Any porch is a decoration of the house. It makes the interior attractive and also protects the home from dirt and dust. The question of the functionality of the porch is quite interesting. To give an unambiguous answer to this, you must first define the very concept of a porch. It is an extension, which includes a canopy and a staircase. Many are already accustomed to the presence of this structure in their homes, so few can give a detailed answer to the question of what its purpose is.

If we talk about the main function, then it should be considered as such protecting your home from various factors external environment that can cause inconvenience in a person’s life. The porch protects part of the wall and door of the house from rain, snow and cold. In the case where the ring is located directly from the ground, it protects the foundation from natural factors. Her top part can reach the floor. This solution is quite practical, since in this case the staircase is located at the top, which provides a comfortable and convenient climb to the door.

Another function of the porch is decorative. This structure can be quite diverse. His appearance largely depends on the style of the home. Choice color range for the design of the porch, decorative elements, other types of finishing of this building, color is the prerogative of the owner of the building. There are no restrictions in this regard. The porch should act as an addition to the house and represent a single whole with it. This structure must be in harmony with the main architectural style dwellings. Despite this, our ancestors built a porch mainly for protection from external factors.

If the owner decides to add a porch to the home, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the house itself is built. If the porch is harmoniously combined with the main building, then it will be pleasing to the eye, but only if the design, material and structure of this structure are similar to the house. Currently allocated several main types of porches:

• with rise;
• open;
• without lifting;
• closed.

The porches of these types differ in location. For example, when building a porch without a rise, it should be located at the level of the house. The appearance of such a structure resembles a terrace. Among its functions there is no protection from environmental factors. But the porch with a rise is both original and practical solution. It is usually located a meter below the level of the house. To get into the house using such a porch when climbing the stairs, you need to hold on to the railing while walking along the steps. At the moment, it is generally accepted that such structures are most relevant for filling houses.

Closed and open porches differ from each other in the presence of a roof and walls. For a country house, an open porch is the most The best decision. In this case, it is desirable that the house itself be well insulated, since a structure of this type does not provide protection from rain and winds. If the weather is good outside, then the porch open type will be indispensable. On its platform you can install sun loungers and sunbathe. Or put a table and chairs and use the area as a resting place.

Materials for making a porch for a home

During the construction of a structure such as a porch for a house, they use both primary and secondary materials. The main ones include the following:

• brick;
• tree;
• polycarbonate;
• metal;
• stone.

As mentioned above, when constructing a porch, it is necessary to take into account the material of the building itself. If you want to attach a structure to your house that will stand out in its appearance, you can use a combination of several materials at once. WITH wooden house A porch made of wood goes well. However, you can be original and use wood in combination with stone or brick.

It is not recommended to combine metal and wood. In this case, the structure attached to the house will look ridiculous. If the house itself is made of brick, then in this case the metal will be excellent choice for the construction of a porch. To create coziness on the porch area, you can use various ideas proposed by designers. In addition to them, you can decorate his area with flowers and pillows.

Secondary materials

Secondary materials are also used during construction. They are necessary for fastening, connecting, gluing elements. For example, if a structure is being built from brick, then can't do without cement mortar . And if wood is chosen as the material for the construction of this structure, then during the work you will need:

• hammer;
• door;
• nails.

When building any porch, you cannot do without a level, regardless of the features of the structure.

Features of a polycarbonate porch

A rather rare occurrence is a porch that is entirely made of polycarbonate. This is because most often this material used for canopies in houses. Canopies made from polycarbonate are an element with a wide range of functions:

• installing a porch made of this material provides any building with a complete look. Thanks to him it looks original. In this case, the structure performs the functions inherent in the porch;
• Another function of a canopy made of this material is that it provides protection for the front door from sun and rain. By installing it in front of your house, it will always be cool and dry inside.

Advantages of polycarbonate

In general, polycarbonate is practical material , at the same time inexpensive, with an original look. The most best qualities it manifests itself when it is used in the construction of canopies for houses.

Density is one of important characteristics this material. This is why it is quite widely used today.

One of important qualities polycarbonate - its flexibility, due to which, when used, you can create various shapes.

Its color range is quite varied. Therefore, knowing fashion trends in construction, you can create a canopy original look, which will look stylish as part of the house.

Polycarbonate has many advantages. There are practically no downsides. One of its advantages is good resistance to temperature changes. Thanks to this, a porch made from this material will serve for a long time, and external factors will not affect its appearance in any way. This material is also characterized by high strength. This means its consistent quality even when used in harsh conditions. A wide range of colors makes it possible to select the most suitable material for the structure being created. suitable color. In this case, the created porch will be in harmony with the building.

If we talk about the disadvantages of this material, then, of course, it also has them. However, they are not characteristic of a canopy, but for closed type buildings. They arise when polycarbonate is used not only to construct a roof, but also as a material for walls. This structure, built entirely from polycarbonate, looks unaesthetic. Therefore, experts recommend combining this material with some other material during construction work. The porch, which has both the roof and walls made of polycarbonate, does not look quite right. But if you use it in combination with other materials, for example, wood or stone, the structure takes on a stylish and original look.

Polycarbonate porch design

Here we're talking about not about materials for construction, but about how the house looks. If your home is a modest-looking building, and its architectural style does not implement any original ideas, then in this case the best choice - regular visor, made of polycarbonate. It has a decent appearance and looks practical.

If the building is decorated with taste, and its area is average in size, then in this case a good idea would be to create a roof made of polycarbonate, which is connected to a canopy made of wood. Polycarbonate goes well with a wooden frame. You can use material of any color. This option will look especially harmonious as part of a wooden structure. Steel frames are used to create canopies for mansions, public buildings and businesses. The use of such a design provides the buildings with a finished look and gives them solidity.

Before you start construction work, you need to decide which option is preferable for you. If your choice is a canopy, then in this case you need to purchase material desired color , after which you should give the material a shape that is suitable for your design. Nails and screws are used to secure the material. It is best to attach it to frames made of iron or wood.

If your choice fell on a structure made of this material, then work should begin by installing the frame. This is very important, since the strength and reliability of the structure depends on it. A frame made of wood or metal must be treated with special compounds before installation. This will provide protection from rodents, corrosion and rust. Only then can polycarbonate be installed on it. As a fastener you can use screws, nails.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate is a practical material. Plus it's inexpensive. If you decide to add a porch to your home, then choosing it is a smart decision. Having built it, your home will have a structure that will decorate it and will serve for a long time, without requiring attention.

Today, you won’t surprise anyone with a polycarbonate porch. Light, delicate, fresh, airy, beautiful, accessible, practical and relatively inexpensive. Of course, modern materials open up ample opportunities for the implementation of both simple and the most incredible architectural designs, and sometimes the design of a polycarbonate porch amazes with its sophistication and originality.

It cannot be said that polycarbonate immediately gained huge demand and love from customers, but over time it proved its competitiveness and firmly took a leading position among building materials, thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties. Next, we will explore in more detail why this material is so remarkable, and of course, we will tell you how to build a polycarbonate porch with your own hands.

An impressive set of advantages and a little about the disadvantages

So let’s say it straight out: polycarbonate is a unique material. Durable, lightweight, reliable, it transmits light well and at the same time retains ultraviolet radiation, thanks to the UV-stabilizing layer that is applied to outer side leaf. It is not afraid of large temperature deltas, and calmly tolerates changes from -40 o C to +120 o C, while not deforming, frost-resistant, practically invulnerable to chemical and biological influences, with zero hygroscopicity. It is important that polycarbonate does not ignite and does not support combustion, and with a strong flame it only swells; it is a material with little ability to generate smoke, which is important both for private homes and public buildings.

A polycarbonate porch, a photo of the most popular combination of materials, a transparent canopy and elegant forging, such extensions are suitable for almost any type of house

For the construction of porches, two types of polycarbonate are most often used: monolithic and cellular. The width of the sheets from all manufacturers is the same - 2100 mm, length 3000 or 6000 mm, such parameters are very convenient for transportation, and in addition, there is no need to make any additional joints when manufacturing large structures. In stores, the material can be cut in half.

A monolithic cast polymer without voids, in appearance no different from the usual silicate glass, even the physical and chemical characteristics of these materials are largely similar, but polycarbonate is 200 times stronger and 6 times lighter.

Cellular polycarbonate has a chamber structure. For the construction of a porch, a single-chamber material is usually used, which consists of 2 monolithic sheets connected by stiffening ribs. The recommended thickness for street canopies and porch canopies is 16 mm, although the owner is a gentleman, and you can always choose a different thickness. If serious mechanical loads are planned on the material, then it is better to give preference to 2, 3, 4-chamber or more sheets. The air inside the material provides additional heat and sound insulation.

Cellular polycarbonate, samples of popular colors

The greatest demand for porch construction is transparent polycarbonate, but the material has a basic range of colors, and if necessary, you can always choose the desired shade: white, blue, green, bronze, gold, graphite, etc. Colored polymers do not fade in the sun, since dyes are added at the production stage; they are located in the very structure of the sheets.

We have already noted that polycarbonate is very lightweight material, which is very preferable when making hanging structures over the porch; low weight reduces the load on load-bearing walls to a minimum. But when making porch canopies on vertical supports, the lightness of the material can bring unpleasant surprises. Thus, for such extensions it is impossible to install non-buried columnar foundations in areas with high level groundwater and strong heaving of the soil, the expansion of the soil will simply squeeze out the extension. Alas, you will have to spend money on piles or slab foundations.

A single-pitched straight roof on support pillars is the easiest option, how to build a polycarbonate porch with your own hands

Types of structures

Porch made of polycarbonate, photo examples in the article demonstrate the most good ideas for an extension, it can be either very modest, in the form of a canopy on the mensols, or impressive in size, even covering the entire area in front of the house. Such entrance groups are in demand both in public buildings: hospitals, shopping centers, business centers, and in private construction, largely due to the ease of installation of the structure. A small porch at the dacha made of polycarbonate can be built in a couple of days.

Porch-vestibule made of polycarbonate and brick

It would seem that the porch of a private house made of polycarbonate is somehow not at home, it is an alien material in a green area, it does not fit into the natural landscape. But thanks to its transparency and lightness, polycarbonate is almost invisible and does not spoil the appearance. To make the building look harmonious, the main thing is to choose the right porch design.

Enclosed polycarbonate porch, photo of light and practical design on a metal frame

A polycarbonate porch is either hanging structure, or support, on 4 or more pillars. All construction in general outline, consists of installing a frame and mounting it on sheet material. It is the frame that plays the main role in this case, so it is important to make a preliminary design of the structure, think over the dimensions, shape, support points, and what materials it will be made of.

The base for a polycarbonate porch can be made of wood or metal: forged, aluminum, iron corners and tubes. The easiest way to assemble a wooden frame is to assemble it yourself, but in order for it to last for a long time, it must be impregnated with a fire-fighting agent and an antiseptic.

Polycarbonate porch, closed on the side, on a frame made of square metal pipes

Aluminum structures are very light and durable, they are assembled on special corners and do not require welding work, the material withstands impact well aggressive environment, and does not require any additional processing.

The metal frame for the porch from the corners turns out to be very heavy; the cut parts will need to be cleaned of rust, if necessary, bent with a pipe bender, connected by welding, cleaned the joints with a grinder, and painted.

Covered polycarbonate terrace in a cottage village

The forged base for a polycarbonate porch is the most beautiful, but also the most expensive. But it must be said that standard, but no less beautiful forged mensols for suspended structures can be purchased at construction market at a very reasonable price.

The porch of the house is made of polycarbonate, photo of the canopy in front of the house, the design completely protects the entrance from precipitation

How to make a porch from polycarbonate

To make a porch you will need:

• metal pillars that will serve as vertical supports;
• profile with a square cross-section for sheathing;
• template according to which the arcs will be bent;
• polycarbonate;
• welding machine and grinder;
• self-tapping screws with thermal washers;
• tapes for joining and end profile according to the thickness of polycarbonate;
• primer for metal;
• dye.

First of all, install support pillars, which will support the entire structure. Trim them to required height, and tie with a profile pipe along the ends to give the structure strength.

Then cut to size square pipe, lay her down flat surface, and carefully make cuts. The distance between them depends on the flatness of the pipe, usually 30-50 mm. Carefully bend the pipe according to the template, all arches should have the same radius, the recommended distance between them should be no more than 600 mm. Weld the finished arcs together with longitudinal jumpers, and install them on the prepared frame, weld the structure. Clean the manufactured frame, prime it, paint it. After complete drying metal blank for the porch, you can attach polycarbonate.

Diagram of how to properly screw a carbonate sheet

To do this, you need to cut the required size from the sheet; it is better to make the cut along the stiffener rib. Next, mark and drill holes that should be 3 mm in diameter larger than the thermal washer leg, this will neutralize thermal expansion. The distance between the holes should be 300-500 mm. Blow and vacuum the polycarbonate thoroughly to ensure that no debris or dust remains. Seal the ends with special tape and put on the final profile. Screw the polycarbonate to the frame, do not try to tighten the screws tightly; the thermal washer should turn slightly with force.

You can decorate such a porch beautiful lamps or LED lighting, hanging pots with flowers on forged pendants would also be appropriate. Instead of metal railings, the sides can be sheathed with polycarbonate or even wood. But in principle, no additional finishing is required for the polycarbonate porch.

Porch made of polycarbonate and wood, original idea for a cottage or country estate

The polycarbonate porch is very easy to use and is easy to clean with warm soapy water. Do not rub the structure with abrasives, solvents, ammonia, acetone, phenols, or ethers. If you did everything correctly, a polycarbonate porch will protect the entrance from precipitation and dust for a long time. Be sure to watch the video on how to make a polycarbonate porch on a metal frame without welding.

Polycarbonate - common in Lately a building material used for the manufacture of greenhouses, various canopies, canopies, barriers, gazebos, and porches. The versatility of using polycarbonate is due to its properties, which make it stand out among many other building materials. A polycarbonate porch in a private house is a beautiful and quickly erected structure that is easy to make with your own hands, you just need to stock up on materials, patience, and a ready-made project.

Quite often, polycarbonate is chosen as a material for the manufacture of porches and canopies. There is an explanation for this in the form of the advantages of polycarbonate over other materials:

In addition, there are several color shades polycarbonate, which will make the porch bright and attractive. Polymer material can be monolithic or cellular. The first type has a smooth texture and can be used instead of glass. The second type consists of small cells connected by two layers of polymer. It has good thermal conductivity.

The porch of a polycarbonate house is made of two types:

• Open - a structure with railings, steps and a small canopy that does not completely cover the area near the entrance.
• Closed - a polycarbonate structure with a massive canopy covering the entire area near the entrance and with side walls.

Porch to the house: projects, photos, made of polycarbonate

Before making a porch from polycarbonate, you should decide on the type of structure, the type of canopy, the type of material used with which the polycarbonate will be combined. As mentioned above, this material can be combined with wood, aluminum profile, metal pipes and forging elements, as well as brick and stone. The choice of material combined with polycarbonate will depend on what it is built from. a private house. Wooden building does not combine well with metal, so when building a porch you should use similar material. For brick house you can build a combined porch from polymer material with metal or brick.

Projects for the future porch should contain necessary measurements all elements of the porch, starting from standard size polycarbonate sheet – 6x2.1 m.

In this case, it is important to calculate the dimensions of the canopy so that it can withstand the load, and the sheets are firmly connected to each other. The withstanding load can be calculated based on standard drawings indicating the dimensions of the profiles, the thickness of the material and other equally important information.

How to make a porch of an open house from polycarbonate

To make a platform in front of an open entrance, you should prepare a foundation for it. If the existing foundation from the old porch is sound, you can leave it. If the foundation is dilapidated, it is better to dismantle it and build a new foundation.

Next, the platform of the porch itself is built. It should be five or six cm below the threshold. Then the frame for the canopy is formed, while the front vertical supports are concreted, and the rear ones are anchored to the wall of the house.

The photo shows examples of an open polycarbonate porch in a private house.

Enclosed polycarbonate porch in a private house

A closed porch made of polymer material can only have side walls that protect the area near the entrance from wind and precipitation, or it can completely cover the porch, representing a version of the veranda. Unlike the open type, such a porch protects the entrance to the house from dirt, and the platform from the harmful effects of the sun and moisture, if it is made of wood. If you cover the porch with a monolithic polycarbonate sheet, it will be in no way inferior to glass, aesthetically and in terms of its transparency.

The design of a closed porch made of polymer material consists of the following elements:

• Foundation
• steps
• Walls

To construct the foundation, dig a pit 1.0-1.3 m deep. Place sand cushion, then install the formwork. Concrete is poured into this area, simultaneously forming steps. At the same stage, embedded parts are installed for further attaching the frame to the canopy.

Then support posts made of metal profiles are attached to the previously installed embedded parts. Along the upper perimeter they are connected by horizontal crossbars. The remaining frame parts are attached by welding or with self-tapping screws. The first option is more reliable. The metal profile is primed and painted.

The finished frame for the canopy is mounted on supports and on the wall using anchors. Polycarbonate sheets can be attached to the frame before or after installation. The side walls are attached to the vertical posts using self-tapping screws, all joints are carefully sealed with metal or plastic corners, are sealed.

Experts recommend avoiding direct contact of polycarbonate with metal by using rubber gaskets 4 mm thick at fastening points. It is best to use special thermal washers instead of regular self-tapping screws. In this case, it is recommended to make the gaps in the polymer sheets for fasteners 3 mm larger, leaving room for thermal expansion. A distance of 30-50 cm must be maintained between the holes for fasteners.

The photo shows various design options for closed porches to a polycarbonate house.

Polycarbonate canopies over the porch of a private house

Polycarbonate canopies can be made in any configuration: it can be flat, pitched or gable roof, in the shape of a polygon, dome or arch. The canopy over the porch of a private house can simply be made in the shape of an arc around the doorway. Installation of polycarbonate sheets over the porch is carried out as follows:

1. Markings are applied to the wall with a pencil using a tape measure and level.
2. The canopy frame is assembled from a metal profile, and the pipes are welded together.
3. Welds are processed with sandpaper.
4. Holes are drilled in the metal profile for mounting to the wall. At the extreme corner points, fastening is carried out in four places.
5. The frame is primed and coated with paint for exterior metal work.
6. The sheet material is fastened with self-tapping screws, maintaining a distance of 4 cm from the edge. The more spandrels there are on the canopy, the stronger it will be.
7. The junction of the roof and the wall should be sealed with a metal strip.

If the canopy is made in the shape of an arch, it is necessary to bend the pipes according to the template, making cuts in the appropriate places. The arcs are welded together with jumpers and installed on the frame. Then the polycarbonate is bent along the frame and secured with self-tapping screws.

Porches with a variety of canopies and canopies are shown in the photo below.

The porch can rightfully be called the face of the house. In addition to the important functional role, which it performs, this extension is one of the components of the overall aesthetic perception of the entire building as a whole. There are many various options their executions, some of which are too complex to be manufactured without the involvement of professionals. But you can always find a fairly simple option that is quite affordable for self-built with your own hands. The porches are made from different materials, often in a combination of several of them. And lately you can see more and more often various designs made of polycarbonate – modern material with excellent characteristics.

Porch for a private house: important functions

The main function of the porch can be called protecting the house from various unfavorable environmental factors - snow, rain, penetration of cold air into the premises. In addition, it serves to make it more comfortable for people to enter their homes.

The porch does another important function for a private home - decorative. It is the decoration of the entire building. These structures are very diverse. Their appearance depends not only on the style of the house, on its decoration and various elements of facade decoration, but also, of course, on the personal preferences of the owner, the wishes of the residents, and the financial capabilities of the family.

The choice of color palette for the design of the extension, decorative elements, types and finishing options - there are no limiting factors here. The main thing you need to pay attention to is harmonious combination this structure with the main architectural style of the building, so that they do not look alien to each other, but look like a single whole and the overall completeness of the image is felt.

Polycarbonate porch: features and types

Concerning design features porches, they come in two types:

• open - a structure with railings and a small canopy to protect the house from precipitation, often not even covering the entire area near the entrance;
• closed - a more massive structure with side walls that serve to protect the space at the entrance to the home from bad weather, and a canopy that covers the area along its entire perimeter.

The open type porch looks very neat and looks more like one of the decorative elements building. Best for small country houses and is an excellent option for good weather. A closed porch resembles a veranda in its appearance and reliably protects entrance area from external influences, allows for more complete use inner space, including for storing any things. This design is more suitable for cottages and fairly large country houses.

Materials such as polycarbonate are increasingly used today in the construction of porches for homes. But structures made entirely from it can’t be found very often. Mainly, canopies over the entrance or awnings are made from polycarbonate, but walls in closed-type structures are also made from it, but mostly in combination with other materials. Among the advantages of polycarbonate porches are the following:

• originality of appearance;
• giving the image of the entire structure completeness;
• reliable protection from rain or snow, as well as from bright sun rays.

Pros and cons of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a very practical material. It has an original appearance, and besides, it is not too expensive. And the rich color palette of this material allows you to choose the most suitable shade for the structure being created. One of its important characteristics is the density of the material, as a result of which it is now so widely used. And its flexibility allows it to be given various shapes when constructing a structure.

This material has many advantages, and this despite the fact that it has almost no disadvantages. Among its advantages are the following:

• strength – not prone to cracking, resistant to mechanical stress;
• resistance to temperature changes - even several years of operation do not affect its appearance;

• non-flammability - the material has good fire-resistant properties;
• transparency - transmits light well, but at the same time protects from bright sun;
• lightness - much lighter in weight than this transparent material, like glass;
• easy to maintain - does not require any special cleaning agents.

Of course, like any material, polycarbonate has some disadvantages. But they are so insignificant that they usually do not stop buyers from purchasing it and building various structures.

Making your own porch from polycarbonate

Construction from polycarbonate sheets You can do it yourself without turning to professionals for help. But before you start building a porch, you need to think through all the details, familiarize yourself with the drawings of similar structures, and look at the photos finished design selected option in order to preview its appearance. And it’s better, of course, to draw up at least a simple project at this stage.

Attention! When purchasing polycarbonate to build a porch, you must remember that for these structures they use material with a thickness of at least 8 mm.

To build a porch, it is important to choose the most suitable polycarbonate, which comes in two types:

• honeycomb – with hollow cells, having good strength, lightness, and high thermal insulation properties;
• monolithic - with a solid structure, which feels smoother and denser to the touch. It has high aesthetic qualities and a wide choice of colors.

Advice. Polycarbonate sheets for the construction of a porch are usually purchased with some reserve, so that it is guaranteed to be enough for the manufacture of the structure. And they select it taking into account the effect that they want to get in the end from the finished structure. And for greater comfort, it is better to purchase this material coated with a protective film against ultraviolet rays.

First, when building a porch, you need to make a frame from wooden blocks or square or round metal pipes. Vertical supports It is better to concrete the front and secure the rear to the wall with anchors. When constructing an open structure with a small canopy, it will be sufficient to secure the frame to the wall. During construction closed design with a wide canopy, the upper frame is attached to load-bearing auxiliary posts, on which the base for the future walls of the structure is also fixed.

Installation of polycarbonate sheets is carried out in several stages:

• First, the sheets are cut to the desired size and shape, after which they are covered with a protective film;
• then the first sheet is attached vertically relative to the frame ribs and secured with self-tapping screws or thermal washers, which protect the holes from moisture;
• then the entire frame is covered with polycarbonate sheets and tightly attached with self-tapping screws;
• after completing the installation of polycarbonate sheets protective film they are removed, and all joints between the frame and the slabs are treated with sealant.

Polycarbonate is not only practical, but also an attractive material that is not very expensive. The designs made from it look very original. In addition, such a porch is not too difficult to make with your own hands. It will decorate your home and will last for many years without special attention to him.

DIY polycarbonate canopy: video

How to make a polycarbonate canopy over a porch: photo

Porch, both functional and decorative design, gives the entire building a complete and perfect view. For this to be exactly the case, it is necessary to design the porch in the same style direction as the house.

Not everyone can afford to decorate the entrance with the help of expensive construction and finishing materials, but I want it to be beautiful, original and individual. These requirements are met by a porch made of polycarbonate, which is the most affordable and has a lot of positive qualities.

Besides, unique properties materials, a variety of colors and types, allow you to find extraordinary design solutions for decorating the porch of a house.

In the article we will talk about the types of material itself, its pros and cons, as well as the possibilities of using polycarbonate in the construction of porches, and provide photos of the most interesting design options.

Two types of polycarbonate have been used in construction - cellular (cellular) and monolithic (cast). Let's take a closer look at both of these types.

Cellular polycarbonate

The most affordable material is widely used in the construction of lightweight structures, such as:

• Verandas;
• Gazebos;
• Porches;
• Greenhouses.

It consists of two or more layers of polymer connected by longitudinal stiffeners, between which there are voids. The structure of the leaf when cut resembles a honeycomb or cells, hence the name. The thickness of the sheets varies from 4 to 25 mm.

The main advantages of cellular polycarbonate are:

• Light weight.
• Ability to withstand significant snow and wind loads.
• Resistance to significant temperature changes without changing technical and operational qualities.
• High thermal insulation and sound insulation properties, exceeding those of some other materials, such as glass.
• Good light transmission (up to 85%).
• Excellent flexural and tensile strength.
• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

• Many colors of bright shades.
• Resistant to open fire.
• Possibility of using polycarbonate to create structures of various configurations.

Well, the most determining factor in the popularity of this material is its cost. Behind affordable price any owner of a country or country house there is a chance to decorate your home with an entrance of an individual, original design.

A unique polycarbonate porch can become the central figure of the entire architectural composition, and the main accent in the decoration of the building.

Molded polycarbonate

This type has a dense, smooth and transparent or matte structure with sheet thicknesses from 2 to 20, in some cases 40 mm.

Monolith has all the advantages cellular polycarbonate, and in some respects it significantly exceeds it:

• Particular resistance to mechanical damage.
• Light weight.
• High light transmittance (up to 96%).
• Wide range of colors.

• Maintaining transparency and technical characteristics when exposed to negative atmospheric phenomena, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes.
• Monolithic polycarbonate is an excellent substitute for glass, and is not inferior to it in transparency, and is even much superior in shockproof properties.

The only drawback of this material is the rather high price, but it is justified by its excellent technical parameters.

Important! Due to the low weight of polycarbonate, to build a porch you do not need to build a monumental foundation; it will be enough to install a columnar or pile foundation, or get by with a light canopy attached directly to the wall of the building.

The strength and flexibility of the monolith allows it to be made from complex designs arched or dome-shaped. The material cuts well, so it’s quite easy to cut out elements of any configuration with your own hands.

Gazebos, porches or verandas made of polycarbonate will perfectly transmit natural light and at the same time gently diffuse bright sun rays throughout the entire interior area, illuminating every corner.

Profiled (wavy) polycarbonate

This material is a type of monolithic polymer and has all positive qualities. And thanks to the wave-like shape (original stiffening ribs), its strength increases significantly. It is available in transparent and matte versions and has many color solutions, differs in size and wave shape.

The finishing of the porch with profiled polycarbonate consists mainly in the construction of the canopy, because it is similar to slate. But it is not prohibited to install it as a vertical porch protection.

Today, due to its rather high cost, profiled polymer is less in demand than other polycarbonate analogues.

Types of polymer visors

A polycarbonate roof for a porch can have various shapes. The most common are:

• Single slope, with a slope of at least 7%.

Such a roof does not require a complex frame; it can be built from any material, and the canopy itself can be supported on light supports, or simply attached to the wall of the house.

Important! But if the width of the canopy is significantly greater than its length, then experts recommend installing additional supports under the outer edge. Otherwise, the structure may not withstand the snow load.

• Gable, which can be one- or two-level.

This canopy is convenient in regions with high rainfall. In these cases, the slope is made greater for the free rolling of water and snow.

• Arched, simple or complex configuration.

This, the most common form of visor, is distinguished by its ability to withstand increased snow and wind loads.

• The dome-shaped, original shape gives the entrance individuality and uniqueness.

The polycarbonate canopy over the porch is of such an extraordinary shape that requires precise cutting of the material and shaped frame. In addition to these most common types of visors, other forms are also used. The figure below shows all possible canopy configurations.

But these are all common and frequently used forms of canopy over the porch. If you decide to build an extraordinary porch for your house, you can take the polycarbonate projects presented in the article as a basis and apply your personal ideas to them.

How else can you design a porch canopy?

I would like to note that some owners go further and use a combination of different configurations.

We must admit that such bold ideas look very original:

• For example, a single-pitch canopy harmonizes perfectly with an arched one.

• Or this asymmetrical option, when the arch smoothly turns into a straight shape.

• This canopy is made in the shape of a dome, one segment of which is raised in the form of an arch.

• In this photo, the unusual shape of the visor is duplicated by two more smaller petals at the edges.

Any options are possible here, and if you give free rein to your imagination, you can create a unique porch with your own hands from polycarbonate, which will become not only the pride of the owner, but also a masterpiece of design art. In addition, to make the entrance area even more interesting, manufacturers suggest using special profiles for installing light canopies.

Polycarbonate elements for the frame

In order not to burden the structure itself, but to give the visor lightness and transparency, frame elements made of the same polycarbonate are used.

• The profile, of course, does not completely exclude the structure of the frame, but it will help to connect several sheets of polycarbonate into a single structure, which allows you to get rid of intermediate elements and increase the light transmission of the visor.
• For example, when constructing a dome, a frame will only be needed to support the perimeter sheets and racks, and the segments themselves can be connected using transparent profiles.

Important! When using transparent elements, it is necessary to accurately measure the dimensions of the sheets, the maximum possible area and weight of which will be described in the instructions for installing small-sized canopies and canopies using polycarbonate profiles.

• To protect the seams from leakage, polycarbonate thermal washers are used; they can also be selected by color.

• Special profiles make it easier to assemble the frame and are ideally compatible with polycarbonate itself in terms of mechanical properties (thermal expansion, bending radius, dimensions, etc.). Complete identity of panels and profiles allows you to create a light, airy and harmonious design.

• A co-extrusion layer is applied to the profiles against exposure to sunlight, so they are not in danger of being damaged by ultraviolet radiation for a long time.
• Using special profiles, you can easily make a porch from polycarbonate with your own hands, even without special construction skills.

Types of porches

According to their protection from precipitation, there are three types of porches:

1. Open.

This option is usually equipped with a canopy or canopy over the front door. Or there are none at all if the site falls under the overhanging edge of the main roof or balcony.

Walls are not provided here, but if the porch is located in a recess or under the main roof, then the walls of the house itself can partially serve as protection from wind or slanting rain.

It is important to install an open porch in a private house, in a dry, warm climate, or in a country house. The canopy can cover a small area in front of the door from precipitation, or cover large area, on which a resting place is arranged.

It is advisable to make such a porch if there is a covered veranda immediately behind it.

1. Closed.

Such a porch is characterized by the presence of walls that form small vestibule in front of entrance. It is usually arranged in cold or rainy climates. A closed porch perfectly protects the front door and part of the wall near it from snow, rain, and wind.

The design of the vestibule may be different. The photo below shows a dome-shaped, closed polycarbonate porch.

This form perfectly resists snow and wind loads; snow and water roll off its surface without stopping. In addition, this configuration has increased strength.

The dimensions of the porch also differ: if the area allows, then inside such a building you can arrange small place relaxing on a warm, clear day.

The transparent roof over the porch made of polycarbonate, and the high light transmission of the walls, allow you to arrange a closed porch not only a place of relaxation, but also a small flower greenhouse.

1. Semi-closed.

This is perhaps the most common type, suitable for any climate. Several options are possible here:

• With an open front side.

The front part is left open if the porch is located on the leeward side of the house. But before you cover the porch with polycarbonate, you need to take care of protecting the frame. Paint the metal with paint for exterior use, impregnate the wood with a special antiseptic composition. Otherwise, its surface will constantly suffer from negative atmospheric factors.

• With partially raised walls.

This option is relevant if the entrance area is large and precipitation does not reach the front door. But it still won’t protect against some moisture getting on the walls of the house.

• With a closed roof and one wall.

This option closes the porch on the windy side and protects the entrance from snow and slanting rain.

A porch for a private house made of polycarbonate is divided into two types according to the location of the site:

1. Low.

As a rule, such a porch represents a platform at ground level, maybe a little higher. It has no steps at all, and if there are any, then no more than 2-3 pieces. It is equipped with a light visor or vestibule.

There is usually no fencing at a low porch - at least, low sides around the perimeter. But it is quite acceptable to install railings for decoration and decoration, especially if they are openwork and beautiful. Usually these are forged products.

1. High.

Steps are made when Entrance door is located significantly above the ground.

The staircase is made of various materials:

• Tree.
• Metal.
• Natural stone.
• Brick.
• Concrete.

The last two options are usually finished clinker tiles or decorative bricks, which allows you to create interesting, unique compositions.

If the porch platform is higher than 45 cm, it and the stairs, as required by SNiP, must be equipped with railings for safety reasons. Fences are made of wood or metal. Very popular metal railings with forging elements.

Materials for constructing the frame

Unlike other materials that have a solid structure, polycarbonate cannot be used in construction without a frame; it requires a base, which is used as the following materials:

• Tree.
• Metal.
• Aluminum profile.

Since the polymer is lightweight, the frame for it does not need to be made large and bulky. Polycarbonate porch design requires thin, elegant frame elements, otherwise all the beauty of the material is lost.

In the photo, the cast polycarbonate is fastened using thin nickel-plated pipes located on top and practically not covering the space. This makes the leaf look like it is simply floating in the air.

Looks completely different wooden frame. It still has to be made more voluminous, based on certain technical characteristics.

Here we have to balance the bulkiness of the base and the elegance of polycarbonate with more careful wood processing, precise frame geometry and contrasting coloring. But a wooden frame will cost much less than analogues made from other materials.

Looks particularly advantageous metal base with forging elements. This frame is most suitable for any type of polycarbonate.

The same can be said about thin aluminum or metal profile— these materials, when selected correctly, can emphasize the lightness and airiness of polycarbonate.

Conclusion

Construction options entrance group There are a great many using polymers, we have given examples in the photo. various types porch, talked about the material. We recommend watching the video in this article, which clearly shows how to make a porch from polycarbonate so that it pleases you with its beauty for many years.