Cellular polycarbonate is a lightweight and flexible material that makes it possible to realize the wildest fantasies of builders. It is quite easy to work with its sheets, so anyone can cope with the installation of such structures.
Necessary
- - sheets of cellular polycarbonate;
- - connecting and end profiles;
- - self-tapping screws;
- - thermal washers;
- - rubber pads 3-4 mm thick;
- - aluminum tape;
- - perforated tape;
- - drill;
- - thin drill.
Instructions
Step 1
When calculating the amount of material, plan the location of the internal stiffeners parallel to the rafter system, and in the arched structure along its arc. It is more convenient and faster to mount cellular polycarbonate using specially designed profiles, and the design is more aesthetic. Purchase the required number of special connecting and end profiles. For the construction of ridge structures, purchase special corner pieces.
Step 2
If desired, you can reduce your financial costs by using other suitable connectors. For example, to replace specialized end and joint, purchase profiles for plastic wall panels. They are perfect in size for polycarbonate sheets, and are much cheaper than a specialized profile. Your task is to choose the details that are most suitable in color and width. Choose only those profiles that provide a sufficiently strong seal at the joints.
Step 3
Identify the front and back sides of a polycarbonate sheet by looking at its protective film. On the front side of the film there are manufacturer's information labels. The back is usually clean.
Step 4
Install the polycarbonate sheet with the right side out, which is necessary to protect against UV radiation and maintain the strength of the sheet. Keep the tape until the end of the installation. Peel off the ends of the polycarbonate board from the protective film just before gluing it with aluminum tape from the top side. Cover the bottom end with perforated tape. This is necessary to protect against dust and moisture penetration into the honeycomb.
Step 5
In the event that the installation of polycarbonate is carried out in hot weather, install the plates close to the docking parts. The gap will appear due to the decrease in air temperature and ensure the drainage of condensate. When installing sheets in frosty weather, make the gaps wider than usual. Paint supporting structures white to protect them from local exposure to sunlight. In places where polycarbonate touches wood or metal, install rubber gaskets 3-4 mm thick.
Step 6
Fasten the polycarbonate sheets to the frame structure with self-tapping screws equipped with thermal washers, and do not use nails or rivets. Use standard metal drills from the sharp range for drilling.
Step 7
Consider the features of cellular polycarbonate. It is characterized by thermal expansion, so be sure to leave gaps in the places where the sheets meet each other and other surfaces - this will save the plates from deformation.
Step 8
Install an L- or U-shaped profile on the lower end. When using a U-shaped profile, drill several holes in it with a pitch of 40-60 cm to ensure the drainage of condensate. Drill holes 2-4 mm in diameter larger than the self-tapping screws. Observe the distance between the self-tapping screws of 300-500 mm with a plate thickness of 8 to 10 mm, and from 600 to 800 mm with a thickness of 16 mm. Considering that the fastening should pass exclusively through the middle of the air channels of the plate, step back from the edge of the polycarbonate sheet by 35-40 mm.
Step 9
Tighten the self-tapping screws so as not to create bending of the plate. After finishing the installation, remove the protective film, because over time it sticks to the sheet and it becomes difficult to remove it.
