Polycarbonate - beautiful modern material. In private construction they usually use, and to create decorative partitions, indoor barriers, and advertising structures, designers choose both monolithic and honeycomb sheets. Fastening this material is not difficult; available tools are used for the work, and the fastening technology can be mastered in a short time.

Polycarbonate is used to cover light buildings, garages, sheds, greenhouses and sloping roofs. Cellular carbonate, unlike monolithic carbonate, can be bent, creating not only straight, but also arched structural elements. Since this material does not withstand snow pressure well, the roofs of buildings and structures must be sloped. This is especially important for areas that receive a lot of snow in winter. The slope of the slopes should ideally be such that the snow does not linger on the fragile plastic roof and slid to the ground.

At making the right choice construction, strong frame, correct orientation of carbonate sheets and their sealing, this material will retain its beautiful appearance for many years. Properly secured sheets will not allow polycarbonate to deteriorate from the outside or inside; moisture will not accumulate inside the honeycombs and fastenings, which causes yellowing and black mold to appear.

To carry out work on fixing the panels, you need tools, main and auxiliary equipment. The choice depends on what frame is attached to and how the material is mounted, as well as on the complexity of the design.

To carry out the work you need:

• screwdriver;
• electric drill (with drills for wood or metal);
• electric jigsaw for ;
• a vacuum cleaner for collecting small crumbs and dust from the honeycombs after cutting;
• device for cutting aluminum profiles;
• self-tapping screws;
• bolts with nuts;
• various washers;
• rubber, plastic, silicone gaskets for washers (umbrella or flat);
• ladder;
• metal ruler;
• measuring tape (roulette);
• level.

Prices for self-tapping screws

self-tapping screws

Fastening devices

To fasten the panels, thermal washers made of polycarbonate, washers made of stainless materials, polypropylene washers, ordinary bolts with nuts and various self-tapping screws are used.

It is necessary for reliable fastening of polycarbonate to the frame and consists of three parts:

• a plastic convex washer with a wide leg, which is recessed into a hole in the polycarbonate;
• sealing rings made of elastic polymer;
• stubs.

Thermal washer for installation cellular polycarbonate

The self-tapping screw is usually not included with the thermal washer; builders purchase it separately. The washer not only gently and reliably presses the sheet to the frame and does not allow moisture to enter the material, but also has a beautiful appearance and plays a decorative role.

On a note! Thermal washers are made of transparent plastic - the same as sheet polycarbonate. Polycarbonate washers are available in a wide range of colors and can be matched to any commercially available polycarbonate. They are more durable when compared to polypropylene. The service life of polycarbonate thermal washers is 20 years.

Prices for thermal washers

thermal washers

Polypropylene washers have been produced for about 10 years. They consist of a porous plastic O-ring and a colored polypropylene cap with a plug. Compared to polypropylene thermal washers, they have a number of disadvantages. There is no UV protection layer applied to the covers of these washers, so they quickly fade. After a few years of service on a solar roof, the material loses its strength.

These washers are recommended for use on shaded roofs and indoors. These fasteners cost less than polycarbonate thermal washers, they have a short service life, but they are cheap. Such washers can be secured with screws 6 mm thick.

Stainless steel (steel, galvanized) washers

Steel and galvanized fastening washers are used to secure carbon sheets to large areas on a metal profile. They hold the sheet well and hardly wobble, which is especially important for areas with strong winds. These washers have the form of a concave plate, under which an umbrella gasket made of foamed polyurethane, plastic or thickened EMDP rubber is placed. This rubber remains elastic even at -15 degrees. Stainless steel washers are attached to self-tapping screws and bolts.

Reference! A washer made of stainless material, together with a rubber umbrella gasket, best ensures the tightness of the connection. The rubber adheres tightly to the surface of the sheet and completely prevents the penetration of moisture into the cells of the sheet.

If the structure is used in a dry room, under a canopy, then the sheets can be secured with self-tapping screws with an ordinary thin washer with the same thin rubber gasket. In some cases, you may not need to use washers at all. On outdoors put a thick rubber gasket under the wide washer.

Table. Types of thermal washers for fastening polycarbonate.

Connecting profile

A special profile is used to attach the sheets to each other and to the frame. It is made from the same material as polycarbonate sheets. Industry produces profiles for sheets standard thickness blades - 4,6,8,10, 16 mm.

Important! There should be a gap of 3 mm between the inner wall of the profile and the sheet inserted into it. It is designed to prevent polycarbonate, which expands in the summer heat, from warping and deforming the structure.

The profile can be detachable or non-detachable. The sheets are inserted into the grooves of the profile and secured there. The sheets can be fixed in polycarbonate, plastic or aluminum profile. Profiles of different sections have different markings - H, HP, HCP, U, RP, UP, FP, SP, L.

Important! It is necessary to use sealing tapes to seal the ends of the sheet, and after that the sheets are fixed inside the profile.

The panels attached to the grille can be sealed together with sealant. But such a connection strong winds will not be strong enough. You should select a high-quality sealant that retains strength and elasticity for several years.

How to attach polycarbonate in profile to a metal frame

Elements, rafters and purlins of metal frames must lie strictly in the same plane. This frame does not have any protrusions, so attaching the canvas to it will not be difficult. The distance between the rafters should be equal to the width of the polycarbonate sheets.

The procedure for attaching cellular polycarbonate to a profile on a metal body will be as follows.

Step 1. Thermal insulating tape is laid on the surface of the metal beams of the structure.

Step 2. The profile is attached to the grille with self-tapping screws.

Step 3. The panels are installed on cells. An end profile should be placed on the end sheet. Top part fixed by aligning and pressing from above without special effort. The latches fall into place and hold the panel securely.

Step 4. Before installing the sheets must be removed from the bottom of the sheet protective film, and bend the edge of the top so that it does not interfere with drilling.

Step 5. The edges of the panels must be protected from water and dust. A sealing tape is glued to the upper (located above) edge of the canvas. Glued to the bottom edge perforated tape. After this, the canvas is inserted inside the profile.

Interesting! Cellular polycarbonate panels are easily bent into an arch. The pressure inside the curved sheet makes it more rigid and durable. The radius of the resulting bend depends on the thickness of the polycarbonate.

Manufacturers cover the sheets with a protective film. The side on which technical data and the company logo are applied is the outer side. As a rule, film with outside white and opaque. The front surface of the sheets is coated with a special compound that protects polycarbonate from ultraviolet radiation. A transparent film is glued to the inside of the sheet. the protection is removed after installation of the structure. It is impossible to leave the film on the canvases after installation, since the glue with which it is attached does not change its properties. better side and if the film is removed later, it may leave marks.

Another option is to attach polycarbonate sheets to metal frame using thermal washers

Video - Attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame

How to attach polycarbonate to a wooden frame

The procedure for attaching sheets to a wooden frame will be as follows.

Step 1. The panel is laid on the frame and, using an electric drill, holes are made for fasteners (washers) and screws (or bolts). The sheet should protrude 2.5-3 cm beyond the frame frame.

A hole is being drilled

Step 2. The washers are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.

Step 3. Other panels are sequentially laid and secured.

Step 4. The sheets are attached in the same way at the ends and on the doors.

Step 5. The edges of the canvas are sealed using thermal tape, profile or other materials. If necessary, it is done additional processing joints with sealant.

The holes must be drilled strictly perpendicularly. Experienced craftsmen On large sheets of polycarbonate, not round, but oval holes are drilled, elongated along the length of the sheet. The distance between the holes for thermal washers and other fasteners depends on the thickness of the material, the area of ​​coverage and is on average 30-50 cm. The outermost hole should be at least 4 cm from the edge of the sheet.

The washer should completely cover the hole. For drilling, you can use a special cutter with a pilot drill. A hole is drilled with a drill, only after that a self-tapping screw is screwed through the hole of the thermal washer. A cap is placed on top, which does not allow water to pass through and creates a finished look.

Wooden frames are built for greenhouses, gazebos, summer pavilions, light garages, sheds and outbuildings. The frame must be strong and stable, and all structural elements must be well fastened. The wood should be impregnated with a special compound that prevents the wood from rotting and being eaten by wood-boring beetles. Cellular polycarbonate is often attached to the wooden frame of greenhouses and outbuildings, less often - monolithic. Light metal frames are also made for such structures.

Video - Attaching polycarbonate to a wooden frame

Wet fastening of canvases to a wooden frame

This method of fixation is mainly used for fastening monolithic polycarbonate sheets. The operating procedure is practically no different from the procedure for installing glass in a wooden frame.

Step 1. Polycarbonate sheets are cut so that there is a gap of 2 mm on each side between them and the wooden frame.

Step 2. Into the grooves wooden frame sealant is applied.

Step 3. The canvas is placed in a frame and pressed lightly. Other fabrics are strengthened in the same way. The sheets are additionally fixed with wooden or plastic strips.

Proper fastening of polycarbonate using a profile and professional fasteners will help create not only strong, reliable and beautiful design. Do-it-yourself structures personal plot according to all the rules of the art of construction, they will delight the owners for many years.

Prices for sealant for polycarbonate

sealant for polycarbonate

Video - Sealing the ends of cellular polycarbonate

• The technique of attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame makes it possible to implement the most various options building structures, including awnings and roofing slabs dome and arch type.

  Some of the remarkable properties of polycarbonate that make it so attractive to the average user include:

  • transparency and strength;
  • lightness and flexibility;
  • possibility of use in a wide range temperature range(from minus 45 to plus 120 degrees);
  • environmental safety and durability (service life up to 20 years).

  Let's add this one too important detail, such as the ease of installation of covering elements made of this material.

  In addition to all of the above, canopies of various classes, acoustic barriers, greenhouses, fencing structures and much more are made from this material.

  Types of polycarbonate

  

  There are two types of polycarbonate products on the domestic market (cellular or honeycomb and with a monolithic structure), each of which has modifications that differ in the thickness and color of the material. They are made from the same raw materials, but have many structural and decorative differences.

  When choosing each of the known versions of polycarbonate, we are guided by the following considerations (initial data):

  • structure of the material (since honeycomb panels are hollow, they are lighter and easier to install);
  • cost per square meter;
  • method of attaching polycarbonate to metal;
  • its decorativeness and attractiveness;
  • durability of the material.

  Thus, when constructing greenhouses, canopies and canopies, preference is given to lighter cellular polycarbonate, and for decorative design fencing and other durable buildings It is more convenient to use monolithic panels.

  The cost of a polycarbonate sheet can vary greatly; it all depends on the modification, thickness and size of the product being offered. Moreover, each user chooses the price range that he can afford (without compromising the quality of the purchased material).

  Regarding the question of how to attach polycarbonate to metal, it should be noted that each such product is accompanied by instructions that describe in detail the procedure for its installation. Due to the variety of its shapes, this material allows you to create complex and original designs with mounting mainly on a substrate (frame or profile).

  Mounting features (installation standards)

  

  High strength properties of structures made from this material are achieved with appropriate orientation of the hollow channels included in its structure. Yes, when vertical installation For polycarbonate panels, the greatest strength is ensured by their orientation from top to bottom, and for curved structures - parallel to the bend contour. For inclined elements, maximum rigidity can be obtained by placing sheets in the direction of the slope.

  When installing such products externally, polycarbonate with protective coating, protecting against UV radiation. All information on the type of protection and method of laying the panels is usually provided on the protective film, so it is not recommended to remove it until the installation of the products is completed.

  

  Before attaching polycarbonate to metal, you need to familiarize yourself with the restrictions on the permissible parameters of its installation, such as, for example:

  • tilt angle at standard length the sheet should not exceed 5 degrees, and if the length of the workpieces is more than 6 meters, this figure can be increased;
  • bending radius when forming arched structures according to the specifications, there cannot be more than 150 nominal thicknesses of the panel itself;
  • The diameter of the holes prepared for fastening is generally selected 3 mm larger than the same size for the fastening element.

  In addition, the list of restrictions specifies the type of hardware ( fastening elements) or polymer materials used to fix workpieces, the procedure for installing sealing gaskets and much more.

  Preparatory activities

  

  Before attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame, we advise you to pay attention to the fact that to install the sheets you will need the following set of tools:

  • hacksaw for metal;
  • electric drill with a set of drills and a screwdriver;
  • sharpened assembly knife;
  • measuring and marking tool(Ruler and pencil).

  In addition, before starting work, you should prepare self-tapping screws with a galvanized tip (or of stainless steel) and a set of thermal washers that ensure reliable sealing of the joints.

  Even before they are carried out, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

  1 There are two types of polycarbonate fastening: frame and profile. In the first case, a frame with grooves up to 25 mm deep, made of wood, metal or plastic, is used. The internal dimensions of this design are selected in accordance with the dimensions of the workpiece used (taking into account the required clearances). When choosing the second option, special guide profiles are used for fastening. 2 Fixation on the profile frame can be carried out in two ways. This is the so-called “wet” method, which involves the use of special putty and sealants, and the “dry” method (using self-tapping screws, screws and bolted connections). 3 Self-tapping screws are screwed in perpendicular to the laying plane so as not to deform the material by excessive pressure. 4 During installation, it is mandatory to use sealing elements made in the form of rubber gaskets without plasticizers or a plastic profile.

  

  Gluing sealing gaskets to polycarbonate, as well as attaching it directly to metal, is not allowed.

  5 The spacer fixation step is 50 cm (taking into account a two-centimeter space from the edge of the frame). 6 When working with the “wet” method, you can use polyamide glue or adhesive double-sided tape(for lightweight structures). For external installation, weather-resistant silicone compounds are used. 7 Before gluing prefabricated elements, their surfaces are degreased using a solvent, which is usually used as isopropyl alcohol.

  When describing the upcoming work, we will consider the option of profile fixation of workpieces on a metal frame using the “dry” fastening method.

  Direct installation of polycarbonate blanks

  

  The sequence of assembly operations is as follows:

  • First, a base of profiles is mounted on a metal frame, the material for which can be polycarbonate or aluminum. When fastening it, it is necessary to use special thermal washers (fixation step profile elements– 300-400 mm).

  On a note

  Profiles can be end, corner, ridge or wall. Their choice depends on the type of structure being closed.

  

Polycarbonate– modern material. It is very different from other types of materials. When working with it, it is necessary to additional materials use connection profiles, end profiles, washers, tapes, this will provide protection so that moisture, debris, and insects do not penetrate.

If polycarbonate panels are installed correctly, their service life increases. Profiles for polycarbonate weigh little, do not allow light to pass through and are of excellent quality.

To properly and competently fasten any item, you need several components:

1. End profiles.
2. Connecting profiles.
3. Ridge profiles.
4. Corner profiles.
5. Wall profiles.
6. Thermal washers.
7. Anti-saw tape.
8. Sealing tape.

The end profile covers the edges of sheets of material. This is done so that later layers of dirt, dust and moisture do not accumulate in the middle of the sheets. When using a profile, take thermal tape, which is used to seal the upper edges of the panel. When using pitched and arched glazing, the lower edges of the panel are sealed before installing the end profile.

The connecting profile is made from polycarbonate under desired color panels. Dense and durable sheet joints have a relatively low price.

Tools you will need:

• bar;
• a couple polycarbonate sheets;
• sledgehammer;
• nails;
• screws;
• washers;
• bolts;
• drill;
• fastenings;
• self-adhesive;
• roulette;
• file;

What can I use to attach it?

Polycarbonate is fixed:

1. Thermal washers.
2. Profiles.

If you have chosen thermal washers as an option for fastening, then you will need to make holes in the plates slightly larger than the washer itself, so that it fits tightly into the hole and snaps into place. Its length is the same as the plate itself. There is a small one in the washer rubber compressor, it fixes and does not allow dust and moisture to pass through.

The edges of the panels in the profile are secured with self-tapping screws or thermal washers.

Profiles are:

• detachable;
• one-piece;
• butt;
• special;
• corner;
• wall;

It is better to decide which method to choose yourself, taking into account all the tasks that the structure will perform.

Mounting methods

Polycarbonate- This is a hollow sheet, in its middle there are many layers with stiffening ribs. On the shelves of markets and shops they sell 2 types of polycarbonate sheets: monolithic and cellular.

This material is good to use instead of glass for fences through which light should flow. In most cases, these are large frames into which sheets are then inserted and secured using holders. There are two types of installation of polycarbonate: “wet” and “dry”.

When installing using the wet method, you need to apply polymer putty on all sides of the frame. After this, the sheet should be placed in a frame. Then seal all connections with sealant. You can use rubber strips or special profile gaskets to completely seal the sheet.

With the dry method, you need to use mechanical fasteners, which contain a set of parts with rubber gaskets. Bolts, nuts, and screws are used to fasten sheets. This method is the cleanest and neatest.

To properly fasten the sheets in both cases, you need to make gaps. The gaps are made so that when the polycarbonate is heated, the structure itself does not deform or collapse.

Before work, drill holes in the sheets in increments of 500 mm. Near the edge it is best to make an additional indent of approximately 20 mm. It is best to drill with wood drills.

Using them you can make neat and smooth holes. Monitor the heating of the area at the drilling site. Correct fastening will ensure high-quality adhesion of the slabs to the frame. The fasteners should not be over-tightened.

This is the most in a simple way fixation. Its design uses self-tapping screws with special thermal washers. As a result, well-screwed sheets are obtained. The legs of the washer should be the same thickness as the sheet, and the holes for it should be slightly larger. The edges of the panels are secured with screws.

There are detachable and one-piece profiles. One-piece ones are fastened with self-tapping screws and thermal washers. The detachable one is made of two parts: the “base” and the “cover”. Attach the “base” to the frame with self-tapping screws at a distance of 300 mm from each other. Install the “cover” and snap it into place when pressed.

Mounting to wood and metal

To begin, prepare a block with an approximate thickness of 5 cm.

It is made into a frame shape using a hammer and nails. Frame on wooden base Suitable for a porch roof or greenhouse. After the frame is made, attach the sheets to the wood with self-tapping screws and washers.

To attach polycarbonate to a wooden base, thermal washers are not needed. The option of fastening using conventional materials is possible. The first sheet should be firmly fixed. You should start from the edge of the frame. The end edge should extend slightly beyond the frame. Sheets should be fastened one by one after complete completion of all work related to fastening the previous one.

Before attaching polycarbonate to metal, purchase required quantity washers

Installation proceeds according to the following principle:

1. Make holes in the plates. They should be done in the places where the frame is attached.
2. Lay the canvas on the frame and fix it. It is better to do this work together. One person cannot both hold and secure it.
3. After installation is complete, cover the thermal washers with protective caps.
4. Remember that you need to place the sheets so that they do not touch the metal.

Installation of polycarbonate is done vertically to the location of the metal ribs. When making polycarbonate boards, a protective film is glued to both sides. The first side is with drawings, and the second is always white or colorless.

The plates can be installed not only at right angles, but also in their normal position. The corners will be strong and neat.

Nuances of work

It doesn't matter at what angle you position the panel or sheet of polycarbonate. It must be placed so that the cavities in the middle are in a vertical position. When making a canopy or curved roof, place the cavities parallel to the main curve. In places of inclination, the ducts should be directed towards the inclination.

When installing, be careful - the material is fragile and can break easily.

Many builders know how to attach polycarbonate, and also know the steps of the purlins and diagrams. Point fastening is the easiest way to install sheets. For installation, self-tapping screws with thermal washers are used.

When using them, you will get reliable, hermetic connections between the sheets. Choose those leg elements that are the same thickness as the panel itself. If the design is large, use larger sheets. Experts advise fixing the sheets every 30-40 centimeters. If you install it more often, then the price of the structure will be more expensive.

Polycarbonate by appearance looks like glass. The transparency of the sheets provides good protection from sunlight. Polycarbonate is characterized by good flexibility and light weight. It can be used at temperatures from -40 to +120 degrees.

Sheet production- a very difficult stage, for this you need Full time job the most complex mechanisms with enormous settings and adjustments.

The production of strong, stable sheets is ensured by the work of specialists who have extensive experience in their field. The quality of the sheet can be affected by the slightest deviation from the standards.

When installing the plates, remove only the bottom protective film from them. Do not remove the protective film prematurely - this will damage the plate.

The film can only be removed after the installation is complete. If you don't do this right away, it will be very difficult to remove the film later.

Polycarbonate should be stored in a separate room with a low temperature.

When installing polycarbonate, do not place it horizontally; it is better to place it vertically. Drill holes before attaching the sheet. Do not forget about the distance from the screw to the edge of the sheet (at least four centimeters).

It is best not to bend the sheet, as cracks and breakages may occur. They may not appear immediately, for example, during operation, during sudden temperature changes, under the weight of snow, or the action of wind. Try to handle the materials carefully because they are fragile and susceptible to damage.

When constructing greenhouses on summer cottage many use cellular polycarbonate to cover their structures. The good thing about the material is that its service life in practice significantly exceeds the terms stated by the manufacturers, with only one caveat. Polycarbonate panels can really last a long time, provided that they are attached to the greenhouse frame in accordance with all the rules. In this article we will analyze all installation options, their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Structure of polycarbonate plates and their properties

Successful installation universal plates for the construction of protected soil and their duration of operation largely depend on the structure of the material. It is the structure that needs to be taken into account before attaching polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame. Panels produced by manufacturers for dacha use in their cross-section they are two-layer flexible sheets, separated from each other by bulkheads forming air chambers. Due to this structure, the material has unsurpassed properties that allow it to be used in plant growing:

• High impact resistance;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Excellent light transmission;
• Filtration of hard UV radiation;
• A light weight;
• Flexibility;
• Resistance to chemical reagents.

All these properties make it possible to use cellular polycarbonate to cover the frames of country greenhouses. At the same time, the presence of air chambers and the characteristics of the polymer itself make the material vulnerable if installed incorrectly. The application of excessive force in the process of attaching the panels to the frame, incorrect joining and positioning can cause certain difficulties for the diligent summer resident.

Main problems

If you carelessly attach cellular polycarbonate with self-tapping screws to a wooden or metal greenhouse frame, there is a possibility of damage to the surface of the slab and deformation of the internal bulkheads. Most often this happens if the screws are screwed in at an angle or if excessive force is applied. In this case, the integrity of the canvas will be compromised. Moisture will enter the channels and dust will enter. In the summer, microorganisms will begin to develop in the cavities, which will reduce the light transmission of the sheets. IN winter period Due to condensation, the channels can be torn by ice forming inside.

Without taking into account the thermal expansion of polycarbonate during installation, laying it on the frame of the greenhouse can also cause problems with the tightness of the hollow channels as a result of deformation of the material. When heated in the sun, the leaf expands, increasing in its linear dimensions. If you do not make thermal gaps between the laid slabs, then deformation and destruction are inevitable.

Even correct screwing of self-tapping screws, without first drilling holes for fastening, when the temperature fluctuates, will contribute to the destruction of polycarbonate boards on the frames of country greenhouses.

ATTENTION!!! 1m2 of cellular polycarbonate increases in linear dimensions by 2...3 mm with increasing temperature. Before screwing in the self-tapping screws, you must first drill a hole with a drill with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the self-tapping screw by 2 mm.

The location of the sheets on the frame of the greenhouse structure also has great value when attaching it. When placing cut slabs, it is very important to observe the direction of the channels relative to the earth's surface. They will be laid in channels in horizontal plane, then the condensate formed inside the cavities will have nowhere to go. When the temperature drops below zero, condensation will turn into ice, which can tear the channels and surface of the sheet.

Frame mounting options

In order to properly cover a greenhouse with polycarbonate, there are many options for attaching them to the frame. Let's look at each of them in more detail. Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages.

Using tie straps

The use of galvanized or polyester tie strips is far from new way fastening polycarbonate sheets to the frames of country greenhouses. It allows you to tightly press the panels to the racks of the arched structure without damaging the roofing sheet. The tape is spread across the entire structure and secured on both sides with special locks and bolted ties. The main advantages of using such tapes include the following:

• Short installation time for polycarbonate coating;
• Tight overlap of panels;
• Easy dismantling of sheets without damaging them;
• Possibility of opening the greenhouse for the winter.

As such, there are no disadvantages to fastening polycarbonate with tension tapes. At one time, one could hear complaints that the tie was weakening over time and the sheets on the greenhouse frame were becoming loose. However, the latest models of greenhouses began to be equipped with special locks that allow you to adjust the tension of the tapes.

Application of thermal washers

Installation of polycarbonate sheets on the greenhouse frame using thermal washers is another sure and reliable method of fastening. The peculiarity of this type of fastener is that the plastic washer is made in the form of an umbrella, the leg of which is designed for the use of self-tapping screws with a diameter of 5 mm. At the bottom of the cap there is seat under the sealing washer. In the upper part, a secret recess allows you to hide the head of the screw, which is snapped into place by a lid to protect the fasteners from corrosion.

When attaching polycarbonate to the rafters of a greenhouse frame using thermal washers, holes are drilled in the canvases with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the leg by 2-3 mm. This condition allows you to prevent deformation of the covering sheet in the places where they are pressed during the process of increasing or decreasing linear dimensions during temperature changes. The recommended pitch between the washers is at least 30 centimeters and no more than 50 centimeters.

The main advantages of using thermal washers in fastening polycarbonate panels to greenhouse frames include the following:

• Protection of honeycomb sheets from crushing. The length of the thermal washer leg corresponds to the thickness of the sheet;
• Ensuring a tight connection;
• Absence of cold bridges;
• Increases service life.

However, the use of polycarbonate thermal washers has its disadvantages. One of them is the high cost of the kit required for attaching cellular polycarbonate sheets to standard greenhouse structures. For a standard 6-meter arched structure, at least 170 pieces will be required.

Use of self-tapping screws

This is not the most the best option Attach cellular polycarbonate panels to the rafters of the greenhouse. However, if there is no other option, then choose self-tapping screws with sealing washers made of EPDM material. Such a washer will allow you to evenly distribute the load on the surface of the sheet at the fastening site. The diameter of the screw should not be less than 6 mm. For proper screwing, you will need a screwdriver, which first drills a hole of a larger diameter, and then screws in a self-tapping screw.

When fastening with self-tapping screws, try to position them strictly perpendicular to the plane of the cellular polycarbonate sheets mounted on the greenhouse frame. Screw them in effortlessly so as not to destroy the partitions and the surface of the panel. If during installation you pinch the screw and the surface becomes deformed, loosen the fastener a little. If the original shape of the bulkheads is preserved, the surface will be restored.

The advantages of this type of fastening include:

• Availability of fasteners;
• Low cost;
• Connection reliability.

Fastening earrings

Covering greenhouse frames made of polypropylene pipes can be done by attaching polycarbonate with special earrings and staples. They grip the round pipe profile with inside, securely pressing the covering panels against them with counter plates. Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not recommend using this installation method, practice shows that the option has a right to exist.

Advantages this method Attaching polycarbonate with a honeycomb structure to the surface of pipe frames is obvious:

• Simplicity and accessibility;
• Relative cheapness;
• Possibility of attachment to a rafter with a non-standard profile section;
• Short installation.

The disadvantages include:

• Inability to join sheets without the use of additional materials (joining and corner profiles);
• It is impossible to quickly remove polycarbonate from the frame;
• Violation of the integrity of the panels;
• Insufficient sealing of fastening points.

Basic installation rules

Taking into account all of the above, it is possible to derive certain rules for attaching polycarbonate to the frame during the construction of a country greenhouse.

• Rule 1. Arrange the sheets so that the channels are in a perpendicular plane. In this case, the condensate will flow down;
• Rule 2. Provide thermal gaps between mutually located panels;
• Rule 3. When attaching polycarbonate sheets to the greenhouse frame with screws, drill holes 2 mm larger than the diameter of the screws;
• Rule 4. Use self-tapping screws with EPDM washers. This will help maintain the tightness of the fastening;
• Rule 5. Do not clamp the screws too tightly to avoid deformation of the surface and bulkheads of cellular polycarbonate;
• Rule 6. Holes for thermal washers and roofing screws should be located 4 cm from the edge of the panel;
• Rule 7. The fastening step with self-tapping screws for panels with a thickness of 4 mm should be no more than 50 cm. And for panels with a thickness of 6 mm, no more than 60 cm;
• Rule 8. Use special fasteners to install transparent panels on frames made of non-standard materials.

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

Polycarbonate products are manufactured in the form of a homogeneous sheet material, in appearance reminiscent ordinary glass. Like glass, they do not block light rays, significantly surpassing it in terms of strength and reliability. In addition, products of this class are characterized by high resistance to impact loads, as well as ductility and flexibility of the source material.

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

Note that monolithic polycarbonate is widely used as a glass substitute in institutions of various profiles, including retail establishments, schools, hospitals, gyms and swimming pools. In addition to this, in last decades this material is successfully used in the construction suburban buildings light type (greenhouses, greenhouses and greenhouses).

Sheet installation methods

The main method of fastening monolithic polycarbonate products is to use special thermal washers to fix them.

Note also that load-bearing frame, on which polycarbonate sheets can be mounted are standard designs used for plain glass:

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

Regardless of the type of base used, there are two methods of installation and fastening monolithic polycarbonate, conventionally called wet and dry.

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

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

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

Installation procedure

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

For vertical and horizontal fastening of monolithic polycarbonate sheets in greenhouses, on verandas and greenhouses, standard bolted connections, equipped with rubber sealing washers. In this case, the step of their fastening on the frame base should not exceed 500 mm.

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

The distance from the edge of the mounted sheet should be about 20 mm; Moreover, its value should exceed the hole diameter by 2 – 3 mm.

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

Proper fastening of sheets to the frame involves the formation of a well-fitted connection, ensuring their tight fit to the seat.

Video

Way correct installation cellular polycarbonate and tips for choosing fasteners: