Transparent hard polymer plastic, or polycarbonate, is widely used in various fields activities, in particular in construction and agriculture. Today we will tell you how to remove film from polycarbonate.
Why do you need film?
Monolithic and cellular polycarbonate has good light transmittance, which is important for the growth and development of fruit and vegetables grown in greenhouses. vegetable crops. Lack or deficiency solar lighting negatively affects fruiting, and sudden changes in temperature lead to the death of plants. Polymer plastic lining maintains a favorable microclimate inside the greenhouse.
Many gardeners are interested in the purpose of the special protective coating on the surface of the canvas. It is worth noting that various chips, microcracks, scratches, dents and other mechanical damage lead to deterioration or complete loss of the original physical properties and material qualities. It is not advisable to use such a fabric for lining a greenhouse.
The light transmittance of polycarbonate is considered one of the main parameters
A special protective surface coating is necessary during loading and unloading operations, transportation and installation of polymer plastic.
High-quality cellular polycarbonate must be protected on both sides. In this case, one side is covered with a transparent colorless film, and the other is colored. Colored polyethylene indicates the UV protected side.
Responsible manufacturers apply the following markings to the film:
- name and specifications material;
- information about the manufacturing plant and brand;
- Recommendations for the installation of polymer plastic.
Video “Protective film on polycarbonate”
From this video you will learn how to properly remove film from cellular polycarbonate:
Coating on the inside
Take off protective layer With inside sheet is needed upon completion of installation of polymer plastic. If construction works are carried out on a hot summer day, you should hurry with withdrawal protective coating. Otherwise, the polyethylene will “stick” to the canvas.
Protective film is removed from the edge to the center, while movements should be careful and leisurely. Scrape the special coating various instruments, devices and even nails are prohibited - there is a high risk of damaging the integrity of the surface of the material.
If the film still sticks to the polymer plastic sheet, you can use one of traditional methods: wet the surface of the sheet warm water with the addition of liquid baby soap or dishwashing detergent, leave for a few minutes, remove the protective layer with a soft foam sponge.
Coating on the outside
The back side of cellular polycarbonate can have a colorless or colored film. A colorless special coating indicates that of this sheet polymer plastic does not have UV protection. Accordingly, the service life of such material is no more than 2–3 years.
If with outside the film is transparent, which means this polycarbonate sheet does not have UV protection It is necessary to remove the protective layer. Residues of polyethylene will damage the UV protection layer and deteriorate the technical qualities of the polycarbonate.
Working with sheets of cellular polycarbonate is not difficult if you follow the advice of more experienced farmers and the recommendations of the manufacturer.
What is polycarbonate? This is a colorless solid polymer plastic that is used in production in the form of granules. It is strong, lightweight, optically transparent, plastic, frost-resistant, a good dielectric, durable and environmentally friendly. Cellular (otherwise known as cellular) polycarbonate is produced by extrusion; it consists of hollow panels with different structures and thicknesses. These panels are connected to each other by special jumpers, also called stiffeners. Polycarbonate belongs to the class of synthetic polymers; it is a complex linear polyester of phenols and carbonic acid.
To work with polycarbonate, you will need ordinary cutting tools.
Despite all its strength, cellular polycarbonate is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Most manufacturers place UV protection in the “mass”. But there is also a protective UV layer, which is applied by coextrusion. This layer ensures the integrity of the sheet under the influence of sunlight. The layer is applied either on both sides or only on one. Without this protective measure, the actual service life of cellular polycarbonate will not exceed a couple of years.
How to prepare cellular polycarbonate for work
Before using polycarbonate, you need to unpack it, remove the film and all paper wrappers, and treat the edges of the tiles with end tape intended for this purpose. Using perforated tape, protect the end facing down. And the end facing upward is treated with an end profile and sealing tape. You can also use wide adhesive tape instead of expensive tape if the upper end of the polycarbonate plate is not expected to come into contact with the environment in the future. If the upper end is covered with a monolith, then you can completely abandon the use of tape. If it has already been applied, you can safely remove the film. It is not recommended to cover the lower end with anything. Since it must be installed openly so that condensation can drain freely. Give additional protection perforated tape using a U- or L-shaped profile. It must be mounted in such a way that the condensate can escape freely. In this case, it is recommended to use a U-shaped profile with holes with a diameter of 1.5 - 3 mm, which are located 40-60 cm from each other.
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How to remove film from the surface of a cellular polycarbonate sheet
It is recommended to remove the protective film coating from the polycarbonate sheet after all work on its installation, since the purpose of such a film is to protect the surface of the polycarbonate sheet during loading and unloading, during transportation and installation. If you do not remove the film and leave it, then over time, under the influence of solar heat, it will melt and “stick” to the polycarbonate surface of the sheet, removing it will be quite problematic. This situation is especially common when it is done in summer time and the protective film layer was not removed immediately.
What can you do if the film coating is welded to the polycarbonate? There are several options for resolving this issue. Which one to use, choose yourself, based on the current situation:
On outside the sheet has a special marking
- If polycarbonate sheets have been stored in the sun for a long time and the film has become baked to the surface, then it would be better to leave everything as is. Don't shoot anything. After one season, the film on the outside should come off on its own. And on the inside, it will take longer for it to self-destruct. Under no circumstances should you scrape or scratch the polycarbonate surface - you will only make the situation worse by damaging the material. And if you scrape from the UV-protective side, you will also damage the ultraviolet protection.
Violation of the integrity of the UV protective layer can negatively affect the light transmission of the sheet. And subsequently this will lead to the surface becoming cloudy and beginning to crack;
By the way, it is quite simple to determine which side the UV protective layer is located on: packaging with cellular polycarbonate on the UV protection side always contains inscriptions or service pictograms. There is no need to heat the film coating with anything (for example, some try to heat the film with a hairdryer), it will stick even stronger;
- if the presence of a film is confirmed by visual inspection, then you can use the following method: wet the surface with ordinary warm water with the addition of household detergent for dishes. And slowly start removing the film layer.
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What else you need to know when working with polycarbonate
- In hot sunny weather, cellular polycarbonate is capable of thermal expansion. For colored polycarbonate, the expansion rate will be 4-5 mm, for transparent - 2-3 mm. The temperature at which carbonate can be used without reducing its original qualities and properties is from -40 to +120°C. When installing the material, it is important to take these features into account. If installation is carried out in cool weather, then the slab must be installed further from the lock of the joining profile; if installed in hot weather, it must be installed very close.
- A one-piece profile of 4-10 mm cannot fully ensure reliability. Such profiles cannot be attached to the sheathing. Their purpose is to join the edges of vertical structures with a minimum of loads.
Reliable tightness of joints is created by profiles over 10 mm. This will avoid the need to use other fasteners.
The connecting profiles are mounted with support on the arcs and secured with self-tapping screws.
What is the difference between standard polycarbonate and lightweight polycarbonate? Do we want to install it on a pitched roof?
The thickness of the ribs of the lightweight sheet is smaller and the load-bearing capacity is lower. On roofing structures exposed snow loads, it is necessary to reduce the sheathing pitch.
How can you remove scratches from polycarbonate?
Minor scratches can be removed or made less noticeable by polishing or using a special polishing paste.
Which is the best polycarbonate to choose for a greenhouse? Do you need UV protection? What sheet thickness should I use?
Co-extrusion protection from UV radiation is necessary to ensure that polycarbonate retains its transparency and strength over a long period of time. Without such protection, the sheets are destroyed, as a rule, within 1-2 years. As for the thickness of the sheet, it all depends on the shape and size. Usually polycarbonate with a thickness of 4mm to 8mm is used.
How to properly store cellular polycarbonate
It is advisable to store inside indoors . When storing outdoors, care should be taken to cover impermeable to sunlight(cardboard, wooden box and so on.). To prevent the top slabs from being blown away by the wind, load is placed on top, for example, heavy boards. Do not cover the slabs with PVC coating. The slabs should be stored on a pallet (slabs must not touch the ground).
Explain about thermal expansion of polycarbonate.
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion for polycarbonate is 7.10-5 K-1 = 0.00007 m/m.°C = 0.07 mm/m.°C, that is, with a temperature change of 1ºC, each linear meter of the sheet decreases or increases in all directions by 0.07 mm.
Calculation example: when installing a sheet of cellular polycarbonate into a rigid structure 10 meters long and with a temperature difference throughout the year of middle lane Russia 70°C (from -30°C to +40°C) the gap between the sheet and the structure is 49 mm (0.07x10x70 = 49 mm). The minimum tolerance recommended for cellular polycarbonate sheets is 3.5 mm for each meter of length or width - the calculation is based on a temperature difference of 50ºC. The diameter of the holes for mounting bolts or screws should be 1.5 times larger than the diameter of the bolt.
I want to mount the sheets horizontally.
Mount slabs cellular polycarbonate follows in the direction of the longitudinal stiffeners, either vertically or along the slope of the coating, but not horizontal.
Do I need to remove the top film from polycarbonate sheets?
Plates cellular polycarbonate covered with polyethylene film to protect against contamination and mechanical damage that may occur during shipment, transportation and assembly. The film should be left on the stove until the end of assembly and be sure to remove upon completion of work.
What and how to cut cellular polycarbonate?
Cutting is done using circular saw or electric jigsaw with teeth at an angle close to 30°. Sawdust that is formed during cutting with a saw should be thoroughly cleaned with a jet of air under pressure or any other available method. During cutting, the cellular polycarbonate plate should be pressed firmly against the table surface to prevent it from vibrating or shifting. If you need to cut slabs of small thickness (10 mm and below), you can use a construction knife.
Please advise what sealants to use?
100% silicone sealant. Important! sealant without acrylic, ammonia, antifungal or other additives that can damage polycarbonate. Do not use polyurethane foam. This leads to deformation of the coating.
How to bend different thicknesses cellular polycarbonate?
Minimum bending radii of slabs.
How to clean polycarbonate after winter?
- pour warm water over the slabs;
- When washing, use a soft brush (rag) and warm soapy water;
- do not use a knife or other sharp objects;
- wash off the soap running water and wipe off so that no stains remain.
Lesnik 61 28-06-2010 12:56
I came across such garbage, covered a greenhouse with it the year before last, now a valuable fur-bearing animal has come to polycarbonate, it crumbles right in my hands, thanks to the recent hurricane, dismantling the dead covering was not necessary.
People here said that you only need to shoot painted film, but with reverse side No, no, this film is placed outside, supposedly protecting against UV radiation.
Anyone in the know, please provide an explanation on this issue, otherwise if you buy coverage every two years, then with that money it’s easier to buy food than to bother for six months.
Ann 28-06-2010 13:07
I put it on the wrong side. It is necessary to face out with the side on which there was a film with the inscriptions UV-protect and all that.
Lesnik 61 28-06-2010 13:38
TAURUS 28-06-2010 13:51
Ann 28-06-2010 14:03
One side is covered in pictures, the other is blank film.
Well, you definitely need to put it exactly right side out.
and without protective coating
It seems like it's only for internal partitions and work?
Yep 28-06-2010 14:50
quote: Originally posted by TAURUS:
There is cellular polycarbonate with protection from ultraviolet rays and without a protective coating, which affects the service life of the plastic.
Yes, and with protection it is more expensive.
koti4 28-06-2010 19:32
what brand? WAS)
koti4 28-06-2010 19:33
it was necessary to jam the ends
ZiminVlVl 28-06-2010 23:37
yes, you just bought bullshit, any polycarbonate is designed for the sun, and for a greenhouse you need it without a protective coating, but the fact that you have it is polyethylene, which really crumbles from the sun within a year
Lesnik 61 29-06-2010 05:15
quote: yeah you just bought bullshit
I myself am inclined to this idea; on both sides of that polycarbonate there was a transparent film without inscriptions. And I asked the question in order to get confused with the installation of new sheets.
-Bryansk- 29-06-2010 08:45
Indeed, we bought crap. It’s simple - you came across a low-quality product (slipped in), or you took it deliberately, being fooled by a freebie.
Normal, usable polycarbonate will last for decades in severe heat and cold.
Lesnik 61 29-06-2010 09:02
quote: Indeed, we bought crap. Simply - a low-quality product was caught (slipped)
This is the first thing that didn’t hit the shelves of our stores, I don’t rule out that it was some kind of wrong one, because the three first-purchased sheets crumbled, and those purchased a little later were normal.
Yep 29-06-2010 09:13
UV protection, Films... Which side to lay it on, caroling around it with a tambourine and organizing other shamanic orgies in the form of plugging the ends - this is heresy and nonsense.
This is what many people who are far from construction think, and they are mistaken:
"Signs of poor quality material:
lack of data on mass, bearing capacity, UV protection. UV protection is visible to the naked eye - the side facing the sun has a slight bluish glow on the cut. If this effect is not observed, the presence of co-extrusion UV protection is doubtful; deviations in linear dimensions and sheet thickness;
increased waviness of sheets, longitudinal or transverse grooves visible to the naked eye on the surface of the sheet. They indicate deviations in the extrusion process, which may affect the load-bearing capacity of the sheets;
foreign inclusions, black spots, bubbles, roughness. These signs indicate that the material used a large number of recycled materials, which reduces the strength and durability of sheets;
yellowish or bluish tint to transparent panels. This sign indicates that this material belongs to the economy class. (with UV protection in the thickness of the sheet, which is worse than co-extrusion external protection, or with reduced weight) It is necessary to clarify with the seller the specifics of this material and its scope of application.
You should approach the selection of components no less responsibly. Seals must be made of EPDM (not rubber or PVC), washers must be made of metal or PVC (not polyethylene). Profiles must have sufficient width, wall thickness and strength, polycarbonate ones must also have UV protection. Self-tapping screws must be made of high-quality steel, have an anti-corrosion coating and sufficient thickness.
Reducing the number of components (increasing the pitch of the connecting profile and other fasteners) will also negatively affect operational characteristics coverings. Data on the load-bearing capacity of panels reported by the manufacturer are valid only if the recommended support and fastening schemes for polycarbonate are followed."
http://www.krovlirussia.ru/index.php?page=cls&hid=737&pid=43
Yep 29-06-2010 09:32
quote: Originally posted by -Bryansk-:
There was no trace of UV protection
Yes, EVERYTHING was there, they just forgot to tell you.
On Russian market cellular polycarbonate appeared in 1995 and was first introduced by the LEXAN brand produced by GENERAL ELECTRIC.
therefore in 1998 it was not yet Chinese and Russian. Therefore, it then came with UV protection, as it should be.
and three years later the Chinese had already mastered its production, and some of them began to save on additives and sell cheap bullshit.
alpar 29-06-2010 09:33
Yep 29-06-2010 09:35
Can polycarbonate withstand a stone throw?
holds up if not too thin. and a thick brick can withstand
alpar 29-06-2010 09:39
Well, they hardly put thick ones on greenhouses.
Lesnik 61 29-06-2010 09:48
quote: Well, they hardly put thick ones on greenhouses.
Usually 4 mm.
quote: holds up if not too thin. and a thick brick can withstand
In the recent past, he worked as a director. We took out the pool, the upholstery, the glass was broken every day, I replaced it with polycarbonate, the problem went away. We saw idiots throwing stones at the windows, everything was intact, because... there was no effect, we switched to other objects.
Yep 29-06-2010 09:55
quote: Originally posted by Forester 61:
replaced it with polycarbonate, the problem went away
roughly the same bullshit.
for example, changing double-glazed windows in aluminum doors It’s not very easy, so I used to install polycarbonate instead of double-glazed windows in store doors for customers.
Bryansk 29-06-2010 10:12
quote: Originally posted by Yep:
Yes, EVERYTHING was there, they just forgot to tell you.or the Chinese, and some of them began to skimp on additives and sell cheap bullshit.
But this is really and easily.
That is, in general, it all comes down to the fact that if you buy a good and high-quality one, then whichever side you screw it on, hammer the ends in, don’t hammer it in, it will still last a long time. And a worthless one will fall apart quickly, despite the correct sides, films and other kosher screws.
Yep 29-06-2010 10:23
quote: Originally posted by Bryansk:
then which side don’t screw it on
As a result of an installation error (installation on the wrong side), even the highest quality polycarbonate crumbles.
I don’t take it off for the winter and I don’t even cover the roof with anything; the snow lies right on the film. Polycarbonate goes through the woods.
Integrator 02-07-2010 18:28
quote: Originally posted by alpar:And in my greenhouses I have ordinary reinforced polyethylene film. The side frames are put away in the shed for the winter, and the film on the roof has not been removed for four years. One problem is the crows. They love to peck insects on the roof through the film. But after shooting one or two, they don’t arrive for a long time.
Well, I don’t argue... ordinary film in frames brought indoors for the winter can also last for several years, if severe frosts will not be. Or in a warm room. As for the roof - indeed, a reinforced one can withstand snow and lasts for several seasons - if a guard with a gun is attached to it
1. What is cellular polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate as a substance is a solid, colorless polymer plastic used in production in the form of granules. It is durable, lightweight, optically transparent, plastic, frost-resistant, a good dielectric, environmentally friendly and durable. Cellular or, as it is also called, cellular polycarbonate - plastic, produced by extrusion, is hollow panels of various thicknesses and structures, which are connected to each other by longitudinal jumpers - stiffeners. Polycarbonate belongs to the class of synthetic polymers and is a complex linear polyester of carbonic acid and phenols.
2. What is UV protection?
Cellular polycarbonate Despite its strength, it is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. For most manufacturers, protection against ultraviolet radiation is “in bulk”. In addition to this protection, traditionally all products have a protective UV layer applied by coextrusion, and it is this layer that prevents the sheet from being destroyed under the influence of sunlight. The layer can be applied on one or both sides. Without this technology, the service life of cellular polycarbonate does not exceed 2-3 years.
3. How flexible is cellular polycarbonate sheet?
The panels can be either slightly bent or twisted to the minimum permissible radius, while there is no need for heat treatment of the sheets, and only natural properties polycarbonates. Compression and twisting of the panel exceeding the minimum permissible radius leads to high blood pressure and surface deformation. As a result, bursting or breaking of the sheet, which is not covered under warranty
4. How to properly care for the coating?
The panels will last much longer if you keep them clean. Usually rainwater is enough for the panels to clean themselves. Individual areas can be cleaned using weakly concentrated cleaning agents. Make sure the cleaning product you choose does not contain abrasives or solvents. Wet with warm water, then wipe dirty areas with a soft sponge or brush, preferably hot water. When the dirt has disappeared, rinse the panel with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Grease or tar stains can be removed with diluted ethyl alcohol. Rub the stain gently with a soft cloth. Next, rinse as described above with plenty of water. Avoid rubbing the panels against each other, even if they are still under the protective film. This creates static electricity, which attracts dust and dirt and makes cleaning more difficult.
5. What are the main advantages of cellular polycarbonate?
- Ease
Polycarbonate is 16 times lighter than glass. This means that it will allow you to significantly save on delivery and installation, because you will not have to build complex designs. - Transparency
Cellular polycarbonate transmits up to 90% of light, dispersing it evenly. At the same time, it has the ability to delay harmful ultra-violet rays, which makes this material indispensable for covering greenhouses. - Thermal insulation
According to this characteristic, polycarbonate is not inferior to double-glazed windows. At the same time, its price is much more affordable. - Soundproofing
Sheets of cellular polycarbonate perfectly retain not only temperature, but also sound. This makes them indispensable for glazing production premises With high level noise. - Heat and fire resistance
Polycarbonate does not change its properties to a great extent temperature conditions: at -50 and +120 degrees it retains its flexibility, ability to retain heat and others General characteristics. And in case of fire polycarbonate material it simply melts, preventing the fire from spreading. - Strength
Cellular polycarbonate is not afraid of even strong impacts. Therefore, it is actively used to create shop windows and internal office partitions. In addition, polycarbonate can easily withstand heavy loads. For example, it can be used to create a roof, and the sheets do not deform under the weight of snow. Considering long term polycarbonate services, its prices are very favorable. - Attractive view
Cellular polycarbonate is available in various color variations and has a beautiful glossy surface, which allows it to be used in the decoration of any modern buildings.
6. Where can polycarbonate be used?
- In greenhouses and conservatories
Even the most capricious plants will be under reliable protection this material. Cellular polycarbonate creates a stable temperature and protects against aggressive ultraviolet radiation. In this case, landings will receive required amount Sveta. In polycarbonate greenhouses you can create an optimal microclimate for a wide variety of plants. - For showcases and pavilions
This material has an attractive appearance and a wide variety of shades. In addition, cellular polycarbonate is highly flexible, which means it allows the construction of complex structures, including curved shapes. As a result, you get the opportunity to implement any design ideas that will highlight your outlet among others. - In the glazing of industrial buildings
An important feature of cellular polycarbonate is its strength and resistance to various influences. Even in the most extreme temperature conditions or with strong impacts, the glazing will not be damaged, maintaining its thermal insulation properties. This stability of polycarbonate is indispensable in industrial buildings where the glass does not support the load properly. - In creating office partitions
Polycarbonate fits perfectly into modern design offices. Its flexibility will allow you to create partitions of any complexity. At the same time, due to the strength of cellular polycarbonate, such office design will not require frequent repairs. Quick care and resistance to any cleaning products will provide you with additional benefits. - In swimming pools and showers
Cellular polycarbonate shows excellent moisture-resistant properties. It does not lose strength and appearance even from constant contact with water of different temperatures.
7. Why are thermal washers needed?
They are needed to neutralize thermal expansion. At large differences temperatures, cellular polycarbonate is subject to temperature deformation. The thermal washer provides reliable point fastening of a sheet of cellular polycarbonate due to the large support area, provides reliable fastening, prevents the formation of “waves” in summer and breaks in winter.
8. What are the dimensions of polycarbonate sheets?
Standard sizes are 2100x6000 mm or 2100x12000 mm.
9. What colors are cellular polycarbonate available?
Cellular polycarbonate is available in 13 standard colors: transparent, yellow, red, green, turquoise, bronze, burgundy, brown, blue, milky, crushed ice, crushed ice bronze, silver.
10. How many chambers are there in polycarbonate?
one-, two-, three-, four-chamber
12. Why cover the ends of polycarbonate?
In order for polycarbonate to remain clean and transparent, it is necessary to cover the ends of the sheets. The ends are closed as follows: the upper open ends - with sealing tape and an end profile to prevent the ingress of water, dust and snow, the lower ends - with a special perforated tape, which does not interfere with air circulation and an end profile.
13. Is it necessary to remove the protective film from the surface of the cellular polycarbonate sheet?
You remove the protective film from the surface of the sheet after installation is completed. It is necessary to protect sheets during loading and unloading, transportation and installation. If you leave it, then under the influence of the sun after some time it can “stick” to the leaf, and removing it in the future will be problematic.
14. Will polycarbonate turn yellow over time?
To ensure that the polycarbonate does not turn yellow or become cloudy, a uniform special UV protective layer is applied to the cellular polycarbonate, which protects the material from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation (hard short-wave radiation harmful to both people and plants). This protective layer is located under the marking film. At correct installation The sheets must be installed with the UV protective layer facing outwards.
15. How can I determine, after removing the protective film, on which side of the cellular polycarbonate sheet the UV protective layer is located?
When installing polycarbonate, it is important to remember that the protective film must be removed only after cutting the sheets and installing it. During installation, the film must be removed at the fastening points. If you have removed the film from the sheet, then you can determine the side of the sheet with the protective UV layer on a fresh cut of the transparent sheet - a slightly bluish thin layer will be visible there.
16. Is cellular polycarbonate used for the manufacture of canopies and protective canopies over basement floors?
Due to its impact-resistant properties, cellular polycarbonate is most suitable for making canopies and canopies over entrances and protecting pits for ground floors. Polycarbonate sheets are vandal-resistant and have an aesthetically attractive appearance. However, even durable polycarbonate sheets can be destroyed when large icicles from roofs hit them.
17. Is it possible to install polycarbonate in honeycombs along the roof and not across it?
It’s not possible, because honeycombs located parallel to the ground will prevent the removal of condensing moisture. The likelihood of snow bags on the polycarbonate sheet also increases in winter. And when installing an arched roof, this can lead to a break in the sheet.
18. Is it possible to install cellular polycarbonate in winter?
Yes, you can. Cellular polycarbonate can also be bent in a cold state. However, at temperatures below -25 degrees, installation is not advisable.
19. Can polycarbonate be used instead of glass?
Cellular polycarbonate is 200 times stronger and 8 times lighter than glass and can be used as its substitute. Thus, polycarbonate panels are resistant to hail impacts and provide safe glazing. Polycarbonate panels do not break or crack, and, therefore, there are no sharp fragments upon impact.
20. How resistant is polycarbonate to the external environment?
Cellular polycarbonate feels great in the temperature range from -40°C to +120°C, completely retaining all mechanical and optical properties. Cellular polycarbonate panels can withstand significant wind and snow loads.
21. What are the thermal insulation characteristics of polycarbonate?
The air gap in cellular polycarbonate panels is an excellent heat insulator. Even the thinnest panels of cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm are almost twice as thermally insulating as simple glazing. Panels with a thickness of 8mm are comparable to double-glazed windows, and 16-25mm panels exceed the thermal insulation properties of triple-glazed double-glazed windows.
22. How well does light penetrate polycarbonate?
The light transmission of transparent two-layer cellular polycarbonate panels reaches 86%. The light transmission of cellular polycarbonate panels practically does not decrease during long-term outdoor use. Hard ultraviolet radiation(range less than 400 nanometers), which has a harmful effect on humans, plants and equipment, practically does not pass through polycarbonate sheet. The transmission of useful rays is optimal. The transmission of rays located in the extreme part of the infrared zone of the spectrum (more than 5000 nm) by cellular polycarbonate is minimal, as a result of which the heat emitted by objects inside the enclosed room remains inside, creating a “greenhouse effect”, which is additional benefit when using this material as glazing for greenhouses, conservatories, winter gardens etc. All types of cellular polycarbonate panels favorably diffuse light, repeatedly reflecting rays of penetrating light from all surfaces ( upper layer, stiffeners, bottom layer).
23. Is polycarbonate a fireproof material?
Cellular polycarbonate has a certificate fire safety, which confirms the compliance of this product with established requirements, and belongs to the group of low-flammable materials. It burns only in an open flame and is self-extinguishing, does not contribute to the spread of combustion, does not form burning drops, during combustion only swelling of the material occurs and light threads are formed that have time to cool before falling. And finally, the holes formed when the polycarbonate panels are melted help remove smoke in the event of a fire.
24. What is the service life of polycarbonate?
The warranty period for cellular polycarbonate panels is more than 10 years. In practice, the service life of cellular polycarbonate panels as roofing material is not limited to 10 years and in stable weather conditions reaches 15-20 years. Please note that the most important condition for the long service life of cellular polycarbonate is compliance with all rules for storage, transportation, installation and subsequent operation of the material. The buyer is solely responsible for deciding what ready product made of cellular polycarbonate suitable for specific purpose, and that actual operating conditions are acceptable for the product.
25. Is it possible to cut polycarbonate, and how to do it?
Cutting polycarbonate panels with a thickness of 4 mm can be carried out with a special construction or breadboard knife with a retractable blade. When cutting a sheet of cellular polycarbonate, the protective film must remain intact, preventing the formation of scratches. For cutting thicker sheets, use high-speed a circular saw with a stop, equipped with blades with small, straight teeth, reinforced hard alloys. It is recommended to use saws with a speed of at least 3200 rpm. The sheets must be firmly fixed to prevent vibration. After completing the procedure, remove any remaining dust and small chips from the cut edges of the sheet compressed air or a vacuum cleaner.
26. How to join polycarbonate sheets?
Installation of polycarbonate panels is carried out using original HP polycarbonate connecting one-piece profiles, as well as detachable profiles (base, cover) HCP of our own production.
27. There is a protective film on the sheets of cellular polycarbonate, is it worth removing it?
Sheets of cellular polycarbonate have a special one- or two-sided UV protective coating. The side or sides with this coating usually have a film with the corresponding marking. The protective film must be removed during installation, otherwise it will “stick” to the material in the sun.
28. Is it worth installing polycarbonate fences?
For those who want to build a light, attractive, modern-looking fence around their territory, we can recommend a fence made of polycarbonate. This material not only looks great, but can also be easily combined with any other materials such as metal, concrete, brick, wood and many others. You can easily create a structure with decorative elements, supports and lighting. When it comes to color and design, polycarbonate structures have widest range options. A fence made of cellular polycarbonate has several excellent qualities. It has ultra-high impact resistance (cellular polycarbonate with low weight is 200 times stronger than glass, 8 times stronger than acrylic plastics and PVC). This material will not be affected by heat or cold (cellular polycarbonate is suitable for use in the temperature range from -40 ºС to +120 ºС). It is also an environmentally friendly inert material, does not throw away harmful substances V environment and is absolutely safe for people. Fences made of this material have high sound insulation properties. Installation takes a little time.
Considering the huge variety of frame designs and polycarbonate itself, you can show unprecedented imagination and translate it into the manufacture of fencing, thereby obtaining an exclusive product. Thus, the answer to the question posed is quite obvious - polycarbonate enclosing structures are extremely interesting option, and those who are ready for beautiful and original solutions, a polycarbonate fence is definitely WORTH IT!!
29. In what area and what thickness is it better to use polycarbonate?
The thickness of polycarbonate is an important factor when choosing a material for transparent structures. There are two most common types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic.
Cellular polycarbonate - polymer material in the form of sheets with a cellular structure. A sheet of such polycarbonate consists of two special layers that have special stiffeners (in the form of honeycombs). The most commonly used polycarbonate sheets range in thickness from 4 to 25mm. There is also reinforced polycarbonate (4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm), which is a unique material, the only manufacturer of which in Russia is KARBOGLASS CJSC. Its peculiarity is the presence of additional stiffening ribs, which significantly increases the strength of the structure and increases its resistance to natural environmental factors.
The thicker the polycarbonate sheet, the lower its thermal conductivity, and this accordingly leads to a reduction in the consumption of electricity and heat (heating or cooling), and therefore financial resources.
Cellular polycarbonate, depending on the thickness, is used in the following areas:
6-8 mm- wide use (greenhouses, greenhouses, sheds).
10 mm- overlap of horizontal and vertical surfaces(barriers on highways, high-rise lamps)
16- 25 mm- transparent roofs of houses.
32 mm- roofing with special requirements (for large impacts and loads)
It should be noted that 4 mm thick sheets are not intended for use as transparent roofs, houses or canopies in areas where strong gusty winds and snowfalls are possible.
