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

Features and requirements for designs

The use of polycarbonate provides endless possibilities and scope for creating architectural masterpieces. Thanks to this material, you can build roofs yourself different shapes- double or single slope, domed, hip, arched, pyramidal polygonal and others. Moreover, they can be installed both above heated rooms and above cold ones. Since the main task of a polycarbonate roof is to ensure the flow of natural light into the room, the corresponding requirements are also imposed on it:

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

Types of structures

According to their design characteristics, polycarbonate structures are of the following types:

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

To illuminate attics, along with traditional vertical windows, you can also use windows mansard type, which are mounted directly on the roof plane. Skylights are glass overhangs of a building or skylights. Their glazing can be done as 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 roofs for the most popular types of roofs. technical solutions. If the need arises to create another design, it is much more difficult - designers of manufacturing companies can always develop new options.

For system profiles when constructing gable roofs, in addition to polycarbonate itself, you can use:

• for small and medium-sized spans - aluminum is suitable;
• For large spans, steel is more acceptable.

Advantages of polycarbonate

The main advantages of polycarbonate products are:

1. Small specific gravity, thanks to which you can design and build elegant, original, lightweight buildings large sizes, increase the width of spans of structures. In addition, due to the lightness of the material, it becomes possible to realize any design ideas without spending a lot of money.
2. High load-bearing capacity.
3. Transparency and flexibility, which makes it easy to manufacture roof structures of any complexity.
4. Excellent chemical resistance.
5. Low 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, maintaining its qualities, for 10-12 years or more.
10. Large sheet sizes, which is very convenient when working on the installation of large-area structures.

In addition to the listed advantages, polycarbonate is easy to bend, cut, drill, and glues well. 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 the flat surface.

Choosing polycarbonate

When constructing roofs, the issue of paramount importance is the choice the desired type material. There are many types of polycarbonate sheets on sale, which differ in color and thickness. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 3 mm to 3.2 cm. Each type is intended 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. Sixteen-millimeter sheets can be used on large-area polycarbonate roofs. Since this type can withstand heavy loads, it can be used in the construction of stations, parking lots, gas stations and other similar structures. Ten-millimeter sheets are ideal for sports facilities, including swimming pools. For arranging canopies, canopies, and glazing balconies, you can use sheets with a thickness of 8 mm, and five millimeter sheets for canopies. Since greenhouses do not carry a serious load, they can use material with a thickness of only 3.5 mm.

Types of polycarbonate

There are several types of this material:

1. Monolithic. This look 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 blocks UV rays, and the third holds the entire structure.
2. Cellular polycarbonate has a corresponding honeycomb structure. It looks very nice on domed roofs. This type can be both colored and transparent. It is also perfect for creating outdoor advertising, interior design, making 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 façade and roof coverings. They are used to make roofs over greenhouses, winter gardens, greenhouses, canopies over parking lots and over gardens to create domed vaults.

Price

The cost of polycarbonate depends on its thickness and size, 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 0.35 cm thick, size A cost 1,250 rubles, B - 2,500. Six-millimeter sheets: A colored - 2.65 thousand rubles, transparent - 2.4 thousand, size B - transparent 4.8 thousand rubles, color 5.8 thousand

Sheets for polycarbonate roofs, 10 mm thick: size A transparent - 3,300 rubles, colored - 3,670. B - transparent 6, 7 thousand rubles, colored - 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 millimeter polycarbonate will cost: sheet A transparent - 9,200 rubles, and colored - 10,200. For option B you will have to pay 18,600 rubles for transparent, and for colored - 20,400.

Polycarbonate today is widely used in construction industry. The material is produced by melting plastic granules and passing the resulting mass through a special mold - a die. As a result of this technology, sheets are obtained that have a cellular structure, in which several polycarbonate sheets are connected by means of longitudinal stiffeners. Polycarbonate is credited with universal qualities; in modern times it construction industry is an optimal glass substitute. Let's look at the features of application and installation in this article.

One of the areas of application of this material is the installation of roofs. Material suitable for installation roofing structures the most various forms. It can be a gable, single-pitch polycarbonate roof or a hip roof.
Polycarbonate can be used to cover not only the roof of a living space, because... This is also a suitable option for a terrace. It will make it more comfortable and cozy. The terrace area increases the usable area of ​​the house and at the same time allows you to enjoy a good rest in nature. The roof of the terrace should be a continuation of the architectural ensemble of the main building. Mostly she builds without an attic. The main function of a terrace roof is to protect the site from bright sun and precipitation. Polycarbonate will cope with this task successfully.

Roofs made of polycarbonate. Photo:

Types of polycarbonate

You can make a polycarbonate roof from two of its varieties:

1. Monolithic type material is used for arranging roofs of curved and flat shapes. This polycarbonate has significant advantages, the number of which is not inferior to glass. But at the same time it also has a drawback that prevents it wide application- this is a high cost.
2. Structured polycarbonate, also called cellular, is more affordable in financially and therefore gained great popularity. This material is also called light-transmitting plastic. A roof made on its basis will allow you to stay on the terrace in hot weather and not feel discomfort from the sun's rays.

Advantages polycarbonate material:

• high thermal insulation rates;
• light weight, which simplifies the installation process;
• elasticity, thanks to which you can independently install arched ceilings without the help of specialists;
• resistance to various chemical influences;
• long period of operation – up to 20 years;
• low flammability - the material is able to restrain the spread of fire in the event of fire;
• ability to maintain operational properties at temperatures from -40ºС to +120ºС.

Which polycarbonate to choose for the roof?

High-quality polycarbonate is produced on the basis of primary granulate. But there are technical conditions that allow the manufacturer to add secondary raw materials to products. The content of the last component can reach 70% of total mass polycarbonate sheets. Such material can be distinguished by its low cost, but at the same time it also has low performance qualities. A visual inspection will help determine quality products:

1. A high-quality sheet has an absolutely smooth surface.
2. If bubbles, inclusions or other defects are observed on the surface of the material, it is not recommended to purchase such polycarbonate.
3. Also, during the selection process, you should take into account the weight of the sheets. Polycarbonate for the roof, the thickness of which is 0.4 cm, should weigh 0.8 kg. The mass of sheets 1 cm thick is 1.7 kg.
4. On sale you can find products marked “light”, which indicates that the weight of the material is 15% less than the established norm. When working with these sheets, standard methods for determining atmospheric loads cannot be used. The situation is complicated by the fact that not all manufacturers put this label. This material can be distinguished by its low cost.
5. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the presence of a protective film. Its function is to protect sheets from negative influence ultraviolet rays. If polycarbonate does not have this coating, it will lose its performance characteristics without serving for even one year.
6. The thickness of the film should also be taken into account. If this indicator does not exceed 35 microns, the material will last no more than 5 years. With a thickness of 60 microns, the sheets will retain their properties for 10 years.
7. You can determine the thickness of the protective coating by reading the certificate that comes with the product. This is impossible to do visually.

In general, according to quality indicators, the material is divided into 4 categories:

• “premium”, which can last for 20 years;
• “elite” – the service period is about 12 years;
• “optimal” – maintains performance characteristics for 10 years;
• “economical” - will last for 5-8 years.

1. Polycarbonate requires special storage conditions. It should only be kept in a dry room.
2. Before installation, it is recommended to seal the cells with adhesive aluminum tape or sealant. This will help prevent dust and moisture from accumulating.
3. If condensation is found inside the material, it can be removed by blowing the sheets with compressed air.
4. There is no need to remove the protective coating from the surface before installation.
5. Polycarbonate cannot be covered with polyester or metallized film, since the contact of these materials will result in the formation of condensation. As a result, the film and sheets will lose their performance qualities.
6. In progress installation work Do not step on polycarbonate. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the formation of cracks on the surface of the material. For movement, special ladders should be installed on the sheathing or rafters.
7. A polycarbonate roof cannot be completely flat. The minimum acceptable slope should be 5%.
8. If the material is inserted into frames, the coefficient of linear expansion must be taken into account when designing their size. This indicator is determined based on the thickness of the sheet.
9. When working with material, you may be faced with the need to use not entire sheets, but individual fragments. This problem can be easily solved. Polycarbonate sheets lend themselves well to cutting, welding, gluing, and drilling. A jigsaw is used for cutting, hand saw or a hacksaw, and for forming holes - automatic or hand drill equipped with a metal drill.
10. Polycarbonate makes it possible to install roofs non-standard forms. For this purpose, cold, vacuum and thermal molding methods are used. When transporting and storing the material, mechanical impact should be avoided.

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof must be made in such a way that snow cover can be freely removed from its surface. Also, the structure must have sufficient strength. The roof can be given a wide variety of shapes. Initially, the frame is installed on which the sheets are installed. For frame structure use profile elements made of steel, aluminum or polycarbonate.

The latter option has several advantages over the first two materials. Profiled polycarbonate for the roof allows you to install the roof without visible connection areas. Also, this material has tightness, low weight, and high strength. This creates the visual effect of a roof floating above the building.

Polycarbonate profiles are divided into two types: detachable and one-piece. There are cavities inside the polycarbonate material. The sheets should be placed so that the arrangement of the cavities is parallel to the direction of the structure. If this condition is ignored, the material may become deformed during operation.

How to cover a roof with polycarbonate with your own hands

For installation you will need:

• boards;
• beams with a cross section of 40-60 mm;
• hammer;
• axe;
• nails, self-tapping screws, screws;
• saw;
• building level;
• screwdriver;
• scotch;
• polycarbonate sheets;
• mastic.

The installation process is performed in the following sequence of actions:

1. The work begins with the installation of the frame structure. For this purpose, you can use one of the three types of profiles described above.
2. The sheets have a standard width of 2.10 m. The space between the beams should not be greater than this distance. In order to be able to join several sheets, the gap between the rafters should be calculated so that the junction of the sheets is in the central part of the bar.
3. The next step after installing the rafters is installing the frame. If metal profiles are used, the end sides of the cut sheets must be sealed with tape. This will prevent debris and moisture from getting into the grooves.
4. When using a polycarbonate profile, this measure is not necessary, since these profile elements are initially equipped with a special film. It prevents various contaminants from penetrating into the cells of the sheet that have opened due to pruning.
5. If the profile is collapsible, installation is performed in the following order:

• originally profile parts attached to the bars with the lower part;
• after which polycarbonate is mounted, on which the upper part of the frame structure is installed.

1. The non-separable type profile is immediately attached to the rafters using self-tapping screws. On these fasteners, after 20-30 cm, there are thermal washers, to which the polycarbonate sheets will be installed.
2. There are two ways to cover a roof with polycarbonate. The first involves a point method, in which fixation is carried out after 30 cm.
3. According to the second, fixing profiles are used. The seam area must be treated with mastic. There is an inscription on the sheets. They should be placed on the frame so that the side with this inscription is directed upward. A compensation space of 5 mm is left between the sheets. Then the profile covers are secured and the plugs are attached.
4. From the edges profile elements limiters are installed, which are fixed with rivets.
5. At the last stage, the side parts and the surface of the sheets are covered with tape. This will help protect the material from negative impact ultraviolet radiation. Suitable for this purpose regular tape. The lower part also needs a protective coating. In this case, you will need perforated tape, which will prevent insects from entering the cavities.

Rules for cutting and drilling

Cutting sheets into fragments must be done as carefully as possible to avoid damage to the top protective layer. This procedure is carried out using a circular saw or jigsaw. It is important to choose the optimal speed. Cutting too slowly will cause chipping. Excessively high speed will lead to overheating and melting of the polymer. Sheets should not vibrate when cutting, this will lead to the appearance of microcracks.

If fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws, you must first prepare holes in the sheets, the diameter of which should be 1-2 mm larger than the size of the fastening elements. To do this, use a drill for non-ferrous metals. Self-tapping screws should not be tightened to the maximum. Sheets will move under temperature changes. A polycarbonate roof for a terrace should be installed taking this condition into account.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate belongs to innovative materials and has been used in the construction field relatively recently. But at the same time it is already actively used. This material is used for various purposes, one of which is the installation of roofs. It has all the properties necessary for roofing material. Installation of polycarbonate sheets does not require qualified knowledge. You can do this yourself by first reading the instructions.

Roof made of polycarbonate. Video:

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 pitched roof.

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

After 20 years, by improving technology, sheet, cellular construction 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

Polymer plastic obtained by reacting carbonic acid with phenols is called polycarbonate. This is environmentally friendly polyester, of artificial origin, in the form of 2 mm granules. By extrusion, transparent, translucent (colored, matte) products are produced from colorless particles. The synthetic polymer has the following characteristics: specifications:

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

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 objects.
2. Profiles. Docking devices for mounting plastic, creating almost invisible joints and visual lightness of the structure.
3. Liteva. Available in the form of granules (crushed waste) or ingots. Subsequently used in the manufacture of various polymer products.

The most popular are sheet plastic:

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

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

The first one has a monolithic base with a profile, corrugated shape. It is this that gives higher strength.

The second is a smooth, transparent, even thermoplastic. Its resemblance to glass and high strength allow it to be called “shockproof glass.”

The third one consists of sheets of different colors, widths and thicknesses, with a cellular structure. These are plates connected to each other by stiffening ribs. The space between them is filled with air, which ensures low thermal conductivity.

They all have almost the same qualities.

Material properties

All sheet products have the following characteristic properties:

• Good flexibility and ductility.
• Light weight.
• Impact resistance, low susceptibility to mechanical stress.
• Translucency.
• Soundproofing.
• Resistant to fire (self-extinguishing).
• Resistant to low temperatures - up to 40 degrees, high temperatures - up to 120 degrees (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 used in great demand in various branches of construction.

It is widely used in making awnings, such as:

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

Smooth panels are suitable for vertical glazing of houses, greenhouses, and gazebos. Here are the sheets used:

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

The roof is made from PC sheets of various thicknesses. When covering buildings that are expected to have increased load:

1. Garage.
2. A private house.
3. Industrial or other premises.

Types of polycarbonate plastic roofing

The strength and varying degrees of 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 also includes tent structures. Flat roofs with a slope of 1-2 degrees are made only with monolithic panels.
2. Dome. Such models are made using cell types of thermoplastic.
3. Arched. Cellular type PC is an ideal material when creating these structures. Its flexibility allows for any roof bend.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Modern artificial polyester used in roof construction has the following advantages:

• Multicolor.
• Easy to get the required form.
• Low price and weight, combined with high strength.
• Ease of processing.
• Long-term operation, minimal special care.
• Heat resistance, low flammability.
• Availability protective layers(ultraviolet penetration, light reflection, anti-condensation).
• Noise absorption.

The main disadvantages are:

• Susceptibility to thermal expansion.
• They have the ability to collect static electricity.
• Melting, they drip onto surrounding objects.

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

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

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

• The thinnest ones are 4-6 mm, suitable for greenhouse and greenhouse roofs.
• 6-8 mm – for gazebos, outbuildings, awnings, end glazing of the roof of a house.
• From 16 mm and above – directly for residential buildings, other rooms with increased load.

Can be used different types:

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

Monolithic, corrugated, cellular polycarbonate, taking into account design features and functions of the covered roof.

Installation of a polycarbonate pitched roof

After calculating the structure, which includes taking into account the loads on the roof, we move on to choosing the frame material.

« Need to remember: Angular 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 would be an angle of 45 degrees or higher.”

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

The metal, aluminum profile frame has a more elegant appearance. Wooden is easy to install (adjustment of parts can be done during installation), but it looks more bulky, which reduces the transparency of the coating. Wooden rafters are subject to mandatory antiseptic treatment.

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

Having completed the preparation and installation of the main roof frame, they begin to install the fastening profiles made of aluminum and 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.

The ends of aluminum profiles are sealed with tape, plastic ones - perforated tape.

The fastening system is installed on the frame with self-tapping screws. The collapsible profile is installed one by one. Bottom part, after installing the sheet top cover. Polymer profile, screwed every 30 cm using self-tapping screws with thermal washers.

It is better to cut and drill panels at a temperature not lower than 5ºС. In extreme heat, they should be cooled and worked in the shade.

The sheets must be laid with stiffening ribs along the slope, with a protective film from ultraviolet on top. The first panel is placed 3-5 cm with a protrusion beyond the roof border.

Polycarbonate should be fastened with galvanized self-tapping screws, using special thermal washers. They will protect the material from the formation of cracks (thermal compression/expansion) and crushing of honeycomb models. The “cold bridge”—the temperature difference at the fastening points—will be eliminated. The screws should not be overtightened.

The lower edges of the honeycomb material are sealed with a special perforated tape. This aluminum tape helps the release of possible condensation that appears in the honeycomb spaces. The end is also closed with UP profiles with pre-drilled holes.

Tools for working with polycarbonate must be sharp with fine teeth. Can be cut circular saw or a hacksaw. Drills need high-speed drills with a sharp cutting edge.

DIY polycarbonate roof

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IN modern construction New materials created thanks to scientific and technological progress are increasingly being used. One such material is polycarbonate - a durable, transparent plastic obtained through 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 low density. 1 m2 of 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;
• waterproof;
• soundproofing;
• durability (service life - from 8 to 20 years);
• low specific gravity, which allows the installation of lightweight structures;
• good thermal insulation properties due to the 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 an arch shape);
• resistance to temperature changes (range of use - from −45°C to +120°C);
• non-flammability.

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

• inadmissibility of strong bending in the transverse direction;
• instability to solvents;
• fragility of edges;
• specific storage conditions (horizontal position only).

Of course, the builders could not help but 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 a similar structure. If you have certain skills and a minimum set construction tools, it won’t be difficult to build a polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

Design Features

Making a roof from sheets of transparent plastic is quite simple, given the lightness of the material and the ease of processing. In order to build a roof from polycarbonate sheets yourself, you need to think through its design and draw up a drawing of the structure. Particular attention should be paid to the correct calculation of the length when arched design roofs. Structures of this type can be erected over attics, balconies, gazebos, verandas and summer souls. The roof structure is selected based on the shape of the house or room over which it will be installed.

The shape for the roof can be as follows:

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

Please note that the angle of inclination flat roof made of polycarbonate sheets should be at least 45°, since plastic does not have a high bearing capacity. This slope will prevent snow and water from lingering on the roof surface and cause them to roll down. When choosing 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 They 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 thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities and, accordingly, the cost of the sheet. Transparent polycarbonate profiles are used to create small self-supporting structures. In terms of strength, they are slightly inferior to metal ones, but structures made with their use have a rare beauty and spectacular appearance. Metal profiles are used to make larger roofs. For medium sizes, aluminum products are used, and for large ones, iron products are used.

Required tools and materials

After the transparent roof project has been drawn up, the necessary material, tools and equipment are calculated.

The calculations need to include possible defects in the work and the consumption of material for trimmings. 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 found in every country house. If the frame is mounted from steel, then a welding machine will not hurt. However, its absence can be compensated for by bolted or rivet fastening.

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

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

DIY installation sequence

Basic rules of work

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

• lay the sheets so that the stiffening ribs in the honeycombs are in a vertical position. If you lay it across with honeycombs, then the condensation that will accumulate in the roof will not be able to flow out of it.
• when installing an arched element, the sheets must be laid only along the vertical profiles, along the radius specified by the manufacturer;
• use safety glasses and gloves when drilling or sawing;
• the sheet being processed must lie completely on a flat, hard surface;
• do not allow the polycarbonate to overheat; drill and cut at low speeds;
• laying a polycarbonate roof is carried out taking into account the thermal expansion of the material;
• avoid vibration of the material during processing;
• Do not remove the top protective film until the installation work is completed.

Frame construction

As already mentioned, it is better to use metal for the frame. It is stronger than wood and, with proper treatment, does not corrode. Taking into account the width of the sheet (210cm), the frame is assembled with the expectation that the plastic will be fixed on the vertical guides every 70cm, 105cm or 210cm. Horizontal frame elements are installed at a distance of 40cm to 100cm 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 were in the same plane. After the frame is mounted, its load-bearing surfaces are covered with a layer of rubber sealant.

To properly cover a roof with polycarbonate, you must remember that plastic has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, in order to solve the question 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 elements of the frame. Laying the roof begins with the top corner sheet. First, a wall profile is attached to the frame, the connection of which to the wall is insulated with sealant. The sheets of plastic are connected to each other on the longitudinal elements of the frame using detachable or permanent connecting profiles. After the sheets are fixed on the sides, they need to be fixed to the transverse elements of the frame. This is done using self-tapping screws with thermal washers and plugs. The hole is made 3-4mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw, while it is not tightened too much to provide the opportunity for thermal deformation of the panel. When the panels are secured 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 are gable roof- skating.

Video about installation of cellular panels

Originality and beauty, reliability and accessibility to natural light - these are the compliments polycarbonate roofing constantly receives. The translucent design makes the building both cozy and attractive, since it has unique characteristics and is built in a special way.

Features of polycarbonate for roofing

To understand whether polycarbonate is suitable for a roof, you should consider its types and characteristics.

Kinds

Polycarbonate is classified into three types:

Monolithic carbonate is not only straight, but also round.

Table: parameters of different types of polycarbonate

Type of polycarbonate	Appearance	Characteristics	Basic properties
Wavy (profiled)	Monolithic sheets with waves or trapezoidal profiles	Thickness - 0.8–1.5 mm, standard width sheet - 480–1217 mm, and average length- 6 m. Height and wave shape may vary. Any color, not excluding smoky and matte shades	Temperature Range- from -50 to 130 °C, density - 1.2 kg/m 3, tensile strength - 65 kg/m², that is, the material is similar to corrugated sheeting and weighs significantly less
Cellular (cellular or structured)	Material with cells inside, that is, from 2 to 5 layers of plates connected by jumpers (stiffening ribs)	Sheet thickness - from 2 to 25 mm, width - 2.1 or 1.2 m, and length - 6 and 12 m. Any color, different honeycomb structure	Operating temperature - from -40 to +130 °C, tensile strength - 60 kg/m²
Monolithic straight	A solid, smooth material comparable to glass, but differing from it in lighter weight and greater functionality, because it is denser and transmits light better	The thickness of the panel is 1–20 mm, it is possible to have several layers, one of which is responsible for strength, another for transparency to light, and the third for the dullness of the material. Average sheet size - 205x305 cm	Impact resistance - 20–21 kg/m², temperature regime- from -50 to 130 °C
Monolithic round	Monolithic polycarbonate, which was made rounded using hot forming technology using special domes with a radius of 4–5 m

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of polycarbonate include:

Significant disadvantages transparent material consider:

• high risk of deformation during transportation;
• the need for careful installation and careful maintenance;
• low abrasive resistance, which is reflected in the rapid appearance of cracks and scratches.

The main enemy of polycarbonate is hail. Transparent material can easily crack from impacts from ice lumps, compromising the integrity of the structure.

Even a thick sheet of cellular polycarbonate on the roof can become unusable if heavy hail suddenly falls

Life time

Most manufacturers promise that polycarbonate will last as a roofing covering for at least 10 years. But, as practice shows, the service life of transparent material can be extended to 30 years. To do this, it is necessary to strictly observe following rules:

Minimum slope angle

The minimum angle of inclination of a polycarbonate roof is 5°. If it is reduced, then a roof made of a material whose quality is inferior to metal and ceramics will definitely be damaged.

However, realizing that polycarbonate is just a reinforced plastic, home owners prefer to tilt the roof slope by at least 10°. This frees them from worrying about whether the roof can withstand the pressure of snow and the sound of raindrops. When the roof slope is not flat, it quickly gets rid of precipitation.

Application of polycarbonate on the roof

In most cases, monolithic and cellular polycarbonate. Profiled material is a little less popular.

Table: for which roofs polycarbonate is suitable

Polycarbonate type	Application area	additional information
Profiled	Roofs of residential and public buildings, awnings, roofs of gazebos, terraces, greenhouses	For roof construction, it is recommended to use a material with a wave height of 1.5 cm, since it is characterized by better strength. It is desirable that the coating be opaque so that it can hide rafters and sheathing underneath, replacing materials such as slate, ondulin and corrugated board
Monolithic	Roofs of various sizes and configurations of any buildings, including small bathhouse, greenhouses and residential buildings	You can not be afraid to use it for the construction of complex roofs, since the material has the potential to withstand the pressure of a large snow mass. With a thickness of 12 mm, this coating will not break even under the blow of an adult strong man
Cellular	Complex elements of arches and roofs, canopies over swimming pools and stadiums, the roof of a hangar, outbuilding, greenhouse, gazebo, greenhouse, greenhouse or poultry house	Thanks to its porous structure, the material allows you to make the roof beautiful without compromising the strength of the structure, because its thickness can be up to 32 mm

But the type of material is not the main condition for choosing polycarbonate for the roof. Its thickness is more important.

Table: use of polycarbonate depending on thickness

Photo gallery: polycarbonate roofs

A polycarbonate roof helps create the necessary microclimate in the greenhouse for plant growth A polycarbonate canopy decorates and protects the door from precipitation A polycarbonate roof over the open dining room helps create a special atmosphere In a gazebo with a polycarbonate roof you can have a good rest without hiding from the sun A polycarbonate canopy can be An interesting and budget option for a garage for a car. As a covering for a greenhouse, polycarbonate is much better than film, since it will not tear and let the cold in. A greenhouse with a polycarbonate roof is illuminated by the sun, which makes it look beautiful, and the flowers do not suffer from a lack of light. A polycarbonate roof over a swimming pool allows you to fence off a recreation area without depriving it of sunlight

Installation of polycarbonate on the roof

Work on installing a polycarbonate roof begins with preparing materials with tools and creating sheathing.

Required materials and tools

For the roof installation to be successful, you need to purchase required quantity material and the correct screws.

Polycarbonate calculation

Polycarbonate calculation is carried out according to the formulan=S to:S l, where n is the required amount of material, S k is the roof area, andS l – area of ​​one polycarbonate sheet.

Let's imagine that we plan to install polycarbonate sheets 210 cm wide and 6 m long on a roof measuring 5x6 m, and we will do the following:

1. Let's determine the roof area (5 m*6 m=30 m²).
2. Let's find out the area of ​​the roofing sheet (2.1 m*6 m=12.6 m²).
3. Let's calculate approximately how many sheets of polycarbonate you need to purchase (30 m²: 12.6 m² = 2.4).
4. We round the resulting number to 3. If the installation of the material will be carried out with overlaps (which is typical for corrugated polycarbonate), then we increase the amount of material by 15%.

Selection of self-tapping screws for roofing polycarbonate

To attach polycarbonate to the roof frame, you should use special self-tapping screws equipped with a sealing washer and a gasket.

The sealing washer ensures that the fasteners fit well in advance. drilled hole and adheres tightly to the material. And the gasket prevents water from penetrating into the structure through the place where the roofing is fixed to the frame.

Roofing screw with a washer will ensure the tightness of the polycarbonate fastening on the roof

The optimal diameter of the self-tapping screw for polycarbonate is 4.8 or 5.5 mm. Larger self-tapping screws, when screwed in, can cause cracks to appear in the material, and small ones will not be able to cope with the task of fixing roof covering.

According to the rules, the hole for the self-tapping screw should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the fastener: for self-tapping screws with a diameter of 4.8 mm, the hole must be made with a drill with a diameter of 4 mm; for larger ones fastening element A drill size of 4.5 mm is suitable.

A reasonable length of self-tapping screw for installing roofing polycarbonate is 3–4 cm. To specifically determine this value, you need to look at the thickness of the frame. The length of the fastener should be slightly less than the combined thickness of the roofing base, polycarbonate and washer.

Required Tools

In the process of fixing polycarbonate on the roof you will need:

I do not recommend using a drill when working with polycarbonate. Its power will not be beneficial: the screws will be overtightened, and the attachments will constantly slip off and be damaged. The drill is difficult and awkward to hold in your hands if you are installing light material.

To select the distance between the elements of the roof frame, you need to know the thickness of the finishing material. There is a certain relationship between these values: the sheathing pitch should be 100 times greater than the thickness of the transparent sheet.

For example, if the thickness of the material is 4 mm, then the sheathing elements should be laid at a distance of 40 cm from each other. And in the case of using polycarbonate with a thickness of 1 cm, the frame parts must be mounted in increments of 1 m. In a word, for thick polycarbonate, sparse lathing is done, for thin polycarbonate - more frequent.

The thicker the polycarbonate sheets, the less often the sheathing elements can be laid

In addition to the thickness of the finishing material, the spacing between the sheathing elements is affected by the slope of the roof. If the roof is flat, then the pitch of the frame parts should be small. In a situation with a steep roof, everything is exactly the opposite, because the snow mass does not linger on it, which means that it is not threatened by a heavy snow load.

The territory of Russia is divided into 8 regions, in each of which the value of the standard snow load is determined

Another criterion for choosing a sheathing pitch is the wind load. When strong winds blow in the region where the house is being built, it is unwise to lay out frame elements over long distances.

The level of wind load at the construction site can be determined by special card, which is produced by Roshydromet

You can avoid complex calculations of the sheathing pitch if you use the given maps to determine the total wind and snow load and look at the table compiled according to the recommendations of experts. In it, you can select three combinations of sheathing pitch and distance between rafters for each combination of “polycarbonate thickness - load”.

Table: recommended lathing pitch for cellular polycarbonate depending on the total load

Load in kg/m² (snow+wind)	Polycarbonate thickness
	6 mm	8 mm	10 mm	16 mm
	Recommended sheathing pitch (mm)/ Distance between rafters
100	105/79	120/90	123/92	125/95
	90/90	95/95	100/100	110/110
	82/103	90/110	90/115	95/120
160	88/66	100/75	105/75	115/90
	76/76	83/83	83/83	97/97
	70/86	75/90	75/95	85/105
200	80/60	85/65	95/70	110/85
	69/69	76/76	78/78	88/88
	62/78	65/85	70/85	75/95

Polycarbonate installation process

Let's look at the instructions for installing polycarbonate using honeycomb material as an example. To install it you need:

1. Fix the connecting profiles on the sheathing over those rafters where the polycarbonate sheets will be joined.
2. Release the polycarbonate sheets from the protective film on the reverse side and insert them into the installed profiles, leaving a gap of 5 mm, designed to compensate for the lack of space in case the sheet expands due to strong heating in the heat. It is necessary to ensure that front side finishing coating turned out to be the one on which the word “top” is written or the manufacturer of the material is indicated - it is coated with a special coating that protects the material from ultraviolet rays.

   
   Polycarbonate sheets are connected through a profile, which is then sealed with a lid and fixed with a self-tapping screw.

3. Every 30 cm, connect the finishing material to the sheathing using self-tapping screws and washers. The fasteners must be screwed in with the screwdriver set to low speed to prevent them from being pressed into the polycarbonate.

   
   Self-tapping screws must be screwed in at slow speeds with a screwdriver to prevent the sheet from being crushed due to excessive force.

4. Cover the lower edge of the polycarbonate sheets located at the roof eaves with perforated tape, which will not allow penetration into the structure through open cells of the material ultraviolet rays, water, dust and insects.
Upper protective film removed after installation of the sheet
5. Insert and secure with self-tapping screws on the side of the connecting profiles (with a distance of 2 cm from their edge) limiters that will prevent the polycarbonate sheets from going beyond the limits roof frame.

   
   Stoppers are placed on the side of the connecting profiles, into which they are screwed using a self-tapping screw.

6. Cover the bottom and top edges of the polycarbonate decking with end profiles.
7. Treat the places where the polycarbonate comes into contact with the connecting profiles with silicone sealant.

Using the same instructions, you can lay monolithic polycarbonate on the roof. Its edges do not need to be sealed with special tapes.

Video: installation of polycarbonate on a metal frame using connecting profiles and thermal washers

Caring for polycarbonate in winter

If possible, it is better to dismantle the polycarbonate structure and hide it in a shed before winter sets in. But with stationary structures This cannot be done, so in the cold season they will have to be looked after in a special way.

Polycarbonate is able to withstand exposure to 40-degree frost. This means that his main enemy is not the cold at all, but the snow.

To prevent problems with a polycarbonate roof in winter, you need to:

Emergencies with a polycarbonate roof (for example, rupture of polycarbonate honeycombs by frozen water or cracking of the material) definitely cannot be avoided if mistakes were made during its construction. following errors:

• sheathing elements are placed at large intervals, despite the significant snow load in the region;
• polycarbonate sheets are pressed tightly to the profiles, without compensation gap for thermal contraction and expansion of the material;
• the edges of the sheets were not taped according to the instructions above;
• When attaching the sheets, the screws were overtightened.

Polycarbonate is a lightweight and fairly durable material, so it can be used to create roofs not only for greenhouses and gazebos, but also for outbuildings and even residential buildings. The roof made of transparent coating turns out to be extremely original.