Polycarbonate as a roof. Polycarbonate roof - a modern solution for your home

The main element in the design of a house is the roof, and the choice of roofing material determines not only the life of the building, but also its aesthetic appearance. Therefore, today, most homeowners choose polycarbonate for roof covering, which opens up enormous possibilities for design, and is also characterized high quality.

Using polycarbonate you can create single-pitched and gable roofs, produce original arched structures. Such roofs fit perfectly into any architectural project, look stylish and are easy to install. Sheets of the product are also suitable for finishing verandas, gazebos and garages; they transmit light well and retain heat.

Peculiarities

Polycarbonate is a modern material that is produced from polymers using special technologies, so it is ultra-strong, can withstand temperature changes and mechanical influences. In addition, polycarbonate has a unique structure; it contains air chambers, which make it an excellent sound and heat insulator. To install a roof from a polycarbonate sheet, choose a material with a thickness of 4 to 16 mm, its weight ranges from 900 to 2700 grams per 1 m2 and does not require additional reinforcement of the structure.

A polycarbonate roof is considered the most reliable, since the coating retains its operational properties V temperature conditions from -40C to + 120C, it is resistant to various reagents and chemical compounds, is not afraid of shocks and lasts up to 20 years or more.

As a rule, the material is used for arranging roofing structures over attics, cold attics, balconies and terraces.

Due to the fact that polycarbonate sheets are available in various shapes, it is possible to easily install roofs with a slope, a flat surface, in the form of domes, prisms and pyramids. For the roof to acquire the required form, first you need to make a frame, then fix the material. Steel and aluminum profiles are used for the frame.

Main feature polycarbonate is its high light conductivity, therefore such coatings are transparent and have no visible joints when connected. Polycarbonate roofs look original and create a floating effect above the building. The material can be combined with other types of finishing, so buildings covered with polycarbonate fit well into the landscape design.

Pros and cons

Polycarbonate is widely used in roofing construction, this is explained by its high quality and the presence of many positive properties.

Unlike other building materials, it has certain advantages.

Reliable protection of premises from direct sunlight. The light passing through the roof is evenly dispersed. Polycarbonate fabric does not transmit ultraviolet radiation.
Light weight. The profiled fox is lightweight, which allows you to install the roof without additional system fastenings The roofing is inexpensive, which in turn opens up opportunities for design creativity in creating structures of various modifications.

Good thermal conductivity. When installing the roof, there is no need to use insulation or lay insulation.
High hydro-, steam- and sound insulation.
Providing ventilation. In case of fire, the material does not ignite and provides rapid smoke release.

Moisture resistant. The surface of the coating is smooth and does not retain precipitation.
The durability of the product contributes to cost savings.
Flexible structure. Polycarbonate lends itself well to shaping and can be bent in any direction.
Easy installation, transportation and handling. The sheets are quickly glued, cut and drilled.

As for the disadvantages, polycarbonate has few of them.

During severe deflection, the material, under the influence of internal stress, loses its integrity and color and may become cloudy.
Polycarbonate needs to be handled with care, since it is inferior to glass in its transparency and hardness. Sheets should be stored in well-ventilated areas where there is no access to direct sunlight. It is best to place the material in a horizontal position and cover it with a special protective film on top.

Varieties

Recently, many craftsmen have chosen polycarbonate for roofing, and this is not in vain, since it is a modern type of roofing covering that serves reliably and allows the production of original structures.

Manufacturers produce two types of polycarbonate.

Monolithic

It is a smooth coating, its transparent structure is not inferior even to glass. Roofs of both simple and curved shapes are installed from monolithic polycarbonate. It makes a good single-seat design. The main disadvantage of the material is high price, but unlike other types, it is easily attached, does not require a large number of tools for installation and is conveniently stored.

Cellular

It is made from special polymers, therefore it is characterized by low weight, it is much lighter than silicate and acrylic glass. Externally it looks like profile panels connected to each other by rigid ribs. The material is used for arranging covered gazebos and loggias. An original dome and arched structure is created from it.

Types of polycarbonate differ not only in their properties, but also in color and texture.

Wavy and corrugated material is extremely popular. Its wavy flat surface allows you to design original inserts in structures, thanks to which the roof acquires unusual design and style.

How to choose

Before starting the polycarbonate installation process, it is necessary to prepare a roof project and select the right roofing material. Depending on the roof model, the frame and fastening system are determined. If you plan to install a completely monolithic roof that has no joints, then it is recommended to purchase not only a profile sheet, but also carbonate racks. Thus, the coating will take on a cast appearance.

When choosing a material, its thickness also plays a huge role, on which the ability to withstand loads on the structure will depend.

Most often, sheets of a certain thickness are used to cover roofs.

4 mm. Suitable for finishing small areas that have a curve. Typically, such polycarbonate is purchased for the design of canopies or individual roofing parts.

Canvas 6-8 mm thick used to cover buildings that are exposed to snow and wind loads. Besides residential buildings, sheets can be used to cover canopies for pools and cars.
Layers of 10 mm usually used for arranging buildings that are located in areas with extreme climatic conditions and require protection from negative impact environment.

In addition, when choosing polycarbonate, you also need to take into account architectural features buildings.

The material should beautifully highlight the exterior decoration of the building and harmoniously combine with the overall design. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the main background of the structure and, based on this indicator, decide on the color of the coating. Recently, bronze, green, milky, blue and brown panels have been widely used. As for yellow, orange and red, it is recommended to use it only if there are materials of the corresponding shade under the canopy.

For roof installation, you can choose either transparent, silver or black sheets. Such panels will shade the interior of the rooms as much as possible. Moreover, for original projects It is best to give preference to monolithic polycarbonate, which opens up enormous possibilities for design.

How to install

You can easily install a polycarbonate roof yourself. To do this, you must first make a roofing project, since using ready-made drawings it will be much easier to calculate the material consumption. The diagrams should indicate the size of the house and the shape of the future structure.

If the installation is carried out by a specialist for the first time, then the instructions will help him with this.

At the first stage, you need to decide on the roof rafter system. Before laying polycarbonate, choose the desired roof slope; it should not be less than 50 degrees. Then, load-bearing structures are made from rafters with a cross-section of 60×80 mm or 60×40 mm, while the distance between the rafters and the edges of the roof is 1 meter. If the roof has a semicircular shape, then end and connecting profiles must be attached to the rafters, leaving 2 cm at the edges.

At the second stage side surfaces sheets are sealed with tape, this will serve as protection from reflections sun rays. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the upper edges of the panels are covered with ordinary tape, and perforated tape is used for the lower ones.
After preparing the base and material, the actual assembly begins. If the work is done correctly, there will be no seams between the joints, so there will be no need to treat them with mastic. Fastening is done with self-tapping screws; for this, the sheets are laid with the outer surface up and a gap of 5 mm is left between them. First, you need to fix the cover to the profiles, and then attach the plugs.

Upon completion of installation, the integrity of the coating is additionally monitored.

In order for a polycarbonate roof to reliably serve for many years, it must be properly maintained and kept clean at all times.

Polycarbonate is easy to install and can be easily processed, so you can cover roofs with it yourself, without the help of qualified craftsmen. Before performing the installation yourself, you should choose the right material, study reviews about it and decide on the most suitable mounting method.

Polycarbonate sheets are best cut using special equipment, but if there is none, then it is possible to use a regular saw, jigsaw or hacksaw. In this case, the tool must be configured for cutting plastic material and have small, well-sharpened teeth.

The protective film is removed from the panels only after all installation work is completed, otherwise the surface of the material may be damaged. When installed, the sheets should not have burrs or uneven cuts. When cutting polycarbonate, dust and small chips are formed, which should be blown out with compressed air.
If an electric saw is used to cut panels, it must be set to low-speed feed. For sheets less than 3 mm thick, it is advisable to use hacksaws or band saws.

To obtain holes of a certain size, polycarbonate is firmly fixed to a flat base and provided with additional support, which will help avoid vibration. Places for fasteners are drilled from the edges of the panels, leaving a small distance, since when fixing screws or bolts, the material can shrink and expand under the influence of heat.
To install polycarbonate, welding is often used, thanks to which the panels are finally secured. Construction parts can be welded in various ways, it all depends on their shapes and sizes. To reliably fix the sheets, it is recommended to choose a hot pad; this is carried out at a temperature of 300C. A good option Hot air welding is also considered; before performing it, the polycarbonate should be thoroughly dried.

The material can be sanded, so it can be processed both dry and wet. To do this, use chilled water and sandpaper. Finish sanding is best done with sandpaper no larger than 600 grit.
If the sheets stick together, they must first be cleaned of dirt. In addition, they must be even and smooth. Special varnishes and solvents are used for gluing. Work must be carried out outdoors.
All polycarbonate parts should be cleaned with isopropyl or methyl alcohol, or they can also be wiped with hexane and soapy water.

How building material It has been known in developed countries since 1960; currently, global production exceeds 3 million tons. Polycarbonate roofing – good option covering most outbuildings - from very prestigious verandas, gazebos, swimming pools to the manufacture of ordinary carports or greenhouses. This material allows you to create strong, durable and beautiful designs at relatively low financial costs.

Unique physical characteristics make it possible to use roofing polycarbonate in almost all climatic regions of our country, and modern innovative fillers make it more resistant to mechanical damage and adverse climatic influences.

Prices for cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate

Currently, the construction industry produces several types of materials used for roofing for various purposes. They all have their own individual differences.

Table. Types of polycarbonate for roofing

Type of polycarbonate	Brief operational and physical characteristics
	The most famous among developers is polycarbonate, it has a cellular structure with various sizes and geometry. To protect surfaces from hard ultraviolet radiation A special film is used, it is glued only on the front side. Due to the use of innovative film, the service life can exceed ten years. Panel thickness 4–25 mm, specific weight 0.8–3.5 kg/m2, bending radius 0.7–4.3 m.
	It is made from monolithic material, by giving the sheets different geometries, the bending resistance parameters are significantly increased. It has a wide range of products, differing in appearance and size.
	It is used quite rarely; reinforced frames are required for installation. Such requirements increase the estimated cost of the coating, which makes it uncompetitive among other types of coatings.

To facilitate and speed up the installation process, the industry produces special additional profile elements:

end profile;
corner profile;
ridge profile;
connecting one-piece;
connecting detachable.

Prices for polycarbonate profiles

Polycarbonate profiles

Additional elements may have different design, supplemented with special details. But these changes do not affect their main purpose and technology of use. High-quality without the use of connecting and decorative elements is impossible.

Advantages of polycarbonate coatings

Roofing material has a number of undeniable advantages over traditional coatings.

High strength with low specific gravity. One of the most important advantages of polycarbonate. In terms of impact strength per unit weight, polycarbonate is 8 times stronger than PVC and acrylic plastics and 200 times stronger than ordinary window glass. At the same time, the volumetric mass is 16 times less than glass and 3 times less than acrylic materials.
Low thermal conductivity coefficient. Due to this property, it is possible to reduce heat losses by approximately 30–50% compared to other types of roofing coverings. Considering the high cost of coolants at present, this is very important advantage, is widely used in the design of greenhouses, indoor swimming pools, winter gardens, insulated terraces and other heated premises.
High transparency and weather resistance. Depending on the manufacturing technology, the transparency of the coating ranges from 72–90%, which allows you to save significant financial resources on lighting interior spaces. This indicator is especially important for greenhouses and winter gardens. The material is approved for use at temperatures -40°С…+120°С. In this interval, polycarbonate retains its original physical characteristics.
Chemical inertness. The coating is not afraid of contact with aggressive chemical compounds and can be used in urban environments with a lot of smog. By fire safety the material is considered to be highly flammable and self-extinguishing.
Manufacturability. Polycarbonate plates are easy to cut and process, they can bend and do not crack during an accidental fall. Installation work do not require the use of special expensive tools and devices. Coating is done quickly, impact climatic conditions minimal.

Can be coated with polycarbonate various types roofs: arched and flat, inclined and complex broken. But regardless of the types of rafter systems, there are universal recommendations for all types of work.

Work can begin only after the frame is completely ready, materials, additional elements and hardware have been purchased. Tools must be prepared and a work plan drawn up.

Cutting and drilling

Taking into account the thickness, the sheets can be cut with an ordinary sharp mounting knife, electric jigsaw, portable circular saw or Bulgarian. It is recommended to select the type of tool taking into account the thickness of the sheet and the volume of work. To prevent the appearance of microcracks during cutting with impact cutting tools, the sheet must be firmly fixed on both sides.

It is strongly recommended to drill holes between the ribs of cellular polycarbonate. The distance between the holes is at least 20 cm, the distance from the ends is more than 40 mm. The drill must be sharp and located at right angles to the surface.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

End sealing

The technology concerns only cellular polycarbonate. One of the disadvantages of this material is that dust gets into the honeycombs, then mosses and lichens begin to grow on it. The appearance of the coating deteriorates significantly; it is even theoretically impossible to clean the honeycombs. You have to either put up with the current situation or completely change the roof.

To prevent such negative phenomena, the upper open honeycombs should be tightly covered with special, especially strong self-adhesive tapes and additionally use decorative overlays. The lower ends are covered with perforated tape, through small holes the condensate that forms in the honeycombs due to temperature changes is removed. If there is below decorative elements, then it is recommended to drill small holes in them. Monolithic sheets do not have this problem.

Sheet orientation

The main condition is that a special protective layer from ultraviolet rays should be located on the front side. Polycarbonate itself reacts very negatively to UV radiation. The service life is increased by using a special film, but it is very expensive and in order to reduce the cost of the material, it is glued only on one side. It is on this side that there is a protective polyethylene film with the manufacturer’s logo.

Cellular polycarbonate can only be bent along the direction of the honeycomb, the bending radius depends on the specific technical characteristics and is indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. Monolithic profiled sheets, on the contrary, can only be bent across the profiles.

Fixing sheets with hardware

To fasten the roof, it is recommended to use special self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Such elements eliminate the possibility of leaks and at the same time compensate for thermal expansion. It is strictly forbidden to use ordinary nails or self-tapping screws, to overtighten the fasteners, and not to leave gaps where the sheets join.

Rules for connecting panels with additional elements

These elements perform not only a decorative function, they are involved in creating a durable and airtight roof structure. Panels can be connected to each other using two methods:

using one-piece profiles;
using split profiles.

At junctions with vertical walls, wall profiles are used. In each specific case, the master must make a separate decision on the best way sealing. You can use factory rubber bands and gaskets or seal the joints with modern sealants.

Step-by-step instructions for installing polycarbonate

Before starting work, you should make sure that all materials and tools are available, check the readiness and correctness of assembly. IN required quantity you should purchase special screws and sealing washers, end and side profiles, sealing tapes, etc. It is strongly recommended that you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their recommendations exactly.

Plan the work in such a way that all preparatory operations are carried out on the ground; prepared slabs with the required dimensions and drilled holes must be supplied to the structure. This minimizes material losses, reduces time, improves quality and increases work safety.

Important. Never walk on cellular polycarbonate. During installation, decisions and technologies should be made that do not require the technician to move along the already installed roof.

Step 1. Prepare slabs of the required dimensions, unscrew along the entire perimeter with outside protective plastic film with the manufacturer's logo and carefully glue the end sealing tape. Cover the open honeycombs with end profiles and press them tightly into place. When adjusting the position, hit better by hand, but it is also possible to use a rubber mounting hammer.

When cutting slabs for arc covering, you need to keep in mind that the length of the arc is always greater than a straight line. It is recommended to pre-measure it with a tape measure; if this is not possible, then cut the sheets with a margin. Exact sizing will be done after installing the sheets on the frame. Please note that the length of the connecting profiles on the arched frame longer slabs

Step 2. Lay the first sheets on the roof, making sure that the internal stiffeners are strictly parallel to the direction of the slope of the slope. The slabs should be aligned along the top edge of the structure. The bottom edge should protrude slightly beyond the last run of the system.

Step 3. Firmly screw the base profile to the structure and check its position again. If everything is normal, then insert the first sheet into it and fix its position. To do this, you should use special hardware; the distance between the screwing points of the lower purlin is 15–50 cm. The diameter of the hole is approximately 1 mm larger than the diameter of the screw.

Step 4. After fixing the first sheet of polycarbonate, attach a clamping profile to its extreme side. Using the same algorithm, continue fixing the sheets along the entire length of the slope.

Step 5. Remove protective film from the outside of the coating. As mentioned above, underneath there is a special layer that prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the polycarbonate.

Important. Do not leave plastic film on surfaces for long periods of time; it becomes difficult to remove over time. And film residues have a negative impact on the appearance of the structure.
Prices for popular models of laser levels

Laser level

Is it possible to install polycarbonate in winter?

This issue worries a large number of developers. They want to reduce construction time as much as possible by performing some roofing works during the winter period. Moreover, manufacturers allow this option for installing polycarbonate.

It is difficult to predict the magnitude of thermal expansions. For example, if the dimensions of the gap between the slabs at sub-zero temperatures leave it within 1–2 mm, then in summer there is a high probability of warping of the coating.

Plasticity parameters decrease. The slabs become brittle and are more difficult to cut and drill. In addition, installation of the coating on semicircular structures becomes much more complicated.

Thermal expansion - important factor, which must be taken into account during installation

A well-installed coating will be used without problems for a long period of time. To periodically clean surfaces from accumulated dirt, you need to use ordinary detergents. Acids, alkalis, chlorine and ammonia are prohibited. During maintenance, all measures should be taken to prevent mechanical damage to the protective film.

Video - Roofing polycarbonate

Laying polycarbonate roofing does not require professional skills or special equipment. Even a novice craftsman can cope with the installation of this material; the main thing is to carefully read the instructions. You can read about how to make a polycarbonate roof for a terrace yourself.

Modern architecture characterized by new trends that imply exclusive ideas, non-traditional original solutions and styles, the use of new technologies and the use of the latest materials that 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 endless possibilities and scope for creating architectural masterpieces. Thanks to this material, you can build roofs yourself different shapes- double or single slope, domed, hip, arched, pyramidal polygonal and others. Moreover, they can be installed both above heated rooms and above cold ones. Since the main task of a polycarbonate roof is to ensure the flow into the room natural light, it is subject to the following requirements:

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

Types of structures

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

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

To illuminate attics, along with traditional vertical windows, you can also use windows mansard type, which are mounted directly on the roof plane. Skylights are glass overhangs of a building or skylights. Their glazing can be done with either ordinary glass or polycarbonate.

Note: For structures consisting of profile systems, any type of polycarbonate roof is suitable.

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

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

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

Advantages of polycarbonate

The main advantages of polycarbonate products are:

Low specific gravity, thanks to which you can design and build elegant, original lungs large buildings, increase the width of the 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.
Great load-bearing capacity.
Transparency and flexibility, which makes it easy to manufacture roof structures of any complexity.
Excellent chemical resistance.
Low flammability.
High thermal insulation qualities.
Impact resistance.
Preservation of mechanical and physical properties at temperatures from −45 to +115 degrees.
The durability of the material; with proper care, it will serve, maintaining its qualities, for 10-12 years or more.
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 choice of the right type of material is of paramount importance. There are many types of polycarbonate sheets on sale, which differ in color and thickness. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 3 mm to 3.2 cm. Each type is intended for different purposes and in order to make the right choice, you need to know the features of each of them.

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

Types of polycarbonate

There are several types of this material:

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 holds the entire structure.
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.
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.

DIY polycarbonate roof

In modern construction, new materials created thanks to scientific and technological progress are increasingly used. One such material is polycarbonate - a durable, transparent plastic obtained through organic synthesis. Roofs and canopies erected from it are durable and perfectly transmit sunlight.

Properties of polycarbonate

A roof made of polycarbonate makes it possible not only to make the house beautiful and original, but also to use sunlight to illuminate the premises. Polycarbonate has low density. 1 m2 of sheet weighs from 900g to 2700g, depending on the thickness. The thickness of manufactured products varies from 4mm to 16mm, which allows them to be widely used.

Products made from this type of plastic have the following unique properties:

scattering of sunlight;
waterproof;
soundproofing;
durability (service life - from 8 to 20 years);
low specific gravity, which allows the installation of lightweight structures;
good thermal insulation properties due to the voids inside the honeycomb sheet;
blocking ultraviolet radiation;
ease of transportation and storage;
ease of processing;
durability (withstands strong gusts of wind and impacts)
variety of design options (thickness, length, width);
variety of colors and shades, degrees of transparency;
smooth surface that prevents snow and water from accumulating;
elasticity (the ability to give the sheet an arch shape);
resistance to temperature changes (range of use - from −45°C to +120°C);
non-flammability.

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

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

Of course, the builders could not help but notice such a unique material. Roofs made of polycarbonate have become extremely popular and in demand. The combination of strength and lightness of construction gives excellent results. The beauty and elegance of polycarbonate roof structures, photos of which are posted on construction forums, make many people think about equipping their home with a similar structure. If you have certain skills and minimum set construction tools, it won’t be difficult to build a polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

Design Features

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

The shape for the roof can be as follows:

Flat single or double slope.
Dome.
Pyramid.
Prism.
Partial polycarbonate covering of one part of the roof.

It should be noted that the angle of inclination of a flat roof made of polycarbonate sheets must be at least 45°, since plastic does not have a high load-bearing capacity. This slope will prevent snow and water from lingering on the roof surface and cause them to roll down. When choosing material for construction, it is worth deciding on an estimate. There are various types of roofing coatings available on the market. Accordingly, the higher the quality, the greater the cost and service life.

To date construction stores They offer products of the following class and guaranteed service life:

Premium class - 20 years.
Elite class - 12 years old.
The optimal class is 10 years.
Economy class - 8 years.

In addition, the price of polycarbonate directly depends on its thickness. The greater the thickness, the greater the strength, the higher the thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities and, accordingly, the cost of the sheet. Transparent polycarbonate profiles are used to create small self-supporting structures. In terms of strength, they are slightly inferior to metal ones, but structures made with their use have a rare beauty and spectacular appearance. Metal profiles are used to make larger roofs. For medium sizes, aluminum products are used, and for large ones, iron products are used.

Required tools and materials

After the transparent roof project has been drawn up, a calculation is made required material, tools and equipment.

The calculations need to include possible defects in the work and the consumption of material for trimmings. Therefore, the material is purchased 10-15% more than the calculated quantity. Installation of a polycarbonate roof requires the following tools and equipment:

electric drill;
jigsaw;
Bulgarian;
screwdriver;
rivet gun;
gun for tubes with sealant;
large, flat table.

As a rule, this simple set is found in every country house. If the frame is mounted from steel, then a welding machine will not hurt. However, its absence can be compensated for by bolted or rivet fastening.

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

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

DIY installation sequence

Basic rules of work

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

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

Frame construction

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

To properly cover a roof with polycarbonate, you must remember that plastic has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, in order to solve the question of how to fix polycarbonate on the roof, it is necessary to leave gaps both at the edges and at the points of attachment to the transverse elements of the frame. Laying the roof begins with the top corner sheet. First, a wall profile is attached to the frame, the connection of which to the wall is insulated with sealant. The sheets of plastic are connected to each other on the longitudinal elements of the frame using detachable or permanent connecting profiles. After the sheets are fixed on the sides, they need to be fixed to the transverse elements of the frame. This is done using self-tapping screws with thermal washers and plugs. The hole is made 3-4mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw, while it is not tightened too much to provide the opportunity for thermal deformation of the panel. When the panels are secured and aligned, their upper ends are covered with aluminum waterproof tape, and the lower ends with perforated vapor-permeable tape. The lower parts of the roof are insulated with an end profile, and the joints are gable roof- skating.

Video about installation of cellular panels

Polycarbonate – relatively new material. They began to use it for roofing quite recently. Strength, transparency, stability and the ability to quickly install have contributed to the emergence of new architectural forms. The presence of unique characteristics and relatively low cost make this material available for constructing roofs, gazebos, greenhouses, etc. A do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof for a small building is, in fact, an ordinary greenhouse mounted on the top floor.

Building a large house with such a roof with your own hands is quite problematic; it is better to invite professionals. But, for example, a greenhouse, a bathhouse or a garage is quite possible.

Features of a unique sheet polymer

Monolithic polycarbonate In many ways it is superior to other translucent structures; its strength is 200 times higher than ordinary glass and 8 times higher than plexiglass.

In addition, the following characteristics are also attractive:

ease;
flexibility and plasticity;
ease of processing and installation;
fire resistance;
impact resistance;
chemical resistance to aggressive environments;
durability.

Cellular polycarbonate – fashionable solution for roof

Polycarbonate sheets are used in construction, and polycarbonate roofs provide additional features Arranging pavilions, greenhouses and greenhouses on the top of houses is an excellent example of rational use of space. Typically the roof has rounded shape, and it does not retain moisture from rain or snow.

A material made in the form of a multi-chamber cellular structure formed from several layers with numerous stiffeners is called cellular polycarbonate. To put it simply, it looks like a honeycomb.

Cellular polycarbonate is a hard, colorless polymer plastic with a cellular structure.

Light transmission quality

Light-transmitting polycarbonate panels scatter up to 80% of sunlight. No other material can compete in this property, not even glass. Useful property The scattering of sheets of honeycomb structure allows the sun's rays to pass through at different angles. This is very important if green plants are grown under the roof. Reflecting from walls or other surfaces, the rays hit the plants in a diffuse form and cannot damage or cause rapid wilting.

It is cellular polycarbonate that can be considered as good decision for suburban construction.

Important to know!

Already at the planning stage, it is important to note the only drawback of such roofs: there are practically no side overhangs. In order to protect the wooden walls of the structure from the negative effects of natural precipitation, it will be necessary to equip the roof with additional and effective drainage systems.

Installation of polycarbonate: preparation for work

Polycarbonate profiles come in detachable and one-piece types, as well as transparent or colored. The length of sheets of material can reach 12 meters. The thickness of the profiles and grooves must correspond to the linear dimensions. In rectilinear structures, the thickness of the sheet is determined depending on the slope of the roof and the length of the space between the crossbars.

For example, with a slope of 30 degrees and a length of 40 cm, a thickness of 4 mm is suitable; with a smaller slope, it is better to use materials with a thickness of at least 6 mm. The same sheets are chosen if the distance between the crossbars increases. For areas adjacent to the wall, a wall polycarbonate profile is used. The ridge uses a ridge profile with wings up to 40 mm.

The material should be stored flat, without bending. If it is not possible to leave them indoors, you need to cover them with polyethylene.

A small polycarbonate roof can easily be installed by yourself

Sheet cutting principles

Cellular polycarbonate panels are easy to prepare for use. Prepare a sharp construction knife; it can easily cut sheets from 4 to 10 mm. On protective film Marking is carried out and removed at the end of the work along with the film. For professional cutting, a special high-speed saw with a stop is used; the cutting device is a blade with small, unset teeth made of hard reinforced alloys. It is also convenient to cut with a regular jigsaw. The sheets are tightly stacked and supported to eliminate vibration. Professionals remove chips with compressed air.

Preparing cellular polycarbonate for work - cutting sheets

Drilling rules

Standard metal drill bits (taper and stepped) work best. You need to drill between the stiffeners, maintaining a distance of at least 40 mm from the edge of the panel, at an angle of 110° - 130°.

Sealing panel ends

In order to properly cover the ends of the panels, prepare continuous aluminum self-adhesive tape for the upper ends and perforated tape to protect against dust and condensate drainage. Polycarbonate or aluminum profiles for sealing the ends are selected by color. The profile design itself is designed in such a way that additional fastenings are not required - the fixation will already be quite tight. For arched structures, only perforated tape is used.

Please note:

If you leave the ends of cellular polycarbonate open, the translucency decreases over time. But the ends of the panels cannot be hermetically sealed, even with ordinary tape. To ensure condensate drainage, you need to drill several small holes in the profile.

Correctly use sealing and perforated tape and u-profile

How to orient and pinpoint panels

To prevent the roof surface from turning into noodles over time when frozen moisture ruptures, the structural panels should be oriented in such a way that there is a place for the condensation that forms to be discharged outside. For this purpose, internal channels of the panels are provided, therefore the stiffeners should be positioned vertically with vertical glazing and along the slope in pitched structures. In arched structures, the arrangement of stiffeners is arched. On the outer surface of the sheets there is a special marking of a protective UV-stabilizing layer. The panels are mounted in a film, which is removed after completion of work.

One more nuance:

Manufacturers indicate the permissible bending radius of the panel depending on the thickness and structure. It is strictly not recommended to exceed these parameters.

It is also necessary to follow the rules for the orientation of the panels - the protective layer must be facing outward, otherwise the roof surface may be damaged by ultraviolet radiation, which will negatively affect the strength and durability of the structure. It is easy to determine where the protective layer is located by the inscriptions and pictograms. The slabs are mounted only vertically, they should be bent in a cold state, the direction should be chosen only transversely, parallel to the stiffeners.

Orientation of polycarbonate sheets

How to attach polycarbonate to metal

In arched structures, an aluminum base is most often used, while the joining rigid profile allows the use of a minimum of load-bearing structures, which means its weight is significantly reduced. DIY installation of cellular polycarbonate is carried out pointwise.

This you need to know:

Profiles are used for lightweight structures only when slabs are selected with a width of more than 500 mm. Distance between load-bearing structures will be 6-8 m, for different types slabs In such cases, the construction of rafters is not required, and transverse purlins are used as load-bearing longitudinal elements.

How to properly attach polycarbonate to the frame

Do not use ordinary nails, rivets or other unsuitable materials. Polycarbonate sheets are attached to the frame using a point method using thermal washers and self-tapping screws. A snap-on lid is located on a plastic washer with a leg (corresponding to the thickness of the panel in height). The kit also includes a sealing washer - without it the roof could easily be blown away by a gust. strong wind. Sealing washers contain a layer of rubber or silicone that provides reliable fastening. Diameter 3.3 mm.

Interesting: this design of the thermal washer helps prevent the panels from creasing when fastened to the structure frame, and also prevents the formation of “cold bridges” that can arise from self-tapping screws.

The holes in the panel should be made a few mm larger than the diameter of the leg. This will compensate for possible expansion of the material as the temperature rises.

This is important: the step of point fastening of panels is 300-400 mm. Make sure that the screws are well tightened, but do not overtighten them!

So, do-it-yourself installation of cellular polycarbonate includes the following sequential operations:

Holes are drilled in the base, the diameter is selected to be 2-3 mm more sizes self-tapping screw Step 300 mm.
The surface of the base is coated with sealant.
The “base” is attached with self-tapping screws to the longitudinal supports of the frame, the panels are laid with a thermal gap of 3-5 mm.
The profile cover is snapped into place with a wooden mallet along its entire length. A special plug is installed at the end of the profile.

Joining profile systems

To fasten the elements to the sheathing, use additional fastenings to permanent joining profiles (4, 6, 8, 10 mm), otherwise the sealing of the joints will not be reliable. Without additional fastenings, it is only possible to connect the joints of the edges of the slabs in vertical structures, if there are no high loads.

Reliable sealing of joints is achieved using detachable joining profiles (8, 10 and 16 mm), while the clamping of polycarbonate plates is strengthened.

Taking into account thermal expansion when installing cellular polycarbonate

The continental Russian climate contributes to the expansion of cellular polycarbonate in the summer heat and its contraction in winter. This should be taken into account when installing in hot weather; the slabs should be installed more tightly; the necessary gap to remove condensate will be obtained when the temperature decreases. In winter, on the contrary, you should retreat more.

It is important to remember that the thermal expansion value for transparent slabs is 2.5 mm/m, and colored slabs have a value of 4.5 mm/m. Such materials are used at temperatures from -40 to +120 degrees Celsius.

Polycarbonate is one of the most promising building materials

Thus, a reliable guarantor of the durability and strength of the structure is compliance with the installation technologies of cellular polycarbonate. And in no case should you save on components, because the saying “the miser pays twice” has not yet been canceled. If you dream of a cozy house with a beautiful stable roof, greenhouse, garage or carport, it is better to turn to professionals, at least for a consultation. Then that's it positive qualities the material will be revealed in full, and all you have to do is enjoy the beauty and comfort.