Do-it-yourself installation of a polycarbonate roof, as well as the properties of the material, its application, how to choose the thickness of roofing sheets for installation shed roof.

Polycarbonate (PC) owes its birth to Alfred Einhorn, a German chemist. The first experiments with isomers began to be carried out from the end of the century before last. The industrial release of the material belongs to " General Electric". The company has been producing industrial substance since 1960.

After 20 years, by improving technology, a sheet, cellular building thermoplastic appears. It becomes a worthy alternative to expensive and fragile glass. The current annual production of this durable material exceeds 3 million tons.

What is polycarbonate

The polymer plastic obtained by the interaction of carbonic acid with phenols is called polycarbonate. This is an environmentally friendly polyester, of artificial origin, in the form of 2mm two millimeter granules. Transparent, translucent (colored, matte) products are produced from colorless particles by extrusion. Synthetic polymer has the following specifications:

• Light weight.
• Great strength.
• Transparency.
• Low thermal conductivity.
• Resistant to some chemicals.

Due to these properties, it is widely used in various industrial fields.

Types of polycarbonate

Monolithic polycarbonate

Modern industry produces several types of products:

1. Film. Widely used in electronics, design decoration, lamination various surfaces and items.
2. Profiles. Docking devices for mounting plastic, creating almost invisible joints, visual lightness of the structure.
3. molding. It is produced in the form of granules (crushed waste) or ingots. Subsequently, it is used in the manufacture of various polymer products.

The most popular is sheet plastic:

1. Wavy ( transparent slate).
2. Monolithic (cast), colloquially - plexiglass.
3. Cellular (cellular).

The difference between them lies in the form and design features.

The first one has a monolithic base of a profile, corrugated shape. It is she who gives higher strength.

The second is a smooth, transparent, even thermoplastic. The similarity with glass, high strength, allows us to call it - "shockproof glass".

The third one is different color, width and thickness of sheets, cell structure. These are plates interconnected by stiffeners. The space between them is filled with air, which ensures low thermal conductivity.

All of them have almost the same qualities.

Material Properties

All sheet products have the following characteristic properties:

• Good flexibility, plasticity.
• Small weight.
• Impact resistance, low susceptibility to mechanical stress.
• translucency.
• Noise isolation.
• Fire resistance (self-extinguishing).
• Resistance to low - up to 40 degrees, high - up to 120 degrees, temperatures (some varieties - up to 145; - 200).

The material has minimal moisture absorption. It is durable and easy to install.

Where is polycarbonate used?

Sheet polymer plastic, due to its qualities, is in great demand in various sectors of construction.

It is widely used in the manufacture of awnings, such as:

• Above the pools.
• Entrance to the entrance, house.
• Gas station, shopping pavilion.
• Open cafe.
• Transport stop.

Smooth panels are suitable for vertical glazing of houses, greenhouses, arbors. Sheets are used here:

• 4-6 mm - optimal for greenhouses, greenhouses.
• 2 mm or more - construction of gazebos.
• 10-12 mm - good for glazing houses, creating a good noise reduction barrier.

The roof is made of PC sheets different thickness. Overlapping buildings that are expected to have an increased load:

1. Garage.
2. Private house.
3. Industrial or other premises.

Types of roofing made of polycarbonate plastic

strength and varying degrees flexibility of the roofing PC, allows you to make different types of roofs:

1. pitched. Surfaces with a slope angle of 30-40 degrees can be single or multi-slope. This includes and tent structures. Flat roofs with a slope of 1-2 degrees are made only with monolithic shields.
2. Dome. Such models are made using cellular types of thermoplastic.
3. Arched. Cell type PC - perfect material when creating these structures. Its flexibility allows you to perform any bend of the roof.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Modern artificial polyester used in the construction of roofs has the following advantages:

• Multicolor.
• It's easy to get the right shape.
• Low price and weight, combined with high strength.
• Ease of processing.
• Long service life, minimal maintenance.
• Heat resistance, flame retardant.
• The presence protective layers(UV penetration, light reflection, anti-condensation).
• Noise absorption.

The main disadvantages are:

• Exposure thermal expansion.
• They have the ability to collect static electricity.
• Melting, dripping onto surrounding objects.

However, manufacturers do not stand still, PC performance is constantly improving.

How to choose the thickness of roofing sheets for a shed roof

The choice of thickness depends on the characteristics of the object to be coated:

• The thinnest - 4-6 mm, will fit the roofs of the greenhouse and greenhouse.
• 6-8 mm - for gazebos, utility blocks, sheds, end glazing of the roof of the house.
• From 16 mm and above - directly for residential buildings, other premises with increased load.

Can be used different types:

• Smooth.
• Wavy, U-shaped, trapezoidal.
• One-, two-, four-chamber.

monolithic, corrugated, cellular polycarbonate, Considering design features and functions of the covered roof.

Installation of a shed roof made of polycarbonate

After calculating the structure, which includes taking into account the loads on the roof, they proceed to the choice of frame material.

« You need to remember: Angled slope, no more than 5 degrees, only allow water to drain. A 25-30 degree slope will allow "snow bags" to form. The best option there will be an angle of 45 degrees or more.

The choice of material will depend on the angle of the roof (the larger it is, the less external load on the rafter system), appearance transparent roof.

metal, aluminum profile frame, wins a more elegant look. Wooden - easy to install (fitting parts can be done during installation), but looks more cumbersome, which reduces the transparency of the coating. wooden rafters, are subjected to mandatory treatment with an antiseptic.

Standard sheets roofing plastic, have a width of 210 cm. Their docking should take place in the middle of the rafter. The distance between the centers of the beams, metal (square, round) pipes, with a section of 60 × 40 or 60 × 80, should be 105 cm. After that, in steps of 40-50 cm, a crate is installed.

Having completed the preparation and installation of the main roof frame, proceed to the installation of mounting profiles made of aluminum, polycarbonate. Here, connecting (detachable, one-piece) models are used for joining sheets. End caps that protect the ends of the PC from dirt and other debris.

ends aluminum profiles sealed with adhesive tape, plastic - with perforated tape.

The mounting system is installed on the frame with self-tapping screws. The collapsible profile is placed alternately. The bottom, after installing the sheet top cover. Polymer profile, screwed every 30 cm using self-tapping screws with thermal washers.

Cutting, drilling of panels is best done at a temperature of at least 5ºС. In extreme heat, they should be cooled, work in the shade.

It is necessary to lay the sheets with stiffening ribs along the slope, up with a protective film from ultraviolet radiation. The first panel is placed 3-5 cm with a protrusion beyond the roof boundary.

Polycarbonate should be fixed with galvanized self-tapping screws using special thermal washers. They will protect the material from the formation of cracks (thermal contraction / expansion), crushing of honeycomb models. Eliminate the "cold bridge" - the temperature difference at the attachment points. The screws must not be overtightened.

The lower edges of the honeycomb material are sealed with a special perforated tape. This aluminum tape helps to release possible condensate that has appeared in the honeycomb spaces. Also, the butt is closed with UP-profiles, with advance drilled holes.

A tool for working with polycarbonate must be sharp with fine teeth. You can cut circular saw or a hacksaw. Drills need high-speed with a sharp cutting edge.

Today, among other roofing materials, polycarbonate has proven itself well. It is not smart. After all, the coating has a number of advantages and at the same time has only a few disadvantages, and even those are only rather warnings for correct operation. It is thanks to the special properties of polycarbonate that many craftsmen are wondering how to make a polycarbonate roof with their own hands. In the material below, we will consider in detail the positive and negative aspects of the coating and master the technology of its installation.

Polycarbonate roofing is beautiful, light, modern and practical building. Most often used for covering attic rooms, greenhouses, gazebos, attached veranda etc., since such a roof gives a maximum natural light. In addition, polycarbonate is preferred to use, due to its positive properties:

• Material strength. Roofs made of polycarbonate, mounted according to all the rules, have a high load-bearing capacity. That is, they can withstand sufficient loads in the form of snow and rainwater, which, moreover, quickly self-remove. It is worth knowing that all types of roofs are as strong as possible, since polycarbonate has a strength 200 times higher than that of thick glass. Polycarbonate is able to withstand precipitation in the form of hail, as well as withstand mechanical stress of various kinds.
• Excellent light transmission. It is worth knowing here that polycarbonate panels let in 85 to 93% of natural daylight. On the background increased strength this quality becomes one of the advantages in the installation of the roof of both residential and auxiliary premises. At the same time, we note that it is the cellular structure of polycarbonate that is able to gently dissipate sunlight, forming habitual in the room human eye lighting. Therefore, covering the roof with such material is an excellent solution.
• Lightweight coverage. To build a polycarbonate roof, the master does not need to put in much effort. So, monolithic slab polycarbonate will weigh half as much as glass of the same size.
• Flexibility. Such roofing material has increased flexibility, which allows not to bend it even when sub-zero temperatures. However, it is worth remembering that you need to bend polycarbonate only along the cellular grooves. Otherwise, internal tension will simply break it. Through the use of polycarbonate roofing you can mount complex curvilinear structures. Most often, arch-shaped roofs are made from a polycarbonate panel.
• 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 is collected in the honeycomb cavities of the panels, which is the key to maintaining heat in a room with a polycarbonate roof.
• Good soundproofing. Is optional positive quality panels combined with low thermal conductivity. Due to this quality, polycarbonate panels are often used to create soundproof screens.
• Environmentally friendly panels. As for the safety of using polycarbonate in residential premises, it is worth noting here 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 in the field of medical care of various dishes made of this polymer.
• Absolute incombustibility. Unlike other polymers, polycarbonate is not capable of burning. Its ignition temperature reaches 600 °C, which automatically eliminates the possibility of its ignition. Even if a fire suddenly breaks out, everything around will burn first, but not floors made of polycarbonate and other elements. That is, polycarbonate can even be used as a refractory 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 burning.

Important: when melted, polycarbonate does not form fusible hot drops that can injure a person. With strong heating, the panels simply shrink and deform, forming only holes in their structure.

• Inertness to aggressive environments. Polycarbonates do not react in any way to fuel, oil and grease. In addition, he is not afraid of weak acid solutions, alcohols and blue vitriol
• Coating durability. A polycarbonate roof, provided that the panels are properly installed, can last up to a quarter of a century (25 years). This frees the owner of the house from regular roof repairs.
• Human safety. In addition to safe melting, polycarbonate plates also do not tend to crumble into small fragments under strong mechanical stress. In the worst case, such material is simply covered with cracks.
• UV resistant. It is 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 against ultraviolet radiation and people who are under a polycarbonate roof.
• Ease of installation. In this case, every master should know that it is quite easy to work with polycarbonate panels. The material is fed to drilling, cutting, sawing with a standard electric jigsaw or grinder.
• Optimal size panels. Thanks to the dimensions of polycarbonate panels, it is very convenient to work with this coating. In particular, polycarbonate manufacturers produce plates with dimensions of 600 x 120 cm and 210 x 1200 cm. Thus, the labor intensity of the workflow is significantly reduced.

Disadvantages of polycarbonate coating

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

• Possibility of bringing the panels into disrepair if the protective coating is damaged. In this case, it is worth noting that if integrity violations were detected during installation protective coating, then over time, dust, soot, and dirt will begin to accumulate in the plates. Polycarbonate will become cloudy and lose its performance characteristics.
• High degree of expansion during heating and cooling. In this case, the master must understand that polycarbonate sheets under the sun will expand, and when exposed low temperatures- shrink. As a result, with illiterate installation and fixation of the plates, polycarbonate can be deformed. To avoid this, it is necessary to leave technical gaps when laying the panels using a special fixing profile.
• Exposure to polycarbonate mechanical damage. In particular, this applies to the snow crust covering the polycarbonate roof. That is why it is necessary to clean the fallen snow from the roof in time so that it does not damage the polymer roof when it freezes.
• Possibility of damaging the panels with alkali, concentrated acid or acetone. If there is a risk of using these substances indoors, then it is not recommended to mount such a roof.
• Excessive reflection of 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 in the cold season will warm up less.

Polycarbonate roof 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. In this case, regardless of the type of roof. So, in order to cover the roof with polycarbonate, it is necessary to prepare such tools and accessories:

• Bulgarian or jigsaw;
• Special self-tapping screws with polymer sealing washers;
• 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 the slabs are lifted onto the roof. This will help you save time.

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

The installation process will look like this:

• Panels are cut according to the right size. In this case, the cutting speed is selected individually, by 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 arched ceilings, it should be taken into account that the length of the end profile during bending will be slightly longer 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 cut it.
• Now you need to slightly unscrew the protective films around the edges and seal them with a dustproof film. The ends are closed with end profiles.
• Remove the lower protective film from the cut panel. At the same time, the top film with the logo of the manufacturer has not yet been removed. It is this side of the coating that should look up during installation. At the end of the work, it is carefully removed.

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

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

Tip: to make the polycarbonate roof look more organic, when mounting the frame, you can weld the longitudinal racks in increments equal to the width of the polymer sheet. As a result finished roof will be perfect.

Do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof

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AT modern construction Increasingly, new materials created thanks to scientific and technological progress are being used. One such material is polycarbonate, a durable, transparent plastic obtained by organic synthesis. Roofs and canopies erected from it are durable and perfectly transmit sunlight.

Properties of polycarbonate

A roof made of polycarbonate makes it possible not only to make the house beautiful and original, but also to use sunlight to illuminate the premises. Polycarbonate has a low density. 1m2 sheet weighs from 900g to 2700g, depending on the thickness. The thickness of manufactured products varies from 4mm to 16mm, which allows them to be widely used.

Products made from this type of plastic have the following, unique properties:

• scattering of sunlight;
• water resistance;
• soundproofing;
• durability (service life - from 8 to 20 years);
• small specific gravity, which allows you to mount lightweight structures;
• good heat-insulating qualities due to voids inside the honeycomb sheet;
• blocking ultraviolet radiation;
• ease of transportation and storage;
• ease of processing;
• durability (withstands strong gusts of wind and impacts)
• variety of design options (thickness, length, width);
• variety of colors and shades, degrees of transparency;
• smooth surface that prevents snow and water from accumulating;
• elasticity (the ability to give the sheet the shape of an arch);
• resistance to temperature extremes (range of use - from −45°С to +120°С);
• incombustibility.

But, despite so many advantages, polycarbonate also has minor disadvantages. Among them are:

• inadmissibility of strong bending in the transverse direction;
• solvent resistance;
• fragility of the edges;
• specific storage conditions (only in a horizontal position).

Of course, the builders could not fail to notice such a unique material. Roofs made of polycarbonate have become extremely popular and in demand. The combination of strength and lightness of construction gives excellent results. The beauty and elegance of polycarbonate roof structures, photos of which are posted on construction forums, make many people think about equipping their home with such a structure. With certain skills and a minimum set building tools, will not amount to special work build a polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

Design features

Sheet roofing transparent plastic is pretty a simple matter considering the lightness of the material and the ease of its processing. To build a roof polycarbonate sheets independently, it is necessary to think over its design and draw up a drawing of the structure. Special attention need to pay attention to the correct calculation of the length when arched structure roofs. Structures of this type can be erected over attics, balconies, gazebos, verandas and summer showers. The design of the roof is selected based on the shape of the house or room over which it will be installed.

The form for the roof may be as follows:

1. Flat single-sided or double-sided.
2. Dome.
3. Pyramid.
4. Prism.
5. Partial polycarbonate coating of one part of the roof.

It should be noted that the angle of inclination of a flat roof made of polycarbonate sheets must be at least 45 °, since plastic does not have a high bearing capacity. Such a slope will not allow snow and water to linger on the surface of the roof and cause them to roll down. When choosing a material for construction, it is worth deciding on an estimate. Available for sale different kinds roof coverings. Accordingly, the higher the quality, the greater the cost and service life.

To date construction stores offer products of the following class and guaranteed service life:

1. Premium class - 20 years.
2. Elite class - 12 years old.
3. The optimal class is 10 years.
4. Economy class - 8 years.

In addition, the price of polycarbonate directly depends on its thickness. The greater the thickness, the greater the strength, the higher the heat-insulating and sound-proofing qualities and, accordingly, the cost of the sheet. To create small self-supporting structures, transparent polycarbonate profiles are used. In terms of strength, they are slightly inferior to metal ones, but the structures made using them have a rare beauty and spectacular appearance. Metal profiles are used to make larger roofs. For medium size, aluminum products are used, and for large ones, iron products.

Necessary tools and materials

After the project of a transparent roof is drawn up, a calculation is made required material, tools and equipment.

The calculations need to include a possible marriage in the work and the consumption of material for trimming. Therefore, the material is purchased 10-15% more than the calculated quantity. Installation of a polycarbonate roof requires the following tools and equipment:

• electric drill;
• jigsaw;
• Bulgarian;
• screwdriver;
• rivet gun;
• gun for tubes with sealant;
• large flat table.

As a rule, this simple set is in every country house. If the frame is mounted from steel, then it does not hurt welding machine. However, its absence can be compensated for by bolting or riveting.

Also, in order to make a polycarbonate roof with your own hands, you will need the following materials:

• sheets of cellular polycarbonate;
• fixing material - bolts, thermal washers, self-tapping screws.
• polyurethane sealant;
• material for the manufacture of the frame;
• plastic profile;
• self-adhesive aluminum tape;
• perforated tape.

Do-it-yourself installation sequence

Basic rules of work

When building a roof from polycarbonate sheets, the following mandatory rules should be followed:

• stack the sheets so that the stiffening ribs in the honeycombs are in a vertical position. If you put honeycombs across, then the condensate that will accumulate in the roof will not be able to flow out of it.
• when mounting the arched element, the sheets must be laid only along the vertical profiles, along the radius specified by the manufacturer;
• use protective goggles and gloves when drilling or sawing;
• the sheet to be processed must lie completely on a flat, solid surface;
• prevent overheating of polycarbonate, drilling and sawing should be carried out at low speeds;
• polycarbonate roofing is carried out taking into account the thermal expansion of the material;
• avoid material vibration during processing;
• do not remove the top protective film until the fixing work is completed.

Frame construction

As already mentioned, it is better to use metal for the frame. It is stronger than wood and, when properly treated, does not corrode. Given the width of the sheet (210 cm), the frame is assembled with the expectation that the fixation of the plastic on the vertical rails will be carried out every 70 cm, 105 cm or 210 cm. Horizontal elements frames are installed at a distance of 40 cm to 100 cm based on the angle of inclination, thickness and length of the sheet. To improve the quality of the coating, the frame must be mounted so that all its horizontal and vertical elements are in the same plane. After the frame is mounted, its bearing surfaces are pasted over with a layer of rubber sealant.

In order to qualitatively cover the roof with polycarbonate, it must be remembered that plastic has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, in order to resolve the issue of how to fix polycarbonate on the roof, it is necessary to leave gaps, both at the edges and at the points of attachment to the transverse frame elements. Roof laying starts from the top corner sheet. First, a wall profile is attached to the frame, the connection of which with the wall is insulated with a sealant. The sheets of plastic are connected to each other on the longitudinal elements of the frame using detachable or one-piece connecting profiles. After the sheets are fixed on the sides, it is necessary to fix them on transverse elements frame. This is done using self-tapping screws with thermal washers and plugs. The hole is made 3-4 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw, while it is not tightened too much to provide an opportunity for thermal deformation of the panel. When the panels are fixed and aligned, their upper ends are covered with aluminum waterproof tape, and the lower ends with perforated vapor-permeable tape. The lower parts of the roof are insulated with an end profile, and the joints on a gable roof are insulated with a ridge profile.

Video about the installation of honeycomb sheets

Modern architecture is characterized by new trends that imply exclusive ideas, unconventional original solutions and styles, the application of new technologies and the use of the latest materials, which are distinguished by unique properties and characteristics. All this is necessary in order to give mankind, satiated with city life, the opportunity to regain at least part of free communication with nature. That is why today you can see transparent roofs made of polycarbonate, like those shown in the photo, not only above greenhouses and winter gardens, but if not over everything, then over part of the premises in cottages and private houses.

Features and requirements for structures

The use of polycarbonate provides endless possibilities and open spaces for creating masterpieces of architecture. Thanks to this material, you can build roofs yourself different shapes- two or one-pitched, domed, hip, arched, pyramidal polygonal and others. Moreover, they can be equipped both above heated rooms and above cold ones. Since the main task of a polycarbonate roof is to ensure that natural light enters the premises, the corresponding requirements are also imposed on it:

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

Construction types

According to the design features polycarbonate structures are of the following types:

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

To illuminate the attic, along with traditional vertical windows, windows can also be used. attic type, which are mounted directly on the roofing plane. Lanterns are called glazed ledges of the building or gaps in the roof. Their glazing can be made with both ordinary glass and polycarbonate.

On a note: For structures consisting of profile systems, any type of polycarbonate roof is suitable.

Manufacturers usually offer already prepared technical solutions for the most popular types of roofs. If it becomes necessary to create a different design, it is much more difficult - the designers of manufacturing companies can always develop new options.

For system profiles in the construction of gable roofs, in addition to polycarbonate itself, you can use:

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

Benefits of polycarbonate

The main advantages of polycarbonate products are:

1. A small specific gravity, thanks to which it is possible to design and build elegant, original light buildings of large sizes, to increase the width of the spans of structures. In addition, due to the lightness of the material, it becomes possible to realize any design ideas and at the same time not spend a lot of money.
2. Great bearing capacity.
3. Transparency and flexibility, which contributes to the ease of manufacturing a roof structure of any complexity.
4. Excellent chemical resistance.
5. Small flammability.
6. High thermal insulation qualities.
7. Impact resistance.
8. Preservation of mechanical and physical properties at temperatures from -45 to +115 degrees.
9. The durability of the material, with proper care, it will serve, retaining its qualities from 10-12 years or more.
10. Large sheet sizes, which is very convenient when working on the installation of large structures.

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

Choice of polycarbonate

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

So, for roofs that have special requirements, 32 mm material is suitable. On large polycarbonate roofs, 16 mm sheets can be used. Since this type can withstand heavy loads, it can be used in the construction of train stations, parking lots, gas stations and other similar structures. Ten mm sheets are ideal for sports facilities, including swimming pools. For the arrangement of canopies, canopies, glazing of balconies, sheets with a thickness of 8 mm can be used, and five millimeters for canopies. Since greenhouses do not carry a serious load, they can take material with a thickness of only 3.5 mm.

Types of polycarbonate

There are several types of this material:

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

Price

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

So, sheets with a thickness of 0.35 cm of size A cost 1250 rubles, B - 2500. Six-millimeter sheets: A color - 2.65 thousand rubles, transparent - 2.4, size B - transparent 4.8 thousand rubles, color 5, 8 thousand

Sheets for roofs made of polycarbonate, 10 mm thick: size A transparent - 3,300 rubles, color - 3,670. B - transparent 6.7 thousand rubles, color - 7,300 rubles.

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

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

Increasingly used in construction modern materials. And so it finds more and more areas of application. If earlier it was used for construction, greenhouses and decorative elements, now polycarbonate has gained popularity as a quality.

It is used for the roof of gazebos, and canopies over the entrance.

Polycarbonate is a material that allows you to embody the most daring ideas.

The advantages of polycarbonate are:

• light weight of the material, which facilitates the installation process;
• ability to transmit light;
• resistance to external influences;
• many color shades of the material, which opens up a huge freedom of imagination.

To the cons of polycarbonate fear of UV radiation in case of damage can be attributed.

Mounting feature polycarbonate is that the installation is carried out using special washers using special washers. With the obligatory pre-drilling of holes with a large diameter, which will avoid polycarbonate when the temperature changes.

Types of polycarbonate

It has a thickness of 2 to 12 millimeters and the main advantage of a monolithic polycarbonate roof is its high strength.

Monolithic polycarbonate with a thickness of 12 millimeters can withstand a hammer blow and is considered vandal-proof.

Monolithic polycarbonate is used for roofing roofs of any configuration.

Polycarbonate cutting is carried out locally.

It must be taken into account that the direction of stiffness coincides with the direction of the roof slope. This is done so that the condensate collected from inside the roof was easily removed. It is also very important during installation to orient polycarbonate with the side that has UV protection outward, you can determine the side by marking and a protective film.

Before fixing the polycarbonate, holes are drilled in it after preliminary marking 2 millimeters larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw; when tightening the self-tapping screws, it is necessary to ensure that the washer fits snugly against the material, but the material should not be deformed.

The transverse joints are fastened with H-profiles, and the longitudinal ones are glued with a sealing tape to prevent condensation inside the polycarbonate sheet.

The ridge is made from a special ridge profile.

For and domed roofs, as a rule, pipes are used square section, from which the necessary circles and arcs are bent.

The fastening of polycarbonate to the profile is identical to the fastening to a tree.