm are used. In this case, it is better to fasten the cellular polycarbonate to the frame with roofing screws 4.8 × 19 mm in size, and if the material is overlapped, it is better to use screws 4.8 × 25 mm.

This method of fixing honeycomb panels has a drawback - protruding self-tapping screws are often visible from the inside of the structure, which do not fall on the frame elements.

Profile

In addition to point fastening on self-tapping screws, sheet material is attached to an iron frame with polycarbonate and aluminum connecting profiles, which are rigidly fixed to the frame. After that, sheet material of the required length is placed in them, while its width should not be more than 1.05 m. Most often, sheets with a width of 0.7-1.05 m are used, for this sheet material is cut into pieces, with practically no waste. This method is used to attach polycarbonate to wood and metal.

Profiles are divided into two types:

• detachable;
• one-piece.

One-piece profile Is a monolithic connecting profile for fixing polycarbonate, the cross-section of which is similar to an I-beam. The ends of this profile are slightly bent inward, so they form a secure latch. The point of installing a one-piece connecting profile is simple - the sheet is inserted into the grooves of the profile and fixed with latches. Then the profile for attaching the polycarbonate is fixed to the iron frame with roofing screws or screws with thermal washers.

But it is difficult to work with a one-piece profile, because it is extremely difficult to connect all the slabs into a single canvas and fix it on the frame (while not breaking anything, not bending or displacing anything) is extremely difficult. It is recommended to use a one-piece profile in simple and small structures, for example, for sheathing fences or small awnings over a porch.

Detachable profiles - these are more complex fastening structures, so they are more expensive. This special profile consists of a bottom base fixed to an iron frame and a top cover. These elements are fastened together with a latch. Compared to the one-piece profile, in this case the installation is much faster, and the connection itself is very reliable.

Split profiles are made of aluminum, and special rubber seals are used in their design. The metal profile is strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing.

In this profile, the edges of the material are fixed, and its central part remains loose. With an inaccurate calculation of the wind and snow loads of the area in which the structure will be operated, the panels may come out of the grooves of the connecting profiles during overload, although this happens extremely rarely. Profile and spot methods can reduce costs. The most reliable and durable is the aluminum profile.

Ribbon

Today, on the building materials market, you can buy galvanized tape designed to fix sheets. It has recently begun to be used in the installation of sheet materials, but during this time it has been able to win the approval of many gardeners who use greenhouses.

The fact is that it is simple and quick to fasten polycarbonate to metal in this way, but it is used to cover only arched structures. The panels are put in place of installation, after which the tape divided into two parts is thrown over them, then one end of each part is attached to the base of the arch frame, and the other ends are securely pulled together using a bolted connection. The main advantage of this method is that there is no need to drill holes in the coating, because the galvanized polycarbonate tape is attached to the base of the frame. As a result, after the subsequent dismantling of the greenhouse, the pieces of material can be used in the construction of new structures.

Mixed

Mixed polycarbonate fixing is the use of several of the above methods in installation at once to compensate for their shortcomings. Therefore, this method is the most reliable and professional.

In addition, cellular plates are fixed with other overhead building materials (wood, plastic and iron slats). They are installed on top of the sheet material, after which they are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws or bolted connections.

Important! All these methods of attaching polycarbonate can be used, but the most reliable, albeit the most expensive, is the mixed method.

Polycarbonate fixing accessories

Let's consider in detail the accessories for fixing polycarbonate.

Profiles

For all methods of fastening polycarbonate to metal, profiles are used, and they differ in material of manufacture and configuration: one-piece, split and end.

Connecting one-piece profiles for fixing polycarbonate (HP) are made of polycarbonate, they can be matched to the color of the honeycomb material. The result will be not only a strong connection, but also a beautiful one.

The design of the connecting split profile (NSR) consists of a cover and a base. It uses legs rounded inward, therefore, to fix the material, the profile is pulled between the sheets.

End profile (U-shaped) - needed to cover the ends of honeycomb panels so that dirt, dust and moisture do not get inside the cells.

Ridge profiles allow you to make a floating mount, which is necessary for arched structures.

Solid corner profile - with the help of such a plastic sealing profile, two sheets are securely connected at an angle of 90 °. They can be used to connect panels of different thickness.

Wall profiles fix the sheets to the wall and protect the ends facing the walls.

You can buy polycarbonate profiles in Anapa without much difficulty in specialized stores that sell building materials and construction equipment. You can also order them online.

Thermal washers

Thermal washer for fixing polycarbonate allows you to securely fix the sheets on the frame. Its construction consists of 3 elements:

• a convex plastic washer with a foot that fills the hole in the sheet;
• sealing ring made of plastic polymer or rubber;
• plug, protects the self-tapping screw from moisture.

A self-tapping screw for attaching polycarbonate is most often not equipped with a thermal washer, so you need to buy it separately. Thermal washers for fixing polycarbonate gently and reliably press the sheet to the frame of the building, while protecting the material from moisture penetration. They allow the structure to look aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the steps for fixing polycarbonate directly depend on the expected snow, wind and other loads.

Thermal washers are of three types:

• polypropylene;
• polycarbonate;
• made of stainless steel.

For any polycarbonate greenhouse, the thermal washer is an integral element of the cover fixing, because this type of structure must be well sealed.

Mini washers

Mini washers differ from conventional thermal washers in their small size. They are used in confined spaces and when it is necessary to make the fastener less visible, if it is located on a well-visible part of the sheet. They are also made from different materials. The use of such washers for attaching polycarbonate allows you to make the whole structure more attractive and beautiful.

Galvanized tape

Galvanized polycarbonate straps are intended only for arched structures. Thanks to them, the material remains intact, since it does not have to be drilled and cut. They allow the sheets to be pulled together anywhere, which is necessary for fixing carbonate sheets over long distances.

Plugs

A kind of profiles for honeycomb panels is the L-shaped plug with micropores, it is very similar in appearance to the panel guide. This profile must be used with cellular material - it reliably closes the holes at the ends of the sheets, while preventing moisture and dirt from entering the panels. It is important to remember which side to attach the polycarbonate to the structure.

The cover profile can be not only L-shaped, but also F-shaped. And in this case, it also looks like a guide for honeycomb panels. For the arrangement of heifers, the first option is mainly used, because the ends of the polymer sheet are buried in the ground. Both options are suitable for installing the roof - everything will depend on the roof structure and the materials to which the PC is attached.

Thanks to these plugs, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the transparency of the cellular material, since dirt and moisture will not enter it. In the case of the greenhouse effect, water passes from a liquid state to steam, therefore, penetrating into the cellular material, it makes it cloudy. It will be extremely difficult to get rid of it, which is why the safety plugs must be placed on the ends of the panels without fail.

To increase the tightness of the plugs, use a transparent film with micropores.

General installation rules

Installation of panels is divided into the steps below, all the specified methods of fastening polycarbonate are used by professionals.

The first stage is panel cutting

The procedure for attaching polycarbonate to wood begins with cutting the material. Honeycomb panels with a thickness of 4 - 10 mm are cut with an ordinary knife; a hacksaw is also often used as a cutting tool. But for fast and accurate cutting, you need to use an electric saw with a stop equipped with a carbide blade. In this case, the teeth of the circular saw must be fine.

During the cutting process, the sheet material must be supported so that it does not vibrate. You can cut with a jigsaw. The cutting speed should be 10 - 40 m per minute.

After the end of cutting, it is imperative to remove the chips from the internal cavities of the panel.

The second step is drilling holes

Drill holes using a simple drill, sharpened at an angle of 30 °. It is required to make a hole in the polycarbonate between the stiffeners at an angle of 90 - 118 °. The hole is placed from the edge of the sheet at a distance of at least 4 cm.

The third stage is sealing the ends of the polycarbonate sheet

At this stage of work, it is required to hermetically seal the ends of the sheets. When the panels are placed vertically or at an angle, the upper ends must be sealed with adhesive aluminum tape (protects the panels from dust ingress), and the lower ends with perforated tape, which will allow moisture to wick away. Do not seal the ends with plain tape; you must use a sealing tape. It is also not advised to completely seal the lower ends of the sheets.

In arched structures, panel ends are sealed at both ends of cellular polycarbonate using perforated tape.

The ends are most hermetically sealed using polycarbonate profiles and more durable aluminum ones. They look good, are practical and at the same time very convenient to work with. This profile fits snugly on the ends, so no additional fastening is required.

Do not leave the ends of the honeycomb panels not closed, because the service life and light transmission of the material will decrease.

To remove moisture, you need to make holes in the profile with a small diameter.

The fourth stage is the orientation of the panels during the design and installation work

Stiffeners in cellular material are placed along the length of the sheet (it can be up to 12 m). Therefore, the panels to be fixed must be positioned so that moisture can flow out of them.

In case of vertical fastening of cellular polycarbonate, the stiffeners of the material must be placed vertically, and on the roof - along the slope. In arched structures, the stiffeners must go in an arc.

It is necessary to take into account all the above features of fixing polycarbonate sheet in the design process.

On the street, it is necessary to use a material with an ultraviolet protective layer, it is applied to the outer part of the sheet. Therefore, this side is required to turn the polycarbonate towards the sun. This foil is marked accordingly. In order not to make mistakes during installation, the sheets must be installed with a film, and after completion of the work, remove it.

Do not bend the panels too much, the manufacturer indicates the minimum bending radius on the panels. The size of the allowable radius depends on the thickness and structure of the material.

It is also necessary to adhere to the basic rules for placing panels and do not forget which side to mount the polycarbonate.

The fifth stage - point fastening of the material

At this stage, we will tell you how to properly attach polycarbonate using a point mount.

Point fastening of polycarbonate to the frame is performed with self-tapping screws and thermal washers. The thermal washer is a plastic washer with a leg (its height is equal to the thickness of the attached material), a special sealing washer and a cover.

Thermal washers secure the panels to the structure hermetically. With their help, the "cold bridges" that form the screws are removed. Thanks to the leg of the thermo washer, which rests on the frame of the structure, the panels do not wrinkle.

To provide a gap for thermal expansion in the panels, holes should be made 2-3 mm wider than the leg of the thermal washer. Longer panels still need to drill long holes. At the same time, one must not forget how far to fix the polycarbonate - the optimal step for the point fixing of polycarbonate is 30 - 40 cm.

When attaching polycarbonate sheets, remember that:

• they cannot be rigidly attached to the frame;
• it is forbidden to fasten them with nails, rivets or other non-recommended fasteners;
• do not overtighten the screws.

If it is necessary to fasten polycarbonate to wooden frames, use the same materials and fastening methods as for iron.

Sixth stage - joining polycarbonate sheets

One-piece and split profiles made of polycarbonate and aluminum are used to connect honeycomb panels.

Fastening with one-piece profiles (HP).In this case, sheets of 50 x 105 cm are placed in the grooves of the profiles, after which the profile is screwed to the longitudinal crosspieces of the frame with self-tapping screws and thermo washers.

Fastening with split profiles (HCP).In this case, the sheets are connected by a split profile consisting of a lower "base" and an upper cover with latches. Below we will analyze how to attach polycarbonate to wood using split profiles.

Installation process:

• In the "base" holes are created a little larger than the width of the screw, while making a step of 30 cm.
• Then the "base" is fixed to the longitudinal crosspieces of the frame with self-tapping screws. It is preliminarily lubricated with a sealant, then sheets are attached to it on both sides, while leaving a "temperature gap" of 3-5 mm.
• Then the "cover" of the profile is snapped on along the entire length, using a wooden mallet. At the ends, the profile must be closed with a plug.

Features of gusset panels

If you want to install and fix polycarbonate sheets at a right angle, then you need to use corner profiles. They will allow you to securely join the panels and make the corner connection almost invisible.

Features of adjoining panels to the wall

When the panels are adjacent to the wall, then it is required to use wall profiles in the installation.

Features of connecting panels in the ridge

To connect the sheets in the ridge, ridge profiles with a large grip of the wings - 4 cm are used, which allows the sheets to be bonded efficiently and to provide a temperature gap.

Features of monolithic polycarbonate installation

Sometimes the fastening of monolithic polycarbonate to metal is performed using an iron frame made in the form of a frame. The frame must have special grooves up to 25 mm deep. The sheets in the frame are fixed in two ways:

Wet way. In this case, a special putty or silicone-based sealant is applied to the edges of the frame and sealant. This method can be used for timber and iron structures. Compact structures are sheathed with monolithic polycarbonate using glue or special tape. Outdoor work is performed with glue that is not afraid of adverse weather conditions. If good transparency of the fastening is required, then you need to use glue on polyurethane. Before applying it, the surfaces are degreased with alcohol.

Dry method. Use screws, bolts, nuts, screws and press washers. In any case, rubber gaskets or plastic profiles, in which there are no plasticizers, must be used. Do not glue the seal directly to the panels. Fasteners must be placed in 50 cm increments.It is recommended to retreat from the edge of the material at a distance of at least 2 cm.

Such a fastening of monolithic polycarbonate is used for sheathing a canopy and large structures.

Important! Whichever method of fastening is chosen, you need to remember how far to fasten polycarbonate (monolithic - after 50 cm, cellular - with point fastening after 30-40 cm).

Storage before installation

To maintain all technical characteristics, cellular panels must be stored on a flat area in a dry room at a temperature of 0 - 25 ° C, so that moisture does not penetrate into them. In this case, the sheets should not hang down. Store the material until installation in the original packaging.

Avoid exposing the material to sunlight, as the color may change. The top layer of UV protective varnish should be located at the top of the sheet (most often the top layer is covered with a special protective film, on which information about the manufacturer is applied).

You should also remember which side you need to fasten the polycarbonate, and treat the material with care. It is necessary to avoid mechanical impact on cellular polycarbonate, as this can lead to its breakage.

Protective coatings

The sheets of cellular plates are covered with a protective film, which does not need to be removed during installation work, otherwise the light-transmitting qualities of polycarbonate will deteriorate. This protective film protects the material from damage and premature aging. The film is not removed until all work is completed.

Materials that do not destroy polycarbonate

Polymeric materials that are compatible with polycarbonate include:

• ethylene propylene rubber;
• polychloroprene;
• polyethylene;
• polytetrafluoroethylene (teflon);
• neoprene;
• silicone;
• rubber sealant.

Polycarbonate used as a building and finishing material can come into contact with the following materials:

• wood;
• rubber and rubber;
• thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers that do not contain PVC;
• glass;
• metals.

Materials not compatible with polycarbonate

The following polymeric materials are not compatible with polycarbonate:

• polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
• nitrile;
• all types of polyurethane.

There are also some chemicals that are not compatible with this material. They are:

• solvents, especially acetone;
• alkaloids;
• acids;
• solutions of salts and fats;
• ammonia;
• some types of adhesives and dyes.

Moreover, their effect directly depends on the duration of contact with the material, their concentration and temperature.

Frame

You can make a frame for monolithic and cellular polycarbonate from many materials. The wood frame looks very refined, but when choosing this building material, you need to know that it must be glued, otherwise the whole structure will crack and deform. In addition, almost every year the frame will need to be painted and treated with special protective compounds against insects and diseases. At the same time, you need to remember how to reliably attach polycarbonate to a wooden frame.

A frame made of thin-walled shaped pipes is considered to be more unpretentious, which has a long service life and increased strength.

Suitable for cladding frames in aluminum and steel materials. Moreover, it is possible to make steel and aluminum lathing directly on the construction site, using a reliable type of fastener for this. The aluminum frame has an excellent anti-corrosion properties. If its design is calculated correctly, then it will retain its physical and aesthetic properties for many decades. But it is very expensive, so it is rarely chosen.

For quick construction and cost savings, you can build a rarer crate, and sheathe it with thick sheets. In this case, there will be less fastenings with self-tapping screws, which will speed up the installation process. You can also save money and buy a thin coating, but the crate should then be more frequent.

The choice depends on the following aspects:

• type of roof;
• the area where the structure is installed;
• arch size;
• span dimensions;
• sheet material thickness.

In any case, the savings should be effective. For example, if you do not take into account the snow load and put sheets that cannot cope with the mass of snow falling in the region, then the surface will not withstand the overload and the savings will lead to large losses.

If, however, an already built structure is sheathed, which cannot be changed, then the thickness of the material is selected based on the frequency of the frame lathing: the less often it is, the thicker the material must be chosen.

The choice of step is the most important stage in the construction of the frame.

When installing the frame under the panels, you need to more accurately select the pitch of the lathing, which depends on the amount of bending of the material, its thickness and the angle of the roof slope. The roof slope angle must not be less than 30 °. Knowing all the nuances of the construction of the frame, you can quickly set the step of the lathing (it is equal to a hundred times the thickness of the material).

For example, for a sheet with a thickness of 4 mm, the step will be 40 cm, for 8 mm - 80 cm. In other words, the greater the thickness of the material, the less frequent the lathing step. It should be noted that thick cellular polycarbonate is fastened faster, because the step of fasteners is smaller and the material bends less. For regions with snowy winters, the crate pitch is reduced by 10-15%. When the frame with such a step is expensive, it is better to do otherwise: design the structure in such a way that the snow from the roof quickly disappears. To do this, use a roof slope of 30 - 50 °. At such degrees, the cellular panels are securely attached, and the snow melts well.

During the installation process, they are especially careful about the fastening, which is performed using washers. If there are few of them, then the sheet material will not be securely fixed. Given its large windage, there is a possibility that the leaf will be blown off by a strong wind. But it is also not necessary to install many washers, because this will lead to an increase in the load on the panels, and they may not withstand hot weather and deform. The same can happen in a snowy winter, when wet snow freezes on the sheets of material and the load on the frame exceeds the maximum permissible, as a result the sheet material breaks. But in any case, you need to use washers so that the fastening is reliable.

Temperature accounting for installation work

You can work with this unique building material at any time of the year. But experts still do not recommend mounting this sheet material in cold weather at temperatures below -15 ° C, because it can break when bent.

It is required to work with this material in cold weather especially carefully, because in winter it is very fragile. When installing in cold weather, the future expansion of the material must be taken into account, because after heating it will expand. If this is not taken into account, then the panels installed in cold weather can come out of the grooves in the spring and the entire cladding is deformed. In this case, you need to remember how to properly fix cellular polycarbonate.

Moving on the mounted surface

To carry out installation or cleaning the material, you need to use special support boards to move on the surface to be mounted on. They will allow you to evenly distribute the load on the sheet material.

Cleaning polycarbonate after installation

After installation work, the surface of the cladding must be cleaned of dust and dirt. In this case, taking into account the adverse effects of acids, neutral compositions are selected. It is better to use soap solutions, they will not be difficult to clean the canvas. Do not use abrasive compounds and strong solvents. Moisture, drying oil, wax and oil penetrated into the honeycomb have a negative effect on the material. Due to their good properties, the panels can be used for cleaning steam and water jets.

Today, one of the most promising building materials is polycarbonate. It is not difficult to attach it to the main frame, however, even in such a situation, it is better to understand all the subtleties before installing the sheets, and not to act at random.

When carrying out installation work, you will need to perform the following operations:

• orientation of sheets;
• cutting panels;
• drilling holes;
• sealing sheet ends;
• point fastening of panels;
• connection of elements;
• take into account deformations due to changes in material temperature.

How to orient the panels correctly - photo

Installation of cellular polycarbonate

In cellular polycarbonate, the stiffeners are located along the length of the sheet, so the panel must be positioned so that the inner channels have an outlet to the outside. This is necessary to drain the condensate formed in them. When the sheets are installed to create vertical glazing, the stiffeners must also be oriented vertically. In the manufacture of pitched structures, you will need to direct the ribs along the slopes, and in the arches, the ribs are best directed along an arc.

Today, polycarbonate is manufactured with a special protective layer that is applied to the outer surface of the sheet. On this side there is a protective film with markings, so it is better to remove it after installing the sheet.

Cellular polycarbonate must have a strictly defined bending radius. As a rule, this parameter is specified by the manufacturer for each type of panel.

After all the necessary measurements have been completed, and the number of square meters of material has been recalculated, you can start preparing the sheets.

Cutting

This operation is one of the main ones, since this material is supplied in the form of finished sheets, the length of which is often too long. It will be necessary to cut the panels during the construction of the greenhouse, and when erecting the roof of a shed or gazebo.

The very operation of cutting the necessary elements is very simple, since there are no difficulties with polycarbonate in this case. Here you need to use a special tool such as high speed circular saws.

For cutting synthetic material, it is best to use carbide blades that have fine and undiluted teeth, since they will create smooth and neat cut edges. The protective film should be removed last, before fixing the cellular polycarbonate or after its installation, since it protects the sheets from damage during the cutting process.

During this operation, the profiles themselves must be securely fixed, since the occurrence of vibration can negatively affect the quality of the cut. After completing the work, it is better to remove the chips from the internal cavities. When polycarbonate is installed, they are used to drain condensate, which means they should not create obstacles for water.

Drilling holes

To obtain holes, it is enough to use standard drills, however, there are a number of subtleties here. The first of them is that the holes themselves must be made between the stiffeners, and the distance from the edge of the panel to them must be more than 4 cm.

Holes in the panel must be created taking into account the fact that when the temperature of the material changes, it will deform. As a rule, polycarbonate is installed with holes that exceed the diameter of the thermowell leg by a few millimeters. If the panel has a large length, then the holes themselves should be in the form of ellipses, the main axis of which is in the direction of the largest dimension of the sheet.

The drilling angle can be selected in the range of 90-110 degrees. Otherwise, it will not work to fix the washer horizontally and a skew will occur. The attachment point itself will be unreliable, and the thermal insulation in this area will deteriorate.

Panel end sealing

A continuous self-adhesive tape is used to seal the upper ends. The lower ends should be covered with perforated tape to ensure the drainage of condensate.

The ends of the panels must be closed. They cannot be sealed with ordinary tape, but a special material must be used. It is not recommended to seal the lower ends, since condensate is drained through them.

In order for the condensate to drain out of the structure without hindrance, several holes must be made in the end profile. They are performed in the same way as those used for fixing panels.

How to attach sheets to a metal frame

In fact, this method is suitable for any building material, only the fasteners themselves differ. Most often, self-tapping screws are used, used with special thermal washers.

The thermal washer has a special leg, the length of which should correspond to the thickness of the panel. It protects the sheet from deformation, and also reduces the degree of heat loss through self-tapping screws, which are a potential "cold bridge" through polycarbonate. How to fix panels to other materials? Yes, exactly the same: thermal washers in combination with self-tapping screws are a truly universal solution.

The attachment points should be at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other.

Correct connection of elements

During installation, it also follows that the sheets should be connected to each other using special parts - profiles. They can be one-piece and detachable.

Products of the first type are used for panels 4-6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm, and the second type includes POLYSKREP profiles. They can hold 6-10mm and 16mm panels. Split profiles consist of two elements: the lower one, which plays the role of a "base", and the upper one - a "cover" with a latch.

Polycarbonate connecting profiles allow you to create an arched or pitched structure, but they are also suitable for

vertical sections. Each element holds two panels from 50 to 105 cm wide, and is fastened with self-tapping screws. A corner profile is suitable for joining sheets at a right angle, and a special wall profile for adjoining the wall.

Split profile mounting technology:

1. You need to drill a hole in the "base".
2. Fix the "base" to the longitudinal support and lay the panels with a gap of 5 mm (necessary to compensate for thermal expansion).
3. Snap the profile cover, completing the polycarbonate installation using a wooden mallet.

Installation of monolithic polycarbonate

It can be done in two ways, but both of them involve the use of a supporting structure that allows the sheet to be securely fixed. The first method is “wet” and it is based on the use of a special polymer putty. Installation of monolithic polycarbonate in this case is carried out with small gaps to compensate for thermal expansion. This method is also great for using it with wooden support frames.

In the case when the supporting structure is made of steel, it is necessary to use special rubber gaskets together with a sealant, with which the clamping point is processed from the outside and from the inside.

Installation of monolithic polycarbonate in a dry way does not require the use of any sealants and allows you to limit yourself only to rubber seals. Since the system itself is not airtight, it provides a drainage system that removes water.

Thermal expansion

The expansion coefficient of cellular polycarbonate is 0.065 mm per degree for each meter of the panel, so the calculation here will be quite simple. You just need to estimate the maximum temperature difference during the year and multiply it by a coefficient. That is, when installing sheets in the middle zone (temperature range -40 .. + 50C), it should be done with a gap of 90 * 0.065 \u003d 5.85 (mm) per meter.

If a painted material is used, then it must be remembered that it heats up 10..15 C more, so the thermal expansion will already be 6.5 mm.

Above, only the main subtleties were considered that raise questions related to the installation of cellular and monolithic polycarbonate. Of course, there is much more information in this area, but here is the necessary minimum, which will allow you to navigate this issue. Most of the tips given are universal and can be used to create any structures, even if it is a roof - which will also significantly reduce the cost of installing this material.

The monolithic version has a solid structure, like that of ordinary glass, but due to the base in the form of polymers, it is several times stronger and lighter than the same glass, and additionally has an increased resistance to physical impact due to its flexibility. Such elements are used as a full-fledged glass replacement in residential and public buildings, as well as shopping, entertainment and scientific complexes.

A honeycomb element consists of a pair of thin plates, interconnected by special stiffening ribs, the space between which is free.

This material is widely used in construction, utility and utility rooms and summer cottages, especially as a coating for greenhouse complexes.

How to orient panels

Cellular polycarbonate elements along their length have ribs that ensure their rigidity, therefore, during installation, they must always be positioned in such a way that the hollow channels inside them have an outlet to the outside. This requirement is dictated by the need for condensate out of them, which may form due to temperature differences.

When installing such plates as vertical glazing, the stiffening ribs are also positioned vertically. When fastening to the frame as a slope or arch, it is always necessary to orient them so that the internal hollow channels inside go along the slopes or along the arc of the arch, respectively.

Today's technology of manufacturing both monolithic and honeycomb panels implies that each of them has a front and an inner side. They are distinguished from each other due to the presence on the first of a special protective coating in the form of a film with marking, which serves as its protection until the moment of complete installation, and is removed at the final stage.

When installing polycarbonate panels as an arched structure, you should take into account and never exceed the maximum bending radius for a specific type of material indicated in its marking.

1. Cutting sheets

Polymer boards are supplied in standard sheets, which, as a rule, always have larger dimensions than required, therefore one of the main operations with them is cutting them into pieces with the required dimensions. This operation will have to be performed both during and during the installation of a polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

The very operation of cutting optimal pieces from a solid panel is extremely simple, since the material is easy to cut. To do this, you can use a variety of cutting tools, from a hand saw to an electric grinder or a jigsaw.

In the process of cutting the polymer, regardless of the selected tool, vibrations of the material cannot be avoided during its operation, which can negatively affect the quality of the cuts and lead to problems during the installation and fitting of finished parts, up to the rejection of some of them. Therefore, in order to make the task as easy as possible for oneself and to level the side vibrations, the material is previously securely fixed.

In the case of a honeycomb structure, after cutting the cavity in the resulting elements, they are cleaned of chips, because if they remain clogged, condensate drainage will be difficult and moisture will accumulate inside the plates, which is especially dangerous during frost, since water frozen inside the panel can damage it.

2. Sealing the ends

Honeycomb plates require sealing at their ends. The one on top can be pasted over with ordinary tape, and to seal the bottom, it is better to use a special tape with perforations to drain the moisture condensing inside the sheet.

For the unimpeded outflow of condensed liquid from the panel, it is required to arrange several holes in its end part, identical to those used for fixing the polymer sheet.

Fixing cellular polycarbonate

It is possible to fasten carbonate slabs to structures made of almost any material; its type only affects the choice of elements for fasteners. As a rule, these are self-tapping screws for wood or metal with a self-tapping sting, which come with special thermo washers with a rubberized surface.

Thermal washers have a special leg and are selected according to its size so that it matches the thickness of the panel it fixes. This design not only protects the sheet structure from excessive deformation, but also reduces heat losses through direct contact with the self-tapping screw, which in this case acts as a conductor of cold through polycarbonate.

Therefore, self-tapping screws with thermal washers are a universal fastening, regardless of the material of the bearing surface, which is sheathed with polymer panels.

When installing, it is advisable to insert self-tapping screws into pre-drilled holes in the plastic, which must meet the following requirements:

1. Firstly, holes can be drilled only between the stiffeners, and only at a distance of at least 4 cm from the edge of the slab.
2. Secondly, the holes should provide for the thermal expansion of the material, which should be able to move on the mounts due to the fact that the hole in it is a millimeter and a half larger than the diameter of the thermowell leg.
3. In the case of a large length of plastic, the holes in it for fixation should not only be large in diameter, but also longitudinally elongated.
4. It is extremely important when drilling to observe the maximum right angle of the hole with an error of no more than 20 degrees, otherwise, when fixing the washer, a skew will occur, and the panel will not be reliably attached to the supporting structure.

Knowing the technology of fixing polycarbonate, you can easily and reliably sheathe almost any structure with it. However, it is also necessary to master the technology of joining the panels to each other, which includes the use of special elements for these purposes - profiles, which can be either fixed or detachable.

The first ones are used with panels from 4 to 10 mm thick. The second - profiles "Poliskrep", are able to connect together plates from 6 to 16 mm in thickness. Removable profiles are assembled from a pair of elements: the lower one serving as a base, and the upper one - a cover with a lock.

Such polymer connecting profiles are necessary for the assembly of arched or pitched structures, but are also suitable for completely sheer surfaces. One clamp connects a pair of panels with a width of 50 to 105 cm, and it itself is fixed with self-tapping screws. When connecting individual panels at an angle of 90 degrees, an angled docking profile is provided, and in the case of abutting to a wall, a special wall profile.

The technology of fixing a removable profile fits into several operations:

1. Drilling a hole for a self-tapping screw in the base.
2. Fixing the base to the longitudinal structure and laying the panels with a 5 mm gap required to compensate for the thermal expansion of the material.
3. Snapping the profile cover with a wooden mallet.
4. Temperature value.

Often, when sheathing greenhouses with cellular polycarbonate, the plates are overlapped one on top of the other, instead of using special abutting profiles. This option is optimal and is possible only in the case of a small sheet thickness, which does not exceed 6 mm, since due to this thinness they have increased flexibility, which is why they can "walk" or even jump out of the fixing profile.

But with this technique, thick polymer plates with a thickness of 8 mm or more will form strongly noticeable "steps" due to overlap, which can only be solved by using a connecting profile.

You should be aware that fastening polycarbonate sheets using the overlap method can lead to the following consequences:

1. First, with this method, the tightness of the sheathed structure will always be violated, up to a draft, complete blowing of internal heat and even clogging of debris and sediments under the sheathing of the structure;
2. Secondly, sheets fixed in an overlap experience a much greater impact from wind gusts, which means that if they are not firmly fixed, they can be torn off or broken.

Fastening solid polycarbonate

1. How and to what can carbonate be attached

Monolithic carbonate has two methods of fastening, but both of them require a support in the form of a supporting frame, which ensures reliable fixation of the slab:

1. Method one - "wet" means the use of a special polymer grease. In this case, the installation of elements is organized with gaps that compensate for the expansion of the material under the influence of temperature. This option is also appropriate when inserting a polymer plate into a wooden frame. In the case of a metal frame, rubber gaskets are used in combination with a sealant that is applied to the inner and outer clamped surface.
2. Method two - "dry" installation, does not require any sealants and makes it possible to install the panel directly on the rubber seal. Since the structure itself is not airtight, it provides drainage to drain water.

2. Is it possible to overlap the sheets

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that reacts to temperature fluctuations by changing its size. Therefore, in cold weather it contracts, and in heat it expands. If this fact is not taken into account in the process of fixing sheets from it, most likely, sooner or later, they will be damaged.

This is especially true for monolithic polymer elements, which not only have a higher coefficient of expansion, but also do not have structural flexibility in the form of voids and profiles. Therefore, their use in combination with the technology of rigid fastening - overlapping is impossible.

Temperature value

Polycarbonate is an unpretentious and rather hardy material and can be operated in the range from –40 to +120 degrees Celsius in relation to the ambient temperature. However, the polymer on the basis of which it is made can both expand and contract under the influence of temperature, which is expressed in its coefficient of expansion equal to 0.065 mm per one degree of temperature for each meter of sheet.

Therefore, to calculate the real expansion, you need to calculate the limiting temperature difference for the year and multiply it by 0.065 mm. For example, when installed in an average climatic zone with temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees

Celsius clearance should be about 6 mm for each linear meter of plastic. In the case of painting, the heating of the sheets increases by an average of 10-15 degrees, which means that they will expand more, that is, by about 6.5 mm per one meter of the plate.

1. For cutting polymers, carbide discs with fine undiluted teeth are excellent, since after them the most even and accurate cut remains.
2. You should not rush to remove the protective film from the sheets immediately upon purchase, it was created not only to protect the material from damage, dirt and scratches during transportation and storage, but also during installation.
3. The upper ends of the polymer panels must be closed. For this, it is recommended to use an unusual tape, and a special tape. The lower ends, on the contrary, are open to ensure the removal of condensed moisture.
4. It is not advisable to tightly tighten the self-tapping fixing plates, and also, in general, to rigidly fasten the entire panel, which must have a certain degree of freedom in order to "breathe" expanding and contracting during periods of warming and cooling, respectively.