Lightweight and reliable polycarbonate roof

At the current time, construction technologies are actively developing, offering consumers new and interesting solutions. One of these is a polycarbonate roof. It is ideal for homes, verandas, gazebos and other structures where you want to create natural daylight. In this case, despite all its lightness, it is strong enough.

What is polycarbonate?

This name is a polymer material. It is resistant to mechanical influences and temperature differences, as well as high heat and sound insulation performance due to the presence of small air chambers. At the same time, it has a low weight and can be easily processed. These indicators provide easy installation of the material. The polycarbonate roof does not hold snow if it is made at a sufficient angle. It will also last for many years, as the warranty period for the material can reach 20 years.

Which to choose?

Do not buy thin polycarbonate for the roof. The price for it is lower, but also the load it is able to withstand less, and the thermal insulation properties are worse. If we compare 9 mm and 16 mm material, then their indices vary significantly. Thus, their impact strength will be 2.16 J and 5.6 J, respectively. As for heat insulation, they will have a heat transfer coefficient of 3.2 and 2.3 W / m2 * C. But a similar difference in characteristics results in a solid price difference. Polycarbonate sheet dimensions of 1200x6000 mm thickness of 9 mm will cost about 4 thousand rubles, and 16 mm - 6,5 thousand rubles. If you want to make the roof more durable, some manufacturers can offer products with a thickness of 25 mm and even 32 mm. Their strength and insulation performance will be even higher.

Installation of polycarbonate roof

Of this material, you can make almost any design. The roof can be flat, with a slope, in the form of a dome, a prism, a pyramid, etc. But in any case the material should be attached to a prefabricated frame. It can be made from:

- Metal profile. With a similar task can handle both steel and aluminum structures.

- Polycarbonate profile. On the strength of the design is almost inferior to the metal counterparts. But they have a number of advantages. They are lightweight, airtight and transparent. And this means that the polycarbonate roof will not have visible lines of connections. That is, it will be completely transparent.

If the frame is made of a metal profile, the polycarbonate ends should be sealed with adhesive tape. This is necessary in order to avoid the accumulation of water and dirt in them. If polycarbonate systems are used, then for these purposes a perforated tape is provided , which reliably covers the longitudinal grooves.

The last step is fixing the sheet material. If the frame is made of metal or non-separable polycarbonate profiles, then it is fixed with self-tapping screws and washers every 30 centimeters. That is, pointwise. If the frame is made of demountable polycarbonate profiles, the material sheets are laid on the guide elements, and then fastened by the fixing. Thus, the polycarbonate roof is mounted.