How to attach polycarbonate - basic tips. How to attach polycarbonate

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

Structure of polycarbonate plates and their properties

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

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

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

Main problems

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

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

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

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

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

Frame mounting options

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

Using tie straps

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

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

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

Application of thermal washers

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

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

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

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

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

Use of self-tapping screws

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

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

The advantages of this type of fastening include:

Availability of fasteners;
Low cost;
Connection reliability.

Fastening earrings

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

The advantages of this method of attaching polycarbonate with a honeycomb structure to the surface of pipe frames are obvious:

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

The disadvantages include:

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

Basic installation rules

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

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

Reading time: 16 min.

Polycarbonate is a popular building material from which greenhouses, canopies, gazebos, decorative partitions indoors, as well as advertising structures. The material is popular due to its good operational characteristics. These include strength, good light transmission and durability. At the same time, sheet panels can be bent, which makes them in demand not only for the manufacture of straight, but also arched structures. They do not withstand snow loads well, so the roofs of buildings must be made sloping. This is especially true for areas with snowy winters.

When using panels as cladding for structures, it is necessary to take into account that this sheet material must be properly fixed to the frame. Fastening polycarbonate is a fairly simple job, and the tool for doing it is available in almost every home. You can quickly learn how to attach polycarbonate to metal frames; for this purpose, below is a description of almost all methods existing today. With the right design, high-quality installation sheet material and its sealing, the structure will serve flawlessly for many years.

Types of polycarbonate fastening

Fastening polycarbonate to the frame can be done in four ways: point, profile (using special profiles), galvanized tape (suitable for arched structures) and mixed (considered professional).

Spot

More often they use a point method of attaching sheets to a metal frame. To do this, use self-tapping screws and washers for fastening polycarbonate. Moreover, ordinary self-tapping screws are used extremely rarely in installation (only in warm rooms).

You need to fasten polycarbonate to metal using roofing screws with a gasket (also called EPDM washer), as well as self-tapping screws with a rubber thermal washer or screws and thermal washers with a leg. The screws used in fastening must be for metal, because only such hardware can reliably cut into an iron profile and fix the sheet material.

It is necessary to disassemble in detail each of the above types of fasteners in order to understand how best to attach polycarbonate to a metal frame.

Roofing screw with EPDM washer- This is the simplest and most affordable fastening of polycarbonate sheets to a steel frame. To avoid the consequences of frequent wetting, this self-tapping screw is coated with a very reliable anti-corrosion layer. It comes with an EPDM washer, which looks like a rubber gasket with an iron cap. This washer allows you to hermetically close the hole under the screw and evenly distribute the load on the sheet.

Due to the small diameter and thin gasket, the screws are sometimes overtightened during the screwing process. Therefore, dents appear in the area of the fastenings, which violate the tightness of the hole and moisture, dirt and microbes penetrate into the honeycomb panels. When using roofing screws in installation, there is no need to make holes in the panels and iron frame, but experts still recommend drilling them. To install colored SPC, it is better to use painted screws.

Self-tapping screw with rubber thermal washer– also a reliable fastener for sheet panels. It looks like a roofing screw, but is equipped with a large and rather thick silicone or rubber thermal washer. When screwing a screw into a sheet, the thermal washer is flattened by pressure and at the same time evenly transfers the load to the material. This reduces the risk of overtightening the screw and causing a dent.

Metal self-tapping screw and thermal washer with leg- This the new kind fasteners specifically designed for sheet cellular panels. Thermal washer for polycarbonate looks like a washer with a cylindrical leg, which fits into a hole drilled in the cellular panels and rests against the frame. The leg contains a self-tapping screw that is screwed into the iron, and the thermal washer head evenly presses the sheet to the metal. When choosing this type of fastener, you need to take into account that the length of the leg should be selected depending on the thickness of the material. To seal the fastening, a special sealing ring is placed under the thermal washer, and the top is sealed with a cap. Thanks to this technology, the washer does not cut into the sheet and it is impossible to tighten the screw.

Holes for self-tapping screws for attaching polycarbonate need to be made 2-3 mm larger than the width of the thermal washer leg, so that after thermal expansion sheet, the attachment point was not deformed. High-quality thermal washers are made of polycarbonate so that it has the same expansion coefficient as the casing.

There is another type of fastener – universal thermal washers. They don't have legs. This worsens the quality of fastening, but at the same time you do not have to look for a thermal washer with a leg of the required length. This type of fastening is often used in wooden structures, when working with which you need to remember how to attach polycarbonate to wood. In some cases, the casing material breaks under the gasket (if the screw is overtightened).

Self-tapping screws for thermal washers come with hexagonal and round heads. In addition, they can be used with a regular or Phillips screwdriver. The quality of the connection is the same, but it is still more comfortable to work with a hex head - when working with a screwdriver, the bit practically does not slip off the screw and therefore the sheathing material is less likely to be damaged.

Mostly, self-tapping screws with a width of 4.8 - 8 mm are used, but the length depends on the thickness of the sheets and iron. The selection of screws using an example looks like this: in the arrangement of greenhouses, panels with a thickness of 4 mm and a galvanized pipe with a cross-section of 20×20 and a thickness of 1 mm are used. In this case, it is better to fasten the cellular polycarbonate to the frame using roofing screws measuring 4.8×19 mm, and if you overlap the material, it is better to use screws measuring 4.8×25 mm.

This method of fastening honeycomb panels has a drawback - protruding screws are often visible from inside the structure, which do not fall on the frame elements.

Profile

In addition to point fastening with self-tapping screws, the sheet material is attached to the iron frame with polycarbonate and aluminum connecting profiles, which are rigidly fixed to the frame. After that, sheet material of the required length is placed in them, while its width should not be more than 1.05 m. More often, sheets with a width of 0.7-1.05 m are used; for this, the sheet material is cut into pieces, with virtually no waste. This method is used to attach polycarbonate to wood and metal.

Profiles are divided into two types:

detachable;
one-piece.

One-piece profile is a monolithic connecting profile for fastening polycarbonate, the cross-section of which is similar to an I-beam. The ends of this profile are slightly bent inward, so they form a secure latch. The meaning of installing a one-piece connecting profile is simple - the sheet is inserted into the grooves of the profile and secured with latches. Then the profile for fastening the polycarbonate is fixed to the iron frame with roofing screws or screws with thermal washers.

But it is difficult to work with a one-piece profile, because it is extremely difficult to connect all the slabs into a single sheet and secure it to the frame (without breaking, bending or moving anything). It is recommended to use a one-piece profile in simple and small structures, for example, for cladding fences or small canopies over a porch.

Split profiles– these are more complex fastening structures, so they are more expensive. This special profile consists of a lower base attached to an iron frame and a top cover. These elements are fastened together with a latch. Compared to a one-piece profile, in this case installation is much faster, and the connection itself is very reliable.

Detachable profiles are made of aluminum; special rubber seals are used in their design. Metal profiles are strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing.

In this profile, the edges of the material are fixed, and its central part remains unfixed. If the wind and snow loads of the area in which the structure will be operated are not accurately calculated, the panels may come out of the grooves of the connecting profiles when overloaded, although this happens extremely rarely. Profile and point methods allow you to reduce costs. Aluminum profile is considered the most reliable and durable.

Ribbon

Today on the building materials market you can buy galvanized tape designed for fixing sheets. It began to be used in the installation of sheet materials only recently, but during this time it was able to win the approval of many gardeners using greenhouses.

The fact is that fastening polycarbonate to metal using this method is simple and quick, but it is used to cover only arched structures. The panels are placed at the installation site, after which the tape divided into two parts is thrown over them, then one end of each part is attached to the base of the arch frame, and the other ends are securely tightened together using a bolted connection. The main advantage of this method is that there is no need to drill holes in the covering, because the galvanized tape for fastening the polycarbonate is attached to the base of the frame. As a result, after subsequent disassembly of the greenhouse, pieces of material can be used in the construction of new structures.

Mixed

Mixed fastening of polycarbonate is the use of several of the above methods in installation to compensate for their shortcomings. That's why this method is the most reliable and professional.

In addition, cellular slabs are secured with other overhead building materials (wooden, plastic and iron slats). They are installed on top of the sheet material, after which they are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws or bolted connections.

Important! All of these methods of fastening polycarbonate can be used, but the most reliable, albeit the most expensive, is a mixed method.

Accessories for fastening polycarbonate

Let's take a closer look at the components for fastening polycarbonate.

Profiles

For all methods of fastening polycarbonate to metal, profiles are used, and they differ in the material of manufacture and configuration: one-piece, detachable and end.

Connecting one-piece profiles for fastening polycarbonate (HP) are made of polycarbonate, they can be matched to the color of the honeycomb material. The result is not only a strong connection, but also a beautiful one.

Design of the connecting split profile(NSR) consists of a cover and a base. It uses legs rounded inward, so to fix the material, the profile is pulled between the sheets.

End profile(U-shaped) - needed to plug the ends of honeycomb panels so that dirt, dust and moisture do not get inside the cells.

Ridge profiles allow you to make a floating mount, which is necessary for arched structures.

Solid corner profile– with the help of such a plastic sealing profile, two sheets are securely connected at an angle of 90°. They can be used to connect panels of different thicknesses.

Wall profiles fasten the sheets to the wall and protect the ends facing the walls.

You can purchase polycarbonate profiles in Anapa without much difficulty in specialized stores that sell building materials and construction equipment. You can also order them online.

Thermal washers

Thermal washer for fastening polycarbonate allows you to securely fix the sheets to the frame. Its design consists of 3 elements:

a convex plastic washer with a leg that fills a hole in the sheet;
sealing ring made of plastic polymer or rubber;
plug protects the self-tapping screw from moisture.

The self-tapping screw for fastening polycarbonate is most often not equipped with a thermal washer, so it must be purchased separately. Thermal washers for fastening polycarbonate gently and reliably press the sheet to the frame of the building, while protecting the material from moisture penetration. They allow the building to look aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the steps for fastening polycarbonate directly depend on the expected snow, wind and other loads.

Thermal washers come in three types:

polypropylene;
polycarbonate;
made of stainless steel.

For any polycarbonate greenhouses, a thermal washer is an integral element of fastening the coating, because this type of structure must be well sealed.

Mini washers

Mini washers differ from regular thermal washers in their small size. They are used in confined spaces and when it is necessary to make the fastener less noticeable if it is on a clearly visible part of the sheet. They are also made from different materials. The use of such washers for fastening polycarbonate allows you to make the entire structure more attractive and beautiful.

Galvanized strip

Galvanized tapes for fastening polycarbonate are intended only for arched structures. Thanks to them, the material remains intact, since there is no need to drill or cut it. They allow you to tighten the sheets anywhere, which is necessary for fixing carbonate sheets over long distances.

Stubs

A type of profile for cellular panels is an L-shaped plug with micropores, it is very similar in appearance onto the panel guide. This profile must be used with cellular material - it reliably closes the holes at the ends of the sheets, while preventing moisture and dirt from getting inside the panels. It is important to remember which side to attach the polycarbonate to the structure.

The plug profile can be not only L-shaped, but also F-shaped. And in this case, it is also similar to a guide for cellular panels. For arranging heifers, the first option is mainly used, because the ends of the sheet polymer are buried in the ground. Both options are suitable for roof installation - everything will depend on the roof structure and the materials to which the PCs are attached.

Thanks to these plugs, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the transparency of the cellular material, because dirt and moisture will not get into it. During the greenhouse effect, water passes from a liquid state into steam, so it penetrates into the cellular material, making it cloudy. It will be extremely difficult to get rid of it, which is why safety plugs must be installed at the ends of the panels.

The tightness of the plugs can be increased by using a transparent film with micropores.

General installation rules

The installation of panels is divided into the following stages; all of the specified methods of fastening polycarbonate are used in their work by professionals.

The first stage is cutting the panels

The procedure for attaching polycarbonate to wood begins with cutting the material. Cellular panels with a thickness of 4 - 10 mm are cut with a regular knife; a hacksaw is also often used as a cutting tool. But for fast and accurate cutting, you need to use electric saws with a stop, equipped with a blade made of hard alloys. In this case, the teeth circular saw should be small.

During the cutting process, the sheet material must be supported so that it does not vibrate. You can cut using a jigsaw. The cutting speed should be 10 - 40 m per minute.

After finishing cutting, be sure to remove the chips from the internal cavities of the panel.

Stage two – drilling holes

Drill holes using a simple drill sharpened at an angle of 30°. It is required to make a hole in the polycarbonate between the stiffeners at an angle of 90 - 118°. The hole is located from the edge of the sheet at a distance of at least 4 cm.

The third stage is sealing the ends of the polycarbonate sheets

At this stage of work, it is necessary to seal the ends of the sheets hermetically. When the panels are placed vertically or at an angle, the upper ends must be sealed with adhesive aluminum tape (protects the panels from dust getting inside), and the lower ends with perforated tape, which will allow moisture to escape. You cannot seal the ends with simple tape; you must use sealing tape. It is also not recommended to completely seal the lower ends of the sheets.

In arched structures, the panel ends are sealed at both ends of the cellular polycarbonate using perforated tape.

The ends are most hermetically sealed using polycarbonate profiles and more durable aluminum ones. They look good, are practical and at the same time very easy to use. This profile fits tightly on the ends, so no additional fastening is required.

You cannot leave the ends of the honeycomb panels uncovered, because the service life and light transmittance of the material will decrease.

To remove moisture, you need to make small diameter holes in the profile.

The fourth stage is the orientation of the panels during the design and installation process

Stiffening ribs in the cellular material are placed along the length of the sheet (it can reach up to 12 m). Therefore, the panels to be fixed must be positioned so that moisture can flow out from them.

When vertically fastening cellular polycarbonate, the stiffening ribs of the material must be positioned vertically, and on the roof - along the slope. In arched structures, the stiffeners must follow an arc.

It is necessary to take into account all the above features of fastening polycarbonate sheets during the design process.

Outdoors it is necessary to use a material with an ultraviolet protective layer; it is applied to outer part leaf. Therefore, this side is required to turn the polycarbonate towards the sun. This film is marked accordingly. To avoid mistakes during installation, the sheets must be installed with film and removed after completion of the work.

You cannot bend the panels too much; the manufacturer indicates the minimum bending radius on the panels. The permissible radius depends on the thickness and structure of the material.

You must also adhere to the basic rules for placing panels and do not forget which side to mount the polycarbonate.

Fifth stage - point fastening of the material

At this stage, we will tell you how to properly attach polycarbonate using point fastening.

Point fastenings of polycarbonate to the frame are made with self-tapping screws and thermal washers. The thermal washer is a plastic washer with a leg (its height is equal to the thickness of the material being attached), a special sealing washer and a cover.

Thermal washers hermetically fasten the panels to the structure. With their help, “cold bridges” that form self-tapping screws are eliminated. Thanks to the thermal washer leg, which rests against the frame of the structure, the panels do not wrinkle.

To provide a gap for thermal expansion in the panels, you need to make holes 2-3 mm wider than the legs of the thermal washer. In long panels it is still necessary to drill holes that are elongated in length. At the same time, you must not forget at what distance to fasten the polycarbonate - the optimal step for point fastening of polycarbonate is 30 - 40 cm.

When attaching polycarbonate sheets, remember that:

they cannot be rigidly attached to the frame;
it is prohibited to fasten them with nails, rivets and other non-recommended fasteners;
Do not overtighten the screws.

If it is necessary to attach polycarbonate to wooden frames, use the same materials and methods of fastening as to iron.

Stage six - joining polycarbonate sheets

To connect cellular panels, one-piece and detachable profiles made of polycarbonate and aluminum are used.

Fastening with permanent profiles (HP). In this case, sheets measuring 50 by 105 cm are placed in the grooves of the profiles, after which the profile is screwed to the longitudinal jumpers of the frame with self-tapping screws and thermal washers.

Fastening with split profiles (HCP). In this case, the sheets are connected with a split profile, consisting of a lower “base” and an upper cover with latches. Below we will look at how to attach polycarbonate to wood using split profiles.

Installation process:

In the “base”, create holes slightly larger than the width of the self-tapping screw, taking steps of 30 cm.
Next, attach the “base” to the longitudinal jumpers of the frame with self-tapping screws. It is pre-lubricated with sealant, then sheets are placed on both sides of it, leaving a “temperature gap” of 3-5 mm.
Then they snap the “cover” of the profile along its entire length using a wooden mallet. The ends of the profile must be closed with a plug.

Features of corner connection of panels

If you need to install and fasten polycarbonate sheets at right angles, then you need to use corner profiles. They will allow you to securely connect the panels and make the corner connection almost invisible.

Features of joining panels to the wall

When the panels are adjacent to the wall, it is necessary to use wall profiles for installation.

Features of connecting panels in a ridge

To connect the sheets in the ridge, ridge profiles with a large wing grip of 4 cm are used, which allows the sheets to be fastened efficiently and to provide a temperature gap.

Features of installation of monolithic polycarbonate

Sometimes monolithic polycarbonate is attached to metal using an iron frame made in the form of a frame. The frame must have special grooves up to 25 mm deep. Sheets in the frame are fixed in two ways:

Wet method. In this case, a special silicone-based putty or sealant is applied to the edges of the frame and seal. This method can be used for wooden and iron structures. Compact structures are sheathed with monolithic polycarbonate using glue or special tape. External work is carried out with glue, which is not afraid of adverse atmospheric influences. If good transparency of the fastening is required, then you need to use polyurethane glue. Before applying it, the surfaces are degreased with alcohol.

Dry method. Use screws, bolts, nuts, self-tapping screws and press washers. In any case, be sure to use rubber gaskets or plastic profiles, which do not contain plasticizers. Do not glue the sealant directly to the panels. Fastening elements must be placed in increments of 50 cm. It is recommended to retreat from the edge of the material at a distance of at least 2 cm.

This type of fastening of monolithic polycarbonate is used for covering canopies and large structures.

Important! Whatever fastening method you choose, you need to remember at what distance to fasten the polycarbonate (monolithic - after 50 cm, cellular - with point fastening after 30-40 cm).

Storage before installation

To save everyone technical characteristics Cellular panels should be stored on a level surface in a dry room at a temperature of 0 - 25°C so that moisture does not penetrate into them. In this case, the sheets should not hang down. Before installation, the material must be stored in its original packaging.

Avoid exposure to material sun rays because its color may change. The top layer of UV protective varnish should be located at the top of the sheet (most often upper layer covered with a special protective film on which information about the manufacturer is applied).

You should also remember which side you need to attach the polycarbonate, and treat the material with care. Mechanical impact on cellular polycarbonate should be avoided, as this can lead to its breakage.

Protective coatings

Sheets of cellular slabs are covered with a protective film, which is installation work does not need to be removed, otherwise the light-conducting qualities of polycarbonate will deteriorate. This protective film protects the material from damage and premature aging. The film is not removed until all work is completed.

Materials that do not destroy polycarbonate

Polymer materials that are compatible with polycarbonate include:

ethylene propylene rubber;
polychloroprene;
polyethylene;
polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon);
neoprene;
silicone;
rubber sealant.

Polycarbonate, used as a construction and finishing material, may come into contact with the following materials:

wood;
rubber and caoutchouc;
thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers that do not contain PVC;
glass;
metals.

Materials not compatible with polycarbonate

The following polymer materials are incompatible with polycarbonate:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
nitrile;
all types of polyurethane.

There are also some chemicals that are not compatible with this material. They are:

solvents, especially acetone;
alkaloids;
acids;
solutions of salts and fats;
ammonia;
some types of adhesives and dyes.

Moreover, their influence directly depends on the duration of contact with the material, their concentration and temperature.

Frame

You can make a frame for monolithic and cellular polycarbonate from many materials. A wood frame looks very elegant, but when choosing this building material, you need to know that it must be glued, otherwise the entire structure will crack and deform. In addition, almost every year the frame will need to be painted and treated with special protective compounds from insects and diseases. In this case, you need to remember how to securely attach polycarbonate to wooden frame.

A frame made of thin-walled profile pipes, which has a long service life and increased strength, is considered more unpretentious.

Aluminum and steel materials are suitable for the frame under sheet cladding. Moreover, it is possible to make lathing from steel and aluminum directly on the construction site, using reliable look fasteners The aluminum frame is distinguished by its anti-corrosion properties. If its design is correctly calculated, then it will retain its physical and aesthetic properties for many decades. But it is very expensive, so it is rarely chosen.

For quick construction and cost savings, you can build more rare lathing, and sheathe it with thick sheets. In this case, there will be fewer screw fastenings, which will speed up the installation process. You can also save money and purchase a thin covering, but then the lathing will have to be more frequent.

The choice depends on the following aspects:

roof type;
the area where the structure is installed;
arch size;
span dimensions;
thickness of sheet material.

In any case, savings must be effective. For example, if you do not take into account the snow load and install sheets that cannot cope with the mass of snow falling in the region, then the surface will not withstand the overload and savings will lead to large losses.

If they are sheathing an already built structure that cannot be changed, then the thickness of the material is selected based on the frequency of the frame sheathing: the thinner it is, the thicker the material should be chosen.

Choosing a step is the most important stage of frame construction

When installing the frame under the panels, you need to more accurately select the pitch of the sheathing, which depends on the amount of bending of the material, its thickness and the angle of the roof. The roof slope angle cannot be less than 30°. Knowing all the nuances of constructing the frame, you can quickly set the pitch of the sheathing (it is equal to a hundred times the thickness of the material).

For example, for a sheet with a thickness of 4 mm, the step will be 40 cm, for 8 mm - 80 cm. In other words, the greater the thickness of the material, the smaller the step of the sheathing. It should be noted that thick cellular polycarbonate is faster to fasten because the fastener spacing is smaller and the material bends less. For regions with snowy winters, the sheathing pitch is reduced by 10-15%. When a frame with such a step is expensive, it is better to do something different: design the structure in such a way that the snow quickly melts off the roof. To do this, use a roof slope of 30 - 50°. At these degrees, the cellular panels are securely fastened, and the snow melts well.

During the installation process, be especially careful about fastening, which is done using washers. If there are few of them, then the sheet material will not be securely fastened. Given its large windage, there is a possibility of the sheet being torn off by strong winds. But you also don’t need to install a lot of washers, because this will increase the load on the panels, and they may not withstand hot weather and become deformed. The same can happen in a snowy winter, when wet snow freezes onto sheets of material and the load on the frame exceeds the maximum permissible limit, as a result of which the sheet material breaks. But in any case, you need to use washers to ensure the fastening is secure.

Temperature recording for installation work

You can work with this unique building material at any time of the year. But experts still do not recommend installing this sheet material in cold weather at temperatures below - 15°C, because it may break when bent.

Working with this material in cold weather requires special care, because in winter it is very fragile. When installing in cold weather, future expansion of the material must be taken into account because it will expand after heating. If this is not taken into account, then the panels installed in cold weather in the spring may come out of the grooves and the entire skin will be deformed. In this case, you need to remember how to properly attach cellular polycarbonate.

Moving along the mounted surface

To carry out installation or cleaning of the material, you need to use special tools to move along the mounted surface. support boards which you need to walk on. They will allow you to evenly distribute the load on the sheet material.

Cleaning polycarbonate after installation

After installation work, the surface of the casing must be cleaned of dust and dirt. In this case, taking into account the adverse effects of acids, neutral compositions are selected. It is better to use soap solutions; cleaning the canvas with them will not be difficult. Do not use abrasive compounds or strong solvents. Moisture, drying oil, wax and oil that have penetrated into the honeycomb negatively affect the material. Thanks to good properties panels can be used for cleaning with steam and jets of water.

Cellular polycarbonate is a modern material that is widely used for cladding greenhouses. It allows you to quickly and inexpensively obtain reliable translucent walls.

In this article we will tell you how to properly attach polycarbonate to a greenhouse.

Advantages of polycarbonate

Like any material, polycarbonate has both its pros and cons.

Its main advantages include:
Flexibility and impact resistance - it is about 20 times better than glass.
This material does not promote combustion and has good thermal insulation due to closed air cells.
The optimum ratio of price and quality. average price for a 4 mm sheet 210*6000 cm is 1500-1800 rubles.
It is not afraid of moisture, high and low temperatures, and sudden changes in humidity.
This material is lightweight, so you will not have any problems securing a polycarbonate greenhouse to the ground. The simplest foundation or wooden frame nailed to the ground with long reinforcement is sufficient.

The main disadvantage of this material is:

Low abrasive resistance, easy to scratch.
It is also destroyed by ultraviolet rays, so to avoid this, manufacturers protect it with a special film.
During installation, it is necessary to take into account the presence thermal gap so that during temperature changes, the casing can expand and contract freely.

Layout of sheets

The stiffening ribs in cellular polycarbonate are located along the length of the sheet, so when fastening they must be positioned so that the channels have an exit to the outside. This is necessary to drain the condensate that forms inside. That is, on vertical walls The stiffeners must be vertical, on the arches along the bend of the arch.

Modern polycarbonate is made with a special protective film, which usually contains the manufacturer’s markings and logos. The layer with such a film must be laid outwards. It is better to remove it after fixing the polycarbonate to the greenhouse.

Also, when installing on arched structures, the maximum permissible sheet bending values set by the manufacturer must not be exceeded.

cutting

The process of cutting sheets is one of the main ones, because this material is usually supplied in the form of long sheets. Their standard size: width 210 cm, length 6 or 12 m.

The cutting process itself is very simple; for this you can use a regular hacksaw or power tool: jigsaw, circular saw. The protective film will protect the surface from scratches during cutting.

After cutting the desired sheet, you should carefully remove all the chips from the internal cavities; it is best to use a vacuum cleaner for this. This is necessary to prevent condensation from accumulating inside.

Drilling holes

Regular drills are suitable for drilling, but the holes must be made between the stiffeners, and also at least 4 cm from the edge of the panel. The size of the holes should be 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the screws to create a temperature gap.

Note!
When installing long sheets exceeding 6 meters, you need to extend the size of the holes along the length so that they are oval.

The drilling angle must be perpendicular, otherwise it will not be possible to fix the screw and washer exactly. In this case, the tightness will be broken, the mounting location will be unreliable, and the thermal insulation will deteriorate.

Fastening panels

Attaching polycarbonate to a metal greenhouse frame can be done in two ways:

Using a self-tapping screw with a washer and a sealing gasket.
Using a thermal washer.

Externally, the thermal washer looks like a mushroom cap and consists of two parts: a sealing part and an upper plastic part. In the center it has a through hole for the screw head. In addition, the plastic leg, which is selected according to the thickness of the coating, prevents the bolt from being over-tightened.

After attaching the self-tapping screw, a special cap is put on it to hide it. Thus, the self-tapping screw is protected from the influence of the external environment and the cold bridge is removed. You can see its structure in the photo:

How to fix polycarbonate to wooden greenhouse? This is done in exactly the same way, the difference with a metal frame is only in the screws used. In this case, it is better to use ordinary roofing washers for this, since they are cheaper than thermal washers.

For metal, self-tapping screws with a drill tip are usually used, and for wood, with a sharp end. They should be 4.2mm in diameter with a press washer. For fastening to wood, a screw length of 25 mm will be sufficient, and for flat metal profiles - 13 mm. The fastening should be every 30-40 cm.

Note!
When screwing self-tapping screws, do not firmly fasten them, overtighten them, or use nails, rivets, or inappropriate washers for fastening.

Cell sealing

Before attaching polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame, you need to carefully seal its ends. The upper end must be sealed with regular self-adhesive tape. You need to stick a tape on the bottom and make holes in it for condensation to escape.

Joining panels

For correct docking polycarbonate to each other, you need to use special component profiles.

A simple connecting profile for connecting two panels. In this case, the profile itself is not attached to the sheathing.
The composite connecting profile allows you to connect 2 panels and attach them to the sheathing.
The end profile is needed to seal the end part of the panels.
The wall profile allows you to seal the ends and secure the edge of the panel to the wall.
Corner profile – for mounting perpendicular corners.
Ridge profile - to create a joint on gable roofs different angles.

Instructions for attaching polycarbonate to the greenhouse are shown in the video in this article:

Between the polycarbonate sheet and the metal you need to make a heat-insulating tape.
For attaching to. First, its lower part, the so-called base, is screwed to the frame, and then the panel is inserted into it. Before this you need to remove the bottom protective film, and bend back the layer of top film by 10 cm so that it does not interfere with installation.
If the fastening occurs at the edge, then from its extreme part close to the composite profile you need to install an end or wall profile.
Then you need to secure the upper part of the composite profile by simply snapping it into the base. A temperature gap of 3 mm must be left between the profile and the panel.
For wall mounting, a wall profile is used. It is put on the end of the panel, and its second part is attached to the wall with sealant.
Immediately after completing the installation completely, otherwise it will stick to it even more strongly.
When installing arched surfaces, the length of the profile should be longer than the panels, since their sizes may differ. The excess is cut off after installation.

Conclusion

The presence of a large number of components for polycarbonate will allow you to do the installation yourself without difficulty. (see also article) All joints will be neat and airtight.

The monolithic version has a continuous structure, like ordinary glass, but due to the base in the form of polymers, it is many times stronger and lighter than the same glass, and additionally has increased resistance to physical impact due to its flexibility. Such elements are used as a complete replacement of glass in residential and public buildings, as well as shopping, entertainment and scientific complexes.

The honeycomb element consists of a pair of thin plates connected to each other by special stiffening ribs, the space between which is free.

This material is widely used in construction, utility and utility rooms and country houses, especially as a covering for greenhouse complexes.

How to Orient Panels

Honeycomb polycarbonate elements along their length have ribs that provide their rigidity, so during installation they must always be positioned in such a way that the hollow channels inside them have an exit to the outside. This requirement is dictated by the need to remove condensate from them, which can form due to temperature differences.

When installing such plates as vertical glazing, the ribs providing rigidity are also placed vertically. When attached to a frame as a slope or arch, it is always necessary to orient them so that the internal hollow channels inside run along the slopes or along the arc of the arch, respectively.

Today's manufacturing technology for both monolithic and honeycomb panels implies that each of them has a front and an inner side. They are distinguished from each other due to the presence on the first special protective coating in the form of a film with markings, which serves as protection until complete installation, and on final stage removed.

When installing polycarbonate panels as an arched structure, you should take into account and never exceed the maximum bending radius for a particular type of material, indicated in its marking.

1. Sheet cutting

Polymer boards are supplied in standard sheets, which, as a rule, always have larger dimensions than required, so one of the main operations with them is cutting them into pieces with the right sizes. This operation will have to be performed both when installing a polycarbonate roof with your own hands.

The operation itself of cutting optimal pieces from a solid panel is extremely simple, since the material is easy to cut. For this you can use different instruments for cutting, from hand hacksaw to an electric grinder or jigsaw.

In the process of cutting polymer, regardless of the chosen tool, it is impossible to avoid the occurrence of vibrations of the material during its operation, which can negatively affect the quality of the cuts and lead to problems during the installation and fitting of finished parts, up to the rejection of some of them. Therefore, in order to make the task as easy as possible and level out side vibrations, the material is securely fixed in advance.

In case of honeycomb structure After cutting, the cavities in the resulting elements are cleared of chips, because if they remain clogged, the removal of condensate will be difficult and moisture will accumulate inside the plates, which is especially dangerous during frosts, since water frozen inside the panel can damage it.

2. Sealing the ends

Honeycomb plates require sealing of their ends. The one on top can be covered with regular tape, but to seal the bottom one, it is better to use a special tape with perforations to drain moisture condensing inside the sheet.

For unhindered outflow of condensing liquid from the panel, it is necessary to arrange several holes in its end part, identical to those used for fixing the polymer sheet.

Fastening cellular polycarbonate

Carbonate slabs can be attached to structures made of almost any material; its type only affects the choice of elements for fastening. As a rule, these are self-tapping screws for wood or metal with a self-tapping tip, which are supplied with special thermal washers with a rubberized surface.

Thermal washers have a special leg and are selected according to its size so that it matches the thickness of the panel it fixes. This design not only protects the sheet structure from excessive deformation, but also reduces heat losses through direct contact with the self-tapping screw, which in this case acts as a conductor of cold through the polycarbonate.

Therefore, self-tapping screws with thermal washers are a universal fastener, regardless of the material of the load-bearing surface, which is sheathed with polymer panels.

When installing, it is advisable to insert self-tapping screws into pre-drilled holes in plastic, which must meet the following requirements:

Firstly, holes can only be drilled between the stiffeners, and only at a distance from the edge of the slab of at least 4 cm.
Secondly, the holes must allow for thermal expansion of the material, which must be able to move on the fasteners due to the fact that the hole in it is a millimeter to one and a half larger than the diameter of the thermal washer leg.
In the case of a large length of plastic, the holes in it for fixation should not only be large in diameter, but also longitudinally elongated.
When drilling, it is extremely important to maintain the maximum right angle of the hole with an error of no more than 20 degrees, otherwise, when fixing the washer, a misalignment will occur and the panel will not be securely attached to the supporting structure.

Knowing the technology of fixing polycarbonate, you can easily and reliably cover almost any structure with it. However, it is also necessary to master the technology of joining panels to each other, which involves the use of special elements for these purposes - profiles, which can be either fixed or detachable.

The first ones are used with panels with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm. The second are “Polyskrep” profiles, capable of connecting together plates from 6 to 16 mm in thickness. Removable profiles are assembled from a pair of elements: the lower one, which serves as the base, and the upper one - a cover with a lock.

Such polymer connecting profiles are necessary for assembling arched or pitched structures, but are also suitable for completely vertical surfaces. One clamp connects a pair of panels with a width of 50 to 105 cm, and it itself is fixed with self-tapping screws. When mating individual panels at an angle of 90 degrees, a corner joining profile is provided, and in the case of abutment to a wall, a special wall profile is provided.

The technology for fixing a removable profile involves several operations:

Drilling a hole for a self-tapping screw in the base.
Fixing the base on the longitudinal structure and laying the panels with a gap of 5 mm required to compensate for the thermal expansion of the material.
Clicking the profile cover using a wooden mallet.
Temperature value.

Often when sheathing cellular polycarbonate greenhouse plates are attached overlapping one another, instead of using special connecting profiles. This option is optimal and is possible only in the case of a small thickness of sheets, which does not exceed 6 mm, since due to their thinness they have increased flexibility, which is why they can “walk” or even jump out of the fixing profile.

But thick polymer plates with a thickness of 8 mm or more with this technique will form very noticeable “steps” due to overlapping each other, which can only be solved by using a connecting profile.

You should know that fastening polycarbonate sheets using the overlapping method can lead to the following consequences:

Firstly, with this method the tightness of the sheathed structure will always be compromised, up to a draft, complete blowing out internal heat and even the accumulation of debris and sediment under the structure’s cladding;
Secondly, sheets secured in an overlap experience a significantly greater impact from gusts of wind, which means that if the fixation is not strong enough, they can be torn off or broken.

Fastening monolithic polycarbonate

1. How and to what can carbonate be attached?

Monolithic carbonate has two methods of fastening, but both of them require a base in the form of a supporting frame that ensures reliable fixation of the slab:

First method– “wet”, implies the use of a special polymer lubricant. In this case, the installation of elements is organized with gaps that compensate for the expansion of the material under the influence of temperature. This option is also appropriate when inserting a polymer plate into wooden frame. In the case of a metal frame, rubber gaskets are used in combination with a sealant, which is applied to the internal and external clamped surface.
Second method– “dry” installation, does not require any sealants and makes it possible to install the panel directly on the rubber seal. Since the structure itself is not airtight, it is provided with drainage to drain water.

2. Is it possible to attach sheets of overlap?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that responds to temperature fluctuations by changing its dimensions. Therefore, in cold weather it contracts, and in hot weather it expands. If this fact is not taken into account in the process of fastening sheets from it, most likely, sooner or later they will be damaged.

This especially applies to monolithic polymer elements, which not only have a higher expansion coefficient, but also do not have structural flexibility in the form of voids and profiles. Therefore, using them in combination with rigid fastening technology - overlapping - is impossible.

Temperature value

Polycarbonate is an unpretentious and fairly durable material and, in relation to the ambient temperature, can be used within the range from –40 to +120 degrees Celsius. However, the polymer on which it is made can both expand and contract under the influence of temperature, which is expressed in its expansion coefficient of 0.065 mm per one degree of temperature for each meter of sheet.

Therefore, to calculate the actual expansion, you need to calculate the maximum temperature difference per year and multiply it by 0.065 mm. For example, when installed in the middle climatic zone with temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees

Celsius gap should be about 6mm for each linear meter plastic. In the case of painting, the heating of the sheets increases by an average of 10 - 15 degrees, which means they will expand more, that is, by about 6.5 mm per meter of slab.

Carbide discs with small, unset teeth are excellent for cutting polymers, since they leave the most even and accurate cut.
Do not rush to remove the protective film from the sheets immediately upon purchase; it is created not only to protect the material from damage, dirt and scratches during transportation and storage, but also during installation.
Upper ends polymer panels must be closed. To do this, it is recommended to use unusual adhesive tape and special tape. The lower ends, on the contrary, are open to ensure the removal of condensing moisture.
It is not advisable to over-tighten the screws securing the plates, and also, in general, to rigidly fasten the entire panel, which must have a certain degree of freedom in order to “breathe”, expanding and contracting during periods of warming and cooling, respectively.

In terms of its performance qualities, the material is optimally suited both as roofing covering, and for the construction of greenhouses, sheds, light utility facilities. It is easy to work with, making it attractive to a wide range of DIYers. Installation polycarbonate to metal frame does not present any particular difficulties. Almost any business man will have a basic set of tools for fixing a polymer sheet. It is important to know how to attach polycarbonate to a metal frame and how to avoid common mistakes in work. When and where it is appropriate to use the material.

Application area

The ability to transmit light is one of the main advantages of polycarbonate. It is often used as an alternative to glass. For this reason, it is widely used in the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses. They partially use it to glaze verandas and gazebos. The material is excellent for the construction of canopies and awnings for various purposes.

A power frame can be made wooden slats, but the necessary skills are sometimes lacking, as well as specialized tools. A metal profile is sometimes faster and easier to assemble.

Modern Construction Materials are as unified as possible and do not require professional equipment for their installation. A lightweight metal frame is assembled using self-tapping screws and bolts and original fasteners. If the structure is large, then more reliable rolled steel is used. In this case, welding is necessary, and for a polymer coating it is better to make an additional lathing of wood to fix the polymer sheet. Directly screwing self-tapping screws into a thick-walled corner, channel, or pipe is not recommended.

Types of fasteners

The range of products on the market for assembling polycarbonate structures allows you to create almost any design. Elements for joining the bleached parts of plastic blanks, end profile and fasteners for the polymer itself. The best option is to connect using a thermal washer. The kit includes:

Sealing gasket. Contacts directly with the surface of the polycarbonate and evenly distributes the pressing force;
Steel or plastic washer. By increasing the pressing area, it protects the transparent plastic from damage;
Self-tapping screw for metal. Supplied as a set or purchased separately;
Lid. It has a dual purpose - decorative and protective.

It is allowed to use roofing screws with an elastic seal and fastenings with a hexagonal head. Original fasteners are preferable, since they are designed for a given brand of polycarbonate and have decorative covers in the same colors as the main material. The protective layer is resistant to the sun and moisture.

If you have to buy fasteners separately, you should remember that you need an elastic gasket and a washer with a diameter twice as large as the screw head.

All elements for fixing sheets are selected from products intended for metal. For thin-walled profile the best option There will be a self-tapping screw with a drill at the end. In this case, there is no need to make a mandatory hole in the polycarbonate. The connection is made in one step. The best tool for operation is a screw with a rotation force limiting mechanism. When the limit value is reached, a safety block of gears is activated. A characteristic sound becomes audible, for which the mechanism is sometimes called a “ratchet.”

Features of installation of various types of polycarbonate

The material is distinguished by size, thickness and release form. Each category is offered in several colors. Depending on the manufacturer’s standards, the plastic is assigned a trade number reflecting the size, color and shape according to the production technology, which can be:

Monolithic;
Cellular or cellular;
Profiled.

Monolithic polycarbonate is strong, but practically does not bend, so it is perfect for smooth, straight surfaces or for glazing. Cellular plastic sheet is flexible and easily fits into complex shapes metal profile. Stiffening ribs provide strength. The material is lightweight and not as expensive as its monolithic counterpart. Profiled polycarbonate resembles ordinary slate. It is quite elastic, but for complex surfaces it is used less often than cellular. Looks great as a roof covering.

Installation procedure

All types of polymer are pre-drilled, unless a self-tapping screw with a drill is used. When assembling the installation kit, it is reasonable to pay attention to additional elements. The connecting rails are easy to use and are an H-shaped profile into which plastic is inserted on both sides. The element can be designed for arbitrary connection in any convenient location, or with fixation on a metal frame. Additional parts can be made from:

Plastic or polycarbonate. Slats are often offered in the same color scheme, like the main material. Wide range of elements. Additional products include end slats and ridge profile;
Steel, with decorative coating. Strong, durable products;
Aluminum connecting profiles. Lightweight and comfortable products. They are popular for the opportunity to implement hidden installation. First, the power river is attached. Then the polymer blanks are installed and the decorative cover is put on.

Monolithic sheets are durable and difficult to damage. Honeycomb transparent plastic, on the other hand, is fragile and can be broken if overused. Twist such polycarbonate until there is slight resistance, avoiding dents at the place of fixation. You should not use excessive force when installing profiled polymer. There is no fundamental difference in how to attach polycarbonate to a wooden frame or to a metal profile. The only difference is in the purpose of the screws, which are not interchangeable.

Advantages of metal profile structures

The method is popular for a simple reason - simplicity and speed of installation. Since polycarbonate is attached to a metal base, which is more elegant and thinner than its wooden counterpart, there are more opportunities to create a lightweight, durable structure. The structure turns out to be weightless and elegant. In addition, in comparison with a wooden power structure, the following advantages are noted:

Metal profiles are lighter;
Quickly and easily cut to the desired size;
Durable;
Not to be afraid of critical temperatures and climatic influences in the form of direct sunlight and precipitation;
Not required additional protection, the product is completely ready for use after installation.

There is one more nuance that is well known to masters. When screwing a self-tapping screw into a wooden frame, you can easily make a mistake in its orientation. The element may move away from the perpendicular due to the natural heterogeneity of the wood fiber, or it may initially be incorrectly directed.

A metal profile has a fundamental advantage. It is hollow and when fixed, a hole is formed only on the adjacent side. When the plastic is pressed, the self-tapping screw is centered and secures the sheet without distortion. The load is distributed evenly and the fastener is oriented correctly, even if you initially set it to the wrong vector.
There are several types of metal guides available for sale for different purposes. They are designed to optimize the assembly process. This makes it much easier to install a complex structure if you use the following main types of profiles simultaneously:

Straight;
Angular;
Arched.

By combining them in different areas, you can create an original power structure of complex shape. On thematic resources on the Internet you can see photos of exclusive canopies, canopies, gazebos and other structures. Huge field for creativity, not limited by anything other than your own fantasies. It will be much more difficult to repeat the same shape of their tree. You will need the appropriate tool and skill of the performer, not to mention the time, which will take many times more.

The transparent structure of polycarbonate makes it relatively neutral. It fits surprisingly organically into any style. About the same can be said about metal profiles.

No matter what the landscape is nearby, and no matter what technique the façade of the house is finished in, the design will look harmonious. You just need to choose the right color of plastic. It does not have to be the same tone as the decoration of the house. It is important that the combination pleases the eyes of hosts and guests. If the installation was carried out according to all the rules, then such a structure will last for many years without losing its visual appeal.