How to properly cover a roof with polycarbonate. Roofing polycarbonate. Preparing for installation

Who among the owners of a private house does not dream of a real terrace? This small extension can be an option for expanding your home, but to make it functional and comfortable, it needs to be done correctly. Often, options with a transparent roof are chosen for arranging an extension. A polycarbonate roof for a terrace can become excellent option making this wish come true.

First, a few words about what a terrace is. This is an extension that allows you to be at home and outside at the same time, allowing you to combine comfort and relaxation in the fresh air. As a rule, these extensions turn out to be very bright and visually spacious, as they have large areas glazing – walls, roof, etc.

The terrace has many functions - it allows you to relax here, set up a summer kitchen, or do game rooms . Often on holidays, the whole family and friends gather at a large festive table under the roof of the terrace, and such gatherings become truly magical and homely.

You can build a terrace from various materials. Gas blocks, bricks, and wood are used. But most home owners want the veranda to be as bright as possible. Then transparent materials come to the rescue - glass and polycarbonate. The latter is quite often used to construct the roof for this room.

On a note! Regardless of what shape and type the veranda will be made, it is very simple to construct. You won’t have to spend a lot of effort on its construction. Usually this design has the simplest frame and simple roof.

Table. Main types of terraces.

The types of roofs on terraces can also be different - for example, simple pitched roofs, arched ones, reminiscent of a greenhouse in shape. And there may not be walls at all - only supports. It is worth choosing the configuration of the terrace at the design stage - the choice of types of materials, as well as their quantity required to create the building, will depend on this.

On a note! A terrace can sometimes be called a veranda, but this is not entirely correct, although it is not prohibited. The fact is that the veranda differs from the terrace in the floor height. For the first, it will be located on the same level as the foundation, and for the second, it will lie on the ground. There are no other special differences between these two buildings.

Features of polycarbonate

Why is polycarbonate often chosen to create transparent roofs? It's simple - this polymer material has a number of advantages that allow it to surpass in many characteristics the usual and familiar glass. This is good transparency, but at the same time the absence of a tendency to serious deformations under mechanical influence on the coating, the ability to better retain heat, and a lower price.

Polycarbonate happens cellular and monolithic. The first consists of two thin sheets of transparent plastic connected by stiffening ribs. This is a fairly plastic and flexible material that bends easily and retains heat well due to the air located between the two polymer sheets. The material has transparency, but not as good as the monolithic version.

Monolithic polycarbonate is more reminiscent of glass in appearance. It is absolutely transparent and has higher strength characteristics. There are no voids inside, which is why the material retains heat worse. This type of polycarbonate is actively used in construction, but costs several times more than cellular coating. Greenhouses are usually made from cellular polycarbonate.

On a note! Unfortunately, polycarbonate, especially cellular, is not without its drawbacks. It still remains quite fragile material compared to others roofing coverings, is easily scratched, and the cavities inside it can become clogged and the coating will no longer look presentable.

But anyway polycarbonate is one of the most commonly used materials for creating terrace roofs. It is lightweight, but at the same time durable enough to withstand certain snow loads, can bend if necessary to design a sloping roof. It is also easy to install, with the task of arranging polycarbonate roofing Even a beginner in construction can handle it. At the same time, the material transmits light and makes it possible to obtain enough warm room due to low thermal conductivity.

Attention! Closed terrace, having a roof made of cellular polycarbonate, must necessarily have windows that can be opened. IN hot weather It will be very difficult to be under such a roof - the “greenhouse effect” will work. That is why it is often recommended to use colored polycarbonate rather than transparent, since it transmits less light and it is easier to create an optimal temperature regime.

Prices for cellular polycarbonate

Why is a polycarbonate terrace a great option?

A polycarbonate terrace has a number of advantages. That is why roofing is often made from this material. It is different:

• light weight;
• no need to use heavy equipment during construction;
• large selection of colors;
• excellent strength and ability to withstand moderate snow and wind loads;
• harmlessness from the point of view of ecology and human health;
• long service life.

Most of the disadvantages of polycarbonate can be circumvented with proper care of such a terrace, but it is worth knowing about them. This is the possibility of cracks appearing in places where the material is attached to the frame, the occurrence of fragility of the coating if the protective film on the outside of the material is damaged, as well as the possibility of clogging of channels (honeycombs), which will lead to a decrease in heat retention, as well as an unflattering appearance of the roof.

When designing a terrace, it is important to take into account a lot of aspects, including its size - it should not be too small. Minimum size – 12 m2. This will provide enough space for relaxation.

On a note! The shape of the roof also matters. But the simplest option, which does not require any hassle either when creating a frame or when installing a roof covering, is a pitched flat roof.

It is important to first draw up the most accurate drawing that will allow you not only to imagine what the extension will look like, but also to calculate the amount of materials needed for construction. The frame itself is easiest to make from metal or wood. Sometimes block supports or brick bases are used.

Only after this is the purchase made necessary materials and fastening elements. When purchasing polycarbonate, do not forget about special profiles and components for it. In some cases you can do without them, but then the roof may lose its appearance and collapse faster.

Table. Polycarbonate profiles.

Profile	Description	Appearance
U.P.	The end profile has dimensions of 4, 6, 8,10, 16, 20, 25 mm x 2010 mm. Necessary to protect the ends of the material from debris and insects getting into them.
TO	Ridge, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 mm x 6 m. Allows you to connect individual polycarbonate sheets at the top point without leaving gaps between them. This will prevent roof leaks.
HCP	Detachable docking, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 mm x 6 m. Needed to connect two adjacent polycarbonate sheets. The lower and upper parts of the profile are separated to facilitate installation.
HP	One-piece docking, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. Needed to connect two adjacent polycarbonate sheets. The profile is not parsed, unlike the previous version.
U	Corner, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. Allows you to connect sheets that are at right angles to each other.
F	Wall-mounted, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. Will prevent water from getting between the roof and the wall. Provides thermal insulation to this area.

A powerful foundation for such a terrace is not needed, since most of the materials used are very light. It is enough to form concrete screed up to 10 cm thick. For support posts Recesses up to 50 cm will be sufficient.

Attention! When purchasing polycarbonate and calculating its quantity, it is important to remember that the sheet has standard sizes– 305 x 205 cm. The thickness of polycarbonate can be different (the best option is 4-6 mm). To reduce the amount of waste generated, it is better to take the length of the roof slope the same as the length of the sheet.

Prices for polycarbonate profiles

Polycarbonate profiles

Creating a foundation and installing supports

Let's look at how the process of building a terrace occurs. Let's start with the foundation. IN in this case this will be an economical option.

Step 1. Using a bayonet shovel, the future contour of the trench is marked in the location chosen on the site.

Step 2. A ditch is created under strip foundation. You can also make formwork from wooden boards.

Step 3. Lays in the ditch broken brick, fittings. In this case, the reinforcement must be installed vertically at the locations where future roof supports will be installed.

Step 4. The ditch is being filled concrete mortar and drying the strip foundation.

Step 6. Polyethylene is laid around the perimeter of the base. It can be pressed down with pieces of bricks.

Step 7 The base is covered with sand, the sand is well compacted.

Step 8 The base can be decorated with decorative borders.

Step 10 The support is placed on previously installed reinforcement protruding from the base in the area where the supports are installed. Plinth base and Bottom part supports are coated cement mortar. The support is leveled.

Step 11 The internal cavity remaining between the reinforcement and the support wall is filled with concrete mixture.

Step 13 The wooden columns are already prepared - there are holes for reinforcement in their lower parts. The underside of the columns is also coated with mastic.

Step 14 Next, each column is installed on a plinth - they are put on the protruding reinforcement and installed on small concrete supports. To prevent the columns from tipping over, they can be secured with wooden slopes.

Step 15 A beam is installed on top of the two columns at the end of the extension, connecting them to each other. Next, all columns are connected by strapping beams. Thus, a ready-made frame for the terrace is obtained, and the most simple system rafters for the roof.

Installation of polycarbonate roofing

Step 1. Polycarbonate sheets are cut to size if necessary. To do this, you can use any wood cutting tool.

Step 2. The edges of the protective film covering the sheets are folded over the entire perimeter of the material. Next, a special tape is glued to the ends to protect against dust. Also, all ends of the installed sheets must be covered with protective end profiles.

Attention! When cutting connecting profiles when installing on a curved structure, it is important to take into account that their bending radius is greater than that of the sheets themselves. Therefore, they should be slightly longer than the polycarbonate sheet itself. The easiest way is to trim them after installation.

Step 3. Polycarbonate is laid up with the side that has UV protection. As a rule, a protective film is glued to this side. Direction air channels should be oriented along the roof slope. This will allow moisture to escape naturally.

Step 4. Each sheet is aligned along the roof ridge. The bottom edge of the sheet should protrude slightly beyond the edge of the entire structure.

Step 5. A base profile is attached along the end edge of the roof. Fixation is carried out with special self-tapping bolts located on the center line of the profile.

Step 6. The sheet is fixed along the eaves of the roof. The first and last screws will be screwed in at a distance of 15 cm from the edge of the sheet. The rest are at a distance of 30 cm from each other. Holes with a slightly larger diameter than the screws themselves are drilled into the material at the fastening points.

Attention! Fastening polycarbonate should only be done with suitable fastening material - self-tapping screws with seals.

Step 7 After fixing the end sheet and installing the base profile, a clamping profile-cover is attached along the end edge of the roof.

Step 8 To connect individual polycarbonate sheets in a row, it is recommended to use detachable connecting profiles. In this case, first the lower part of the profile is fixed on the roof frame, then polycarbonate sheets are laid, and only then the upper part of the profile is put on.

Step 9 Upon completion of installation, the protective film is removed from the polycarbonate surface. The work has been completed.

If polycarbonate is installed on a curved structure, then it is important to remember the maximum bending radius of the material. You cannot bend it, otherwise it will break.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Video - 6x3 terrace made of timber and polycarbonate

Video - Terrace with a polycarbonate roof

This is, perhaps, all the information you need to know in order to cover your terrace with polycarbonate yourself. If you use all the necessary components, then the work will pass quickly, and the result will be excellent!

Nowadays, polycarbonate roofs are relevant for houses, attics, terraces, and gazebos. All sorts of things are made from it decorative elements, canopies, windows, and even entire pavilions.

Since the use of the material is very diverse, within the framework of one article it is worth deciding which polycarbonate will be discussed.

In this article

Types of polycarbonate

Monolithic polycarbonate. Available in flat or corrugated versions. Externally very similar to silicate glass, but is characterized by high strength and lightness. Elegant, unusual, and at the same time practical material for roofing! But so far this plastic is quite expensive.

Ideal for installing roofs on terraces, gazebos and much more. cellular polycarbonate. It is a cellular material consisting of two or more thin layers, connected under different angles stiffening ribs. Except yours affordable price, it has one more advantage, which is important specifically for roofing material. This is the ability to dissipate straight lines Sun rays. Thus, a polycarbonate roof for a terrace becomes not only luminous, light, aesthetic, but also very comfortable, because the scorching effect is no longer present.

Advantages of cellular polycarbonate:

• light weight
• temperature range – from +120 to – 40 ºС
• good fire performance
• elasticity - easy to make arches
• service life at correct installation– up to 20 years
• high thermal insulation properties
• immunity to chemical influences
• wide decorative possibilities by shape, color

Flaws:

• Significant thermal expansion (compensated by proper installation).
• The material itself is not resistant to UV radiation. In production, one side of the sheet is duplicated protective layer, which cannot be damaged. Installation is carried out together with a protective film, which is removed immediately after installation.

Choosing the right material

Standard sheet dimensions are 2.1 x 6.1 m or 2.1 x 12.1 m.

Application depending on thickness:

• 4-6 mm is the thinnest and most fragile material. Used to cover greenhouses, greenhouses, small transparent inserts;
• 6-8 mm – canopies, polycarbonate roof for gazebos, small outbuildings etc.;
• 10 mm – vertical coating with good sound insulation
• 16 – 32 mm – used in case of increased roof load

The greater the thickness of the sheet, the higher its density, rigidity and less flexibility.

How to distinguish high-quality polycarbonate for roofing when purchasing?

• Perfect smooth surface free of bubbles, foreign inclusions and other defects.
• The weight of the sheet is standardized by manufacturers. 1 sq. m should weigh:

o 4 mm sheet - 0.8 kg;
o sheet 6 mm – 1.3 kg;
o 8 mm – 1.5 kg;
o 10 mm – 1.6 kg;
o 16 mm – 2.7 kg.

• Polycarbonate marked “light” is marketing ploy some manufacturers. This is a material where the thickness or height of the partitions is reduced. Of course, it is unreliable under atmospheric loads. It must be taken into account that due to the certain difficulty of determining such inconsistencies by eye, unscrupulous sellers may try to sell it instead of the standard one.
• The presence of a UV protective layer and its thickness. Without such protection roofing material will lose its properties very quickly. With a layer thickness of 60 microns, the service life of polycarbonate is 10 years. You can determine the thickness using the certificate.

Conventionally, based on quality, honeycomb material can be divided into:

• "premium" - service life 20 years;
• “elite” will last about 12 years;
• “optimum” – 10 years;
• “economical” – works for 5-8 years.

Connecting and fastening elements

A polycarbonate roof is installed using special profiles, fasteners, protective tapes, and sealant.

Polycarbonate expands when heated. The increase in leaf size under direct sunlight can be up to 0.3%. To give the material the necessary “freedom of movement,” when mounting, the sheets are inserted into the connecting profile not end-to-end, but slightly not all the way. And for the fastening, a hole is drilled in advance 4 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw leg.

Connecting profiles

There are one-piece and detachable ones, the lower part of which is attached to the frame of the building. Then the ends of the sheets are inserted into it. After this, the seam is covered with an external strip that hides the fasteners. According to their purpose, profiles are divided into:

• connecting in one plane;
• end / end with drip and drainage channel for the lower cut (removing moisture accumulated in the combs)
• ridge

Made from polycarbonate and aluminum.

Polycarbonate profiles are used when it is necessary to maintain complete transparency of the roof. This profile is strong, but not load-bearing. But it bends perfectly.

Aluminum is useful if the polycarbonate roof has a complex configuration. Or if the region has strong wind or snow loads. Also suitable for mounting cellular polycarbonate profile " facade system", complete with a special decorative cover, painted in various colors according to RAL standard. When using an aluminum profile in work, it is necessary to protect the polycarbonate from overheating special sealant EPDM.

Self-tapping screws

Ordinary self-tapping screws, when heated, can also damage the material. Therefore, special thermal washers made of elastomer are used. The most appropriate option in all respects is polycarbonate washers, complete with o-ring allowing you to securely fix the sheet without squeezing it. Fastening with self-tapping screws is carried out using a screwdriver strictly vertically in relation to the plane of the sheet, and, most importantly, without pinching. Holes under the thermal washer cap should not be allowed.

Sealing tapes

Before installation, the cellular edge of the sheet, which will be located at the top of the building, is sealed with sealed tape, protecting it from dirt and moisture. All lower cells are covered with perforated adhesive tape to remove condensation from the cells. Then a U-shaped profile with pre-drilled holes is put on top of the tape.

Sealant

You need to buy exactly this one transparent sealant, which is suitable for working with polycarbonate. All joints are sealed to prevent the formation of condensation inside the sheet, from which the material loses its transparency.

Rules for working with cellular polycarbonate

• It is better to store in a dry place where there is no danger of condensation forming in the cells.
• You can work with polycarbonate at temperatures down to –5°C. If the air temperature is lower, there is a risk of chipping when cutting and fastening.
• In order to avoid deformation and unhindered internal ventilation at the site, the sheet should be oriented with internal grooves / stiffeners from top to bottom or parallel to the direction of the arched roof arc.
• The side with UV protection is covered at the factory with mounting film with inscriptions. This side should be facing up.
• For cutting, you can use a hand saw, a jigsaw, or a hacksaw. A cutting speed that is too slow will cause chipping, while a cutting speed that is too fast can melt the material. When cutting, the sheet should not vibrate to avoid the formation of microcracks.
• You cannot walk on a cellular polycarbonate roof. For ease of work, you need to organize flooring.
• The profile is fastened with thermal washers every 20-30 cm. You can make point fastening to the sheet with the same distance.
• The pitch between the rafters must be a multiple standard width sheet, and the connecting seams fall in the middle of the rafters.

Frame materials and roof shape

The frame is usually made of wood or metal. For example it could be wooden gazebo with a polycarbonate roof. The choice of one material or another will mainly determine the style of construction.

• A wooden structure made of bars and boards is suitable for the roof direct view. The slope of the slope must be at least 6°. Transverse sheathing is usually laid on the rafters in increments of 40-50 cm. And the main roofing material is placed on it.
• A 40 mm board is suitable for supports and rafters. In order to bring the entire frame flush, a 50x20 block for transverse sheathing is laid with its end in the slots of the rafters.
• The frame is treated with bioprotective and fire retardant solutions. If necessary, it can be tinted or painted.
• Frames are made from metal for both straight and arched and domed roofs. Creating a dome requires enough complex calculations. It is better to entrust it to professionals.
• Aluminum is used for light buildings, steel for large structures with a large weight load. Arches of large radius are reinforced with struts, transverse stiffeners, and additional supports.
• If arched roundings are assumed, then in metal frame notches are made on opposite sides. After this, it is bent according to the template. In this case, the minimum bending radius of polycarbonate should be taken into account.

If the building, according to its design, will not have natural ventilation (pavilion), then at the project stage it is worthwhile to provide opening windows or dormer openings. Overheating in extreme heat can cause polycarbonate to become deformed.

In general, if you know the listed features and the rules associated with them, doing a polycarbonate roof with your own hands is not at all difficult, and the result of the work will please you with its functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Cottage construction is so popular that everyone more people leave apartments in noisy cities and move to Fresh air. Here you can relax and recuperate, take your mind off the hustle and bustle and admire the beauty of nature. But the more fans you have country house, the more diverse the buildings are erected in their habitats, and this is wonderful, because often new products in the construction industry simply amaze with their functionality and decorative properties.

These are the characteristics of polycarbonate roofs for houses and outbuildings. They are installed above the porch or pool, built in the form of a canopy in the parking area and above the barbecue area. So why is this fairly new material for our country so attractive to modern developers?

Material Specifications

Polycarbonate is characterized by excellent strength. This polymer is durable and has an attractive appearance, although it is a type of plastic that has long been familiar to us. His transparent structure allows the passage of sunlight and also provides a panoramic view, which only increases its decorative value. Terraces near the house, verandas and bright, spacious greenhouses are built from this material.

The service life of a polycarbonate roof is directly influenced by the quality of the material and proper installation. The polymer can be divided into several categories, each of which has its own service life:

1. Premium – withstands at least 20 years of use.
2. Elite – serves for at least 12 years.
3. Optimal – on average 10 years.
4. Economy - up to 8 years.

Before choosing such a material for your home, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages, which will make it possible to better understand the properties and features of the new generation of roofing.

Advantages

To the advantages of cellular polymer coating can be attributed:

• excellent light throughput. About 80% of sunlight passes through the transparent coating;
• good flexibility parameters, which makes it possible to make curved structures without the risk of deforming the structure and compromising the integrity of the material;
• decent general characteristics, thanks to which it can be successfully combined with building materials of different textures;
• high thermal stability, allowing polycarbonate to be used in the temperature range from -40 to +120 C;
• strength against mechanical stress, withstands a layer of snow of more than one meter;
• excellent thermal insulation properties. The canopy keeps you warm during the cold season and keeps you cool on hot summer days;
• light weight, only 2.5 kg/1m2;
• resistance to fire;
• full compliance with safety requirements, in case of damage it does not break into small or even sharper fragments;
• has good sound insulation parameters;
• easy to install, installation does not require special skills;
• affordable cost, in comparison with the same glass;
• makes it possible to build a structure of any shape, even the most bizarre, that will decorate the house;
• There is a wide range of colors, so there will be no problems with choosing the desired option.

Flaws

Polycarbonate does not have many disadvantages and they are rather conditional. For example, the material will not be able to protect you from bright sun, but this same property can also be considered as an advantage, because you do not need to resort to additional lighting fixtures V daytime days, thereby saving on electricity costs.

And, of course, the real downside of the polymer is fragility, which can occur if installed incorrectly, which can lead to cracks on the surface being treated.

Types of polycarbonate

There are two types of polycarbonate used in construction:

1. Solid, produced in the form of sheets, the thickness of which can range from 2 mm to 1 cm. Most often it is installed where there is heavy rainfall and gusty winds blow. At visual inspection you can hardly distinguish it from glass. This type of material is the most expensive.
2. Structured, with sheet thickness up to 3 cm, and impressive weight, which sometimes exceeds that of a monolithic product. This type of polymer has increased strength due to its cellular structure. They can cover arched ceilings and round roofs of the house. Before purchasing such building material, ask the seller which option is best suited for your conditions, otherwise you may encounter an unplanned replacement of the material due to the fact that it does not meet your requirements.

An example of installing a polycarbonate roof

Using the example of installing a cover for a gazebo, we invite you to familiarize yourself with step by step instructions which will help you do high-quality construction with your own hands. Here we will use cellular polycarbonate, the thickness of which is 8 mm. The shape of the canopy can be anything - hipped, with several slopes, domed or any other, but we will talk about a straight roof configuration.

As in any construction process, here the beginning of the work lies in drawing up a project with drawings that must be prepared in advance.

Rafter system

Before installation, wooden elements for the rafter system must be treated with antiseptics, which will not natural material rot, thereby increasing its service life significantly. Also, if you wish, you can tint the wood with a special varnish. Dry boards must be installed vertically in increments equal to the width of the polycarbonate sheet. A sheathing is made from the bars, which is mounted across rafter elements.

Fixing sheets

To fix sheets of reinforced plastic on the sheathing, you need to use self-tapping screws equipped with sealing washers as fasteners. To avoid deformation of the casing, you can first mark the places for the screws, and then drill holes in their place with a diameter exceeding the same parameter for the fasteners.

Sheets of material are connected to each other using special profiles, which can be either solid or detachable. It is not recommended to screw the self-tapping screws all the way, otherwise, due to sudden changes in temperature, the linear expansion will remain in a static position and the roof may burst from stress in the plastic structure.

Sealing

In order for the roof of the gazebo near the house to serve its owners for many years, you need to do proper sealing honeycomb sheets, for which a tape is glued to the ends of the polycarbonate elements or a profile is installed, thereby eliminating the appearance of condensation. It is also recommended to coat additional layer sealant at the joints of the slabs, then you will receive guaranteed tightness.

To make the work easier and the installation result to be positive, use the advice of professionals:

• do not install a completely transparent roof, as you will not be able to hide under it from the scorching sun;
• don't take it off protective film from the material, because it protects it from damage;
• don't forget to equip ventilation system in the event that the roof of a polycarbonate house is mounted above a living space;
• avoid construction completely flat roof, since snow and water will constantly accumulate on its surface, corroding the structure at the junctions of elements;
• During work and operation, do not step on polycarbonate sheets, because they are fragile and may not support your weight.

If you strictly follow the instructions and listen to our advice, then you will get an excellent polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

Polycarbonate is new building material and began to be used for the manufacture of roofs relatively recently. It is characterized by sufficient strength, transparency, stability and the possibility of quick installation. This is why the material is so popular. Also, its properties make it possible to make roofs of completely unimaginable shapes, and even an inexperienced builder can do this.

Features and characteristics of polycarbonate roofing

Polycarbonate is a sheet polymer material, and it surpasses many similar materials in its performance characteristics. For example, it is 200 times stronger than glass and 8 times stronger than plexiglass.

Polycarbonate can be of different colors

In addition to strength, its other characteristics are also valuable:

• light weight;
• flexibility;
• ease of processing and installation;
• fire resistance, chemicals and aggressive environment;
• impact resistance;
• long service life.

The scope of application of polycarbonate is quite wide, including it being suitable for roofing.

Polycarbonate is stronger than glass

Polycarbonate for roof

Polycarbonate allows you to increase the functionality of your own home. For example, if desired, you can equip the second floor, which will serve as a pavilion, greenhouse or greenhouse. This allows for rational use of space, which is especially important if the area of ​​the site is too small to realize all your ideas.

Polycarbonate allows you to equip round roof, which will eliminate the retention of snow and rainwater on it, due to which the service life of such a roof increases many times.

The round roof will not allow snow to linger

Polycarbonate for the roof is a material with a multi-chamber cellular structure, which is formed by several stiffening ribs. This type of material is called honeycomb because it resembles the honeycomb of bees.

There are other types:

This material may have different thickness, and for making a roof various buildings this parameter is very important:

• for a private home, you can use polycarbonate with a thickness of 8 or 16 mm (the second option is suitable for arranging surfaces with a large area, since it can withstand significant loads);
• for canopies, garages or terraces, material with a thickness of 8 mm is suitable;
• greenhouses and canopies can be made from 3.5 and 4 mm polycarbonate.

You can also choose a color, and this parameter affects performance characteristics material:

Video: how to choose a good polycarbonate

Polycarbonate roof for home

A polycarbonate roof is erected only over those rooms that do not require the installation of an insulated roofing pie. In the case of a residential building, this is most often attic spaces, terraces, attics or balconies. The shape of the roof can be absolutely any, since the material is quite flexible and allows the construction of various structures.

Polycarbonate can be used for attic or attic roofs

The peculiarity of a polycarbonate roof for a house is that it does not require the arrangement of a rafter system in its classical sense. In addition to the rafters, profiles are installed and the frame is formed. Polycarbonate profiles can be detachable or non-detachable. They are characterized by increased tightness and strength, low weight, protection from ultraviolet rays, and they can also be selected in a color that matches the main fabric.

The process of installing a polycarbonate roof on a residential building occurs according to the following plan:

1. Installation of rafters. It is recommended to use timber with a cross section of 60*40 mm or 60*80 mm. Install at a distance of 1.01 m if these are central rafters, and 1.04 m between the side rafters.

   To install polycarbonate you need to install profiles

2. Installation of profiles. They need to be attached to the end and connecting profiles. Additionally, it is recommended to fix the limiters. They should be placed at a distance of 2 cm from the edges.

   Sheets can be joined using profiles or sealant

3. End protection. Side surfaces need to be protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays with tape. Moreover, the upper part can be covered with ordinary tape, and the lower part with perforated tape.

   The ends of the polycarbonate must be sealed with tape

4. Laying the material. After installing the frame, the polycarbonate sheets should be mounted directly. This must be done in such a way that the joints are airtight. This will make the roof structure waterproof. Additionally, the seams can be finished with waterproofing mastic.
5. Fastening covers and plugs.

Polycarbonate roof for garage

Separately, polycarbonate roofs for garages are not erected. Most often, a full-fledged structure is constructed from this material, which can have completely different shapes. To install the structure you need:

1. Remove part of the soil to a depth of 30–35 cm.
2. Install the formwork, which is recommended to be reinforced with supports, and then cover the structure with film. Additionally, this structure can be insulated.
3. Make holes for the pillars 1 m deep. The diameter of the wells can be 20 cm. In these holes you need to install pillars, which can be made from asbestos-cement pipes.
4. Now we need to prepare the site for the garage itself. It needs to be covered with sand, and it needs to be moistened and compacted thoroughly. Next, the site should be filled with cement mortar, and the pipes must also be filled. After this, you need to install plates in the pipes and leave the structure to harden for several days.

   Asbestos-cement pillars are suitable for the garage foundation

5. After the concrete has hardened, attach to the plates bottom trim. To do this, it is recommended to take boards with a cross-section of 15*5 cm. You need to fasten them on an edge, two at a time.
6. Install wall studs.
7. Do top harness.
8. Cover the entire structure with sheets of cellular polycarbonate.
9. Install vertical beams for the roof, onto which you need to attach the rafters and sheathing directly to the polycarbonate sheets.
10. Remove the film from the material.

    After installation, the film must be removed from the polycarbonate

Polycarbonate roof for terrace

For the roof of the terrace, you can use lighter polycarbonate, which is much cheaper, which means the whole structure will be democratic.

A polycarbonate roof will give the right light terrace and protect it from rain

An arched roof is most often built over the terrace. It's very easy to do:

1. Make elements of the rafter system. They can be made of metal or wood. Process these elements special compounds for protection against moisture.
2. Install the rafters on the top frame of the terrace. Self-tapping screws can be used for fastening.
3. Cut the polycarbonate sheets into pieces of the required size.
4. Drill holes in the material for fastening. It is recommended to install them every 30–40 cm. The diameter of the holes should be 3–5 mm larger than the diameter of the screws. This is necessary to ensure that the polycarbonate is not damaged as a result of thermal expansion.

   Do not overtighten screws on polycarbonate

5. To the extreme rafter leg attach the profile, insert the first sheet of polycarbonate into it. Remember that they need to be mounted lengthwise, not across. Polycarbonate sheets must be fixed with special galvanized self-tapping screws, and the attachment point must be protected with thermal washers or rubber seals. This must be done, otherwise water will flow into the holes.

   Stiffening ribs should be placed along the rafters

6. The bottom of the material must be sealed perforated tape, otherwise debris will accumulate in the cavities.

   For the ends you can use regular and perforated tape

Video: rules for installing cellular polycarbonate

Polycarbonate roofing tool

Working with polycarbonate is only possible if you have the following special tools:

1. Circular saw or grinder. This tool can only be used to cut thick polycarbonate. You can make an even cut if you fix the sheet on two fiberboard sheets, and the cut line must exactly coincide with the joint line of the two fiberboard boards. Work can be carried out in a circle on metal with a diameter of 25 cm, and it is recommended to adjust the rotation speed of the disk and set it at 4000 rpm. Before cutting, it is recommended to moisten the polycarbonate sheet with water, and after work, treat the cut area with fine sandpaper.

   To cut polycarbonate you will need a grinder or jigsaw

2. Electric jigsaw. This tool is ideal for cutting polycarbonate if the roof is complex shape. Moreover, you can work with even the thinnest material; it can be cut several sheets at a time. To do this, you need to lay two boards on the cardboard with a slight gap (no more than 5 mm). Place a sheet of polycarbonate plastic on them and secure. To cut, insert a carbide metal file into the jigsaw, and you need to choose one that has frequent and low teeth.

   Together with a jigsaw, you need to use a file with fine, frequent teeth.

3. Stationery knife. When using this tool, the cut will be perfectly straight, but you won’t be able to make it quickly. And this is the only drawback. To cut a polycarbonate sheet, you need to make a mark with a knife, placing it on flat surface. Next, follow the markings and make a cut along the stiffener rib. Make a fold along the cut line and cut through the bottom layer of plastic. In case of cutting monolithic polycarbonate This procedure can be carried out without bending, just run a knife along the guide.

   It will take a long time to cut polycarbonate with a stationery knife.

4. Hacksaw. This tool is recommended to be used only if there is no other tool at hand and there is no way to get it. If you do it carelessly, you can easily damage the sheet. If, however, there is no other way out, then you need to fix the polycarbonate sheet, make a cut according to the markings made earlier, and then process the edges stationery knife and sandpaper.

   A hacksaw cannot be called the most the best tool for cutting polycarbonate

5. Milling cutters. Use this tool if you want to get an openwork pattern on plastic sheet. With it, you can round corners, cut edges, cut curved elements, and engrave. To do this, you need to fix the polycarbonate sheet on a flat surface, install the cutter in manual machine, insert the roller on top. When cutting out curved shapes, you need to prepare cardboard stencils in advance. Additionally, care must be taken to remove sawdust in a timely manner, as they can damage the material itself. To do this, you can install a fan that will immediately blow them away during operation.

It is strictly forbidden to use pruning shears, guillotine knives, or blades with high teeth. It won't give you desired result. The cut will be wavy, and it will be very difficult to mount such a sheet. Also, under no circumstances should you make a cut and then break the sheet. This cut will be uneven.

Video: how to cut cellular polycarbonate

Rules for installing a polycarbonate roof

When arranging a roof made of polycarbonate plastic, you need to follow certain rules:

• seams can be sealed exclusively with neutral compounds; polyurea is ideal for this;
• polycarbonate sheets have a special coating against ultraviolet radiation; it must be directed upward for the protection to be effective;
• holes for self-tapping screws can be made not round, but oval, this will ensure thermal play;
• when installing the roof, it is necessary to prevent people from walking on the material;
• It is recommended to pre-paint metal parts White color, this will not allow the polycarbonate to heat up locally;
• It is necessary to exclude direct contact of polycarbonate plastic with wood and metal; rubber gaskets must be placed between these materials.

Polycarbonate roof slope

There are also features in the arrangement of the sheathing, which can give the roof the required slope. Minimum slope should be 30 degrees. Despite the fact that the material is considered durable, it is still not able to withstand heavy snow loads. The optimal value is 50.

The polycarbonate roof should be as steep as possible

The calculation of the parameter largely depends on the climate of your area. The more snow falls per year, the steeper the roof should be. In this case, an arched structure is considered ideal, as it practically does not retain snow on its surface. And if we take into account the even surface of the material, then even an angle of 30 degrees is sometimes enough.

Features of installing a polycarbonate roof

The service life of a polycarbonate roof depends not only on the material used, but also on the correct installation.

Polycarbonate roof sealing

Sealing seams and ends of polycarbonate is very important stage arrangement of a plastic roof. There are different sealants that can be used when working with polycarbonate:

Mistakes when installing a polycarbonate roof

Despite the ease of installation polycarbonate sheets, some errors may still occur:

1. The sheathing was chosen incorrectly and did not match the thickness of the polycarbonate. The distance between the rafters must be strictly observed and not be excessively large. The result of this may be deflection of the sheets and their damage.
2. Usage aluminum profiles as carriers. Not all of them are able to cope with such a load. That is why it is necessary to attach the sheets to the rafters.
3. Strong fixation of screws. As a result, when exposed to the sun, the sheet expands and breaks, since there is no reserve for this.
4. No thermal washers or rubber gaskets. Because of this, the polycarbonate plastic sheet may be damaged at the junction.
5. The protective shipping film has not been removed. If this is not done immediately after installation, it will gradually peel off during the operation of the roof and spoil its appearance.

Features of polycarbonate roof operation

Polycarbonate - durable material, but only on condition correct use designs based on it. After installing a polycarbonate roof, you need to ensure its proper care:

1. IN summer period periodically wipe the roof, promptly eliminate structural defects if they appear, and clean from dirt and debris. But under no circumstances should you use abrasive chemicals or powder to clean the surface. You can wash the roof only when the material is not heated by the sun.
2. Periodically adjust the pressure level of the thermal washers.
3. IN winter time remove snow, but under no circumstances scrape it off with hard objects, as this may damage the integrity of the polycarbonate.

It is strictly prohibited to clean the roof surface with products intended for cleaning cars. This also applies to special shampoos and brushes with long handles.

The polycarbonate roof must be cleaned on time

Lifespan of a polycarbonate roof

The average service life of polycarbonate is considered to be 10 years, but it can be significantly increased if you carefully follow the rules:

• storage before installation (this should be done in a well-heated room in the original packaging and protective film, and the packages should not be stacked close to each other);
• transportation (they can only be transported in a lying position in the original packaging, and they must be carefully secured);
• installation;
• operation.

Polycarbonate roof repair

The service life of a polycarbonate roof can be extended if structural defects are promptly corrected and renovation work. They may consist of either replacing the damaged sheet, or eliminating the damaged integrity of the sheet if the crack is minor.

If a small crack or hole has formed on the sheet, then you can:

• patch up silicone sealant(it can be matched to the color of the material itself);
• tighten with thermal washers and self-tapping screws.

If the damage is significant, it is worth replacing the damaged sheet with a new one. This must be done in the following sequence:

1. Remove the damaged sheet in such a way as not to damage nearby material.
2. Remove the sealant from the rafters, and then apply a new layer.
3. Lay down new leaf polycarbonate, you need to make holes for fastenings on it in advance. Secure with self-tapping screws, insulating them with thermal washers.

In the event that the outer sheet needs to be replaced, the operation scheme is almost the same, but the material must be inserted into the limiting profile.

Video: replacing old polycarbonate on the roof

Polycarbonate is a very reliable and practical material that can be used for arranging the roofs of gazebos, greenhouses, terraces, canopies and even residential buildings. And all because of the attractive cost and the ability to do the installation yourself.

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

Features and requirements for designs

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

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

Types of structures

By design features polycarbonate structures there are the following types:

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

For lighting attics along with traditional vertical windows, windows can also be used mansard type, which are mounted directly on the roof plane. Skylights are glass overhangs of a building or skylights. Their glazing can be done as ordinary glass, and polycarbonate.

On a note: For structures consisting of profile systems, any type of polycarbonate roof is suitable.

Manufacturers usually offer already prepared roofs for the most popular types of roofs. technical solutions. If the need arises to create another design, it is much more difficult - designers of manufacturing companies can always develop new options.

For system profiles during construction gable roofs In addition to polycarbonate itself, you can use:

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

Advantages of polycarbonate

The main advantages of polycarbonate products are:

1. Small specific gravity, thanks to which you can design and build elegant, original, lightweight buildings large sizes, increase the width of spans of structures. In addition, due to the lightness of the material, it becomes possible to realize any design ideas without spending a lot of money.
2. High load-bearing capacity.
3. Transparency and flexibility, which makes it easy to manufacture roof structures of any complexity.
4. Excellent chemical resistance.
5. Low flammability.
6. High thermal insulation qualities.
7. Impact resistance.
8. Preservation of mechanical and physical properties at temperatures from −45 to +115 degrees.
9. The durability of the material; with proper care, it will serve, maintaining its qualities, for 10-12 years or more.
10. Large sheet sizes, which is very convenient when working on the installation of large-area structures.

In addition to the listed advantages, polycarbonate is easy to bend, cut, drill, and glues well. If the roof surface is made with a sufficient slope, then the snow will not be able to linger not only on the arched, but even on the flat surface.

Choosing polycarbonate

When constructing roofs, the issue of paramount importance is the choice the desired type material. There are many types of polycarbonate sheets on sale, which differ in color and thickness. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 3 mm to 3.2 cm. Each type is intended for different purposes and in order to make the right choice, you need to know the features of each of them.

So, for roofs that are subject to special requirements, 32mm material is suitable. Sixteen-millimeter sheets can be used on large-area polycarbonate roofs. Since this type can withstand heavy loads, it can be used in the construction of stations, parking lots, gas stations and other similar structures. Ten-millimeter sheets are ideal for sports facilities, including swimming pools. For arranging canopies, canopies, and glazing balconies, you can use sheets with a thickness of 8 mm, and five millimeter sheets for canopies. Since greenhouses do not carry a serious load, they can use material with a thickness of only 3.5 mm.

Types of polycarbonate

There are several types of this material:

1. Monolithic. This type is similar to silicate glass - it is void-free, durable and not heavy. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 4 cm to 0.75 mm, has a different surface structure, size and color. Manufacturers also produce multilayer monolithic sheets with a rough surface of the top layer, the second layer blocks UV rays, and the third one holds this entire structure.
2. Cellular polycarbonate has a corresponding honeycomb structure. It looks very nice on domed roofs. This type can be both colored and transparent. It is also perfect for creating outdoor advertising, interior design, making partitions, ceilings and other translucent structures.
3. Sheets with a trapezoidal or wavy profile are called profiled and are more suitable than others for arranging façade and roof coverings. They are used to make roofs over greenhouses, winter gardens, greenhouses, canopies over parking lots and over gardens to create domed vaults.

Price

The cost of polycarbonate depends on its thickness and size, which can be: A - 6 m x 210 cm, B - 12 m x 210 cm. Prices are approximate, since they may vary slightly for each region.

So, sheets 0.35 cm thick, size A cost 1,250 rubles, B - 2,500. Six-millimeter sheets: A colored - 2.65 thousand rubles, transparent - 2.4 thousand, size B - transparent 4.8 thousand rubles, color 5.8 thousand

Sheets for polycarbonate roofs, 10 mm thick: size A transparent - 3,300 rubles, colored - 3,670. B - transparent 6, 7 thousand rubles, colored - 7,300 rubles.

A sixteen-millimeter sheet size A will cost: transparent 5,800 rubles, and color - 6,200. Size B - color 12,500, and transparent 11,700 rubles.

The thickest and most durable thirty-two millimeter polycarbonate will cost: sheet A transparent - 9,200 rubles, and colored - 10,200. For option B you will have to pay 18,600 rubles for transparent, and for colored - 20,400.