How to cover a semicircular canopy with polycarbonate. Do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopies for a private house: photos of modern canopies. It depends on this what kind of support there will be

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Cellular polycarbonate - best material for the construction of canopies and arches for the house, garages for cars and canopies in the country. He has light weight, holds heat well, transmits sunlight well. Unlike glass, it does not require special tools or skills for installation.

1. Variety of shapes, colors and transparency.
2. Long service life.
3. Attractive appearance.
4. Possibility of DIY installation.
5. Acceptable price.

Thanks to these properties, the material received wide application in the construction of canopies:

• Canopies in front of the house - protect the porch and entrance from the sun and precipitation. Thanks to the variety of palettes, such a canopy will fit into the exterior of any building. You can also use it to build an elegant decorative structure.
• Car visors - protect the car from rain and snow, ultraviolet radiation, fallen leaves. The design can have an arched or rectangular shape.
• Polycarbonate canopies for pools - thanks to them, the pool can be used at any time of the year. This design protects the water from pollution and prevents it from blooming.
• Polycarbonate canopies attached to the house allow you to create a terrace, veranda or summer kitchen.

Canopy installation

Material selection

It is better to make a polycarbonate canopy from hollow sheets - they bend well, retain heat, and weigh little. Compared to cellular, monolithic polycarbonate is more durable. However, construction from such material has lower profitability. In addition, solid polycarbonate has poor thermal insulation.

When choosing a material, its color is taken into account. Transparent plastic transmits light well, but the colored version looks much more attractive. When choosing polycarbonate for a visor, the thickness of the sheets is also taken into account. The larger this parameter, the stronger and more reliable the structure will be. In general, for a carport or a summer house, a thickness of 6-8 mm is sufficient.

Options for canopies for a house canopy:

1. The shape of the slopes is straight and arched.
2. By the number of slopes - single-slope, double-slope, multi-slope.

Measurements and calculations

When designing a structure, the transverse and longitudinal steps of the frame are calculated. For longitudinal load-bearing supports, the optimal pitch is 700 mm. To calculate the step for transverse supports, take into account the thickness of the sheet. So, for panels with a thickness of 8-16 mm, the step should be no more than 1 m. If the material is thinner than 8 mm, the step should not be more than 700 mm.

Structural design

Construction of polycarbonate canopies start with developing the frame. It is calculated based on the size of the canopy. It must withstand the load of fallen snow and sharp gusts of wind. The thickness of the racks will depend on the material of manufacture - wood or metal. For the roof of a house or garage, a material of a certain transparency and thickness is chosen.

Preparing the base

The territory is marked, in the places where the load-bearing posts are installed, the embedded elements are dug in and filled with concrete. The top 10 cm layer of soil is removed from the site. The resulting recess is filled with crushed stone or sand, and then compacted. At this stage, a water drainage system is thought through. Before proceeding with the installation of the polycarbonate canopy structure, the platform is laid out with tiles, concrete screed or lay a lawn lattice.

Frame installation

To pre-installed embedded parts steel racks are installed, which are then connected to each other along the perimeter. After this, the frame of the arched or gable roof is attached to the beams. The connection is made by bolts or welding. If hardware is used, additional holes will have to be drilled in the racks.

Installation of polycarbonate sheets

At this stage of work you will need a drill, a screwdriver, a construction knife, a circular saw. To prevent damage to the material, it is cut without removing the protective film. Thin sheets up to 8 mm can be cut with a knife, thicker ones can be cut with a circular saw with fine teeth. The sheets are mounted with the side having UV protection, facing outward - applied to it polyethylene film with installation instructions.

The sheets should not be adjacent to each other closely - you need to leave a margin of 5 mm for thermal expansion. This factor is also taken into account when creating holes for self-tapping screws - they should be 2-3 mm wider than the fastener itself. To fix the sheets, it is better to use thermal washers with a diameter of 30 mm. Such hardware has a basis in the form of a sealing rubber ring. Thanks to the latter, the entry of water into the connection is completely prevented. The top of the cap is additionally protected by a plastic cap.

The polycarbonate canopy is made carefully, without overtightening the screws - otherwise the plastic will burst. To avoid this, thermal washers are screwed between the stiffeners. Screwing is carried out strictly perpendicular to the sheet - this way deformation of the material can be avoided.

If the canopy near the house has arched shape, bending of the material is carried out along the line of channels. The sheets are fixed with self-tapping screws with a minimum pitch of 30-40 cm. Adjacent sheets are connected to each other with an aluminum or plastic H-shaped profile. Before installing it, tear off the film from the edges of the plastic by about 5 cm.

Outside use continuous connecting tape, perforated from the inside. This measure protects the polycarbonate from dirt, water and insects. The joints are moisture sealed with sealant. It prevents condensation from occurring in polycarbonate voids. After completing the installation of the visor, remove the protective film from it.

Tools

How to bend polycarbonate correctly

To make a canopy, often you have to bend sheets of plastic. Often incorrect bending causes them to burst. It is important to make the bend along the line of hollow channels. To bend, one end of the sheet is fixed motionless, and the other is slowly bent. This must be done taking into account the manufacturer’s instructions, because for a material of a particular grade and thickness there is a minimum permissible deformation radius.

Life time

On average, manufacturers provide a warranty period of 10 years for polycarbonate. In practice, a structure made of this material will last much longer, but for this you need to do the installation according to all the rules. The canopy of the house will be durable if the material is properly stored in protective film, transported carefully and was regularly serviced. As a rule, the option with thick polycarbonate lasts longer than with thin one.

Rules of care

To clean the surface of the house canopy from dirt, you need to wash it with water, but it’s not even necessary use detergents. For cleaning, use a regular soft cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive household chemicals, alkaline solutions and other caustic substances. It is also not allowed to clean with sharp objects - there is a high risk of damaging the protective UV layer.

Before building a canopy with your own hands, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. The durability of the structure depends on correct installation. If you install polycarbonate not according to the rules, cracks will appear in it, into voids dirt and water will get in. Gradually this structure will collapse. Sticking to simple rules, you can do it yourself beautiful garage, a canopy for a house or something else - only the flight of your own imagination can limit you.

Polycarbonate canopy structures

Modern canopies, thanks to the use of the latest building materials in their designs, can have a wide variety of configurations. Owners of their own estates and country houses are especially fond of do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopies for a private home: photos of convenient and practical structures convince of their extraordinary versatility. Having covered most of the yard with a polycarbonate canopy, you don’t have to worry that sudden rain will take you by surprise, forcing you to collect garden tools, shoes, and equipment left on the street. The structure attached to the house will protect the car from the scorching sun, and if you have dinner with friends planned fresh air, the meeting will not have to be postponed due to bad weather.

Types of structures of canopies attached to the house

Both for canopies installed separately and for structures adjacent to the house, the same rule applies: the structures must be combined with existing architectural forms and fit into the overall landscape design. Awnings attached to a house rest on posts on one side, and are statically attached to the wall of the house, garage or fence on the other. There are several types of frames for such structures:

• sheds with a pitched roof are the most common simple structure. The installation technology is quite simple. When calculating the angle of inclination of a flat roof, the possibility of rapid melting of snow cover in winter is taken into account;

• gable structures are common roofing forms that have two slopes. The angle of inclination in such structures is 35-45 degrees, which ensures that snow melts under its own weight and there is no stagnation of rainwater. Recently, gable canopies with concave and curved slopes have been gaining popularity;

• the arched (semicircular) shape of the roof is a current design from the standpoint of functionality and originality. Appearance the latest materials with plastic properties has made it possible to successfully use such structures for canopies, canopies and other structures. The semicircular roof facilitates the timely removal of snow. The bending radius of the arch depends on the minimum allowed by the manufacturer for the material used;

• wavy and dome structures - used as a protective and decorative element;
• multi-level canopies - structures with several tiers. In such canopies they can be used as pitched forms roofs, and arched.

For self-production and installation of a polycarbonate canopy, especially if the work is being done for the first time, it is recommended to choose a structure with a pitched roof. It is quite simple to manufacture and can be installed without any special skills.

It will be much more difficult to design, manufacture and install dome or arched polycarbonate canopies for a private house with your own hands (photos on the Internet show the complex designs of such structures). Here it is necessary to take into account the directions of the channels in the panels cellular polycarbonate, permissible bending radius, material thickness and other points that require certain knowledge and skills.

Materials for canopies: which polycarbonate is better

Canopy - simple design in the form of a roof mounted on support posts. For supports, you can use wood (logs or beams), metal profile pipes with different sections, as well as brick columns. Metallic profile and wooden beams are also used to assemble the frame, only the cross-section is selected smaller than for supports.

The material for covering canopies can be varied. It is the roof that gives the structure a certain appearance. It could be plastic slate, asbestos cement slate, metal tiles, copper sheets, corrugated sheets, polycarbonate.

Thanks to a number of unique properties polycarbonate is the most popular covering for canopies. This material is in many ways superior to metal and glass, not inferior to them in environmental friendliness and strength. The high load resistance of cellular polycarbonate in comparison with glass is determined by the presence of longitudinal stiffening ribs of the cellular structure.

Although monolithic polycarbonate is stronger than cellular polycarbonate, each has its own advantages. The choice of one type or another directly depends on the requirements for the structure.

Solid polycarbonate has an incredible light transmittance of up to 90%. Cellular samples have slightly less translucent qualities, but at the same time they perfectly scatter light and create a barrier to ultraviolet radiation. The use of cellular polycarbonate sheets for canopies is due to the following properties:

• high structural strength - several layers connected to each other by stiffening partitions at different angles form a cellular structure, providing high strength;

• stability, ability to withstand strong winds and snow load;
• impact resistance - the material not only does not form fragments when broken, but also almost does not deform under mechanical stress;
• flexibility - it is possible to give the material any desired shape without compromising its characteristics;

• high percentage of light transmission with UV protection;

• resistance to temperature fluctuations - can be used at temperatures from -40 to +55? C;
• light weight - allows installation without resorting to the use of special mechanisms (the material is 15 times lighter than similar-sized glass);

• ease of cutting - the material is perfectly processed with cutting tools, drilled, and there are no splinters;
• fireproof - a low-flammable material that self-extinguishes when contact with the fire source ceases. The hole formed during melting allows smoke to escape, eliminating the risk of suffocation;
• resistant to chemical and atmospheric influences;

• durable - retains its properties throughout the entire period of operation, which is 10-11 years;
• easy to care for - does not require additional processing, can be quickly cleaned.

As for the aesthetic component, manufacturers produce not only colorless transparent sheets, but also samples with a range of colors. This makes it possible to give structures made of cellular polycarbonate an impressive appearance.

What thickness of polycarbonate is best to use for canopies?

The characteristics of polycarbonate are largely determined by the structure of the material: cellular panels are hollow, their specific gravity much less than that of solid sheets. Therefore, their cost is lower.

The parameters for choosing polycarbonate for canopies are: its decorative features, geometric shapes, purpose, economic indicators.

When determining the optimal thickness of honeycomb panels, take into account the purpose of the canopy and the degree of load on the structure. For sheets with a honeycomb structure, consider the following:

• polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm is used for small canopies with maximum curvature (canopies, greenhouses);

• sheets with a thickness of 6-8 mm cover large structures that can withstand the impact strong winds and snow loads (canopies for yard, parking areas, swimming pools);
• a sheet thickness of 10 mm is used to operate the structure in environmental conditions close to extreme.

The thickness of monolithic polycarbonate panels can vary from 4 to 12 mm. This material is twice as strong as its cellular counterpart. The most commonly used thickness of a solid sheet for canopies is 4-6 mm, which can fully guarantee the strength of the structure in any climatic conditions.

DIY drawings of polycarbonate canopies

In order for the manufacture, assembly and installation of the structure to be carried out without any unexpected difficulties, you should develop your own drawing of a polycarbonate canopy. This will allow you to properly prepare all frame elements and avoid possible waste of materials. Sketches of future construction should take into account design features chosen canopy shape. If possible, the parameters of the adjacent structure are chosen such that when cutting pipes and cutting plastic, as little waste as possible remains.

If selected arched design, the frame of which is made from a profile pipe, requires the presence special equipment for bending pipes. Not everyone has such a tool at hand, but even if you have a pipe bender, it is quite difficult to give the material the correct bend.

Cutting polycarbonate for semicircular design also poses some difficulties. Therefore, for work done independently, it is recommended to opt for a lean-to polycarbonate canopy. For the frame of this design, it is much easier to calculate the amount of profile pipe and cut the required size polycarbonate sheets.

When covering the roof with polycarbonate, you should take into account the installation features of this material:

• Typical polycarbonate panels are available in lengths of 6 or 12 m and a width of 2.1 m. Based on these parameters, the dimensions of the structure are calculated, which allows you to get as little waste as possible;
• The panels are connected to each other using end profiles (their length is 6 m), which can be matched to the color of the polycarbonate. They are securely attached and do not require additional fixation;

• the length of the end profile covering the final cut is 2.1 m;
• to cover semicircular roofs, the polycarbonate sheet is positioned so that the bend is in the transverse direction air channels;
• the arrangement of cellular polycarbonate sheets must be such as to ensure unimpeded drainage of condensate from the internal channels. Otherwise, the honeycombs inside the plastic will become moldy, which will affect the light transmission properties;

• V pitched structures canopies, the upper end of the cellular polycarbonate is covered with a continuous self-adhesive tape to prevent the ingress of moisture, dust, and insects. The lower end is treated with perforated tape, which allows moisture to escape out. IN arched canopies Micro-perforated tape is used at both ends;

• the mounting holes are created with a slightly larger diameter, which will allow the polycarbonate to freely expand or contract depending on the temperature effect. The holes should not be made too large;
• When installing panels, self-tapping screws with thermal washers are used, which are matched to the color of the polycarbonate.

The project also provides for the thickness of polycarbonate corresponding to the chosen design:

• canopies of impressive size with an inclined shape - sheets 10 mm thick;
• arched and semicircular canopies - panel will do in 8 mm;

• for adjacent canopies single-pitch design with a gentle slope, choose polycarbonate with a sheet thickness of 16 mm, capable of withstanding a possible snow load of winter period.

All these nuances should be taken into account before installing a polycarbonate canopy on a private house with your own hands. Photos of self-made structures will serve as an example for making your own unique structure.

Do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopies for a private house: photos of universal structures

Sheds attached to a home typically cover most of the yard. Some people prefer to close everything local area. This approach contributes to the versatility of the use of structures:

• It’s easy to place a car underneath, protecting it from rain, hail, and snow;
• the canopy will protect paving slabs in the yard from premature destruction and cracking;
• thanks to the canopy, the porch and steps will always remain dry, which will eliminate the possibility of slipping;

• design prevents getting wet gardening tools and technology, various items left on the street;
• thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate, mini-flower beds with flowers can be placed under the canopy;
• It is very convenient to lead the water pipe into the yard. Thanks to the canopy cover, you can always summer period in any weather, do household chores without going into the house: wash dishes, vegetables and fruits, canned food, etc.;

• a functional structure is a shed for a summer residence: those who like to harvest and dry fruits do not have to worry that the raw materials will be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture;
• with the arrival of autumn, a yard protected by a canopy will not have to be constantly cleared of falling leaves and branches, and in winter you will not have to spend a lot of time clearing snow.

Sheds attached to the house are a more acceptable option compared to a free-standing structure, since their construction requires less financial investments, and they are installed much faster.

By using polycarbonate carports, you save it from many negative impacts:

• polycarbonate coating protects the car's paint layer from getting sunlight, keeping it in perfect condition;
• the roof of the canopy will become a barrier to precipitation getting onto the body, small items. In winter it will protect against snow drifts;
• a car parked under a canopy is well ventilated, which protects body elements from corrosion;

• it is much more convenient to unload or load things into the car, especially in inclement weather, under a canopy;
• the space protected by a canopy can be used for car maintenance and repair, regardless of weather conditions;
• Even if you have a garage in the yard, it is often more convenient to leave the car under a canopy if you need it after some time.

These and many other features allow carports attached to your home to be... a worthy alternative capital garage. Photos of polycarbonate carports, presented in large numbers online, demonstrate various shapes of these designs.

It is very convenient to use the area under a canopy for family breakfasts and dinners in the fresh air, especially if the structure is adjacent to the wall in which the kitchen windows are located. In this case, it will be convenient for the hostess to serve dishes and cooked dishes directly from the kitchen to the street. You can also quickly deal with cleaning up the dishes after a feast.

A canopy that protects the porch and the entrance to the house allows you to leave shoes used in the yard and garden outside the door without fear of getting wet, which helps keep your home safe. perfect cleanliness. And a canopy attached to the house, the covering of which protects the balcony or terrace, will make it possible to place comfortable upholstered furniture there for relaxation.

How to make polycarbonate canopies with your own hands

Before you start self-production polycarbonate canopy adjacent to the house, it is necessary to decide what materials the racks and frame of the structure will be made of.

Material selection

For support posts For the wooden structure of canopies, timber of various sections is used, and boards are used for lathing. Wood is an environmentally friendly material, easy to process and lasts a long time with proper care, and a structure made from it will be cheaper than a metal one. In addition, when working with wood there is no need for welding machine and special skills. Disadvantages include ease of ignition and susceptibility to rotting. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the design and process it in a timely manner. wooden surfaces special compounds.

IN metal structures profile pipes of various sections are used. The recommended metal thickness is at least 2 mm. Metal structures have high strength, resistance to moisture, and a long service life. To prevent corrosion, the metal surface is primed and painted. To connect parts using welding or bolt fastening. You can give the canopy structure an elegant openwork look by using forged elements. However, forged structures will cost much more.

In some cases, stone or brick pillars. Such support posts are quite expensive, but the appearance justifies the investment, considering that stone structures are not afraid of moisture, sun and temperature fluctuations.

Installation and concreting of wooden supports

Before making a canopy, you should determine the amount of material needed for the structure. All calculations are made in accordance with drawings and sketches. It is recommended to purchase material in quantities 5-10% more than calculated: this will allow you to quickly replace incorrectly prepared or damaged elements.

For the manufacture of wooden canopy with a polycarbonate roof you will need the following materials:

• timber with a section of 150x150 mm - for support posts and for horizontal frame beams. The required amount of material depends on the length and width of the structure;
• board for rafters, purlins with a section of 100x150 mm. The quantity depends on the distance between the rafters. For polycarbonate coating, a step of 0.5-0.7 m is selected;
• fasteners, hardware;
• polycarbonate sheets.

They begin work by marking the territory. Mark the points where the vertical support posts of the canopy will be located. The height of the supports is taken equal to the height of the canopy, taking into account the depth of the posts by 55-60 cm.

The supports are usually placed at a distance of 1-2 meters from each other. The pitch between the supports is selected depending on the length of the structure and thickness roofing covering. First, the racks are installed next to the wall of the house, and then a row of racks on the outside of the structure. All supports must be located clearly opposite each other. The height of the racks must take into account the slope provided for by the project.

For concreting the supports, pits are made half a meter wide and deep. A layer of sand and crushed stone is poured into the bottom of the pits. Then install the support, which has previously been subjected to antiseptic treatment and wrapped waterproofing material. Check the verticality of the installation and fill it with concrete. The support is left in this form until the concrete mixture has completely set.

Frame making

The construction of a wooden frame begins with the inner row from the wall. Mounted to support posts wooden beams. To obtain the required length, the beams are joined together using metal plates. The position of the beams must be strictly horizontal. The beams are fastened to the supports using self-tapping screws. In addition, the beams are additionally attached to the wall of the house using fasteners.

Once the horizontal beams are in place, the fasteners for the cross members are installed. To make the structure more rigid, it is recommended to strengthen the beams with spacers on both sides of the support posts. The spacers are fixed with self-tapping screws at an angle of 45 degrees.

Next, proceed to the installation of transverse elements. As a rule, the edge beams are installed first, then the middle beam and then the intermediate cross beams. Once all the beams are in place, the edges are covered with end boards. For the strength of the structure, the outer beams on the left and right are reinforced with rafter legs. This will strengthen the structure in case of possible excess snow load.

Covering the frame with polycarbonate sheets

Covering the frame with polycarbonate begins with cutting out the plastic, the surface of which is marked with a marker. The polycarbonate is cut along the marked lines with a circular saw, the blade of which has fine teeth. When cutting sheets, they should be firmly fixed so that there is no vibration. After this, the cellular polycarbonate channels are cleaned of shavings and sawdust. When cutting the material, it is necessary to take into account the location of the channels inside the polycarbonate: they must be located in such a way that moisture can drain freely.

After the material is cut, it is placed on the frame and the places of fastenings are marked. Here you need to take into account that the distance from the edge of the sheet to the first hole should be more than 40 mm, and the fastening pitch should be 35-45 cm. Next, mounting holes with a slightly larger diameter than the self-tapping screw are drilled in the intended locations. When all the holes are made, the polycarbonate sheets are fixed to the frame. When fastening sheets, self-tapping screws and thermal washers are used. After attaching the self-tapping screw, the plug for the hole in the head snaps into place, which ensures complete sealing of the fastening.

Polycarbonate panels are connected to each other plastic profile, which is selected to match the color of the sheet. You should also ensure that the joining line of the panels falls on the transverse elements of the sheathing.

As soon as the polycarbonate panels are fixed to the frame, they begin processing the ends of the coating. The top ones are covered with a special aluminum tape, which prevents dust and moisture from getting inside the sheet. And the bottom end is sealed with a special perforated tape, which not only prevents dust from entering, but also ensures the drainage of accumulated condensate. After installation is complete, you can equip the canopy with a gutter for water drainage.

Sheds attached to the house with a polycarbonate coating are simple but widely used structures that can be manufactured and installed independently. Such structures do not require additional reinforcement using trusses. The main thing is to choose the right angle of inclination, which will ensure unhindered and rapid snow removal.

Cellular polycarbonate is a very popular building material. It is used for the construction of lightweight and inexpensive structures. Most often it is used for canopies, awnings and greenhouses.

How to choose material for a visor

Polycarbonate is very popular in country houses and suburban construction. With its help, you can build with your own hands a reliable and beautiful canopy over the porch, a carport or a greenhouse that is not afraid of any frost. Big choice colors and ease of installation also speak in favor of choosing this material.

Currently, there are a large number of types of polycarbonate on the market. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the thickness. This parameter determines how the material can be used. The following polycarbonate thicknesses are available:

• 4 mm, most often used for the construction of greenhouses;
• 6 mm is suitable for arranging various canopies, canopies, and can also be used for the construction of greenhouses;
• 8 mm - used for canopies and roofs;
• 10 mm - for the construction of partitions and noise barriers;
• 16 mm - for large roof areas.

Based on color, a distinction is made between transparent (sometimes called white) and colored polycarbonate. Select material suitable for external design It's easy at home. So, blue polycarbonate will look appropriate above the pool, green and brown - on a country canopy, etc.

What you need to remember when starting calculations

When arranging a canopy, it is necessary to take into account wind and snow loads. This will determine the frequency of the frame sheathing step, as well as the thickness of the sheets themselves. So, too thin polycarbonate may break, so additional reinforcement of the structure will be required. Thick sheets are more difficult to bend, have a smaller bending radius, weigh more, and are more expensive.

Construction stages

DIY construction can be divided into stages. First there are preparatory work: the design is developed, the appearance of the structures is determined, colors are selected, etc. A canopy project is developed. The amount of building materials is calculated. Then they purchase everything needed for the visor.

Then they begin the actual construction: they make a frame, install supports if necessary, fasten the structure, and cover it with polycarbonate.

Creating a Project

First of all, you need to decide on the placement of the visor. As a rule, they are installed above the porch. The canopy should be slightly wider than the surface it covers.

Design - necessary stage. Any construction should begin with it. It is at this stage that the final dimensions visor, its appearance. At the same stage it is calculated required amount building materials, it is decided how much and what consumables and tools will be needed. Drawings of a polycarbonate visor will help you calculate everything exactly. Also at the design stage, all types of loads are calculated. And those that will experience the canopy, and those that he himself will create.

First, measure the porch or that part of the building that will be covered with a canopy. The canopy can be slightly smaller, larger, or equal in size to the surface it protects.

When developing a project, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the materials used. The fact is that polycarbonate not only redistributes the load, but also takes it upon itself. Therefore, thin sheets are not suitable for visors; it is better to use material with a thickness of 6 to 10 mm. With a lower value, polycarbonate is too fragile, with a higher value, it is not elastic enough and heavy.

For sheets up to 8 mm thick, the optimal frame lathing pitch for a polycarbonate canopy is from 60 to 70 cm. You can make squares 60x60 cm or 70x70 cm. For panels with a thickness of more than 8 mm, a wider pitch is allowed - from 70 to 80 cm in the longitudinal direction and up to 100 cm - transversely.

Attention ! When calculating, it is necessary to take into account climatic features terrain. So, for areas with frequent and strong winds or snowfalls may require reinforcement of the structure.

Construction site preparation

First, the construction site is prepared. To do this, using a tape measure and a pencil, make your own markings on the wall of the building where the canopy is supposed to be located. Mark where the fasteners will be located.

The boundaries of the polycarbonate canopy are also marked on the ground. It is most convenient to use pegs or cords for this. If additional supports are to be installed, their location should be noted. You can also use pegs for this. Construction site it is advisable to level it.

Installation of supports

Many types of canopies require you to install additional supports yourself, so you need to consider how they are made.

First, mark where the stands for the polycarbonate visor will be located. Then in these places they dig holes for pillars, which can be made of wooden beams or logs, or metal pipes. The supports should be buried about a meter into the ground. If the soil is loose, you can increase this value. The canopy posts are leveled and secured in the ground. They can be concreted or secured using mortgages.

Attention ! The lower part of the supports must be treated with compounds that prevent rotting! Otherwise, they will quickly become unusable.

It will take 2-3 days for the concrete to set. The same period is required for mortgages to ensure that the supports are stable. Only after this can further construction works close to the porch. Now you can begin installing the visor.

Assembly and installation of the frame

The frame is usually installed fully or partially assembled. This will depend on its final dimensions and weight. It’s most convenient to make one or more gable canopy. The frame in this case will have a triangular shape.

If there are additional supports, they are connected to the mortgages. Usually the perimeter is assembled first. When general harness ready, it is supplemented with longitudinal and transverse beams. For thin sheets optimal width step - 60-70cm, for thick people - no more than a meter. When working with wood, it is better to use self-tapping screws for installation; if metal is used, welding is ideal. It will make connections reliable and almost invisible. To disguise the seams as much as possible, they must be cleaned and sanded, and then painted over. Only treatment with special primers will save them from rapid destruction.

The finished canopy frame is attached to the embedded parts on the wall of the house. Brackets can be used for these purposes. Lifting a finished structure with your own hands can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Installation of polycarbonate sheets

Do-it-yourself polycarbonate installation is done on finished frame. The reliability of the entire structure as a whole will depend on the quality of this work, so all work must be done well, carefully and attentively.

For construction you will need:

• Construction knife or circular saw for cutting sheets;
• Drill or screwdriver for installation using self-tapping screws;
• Thermal washers;
• Self-tapping screws for fastening are best used with a wide head.

Thin sheets can be easily cut with a knife; for thicker sheets (over 10 mm), a circular saw is suitable. In this case, a disk with fine teeth should be used so as not to crumble or break the edges of the polycarbonate. To get a good result, work must be carried out on a hard, level surface.

Polycarbonate is cut taking into account not only the size and shape of the visor, but also the orientation of the air channels of the sheets themselves: they should run parallel to the bends or the slope line.

The material is covered on one side with a special film that protects it from ultraviolet radiation. Manufacturers often put various images on it: quality marks, brands, instructions and warnings. Protective film It is not recommended to remove before starting installation work. It will save polycarbonate not only from radiation, but also from contamination and minor damage. The film can be easily removed even after the sheet is attached to the base.

Pieces of cut polycarbonate are adjusted to each other and attached to the frame. They are drilled with self-tapping screws. For sealing, special thermal washers are used, which have a thick rubber or silicone lining. The optimal diameter for work is 30 mm. The holes for the fasteners should be a couple of mm larger than they are. Self-tapping screws should be located every 30 cm. Fastening elements are placed between the stiffeners.

Attention ! When fixing polycarbonate sheets with your own hands, you need to monitor the pressure. There is a risk of over-tightening. In this case, the edges may break.

It is necessary to leave a small gap of 2-3 mm between the polycarbonate sheets. This is the so-called expansion reserve. With temperature changes, polycarbonate changes slightly in size. This allowance is necessary for compensation. It also allows the sheets to move relative to each other with further shrinkage of the house.

It is important to securely fasten the polycarbonate panels to each other. For this purpose, special profiles are used. They are attached from the inside.

To avoid dirt, dust, seeds, etc. from getting into the cavities of the polycarbonate, its cut part must be covered with special covers into which miniature filters are inserted. To secure, seal the edges with sealant. This will also make the installation more reliable. Thanks to such a simple and simple measure, it will be possible to significantly reduce the amount of condensation and pollution.

Conclusion

Making and installing a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands will not take much time. This will also require a little strength. You just need to prepare carefully and calculate everything correctly. In the future, replacing individual elements will be as simple as possible.

Polycarbonate canopies are becoming increasingly popular in private housing construction. This is well deserved - the material is available for both self-installation, and in terms of cost. The shapes of canopies and canopies, with a sensible approach, will make the facade and surrounding area individual - bends, concavities, arches.

In combination with metal frame, it looks stylish and expensive. However, professional results can only be achieved with experience. And as a training, below is described how to make a lean-to canopy with your own hands. This is the most simple form, however, has not lost its beauty.

Types of polycarbonate and the right choice of raw materials

The industry offers the consumer several types building material, which have some differences from each other and, accordingly, advantages and disadvantages. All products are united by common qualities:

Any type of polycarbonate is subject to self-processing, and the light weight of the structure will allow installation almost alone. So, the types:

Based on what has been written, it is better to choose cellular polycarbonate for building a canopy.

Design selection

The type of polycarbonate, its color and the shape of the canopy can all influence the purpose of the structure. So, for example, not the best option There will be a lean-to carport. It’s just as easy to make it with your own hands, but at the same time it will collect all the heat underneath it. sun rays, which will negatively affect the car.

For an iron horse, it is better to use an arch - it will scatter the ultraviolet beam, and an optimal temperature will be created inside without loss of light. Straight designs are very popular for open terraces, verandas

Domes and concavities are good for indoor pools, barbecues, gazebos. Below are the stages of constructing a simple lean-to canopy - at least complex design for beginners.

Preparation

Any structure must be carefully designed, otherwise it will pose a danger to others. It’s a good idea to ask your local architectural department whether a permit is required to build a shed, since it can also be presented as an extension to the house. To avoid misunderstandings and the need to disassemble the canopy and dismantle the base, you need to acquire the necessary package of documents.

Drawing

A simple lean-to shed is a rectangular or square structure according to the purpose. You should set the required height and width dimensions in advance, taking into account that part of the frame will go under the concrete. Also, the diagram must take into account the thickness of all components - pipes, polycarbonate.

This is important, since snow and wind loads should not affect the strength of the structure. It is better to use special tables to determine the section and data on climatic zone. Having entered all the required values ​​on the drawing, you can begin to work.

Selection of materials and tools

If the type of polycarbonate has already been decided, then all that remains is to choose the raw materials for the frame. Profile pipes have become the favorites in this regard - they are lightweight, inexpensive, and can withstand maximum loads and easy to install. Can be assembled using bolts or welding. For the latter you need to have a certain skill.

Profile pipes for a house shed are selected according to the load - wall thickness varies from 2 to 16 mm. The racks for the frame should not be less than 80 mm in width of the walls; for the remaining components - the rafter system, trusses and sheathing - the values ​​​​are less. In addition, you will need:

• Roulette and level.
• Bulgarian.
• Drill.
• Hammer.
• Fasteners
• Thermal washers and rubber.
• Welding machine.
• Protective suriks.
• Overalls.

This is not a one-day job, so after purchasing the materials, they need to be stored in a dry place without the danger of mechanical impact; if handled carelessly, scratches may remain on the polycarbonate sheets.

Installation of a lean-to canopy - instructions

The work must be divided into stages for a quality process. Strict adherence to each is the key to quality work.

Base

It is best to make a polycarbonate canopy with posts recessed into concrete. This will increase its strength. For the foundation, a pit 30 cm deep is sufficient, which is arranged according to the rules of an ordinary foundation - crushed stone-sand cushion, reinforcement, pouring.

The site should be carefully leveled and holes should be dug in the corners for the glasses in which the “legs” of the frame will be installed. They can be poured separately or as a whole structure. Time for hardening and shrinkage is 2-3 weeks.

Frame welding

A frame with racks, a couple of which are higher than the others, can be made into one whole, or a form of corners can be laid on profile support pipes - whichever is more convenient for you. Then the frame is assembled to the side rafter system, representing several trusses - with large spans they are necessary for greater reinforcement. Trusses are rectangular blocks with pipes or corners welded in a zigzag pattern.

The upper belt can be made in the form of an arc and then the structure will look like an arch. Since it was decided to make a lean-to canopy from polycarbonate with your own hands, the task is simplified by the fact that both belts of the trusses are straight - the upper one is prepared in advance for plastic fasteners, drilling holes in it for self-tapping screws. The finished structures are welded into place.

Lathing

The purpose of the sheathing is clear - to support the weight of the roof with subsequent loads. For a lean-to canopy, sheathing is installed more often than for an arch, because the area is larger. The approximate value is 0.8 m.

You should weld fittings, corners or profile pipes with tacks - it won’t work that way large quantity messy blots of molten metal and slag. By the way, you need to beat off the excess immediately after welding is completed, until the waste has stuck tightly to the frame.

Installation of plastic sheets

The sheets are not cut immediately. This must be done directly on the frame - this way the true dimensions will be clear. If you make the cut in advance, then perhaps there will not be enough material or there will be a lot more of it - both of which lead to cost overruns.

The sheets are spread directly over the surface of the sheathing and appropriate marks are made on them for cutting and holes. Below, the polycarbonate is brought into the appropriate form - cut and drilled. Before laying on the frame begins, the holes in the sheathing and trusses are sealed with rubber O-rings– they will not allow moisture to seep into the metal and will be completely pressed against the polycarbonate.

Laying occurs as follows:

• The sheet is fixed with self-tapping screws along one edge.
• Then put on connection profile, the edge of the second sheet is inserted and the middle is fixed.
• The following elements are attached in the same way.

Finish the job decorative profiles, put on the ends of the polycarbonate - they will protect the plastic from the accumulation of water. In addition, we must not forget about the cavities of the pipes - they also should not be exposed to moisture - the ends should be welded.

Frame painting and care

Nothing special canopy design made of profile pipes and polycarbonate - does not require. It is only important to coat the metal with a special paint that prevents corrosion. This must be done before the frame is covered with sheets of plastic, so as not to miss a single section and not to stain the polycarbonate.

For greater beauty, the frame is varnished on top. The roof requires the simplest cleaning - water and soft, non-abrasive detergents. Timely prevention consists of identifying pockets of corrosion, cleaning them from damage and covering them with a new layer of red lead. Then the canopy can serve the owners much longer than the stated period.

If you want beauty and sophistication, then before purchasing polycarbonate, you should pay attention to decorative models - they may look like stained glass, have intricate patterns, colors. Some examples are made using silk-screen printing - such models are expensive. But the view is beautiful. Owners whose budget is limited can easily get by with film different color and fix it from inside the canopy, thereby giving the structure the desired color.