How to attach polycarbonate to metal and wood frames

Fastening polycarbonate to the greenhouse

Arched structures, both wooden and metal, are often used in such structures. In this case, it is necessary to lay polycarbonate sheets with a clamp, so that they immediately receive the necessary bend.

The screed method is very useful for temporary or permanent fixing of panels.

As you can see from the diagram, the tie strap consists of two fragments - a short one and a long one. The end of the long piece is attached to the foundation or flat wall of the greenhouse, after which the short piece is attached to the long piece. The tape is passed over the already laid sheets and primarily attracts the panel to the arched structure. The short section is secured in place. Further, the short and long fragments are gradually pulled together, thereby performing a tight fit of the polycarbonate along the arc of the arch. After that, the galvanized tape is attached to the metal / wooden frame with a pitch of 40 ... 60 cm with ordinary self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Learn more about the editing process in a short video.

This method can be used as the main one - in this case, the sheets are overlapped, and the service life of the structure is usually 2 ... 5 years. You can also use straps as temporary fasteners, an aid in the installation of complex curved structures. If the tie strap is used as a temporary means, it is advisable to connect the individual panels with a profile, detachable or one-piece.

The photo shows installation using a one-piece polymer profile.

Differences between monolithic and cellular polycarbonate

Despite the fact that the polymer has the same chemical form, the form of production of monolithic and honeycomb panels is markedly different.

Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid sheet of dense plastic that is resistant to external influences. Due to the layer thickness of 2 mm, the material is quite strong, not demanding on mechanical stress. It is flexible enough, not brittle, easy to drill and cut.

Cellular polycarbonate, sometimes referred to as structured, is manufactured as honeycomb panels. The outer layers and inner “partitions” provide sufficient rigidity of the sheet, but the thickness of the layer is quite small - usually up to 1 mm. Accordingly, the panel fragments have a certain fragility, they must be drilled and cut carefully.

Thus, when installing monolithic polycarbonate, there are no particular difficulties - in operation, it practically does not differ from other plastics.

But cellular polycarbonate requires caution and a number of rules. Accordingly, the following information applies primarily to structured panels, unless otherwise noted.

Features of mounting cellular polycarbonate

Before installing polycarbonate, you need to determine which side of the sheets protective film applied... This is determined by the factory film glued to the sheets. On the side with a protective layer, inscriptions and logos are usually applied to it. If there are no patterns, then the side with the protective layer is identified by the color of the film. The protected side is pasted over with a blue film, the sheets should be attached with this side outward.

Before installation, the ends of the sheets are sealed with a special tape, which is solid and perforated. The edges, which will be located in the upper part of the building, are sealed with a solid end tape, and the lower ends are sealed with a perforated tape so that water that somehow gets inside the polycarbonate can drain out.

Fastening of polycarbonate to the purlins is carried out using conventional roofing screws using sealing washers. It is most convenient to use self-tapping screws with a diameter of 5 mm, placing the centers of the holes at a distance of 36 mm from the edge. Self-tapping screws are installed at a distance of 400-500 mm from each other with a panel thickness of 8-10 mm, and 600-800 mm with a thickness of 16 mm or more.

Holes are pre-drilled in the panels, the diameter of which should be 2.5-3 mm larger than the diameter of the screws, in order to take into account the possibility of expansion of polycarbonate when heated in the sun. Holes are always made in the middle of the inner cell, taking care not to violate the integrity of the stiffeners. In structures where sheets with a length of more than 4 m are used, the holes for the fastening screws should be elongated in order to compensate for small displacements of the sheets during the operation of the structure.

When working with this material, you should always remember about its high coefficient of thermal expansion, be sure to make gaps in joints, holes, as well as between sheets and supporting structural elements. To ensure the required tightness, you need to use special components - thermal washers and gaskets.

When screwing the fasteners, care must be taken not to press the sheets too hard against the base of the structure: the panels must not be pushed through at the attachment points.

For the joints between the panels, special connecting profiles with grooves for the sheets to be joined are used. They come in metal (aluminum) and polycarbonate. When using aluminum connecting profiles, use special sealing tapes to ensure tightness of joints.

Fasteners

The choice of fasteners affects the speed, convenience, quality of installation and durability of the structure.

Pay attention to the following parameters:

• characteristics of a self-tapping screw (fasteners are selected depending on the material of construction - metal or wood);
• material of manufacture and parameters of the washer.

Self-tapping screws can be sold complete with washers or purchased separately. If polycarbonate glazing is required for a wooden structure, self-tapping screws for wood should be selected as fasteners. It is recommended to fasten cellular polycarbonate to a metal frame with self-tapping screws with a galvanized tip or a stainless steel drill tip.

Various fasteners

Thermal washers polycarbonate

Washers are made of the same material especially for fastening polycarbonate sheets, which allows you to choose an option that matches the color perfectly - such fasteners look aesthetically pleasing and not striking.

The thermal washer consists of the following elements:

• convex upper part with a wide leg and a hole for a self-tapping screw;
• elastic polymer seal (ring);
• screw hole plug.

The height of the leg of the thermal washer must be selected based on the thickness of the panel. The leg limits the pressure, due to which the sheet is fixed tightly, but without compression. Thanks to this, the glazing remains flat even when heated under sunlight.

Thermal washer fixing rules

The thickness of the leg influences the choice of the drill with which the hole for the fasteners is made. The diameter of the hole should be 3 mm larger than the diameter of the leg, so that deformation of the sheet elements does not occur during thermal expansion.

Polycarbonate thermal washers are the most practical and attractive option for decorative designs. Provided they are correctly installed, they seal the mounting hole hermetically and securely fix the sheet material to the frame. The service life of polycarbonate washers is about 20 years.

Thermal washers polypropylene

A polypropylene thermal washer is also a polymer cap with a hole for a self-tapping screw and a plug that tightly presses the O-ring to the surface of the sheet covering. This product is different from a polycarbonate washer.:

• less elastic seal made of foamed plastic;
• lack of a puck leg;
• lack of a coating that protects against ultraviolet radiation;
• opacity and relatively small color gamut.

Since the washer does not have a leg, fasten the fasteners carefully so as not to overtighten... Polypropylene washers fade in the sun within a few years, lose color and begin to deteriorate. The small choice of colors and the lack of an exact match with the material limit the use of fasteners - it is suitable for invisible places and for indoor structures, for the installation of greenhouses and greenhouses made of thin polycarbonate designed for 3-4 years of operation.

Thermal washers made of polypropylene

The advantage of polypropylene washers can be called an affordable cost - they are cheaper than polycarbonate. This view is for 6mm fasteners. Accordingly, holes in the sheets must be made with a 9 mm drill to maintain the thermal clearance during installation.

Other types of washers

If there are no special requirements for the aesthetics of the design, you can fix the polycarbonate sheets to the frame using ordinary flat wide washers. At the same time, for indoor structures, it is sufficient to use a thin rubber seal, for outdoor structures, a thick elastic seal is required to prevent moisture from entering the mounting hole in the polycarbonate.

Concave washers in stainless steel or galvanized steel complete with an umbrella pad in expanded polymer or thick EMDP rubber. Such fasteners allow you to reliably fix the polycarbonate coating on the metal frame, if you need to build a structure with a large glazed surface in a region with strong winds. To fasten a washer with a gasket, self-tapping screws or bolts are used, preferably corrosion-resistant, since the head of the fastener remains open to atmospheric precipitation.

Washers, stainless steel

Poppet stainless washers have a serious advantage over conventional flat washers - they are able to ensure the tightness of the mounting hole.

How and with what to attach polycarbonate to metal and wood?

When all the preparatory work is completed, you need to start the process of installing the structure, which is a competent fastening of polycarbonate.

There are 2 common ways of attaching polycarbonate sheets:

• With thermal washers
• Using profiles

Fastening polycarbonate with thermal washers

For thermal washers, you need to make holes in the polycarbonate sheets a couple of millimeters wider than the diameter of each thermal washer. The plastic structure on the short leg should fit snugly into the hole and snap into place. Its length is equal to the thickness of the panel.

The thermal washer must have a rubber seal, which makes it possible for additional fixation and does not allow moisture and dust to pass through. This method of installation can ensure tight retention of polycarbonate with washers, which will expand under thermal loads and prevent the sheets from changing their shape. This method of fastening is called point.

Transparency of glass and strength of metal, lightness and flexibility, resistance to temperature extremes (- 45 - + 120 g.), Environmental safety, durability (up to 20 years) - these are the qualities of polycarbonate that make this material so popular.

The range of its application is wide:
flat, arched and domed roofs, awnings, canopies, acoustic barriers, stair railings, advertising structures, greenhouses, fences, etc.

Material characteristics

Polycarbonate is a plastic polymer. It replaced acrylic glass, as it exceeds the impact resistance of the latter by almost ten times. It is widely used - from electronic optics to the production of cases for mobile phones. In construction, the material is valued for its strength, resistance to moisture and high temperatures, and excellent translucency.

There are two main types of product available.

• Monolithic - high strength allows it to be used for self-supporting structures. This means that the construction of monolithic slabs does not need a metal frame.
• Cellular is more popular in private construction, as it has much less weight and is easier to install. It is used for horizontal and arched floors - awnings, roofs and so on. The material is characterized by high thermal insulation properties, transparency, flexibility and impact resistance. The combination of these properties makes the polymer the most popular material for greenhouses and greenhouses. Plates have a fairly high coefficient of light scattering, which protects the plants in the greenhouse from direct sunlight and burns. Polymer transmits ultraviolet light to a lesser extent than glass, but enough to meet the needs of plants.

DIY wooden greenhouse

What is polycarbonate and what properties does it have?

According to its chemical composition, POLYCARBONATE is a polymer plastic obtained by the interaction of 2-atomic alcohol and polyesters of carbonic acid.

As a building material, it is a transparent, lightweight, flexible and at the same time durable sheet / panel of a certain size, thickness and weight.

Outwardly, it resembles glass - ordinary silicate or acrylic. But due to its chemical composition, this material has a number of distinctive and unique physical and mechanical properties that contribute to the growth of its popularity:

• plasticity - the ability to bend, bend and, accordingly, take various forms (can be used for straight and arched roofs);
• maximum shock and vibration resistance - 200 times stronger than glass, does not deteriorate in wind, hail, impact from falling large branches;
• fire resistance (low flammability) - when exposed to high temperatures it melts, but does not burn, and is considered "self-extinguishing";
• resistance to most aggressive chemicals;
• excellent heat and noise insulation - retains heat well and prevents noise penetration;
• high light transmittance - up to 90%, which is sufficient for the normal growth of vegetables and other plants, lighting of premises;
• good protection from sunlight - polycarbonate sheets have an ultraviolet (UV) protective coating on both sides, the action of which provides protection for both plants and people;
• low specific gravity - depending on the size of the sheet from 1.5 to 3.5 kg / m 2 (this is 16 times less than the weight of glass and 3 times less than acrylic), therefore, when building small greenhouses, laying a foundation and erecting heavy structures, it is easy to transport.

Like other types of building materials, polycarbonate also has a number of disadvantages:

• with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (bright sunlight), it can be destroyed - it "saves" it from destruction, just like plants in a greenhouse, UV coating;
• in case of contact with chemicals (solvents, abrasive substances), it can become cloudy, crack, and then the panel will have to be replaced completely;
• it is easy to scratch during transportation and installation - therefore, polycarbonate sheets are sold in packaging film;
• during temperature changes, it can expand or contract - therefore, during installation it is necessary to leave a "thermal gap".

This is interesting: Plexiglas and polycarbonate - the difference, which is better

Calculation of the lathing for cellular polycarbonate

This type of roofing product is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness. Considering that the metal structure will last longer than profiled polycarbonate, a thinned formwork will be a more profitable solution.

To calculate the crate for cellular polycarbonate, you can use a special program that requires the following initial data:

• type of construction - pitched, arched, flat;
• sheet thickness;
• arch height;
• the width and length of the span on which the covering is laid;
• region where the object is located.

According to the recommendations of experts:

1. It is better to use SPK sheets with a thickness of 4 millimeters in a greenhouse or in the case of installing temporary structures, while the installation step should be 40-50 centimeters when creating pitched roofs and up to 60 centimeters for arched structures.
2. Polycarbonate 6 millimeters thick is used to equip canopies and canopies in greenhouses. The formwork is laid with a step of 60-70 centimeters in pitched structures, and in arched structures - up to 70-90 centimeters.
3. The honeycomb material, which has a thickness of 8 millimeters, is used for winter greenhouses, car sheds and other objects. It is mounted with a distance of up to 80-90 centimeters in pitched structures and in arched structures - up to 100-120 centimeters.
4. Sheet 10 mm polycarbonate products are chosen for buildings that are subject to increased stress. In this case, the step of the lathing for polycarbonate should be up to 100-120 centimeters for pitched roofs and for arched roofs - up to 150 centimeters.
5. Products from 10 millimeters are used for specific structures, and the lathing pitch is calculated individually.

These recommendations apply exclusively to high-quality cellular polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate fixing accessories

Let's consider in detail the accessories for fixing polycarbonate.

Profiles

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

Connecting one-piece profiles for fixing 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.

The design of the connecting split profile (НСР) consists of a cover and a base. It uses legs rounded inward, therefore, to fix the material, the profile is pulled between the sheets.

End profile (U-shaped) - is needed to cover 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 this plastic sealing profile, two sheets are securely connected at a 90 ° angle. They can be used to connect panels of different thickness.

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

You can buy 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 fixing polycarbonate allows you to securely fix the sheets on the frame. Its construction consists of 3 elements:

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

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

Thermal washers are of three types:

• polypropylene;
• polycarbonate;
• made of stainless steel.

For any polycarbonate greenhouse, the thermal washer is an integral element of the covering, because this type of structure must be well sealed.

Mini washers

Mini washers differ from conventional thermowells in their small size. They are used in confined spaces and when it is necessary to make the fastener less visible, if it is located on a well-visible part of the sheet. They are also made from different materials. The use of such washers for attaching polycarbonate allows you to make the whole structure more attractive and beautiful.

Galvanized tape

Galvanized tapes for fastening polycarbonate intended only for arched structures. Thanks to them, the material remains intact, since it does not have to be drilled and cut. They allow the sheets to be pulled together anywhere, which is necessary for fixing carbonate sheets over long distances.

Plugs

A variety of profiles for honeycomb panels is the L-shaped plug with micropores, it is very similar in appearance to 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 entering the panels

It is important to remember which side to attach the polycarbonate to the structure

The cover profile can be not only L-shaped, but also F-shaped. And in this case, it also looks like a guide for honeycomb panels. For the arrangement of heifers, the first option is mainly used, because the ends of the polymer sheet 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 PC is 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 enter it. With the greenhouse effect, water passes from a liquid state into steam, therefore, penetrating into the cellular material, it makes it cloudy. It will be extremely difficult to get rid of it, which is why the safety plugs must be placed on the ends of the panels without fail.

To increase the tightness of the plugs, use a transparent film with micropores.

Preparation for work

At the design stage, it is important to choose the appropriate type of polycarbonate:

1. Monolithic. It is a solid sheet. It is stronger than honeycomb and has a higher transparency - up to 92%. Fastening to the frame is carried out in one plane. Suitable for creating sheds, polycarbonate gazebos, windows, as well as greenhouses for those plants for which bright light is more important than warmth.
2. Cellular. It has a cellular structure, so it keeps heat better. It is most often used to cover greenhouses. Due to its opacity or translucency, it is suitable for creating fences and summer baths. Due to its flexibility and lightness, it can be used to create curved structures.

Please note that the thickness of the polycarbonate affects its heat-conducting properties, the permissible bending radius, the ability to drown out noise, resistance to wind and snow loads, etc.

Choose exactly the thickness that suits your design needs.

When calculating, keep in mind that the standard roll width is 210 cm. Lengths may vary. Remember that polycarbonate expands when heated. A gap of about 5 mm should be left between the two sheets - the so-called. thermal gap. Otherwise, the sheets may deform.

It is extremely important to choose the right width and thickness of polycarbonate sheets for a greenhouse on a wooden frame

The fixing step should be 105 or 70 cm plus a thermal gap.It is desirable that the distance between the supports in the frame contributes to an economical cutting of the canvas.

The assembled frame is treated with antiseptics - this protects it from decay, as well as destruction by bacteria and harmful insects. Experts recommend using not one universal tool, but several narrow-profile ones - they are more effective. Choose water-based products as they are easier to apply to wood. This is done with a brush or spray gun. Antiseptics are toxic, so a respirator is used when working with it. After 3-5 years, the application is repeated.

Before starting work, prepare the necessary tools and consumables:

• drill with a set of drills;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• construction knife or jigsaw;
• solid and perforated sealing tapes.

Self-tapping screws must be screwed into the polycarbonate exactly along the grooves, otherwise cracks will appear on the material

Choice of fasteners

For fixing polycarbonate, the following elements are used:

1. Self-tapping screws for polycarbonate. These are products with a screw thread and a sharp tip for easy screwing into the material. Self-tapping screws for wood have a lower frequency of turns than for metal.
2. Thermal washers. Self-tapping screws that come with a rubber seal. It seals the attachment point and reduces stress on the polycarbonate. There are washers with legs. They provide a particularly secure fit, but when choosing them, keep in mind that the length of the leg must match the thickness of the sheet. There are also models with caps that cover the caps of the self-tapping screws from moisture.
3. Connecting profiles. Made in the form of a flattened letter "H" - the ends of the sheets are inserted into the niches, where they are clamped. They can be solid or split, there are also corner and wall types. They are attached directly to the frame with self-tapping screws.

How to attach cellular polycarbonate in profile to a metal frame

Rafters, elements and purlins of these structures must be located strictly in the same plane. The frame made of this material does not have any protrusions, due to which there are no difficulties with strengthening the sheets on it. The distance between the rafters should reach the width of the polycarbonate plates.

Work when fixing sheets in a profile on a metal frame is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Initially, it is necessary to lay a thermal insulation tape on the surface of the iron beams of the structure.
2. Next, the profile should be fixed to the crate.
3. It is necessary to carry out the installation of sheets on cells. It is required to put on the end profile on the last panel. The upper part must be secured by alignment and light pressure from above. The latches are placed in the right places and hold the sheets securely.
4. Before fixing the cellular polycarbonate, remove the protective film from the lower part of the plate and bend the edge of the upper one so that it does not make it difficult to make holes.

Note! Sheets of cellular polycarbonate can be easily bent into an arch. The pressure inside the curved plate gives it greater strength and rigidity

The radius of the resulting bend depends on the thickness of the material.

Upon completion of the installation work on the inside of the sheets, it is imperative to remove the transparent protective film present on them, since under the influence of sunlight, the glue under it changes its own qualities and, over time, can cause traces to appear on the surface.

How to attach polycarbonate to a bar?

Consider the types of self-tapping screws that are used to attach polycarbonate to a bar:

1. Roofing galvanized, with a hex head and washer.
2. They have a rubber thermal washer with a larger diameter of the cover and gasket than in the previous version.
3. Equipped with a polymer thermal washer, shaped like an umbrella.

In addition, when determining how to attach polycarbonate to the tree, do not forget about the connecting profiles of a detachable or one-piece nature. They are, as it were, clamped on sheets of material.

A self-tapping screw is a metal object that secures two or more materials by means of a screw connection. The required thread is cut at the moment of screwing in.

Self-tapping screws for wood have a larger thread pitch and fewer turns in comparison with those used for metal. This reduces the frictional force when screwing in. Also, a distinctive feature of a self-tapping screw for wood is often the presence of a tip in the form of a drill, thanks to which it is easier to enter the tree.

Roofing screws are widely used. They have a large shank diameter, which favors successful insertion into solid roofing materials. Such elements are equipped with a hex head, so the screwdriver does not jump to the side during installation. The surface of the product must be galvanized to protect it from corrosion. The kit always comes with an EPDM washer, including a galvanized cover and a thin rubber gasket.

Roofing screws are considered the cheapest fastener for polycarbonate.

To solve the problem with a thermal gap, a thermal washer with a large thickness and diameter is often used instead of a conventional washer. So, the load is distributed over a large area and the deflection of the material in the place of screwing is practically impossible.

A self-tapping screw with a washer made of polycarbonate or other polymer contributes to reliable fastening and maintaining a sufficient thermal gap. It is shaped like an umbrella.

Installation of monolithic polycarbonate

When creating greenhouses, both monolithic polycarbonate and honeycomb are used. The first is a solid sheet translucent material that looks like glass, but is much lighter and stronger. Cellular polycarbonate differs from monolithic in its structure. Its sheets are hollow and have a multi-layer structure with longitudinal stiffeners. Installation of monolithic polycarbonate is carried out in two ways.

"Wet" mounting method

Installation diagram of cellular polycarbonate.

Monolithic polycarbonate can be mounted to the greenhouse using the "wet" method. To carry out the work, the following will be required:

• polymer putty;
• silicone sealant;
• glue;
• brush;
• putty knife;
• profile overlays.

Next, the edge of the next part of the frame is coated and this is done until all the polycarbonate is completely installed on it. Having done this, it will be necessary to treat all joints with a sealant. It should be based on silicone. This will prevent moisture from entering the greenhouse. At the same time, experts additionally recommend installing special profile gaskets on all polycarbonate joints. They will allow complete sealing of the room. Usually such products are made of rubber. To install them, you will first need to process the inner part with glue, and then fix it at the joints of the monolithic polycarbonate sheets. This will complete the work.

"Dry" method of fastening

The foundation for the greenhouse.

In the course of this option for installing polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame, only mechanical fasteners are used. To carry out such work, you need the following:

• self-tapping screws;
• washers;
• rubber gaskets;
• drill;
• screwdrivers;
• profiled seals.

Before attaching polycarbonate to the frame, you will need to create holes in it. If this is not done, the material may deform and crack when screwing in the fasteners. It is recommended to use a hand drill, not an electric one, during this process, since it provides drilling at low speeds. On each sheet of monolithic polycarbonate, you will need to make holes with a pitch of 500 mm.In this case, they must be at least 20 mm away from the edge. The diameter of the holes must be made slightly larger than the leg of the fastener, since due to temperature changes, the polycarbonate sheets expand. After that, you can begin to install the monolithic material on the greenhouse frame. Use self-tapping screws and washers during this; it is imperative to fix a rubber gasket between them. At the same time, it is not required to tighten them strongly.

Features of the operation of sheet polycarbonate on lumber frames

It looks like a polycarbonate fence on a wooden frame

The main feature of monolithic or cellular polycarbonate, which must be taken into account before starting installation work, is deformation during heating and cooling (see also the article "Fastening a wooden beam to a brick wall - technology features").

In fact, when heated, most of the various substances expand, regardless of their consistency and configuration. But temperature changes have a particular effect on polymer sheet materials.

Therefore, when starting the installation, it is necessary to prepare those fasteners that will allow you to withstand the expansion gap between the sheet material and the frame surface. As a result, during the operation of the structure, the polymer coating, heating up from the sun, will not crack and will not go in waves.

As already mentioned, polycarbonate can be monolithic or cellular. Both modifications of polymeric materials are elastic, but they tend to crack when heated. In addition to the expansion gap, to prevent cracking, it is necessary to correctly orient the sheets relative to the frame and cut them correctly.

So, after we found out what you need to know when installing polycarbonate on a wooden frame, we will decide what tools we need.

Selection of tools and related tools for installation work

The presence of the following tools and devices will allow us to perform the installation correctly:

• a screwdriver with a drill function and a drill with a diameter of 1 mm;
• self-tapping screws for mounting sheet material;
• ordinary washers or special thermal washers (the price of which is slightly higher) to perform an expansion gap;
• connecting profile with which you can connect adjacent polycarbonate sheets.

Orientation and cutting features

Do-it-yourself shed wooden canopy made of polycarbonate is easy to assemble

In order for the installation of cellular polycarbonate on a wooden frame to be successful, you need to be able to correctly orient and cut the sheet.

... As a result, the cellular polycarbonate can be bent, while the monolithic analog is installed in an unbent form.

The orientation of the honeycomb sheets is carried out in the direction of the stiffeners. Placing the sheet against the direction of the stiffeners can cause the material to crack.

In addition, if condensation accumulates in the honeycomb cavity, moisture removal, with proper orientation, will occur by itself. If the sheet is curved across the stiffening ribs, the water will stagnate, which over time will lead to darkening of the initially transparent sheets.

In the photo - the process of cutting polycarbonate

It is best to use circular saws with fine-toothed circles for cutting. The circular saw at high cutting speed provides a smooth cut that does not require additional processing. If a special circular saw is not available, you can use a grinder with a disc for cutting wood.

Installation work

End cut material structure

After we have figured out how to cut and orient sheets of polymer material, we will decide how to attach cellular polycarbonate to wood.

The instructions for carrying out installation work are simple and you will certainly cope with the task on your own without the involvement of qualified specialists.

At the first stage, we assemble a lumber frame. The assembly of the frame directly depends on what is planned to be built, whether it be a fence, a gazebo or just a summer cottage.

At this stage, it is important to select and arrange lumber so that their edge, to which the polymer sheet will adhere, is as even as possible and does not have significant bends.

• At the next stage, we remove the dimensions from the frame and transfer them to the sheet to be cut.
• After the dimensions are indicated on the sheet material, we proceed to cutting. When cutting polycarbonate, we must use personal safety equipment (goggles and gloves).

The sheet is adjusted to the size of the frame

• We attach the prepared sheet to the frame and position it as it will be finally installed.
• Along the perimeter of the sheet, where it adjoins the tree, we drill holes with a diameter of no more than 1 mm. The distance between the holes should not exceed 20 cm. Screw the self-tapping screws into the prepared holes, after putting the washers on them.

Installation of self-tapping screws with thermal washers

The ends of adjacent sheets are sealed with a special self-adhesive tape with an aluminum surface. The transverse ends of the sheet cannot be insulated with tape, since condensation must flow through the holes.