Having studied the properties and characteristics of the material, the question arises - can polycarbonate be used as a roofing material? Its structure has good qualities transmission, has admissible values ​​of strength properties. However, when choosing, one should take into account and negative sides... For a complete analysis, you should familiarize yourself with the operational and technical features of using a polycarbonate roof.

Material features

At the first stage, you need to find out - what is this material? For its manufacture, polymer granules are used, which go through the stages of heating, the formation of a plastic mass and giving it the desired shape using extrusion. The result is a honeycomb or monolithic structure.

To use it as a roofing material, you must familiarize yourself with the positive qualities.

• Small specific gravity... Depending on the thickness and structure, it can be from 1.7 to 3.5 kg / m2. This helps to reduce the total weight of the structure and, as a result, to reduce the dimensions of the racks and lags.
• Simple handling. Unlike glass, polycarbonate is easy to cut and does not chip around the edges. In some cases, the technology involves grinding them, which can be done using fine-mesh abrasives.
• The ability to bend. The flexibility of polycarbonate has become the main application factor for the manufacture of arched structures of complex shapes.
• Affordable cost.

However, along with this, it is necessary to take into account the negative aspects of using this polymer material. First of all, this is thermal expansion. When the heating level rises above 40 degrees, an increase occurs overall dimensions sheet. Taking this fact into account, only special types of fasteners can be used to compensate for this phenomenon.

Also, many experts note the low resistance of polycarbonate to small scratches on the surface.

To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a protective film to the outer part of the roof. It will prevent deterioration in appearance, as well as protect the structure from impact sun rays.

UV radiation can cause discoloration.

Roof structure

It is important to first decide on the appearance of the roof. Depending on this, a certain scheme for its arrangement is selected. Currently, two types of construction are used - arched and pitched. They perform the same functions of weather protection, but differ in shape.

Pitched

This is the traditional external form of the roof. It represents one or more planes at an angle relative to load-bearing elements and each other. In this case, the polycarbonate does not need to be bent, which reduces labor costs.

This design has the following advantages.

• Easy installation of both sheet polycarbonate and basic components.
• Optimal material consumption.
• Even distribution of the load on the snow cap.

For a gable roof, it is important to properly equip the ridge - the junction of two planes. Therefore, it is best to use special aluminum profiles.

Arched

This type of polycarbonate roof is more popular than pitched roof. This is due to the ability to bend the sheet. The fabrication of the frame takes more time and money. Roofing polymer coating should fit snugly against the arched trusses. Exceptions are with a small area. In it, the presence of a crate is not necessary.

Let's consider the main components of the frame.

• Racks

A supporting sub-grid is installed on them, on top of which polymer sheets are laid. The lower part of the racks is attached to the foundation (canopy) or to the wall of the building. Depending on this, apply Various types fasteners - bolted connection or dowel. Load bearing capacity each strut must be at least three times the maximum weight. To calculate this parameter, you can use an online calculator.

• Farm

Designed to connect the racks to each other. Serves as a reinforcing element, improving the rigidity of the structure. Since the main purpose of the trusses is to form a single frame - for this, metal shaped pipes are used or wooden beams smaller. To improve the aesthetic properties of a polycarbonate roof, it is possible to install figured elements - forged (steel) or carved (wooden).

• Lathing

This is a frame on top of which polycarbonate sheets are installed. When calculating, it is important to determine the distance between the slats. Since the polymer material is flexible enough, an increased wind load or a large layer of snow can lead to its deformation. The lattice in this case serves as a supporting element, which evenly distributes the weight over the entire area of ​​the structure.

Manufacturing steps

First you need to calculate the roof. The best option is to use the services of specialists. If the initial design is small, then you can do it yourself. Using the functions of any online calculator, the number of racks, the pitch of the lathing and the total consumption of materials are calculated. Based on this data, a purchase is made.

The procedure for performing work on the arrangement of a polycarbonate roof is as follows.

1. Preparatory stage

It includes the manufacture of a base for fastening the posts. When designing awnings, a columnar foundation is made in the ground. If the roof is to be mounted on a building, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of using dowels or similar mounting elements in the wall.

1. Frame fabrication

If it is planned to be metal, then it is best to use for racks shaped tube 40 * 40 or 50 * 50 mm, with a thickness of 1 mm. To form one load-bearing wall, it is necessary to connect a number of racks using trusses. Then they are attached to each other, and a crate is installed on top. Such technology system suitable only if the dimensions of the structure are small. For large areas, a phased installation of each side on a foundation or wall is recommended.

1. Cutting polycarbonate

Before cutting the sheets, you must make a cutting sheet. It should include the required sheet dimensions for roof installation. Depending on the geometric parameters of the workpieces is selected. After the manufacture of all components, a minimum of non-business waste should remain.

As a tool, you can use a regular stationery knife.

After all the blanks have been made, you can proceed with the installation.

To protect the house from bad weather or to make the garden more attractive, you need to build a roof over the balcony or make a gazebo. One of the most popular solutions is the polycarbonate roof.

Features of a polycarbonate roof

Today carbonate is actively used in construction due to its technical characteristics:

Despite its strength and flexibility, care should be taken when transporting, as the material can bend and deform. Polycarbonate is still inferior to glass in quality and requires more careful attention during storage and installation. Experts also talk about low abrasive resistance, that is, the ease of applying scratches and cracks.

But considering all the pros and cons, it should still be recognized that polycarbonate is now recognized as one of the best materials when erecting roofs, greenhouses and installing corridors.

The polycarbonate roof does not allow ultraviolet light to pass through, which will help protect people indoors

When choosing polycarbonate, you will be offered several types of it to choose from. Polymer plates differ in color, structure, thickness and some characteristics, in each subspecies certain qualities prevail:

1. Monolithic. Smooth material from a single sheet, reminiscent of glass, but unlike the latter, it is lighter in weight.
2. Cellular or honeycomb. One of the most affordable. Consists of several layers that connect special lines with voids. In cross-section, a sheet of such a polymer looks like a honeycomb. The thickness can be from 5 to 25 mm. Popular also due to the low price.
3. Profiled. It has all the characteristics of a monolithic polymer, but more durable. In addition, you can choose any suitable in color, size and shape. However, it is significantly more expensive.

Video "Installation of cellular polycarbonate"

From this video you will learn how to properly make a roof from cellular polycarbonate.

Preparing for installation

Before starting work, you must prepare necessary tools... You must have a screwdriver, drill, welding machine, hacksaw, glue or liquid nails, screwdriver, gloves, screws, tape measure and level.

You must decide what kind of roof you want to see in your yard.

There are several basic options:

1. Flat. This is a design with one plane and an angle of inclination of no more than 5 °. Due to the shape, it is heavily loaded from snow and precipitation, therefore it is made only from a monolithic polymer.
2. Pitched. This roof consists of several slabs, which are fixed at an inclination of 30–40 °.
3. Arched. Cellular carbonate is excellent for this type.
4. Dome. Honeycomb polymer is also used, but this type of roof is more difficult to assemble on your own.

The polycarbonate roof can have different shape, each of them has its own nuances when building

Technology

A carbonate roof consists of two main elements: a frame, which can be made of wood or metal, and the roof itself. We offer to consider an example of installation pitched roof using cellular polycarbonate.

To get the job done as quickly and correctly as possible, you should start by preparing a project or drawing.

Drawing up a drawing

There are several options for drawing up a drawing:

• you can find them on the Internet and adjust them to suit your characteristics;
• order from a specialist and assemble it yourself;
• calculate the project yourself.

Before building a polycarbonate roof, you should make detailed drawing

Installation of rafters

1. You can make polymer rafters from wood or metal profile... If you chose wood, then first you should process the boards antiseptic to extend the life of the material. You can also change the shade with a special varnish.
2. Next, install the boards vertically at a distance equal to the size of the polycarbonate board.
3. The joints of the polymer sheets must lie on the rafters.
4. The transverse lathing is made of 50x20 mm bars. They are cut into the frame board laid on the end. As a result, you should get a reliable sheathing and strong, stable rafters.

Make the rafters with high quality, since the stability of the entire polycarbonate roof structure depends on them

Pinning a profile

At the stage of connection and fastening, it is important to choose the right profiles. Profile dimensions must match the thickness of the polymer sheet. If you chose not wood, but metal for the frame, it is better to seal the end parts of the sheets with tape.

The collapsible profile is attached in several steps: first, the lower element, then - the installation of the panels and the upper part. Non-collapsible profile additional work does not require.

Cutting of polymer panels and subsequent installation

Now you should cut the polymer into sheets and complete the installation.

This part of the work is performed according to the following algorithm:

So, when erecting a polycarbonate roof, you should carefully choose the type of material and type of roof that you would like to see. Responsibly treat the installation steps so that the result is high-quality, safe and durable.

The main element in the construction of a house is the roof, and not only the service life of the building, but also its aesthetic appearance depends on the choice of roofing material. Therefore, today most homeowners choose polycarbonate for roofing, which opens up great opportunities for design, and is also characterized by high quality.

With the help of polycarbonate, you can create pitched and gable roofs, to make original arched structures. These roofs fit perfectly into any architectural project, look stylish and are easy to install. The sheets of the product are also suitable for finishing verandas, gazebos and garages, they transmit light well and retain heat.

Peculiarities

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

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

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

Due to the fact that polycarbonate sheets are produced of various shapes, sloped, flat roofs, domes, prisms and pyramids can be easily installed. For the roof to acquire the desired shape, first you need to make a frame, then fix the material. Steel and aluminum profiles are used for the frame.

Main feature polycarbonate is its high light transmittance, therefore, such coatings are transparent and do not have visible joints when connected. Polycarbonate roofs look original and create a floating effect over the building. The material can be combined with other types of finishes, so buildings covered with polycarbonate fit well into landscape design.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

Unlike other building materials, it has certain advantages.

• Reliable protection of premises from direct sunlight. Light passing through the roof is evenly scattered. The polycarbonate canvas does not transmit ultraviolet radiation.
• Low weight. The profiled fox is lightweight, which allows the roof to be mounted without an additional attachment system. The roofing turns out to be inexpensive, which in turn opens up opportunities for design creativity in the creation of structures of various modifications.

• Good thermal conductivity. When installing the roof, there is no need to use insulation and install insulation.
• High hydro, steam and sound insulation.
• Providing ventilation. In the event of a fire, the material does not ignite and ensures fast smoke emission.

• Resistant to moisture. The surface of the coating is smooth and does not retain precipitation.
• The durability of the product contributes to cost savings.
• Flexible structure. Polycarbonate lends itself well to forming, it can be bent in any direction.
• Easy assembly, transportation and handling. Sheets are quickly glued, cut and drilled.

As for the shortcomings, polycarbonate has few of them.

• During a strong deflection, the material under the influence of internal stress loses its integrity and color, it can become cloudy.
• Polycarbonate needs careful handling, since it is inferior to glass in its transparency and hardness. It is necessary to store the sheets in well-ventilated rooms, where there is no access to the direct rays of the sun. It is best to place the material in a horizontal position and cover it with a special protective film on top.

Varieties

Recently, many masters choose polycarbonate for roof covering, and this is not in vain, since it is modern look a roof covering that reliably serves and allows the manufacture of original structures.

Manufacturers produce two types of polycarbonate.

Monolithic

It is a smooth coating, its transparent structure is not inferior even to glass. From monolithic polycarbonate roofs are installed, both simple and curved. A one-place construction is well obtained from it. The main disadvantage of the material is the high price, but unlike other types, it is easily attached, does not require a large number of tools for installation, and is conveniently stored.

Cellular

It is made of special polymers, therefore it is characterized by low weight, it is much lighter than silicate and acrylic glass. Externally, it looks like profile panels, interconnected by rigid ribs. The material is used for arranging covered gazebos, loggias. A domed and arched structure is originally created from it.

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

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

How to choose

Before starting the process of installing polycarbonate, it is necessary to prepare a roof project and choose the right roofing material. Depending on the roof model, the frame and the fastening system are determined. If you plan to install a completely monolithic roof that does not have joints, then it is recommended to purchase not only a profile sheet, but also carbonate racks. Thus, the coating will take on a cast look.

A huge role in the choice of material is played by its thickness, on which the endurance of the loads on the structure will depend.

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

• 4 mm. Suitable for finishing small areas with a rounding. Typically, such polycarbonate is purchased for the design of visors or individual roofing parts.

• Cloth 6-8 mm thick used to cover buildings that are exposed to snow and wind loads. In addition to residential buildings, the sheets can be used to cover canopies for swimming pools and cars.
• Layers 10 mm usually used to equip buildings that are located in areas with extreme climatic conditions and require protection from negative impact environment.

In addition, when choosing polycarbonate, one must also take into account the architectural features of the building.

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

For roof mounting, you can choose from transparent, silver or black sheets. Such panels will shade the inner space of the rooms as much as possible. Moreover, for original projects it is best to give preference to monolithic polycarbonate, which opens up huge possibilities for design.

How to install

Installation of a polycarbonate roof can be easily done by yourself. To do this, you must first make a roof project, since it will be much easier to calculate the material consumption from the finished drawings. The diagrams should indicate the dimensions of the house and the shape of the future structure.

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

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

• At the second stage, the side surfaces of the sheets are sealed with tape, this will serve as protection for them from the reflections of the sun's rays. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the upper edges of the panels are pasted over with ordinary tape, and perforated tape is used for the lower ones.
• After the preparation of the base and material, the direct assembly begins. In the event that the work is done correctly, there will be no seams between the joints, so there will be no need to process them with mastic. Fastening is done with self-tapping screws, for this the sheets are laid outer surface up and between them leave a gap of 5 mm. First, it is necessary to fix the cover to the profiles, and then fix the plugs.

At the end of the installation, the integrity of the coating is additionally monitored.

For a polycarbonate roof to work reliably for many years, it must be properly cared for and kept clean at all times.

Polycarbonate is easy to install and lends itself well to processing, so you can use it to cover roofs yourself, without the help of qualified craftsmen. Before doing the installation with your own hands, it is worth choosing the right material, studying the reviews about it and deciding on the most suitable mounting method.

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

• The protective film is removed from the panels only at the end of all installation work, otherwise the surface of the material may be damaged. During installation, sheets should not have burrs and uneven cuts. Dust and small chips are generated during cutting of polycarbonate, which should be blown out compressed air.
• In the event that an electric saw is used to cut panels, it must be set to a low speed feed. For sheets less than 3 mm thick, it is advisable to use a hacksaw or electric band saw.

• To get the holes of a certain size, the polycarbonate is firmly fixed to a level surface and provided with additional support to help prevent vibration. Places for fasteners are drilled from the edges of the panels, leaving a small distance, since when fixing screws or bolts, the material can contract and expand under heat.
• For the installation of polycarbonate, welding is often used, due to which the panels are finally fixed. Construction details can be welded different ways, it all depends on their shapes and sizes. In order to securely fix the sheets, it is recommended to choose a hot pad, it is carried out at a temperature of 300C. Hot air welding is also considered a good option; before performing it, the polycarbonate should be well dried.

• The material lends itself to sanding, so it can be processed both dry and wet. To do this, use chilled water and sandpaper... Finishing sanding is best done with a 600 grit or less.
• If the sheets stick together, then they must first be cleaned of contamination. In addition, they must be flat and smooth. For gluing, special varnishes and solvents are used. Work must be done outdoors.
• All polycarbonate parts must be cleaned with isopropyl or methyl alcohol, or they can be wiped with hexane and soapy water.

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

First, a few words about what a terrace is. This is an extension that allows you to be at home and outdoors at the same time, allowing you to combine comfort and outdoor recreation. As a rule, these extensions turn out to be very light and visually spacious, since they have large glazing areas - walls, roof, etc.

The terrace has a lot of functions - she allows you to rest here, equip summer option kitchens or do game rooms ... Often on holidays, under the roof of the terrace, the whole family gathers with friends at a large festive table, and such gatherings become truly magical and homely cozy.

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

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

Table. The main types of terraces.

Type of	Description
	It is located, as you might guess, right at the entrance to the house. The extension is carried out in such a way that, leaving the house, a person first goes to the terrace, and only then to the street.
	Such a terrace will encircle the whole house in a circle. Very often it is performed open or has the simplest frame.
	This terrace is located on the sunny side of the house on the second floor. It will allow you to build a cozy solarium there for sunbathing.

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

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

Features of polycarbonate

Why is polycarbonate often chosen for transparent roofs? It's simple - this polymer material has a number of advantages that allow it to surpass in many characteristics the usual and familiar to many glass. This is good transparency, but at the same time there is no tendency to serious deformations during mechanical action on the coating, the ability to better retain heat, and a lower price.

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

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

On a note! Unfortunately, polycarbonate, especially cellular polycarbonate, is not without its drawbacks. It still remains quite fragile material compared to others. roofing, is easily scratched, and cavities inside it can become clogged and the coating will cease to look presentable.

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

Attention! Closed terrace having a roof made of cellular polycarbonate must necessarily have windows that can be opened. In hot weather it will be very difficult to be under such a roof - the "greenhouse effect" will work. That is why it is often recommended to use not transparent, but colored polycarbonate, since it transmits less light and it is easier to create an optimal temperature regime.

Cellular polycarbonate prices

Why is a polycarbonate deck a great option?

A polycarbonate terrace has a number of advantages. That is why very often the roof is made of this material. It is different:

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

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

When designing a terrace, it is important to take into account a lot of aspects, including its size - it should not be too small. Minimum size- 12 m 2. This will provide ample resting space.

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

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

Only after this is the purchase of the necessary materials and fasteners made. When buying polycarbonate, do not forget about special profiles and accessories. In some cases, you can do without them, but then the roof can lose its appearance and collapse faster.

Table. Polycarbonate profiles.

Profile	Description	Appearance
UP	The end profile has dimensions 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25 mm x 2010 mm. It is necessary to protect the ends of the material from debris and insects.
TO	Ridge, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 mm x 6 m. Allows to connect individual sheets of polycarbonate at the top point, leaving no gaps between them. Allows to exclude roof leakage.
HCP	Detachable docking, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 mm x 6 m. Needed to connect two adjacent polycarbonate sheets. The lower and upper profile parts are separated to facilitate installation.
HP	Docking one-piece, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. Needed to connect two adjacent polycarbonate sheets. The profile is not parsed, unlike the previous version.
Have	Corner, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. Allows you to connect sheets that are at right angles to each other.
F	Wall-mounted, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm x 6 m. It will eliminate the ingress of water between the roof and the wall. Provides thermal insulation for this area.

A strong foundation for such a terrace is not needed, since most of the materials used are very light. It is enough to form a concrete screed with a thickness of up to 10 cm.For support posts, there will be enough indentations up to 50 cm.

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

Prices for polycarbonate profiles

Polycarbonate profiles

Creation of the foundation and installation of supports

Let's consider how the process of building a terrace takes place. Let's start with the foundation. In this case, it will be the economy option.

Step 1. A bayonet shovel marks the future contour of the trench in the place selected on the site.

Step 2. A ditch is created under strip foundation... Formwork can also be made from wooden planks.

Step 3. Broken brick and fittings are placed in the ditch. In this case, the reinforcement must also be installed vertically at the places of installation of future supports for the roof.

Step 4. The ditch is poured with concrete and the strip foundation is dried.

Step 6. Polyethylene is laid along the perimeter of the basement. It can be crushed by pieces of bricks.

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

Step 8. The plinth can be finished with decorative borders.

Step 10. The support is put on the previously installed reinforcement protruding from the base in the area where the supports are installed. The base of the base and the lower part of the support are coated with cement mortar... The support is leveled.

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

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

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

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

Installation of polycarbonate roofing

Step 1. Polycarbonate sheets are cut to size if necessary. Any wood cutting tool can be used for this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Video - Terrace 6x3 made of timber and polycarbonate

Video - Terrace with polycarbonate roof

Here, perhaps, is all the information you need to know to close your terrace with polycarbonate on your own. If you use all the necessary components, then work will pass quickly, and the result will be excellent!

Polycarbonate - relatively new material... It has recently been used for roofing. Strength, transparency, stability and the possibility of quick installation have contributed to the emergence of new architectural forms... Availability unique characteristics and the relatively low cost makes this material available for roofs, gazebos, greenhouses, etc. A do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof for a small building is, in fact, an ordinary greenhouse mounted on the top floor.

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

Features of unique polymer sheet

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

In addition, the following characteristics are attractive:

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

Cellular polycarbonate - a fashionable roof solution

Polycarbonate sheets are used in construction, and polycarbonate roofs provide additional opportunities to arrange pavilions, greenhouses and greenhouses on the upper part of houses, an excellent example of rational use of space. As a rule, the roof has a rounded shape and does not retain moisture from rain or snow.

A material made in the form of a multi-chamber cellular structure formed from several layers with multiple stiffening ribs is called honeycomb polycarbonate. Simply put, it looks like a honeycomb.

Cellular polycarbonate - a hard, colorless polymer plastic with a honeycomb structure

Light transmission quality

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

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

It's important to know!

Already at the planning stage, it is important to note the only drawback of such roofs, there are practically no side overhangs of the roof. To save wooden walls structures from the negative impact of natural precipitation, you will need to equip the roof with additional and effective drainage systems.

Installation of polycarbonate: preparation for work

Polycarbonate profiles are split and one-piece, as well as transparent or colored. The length of the sheets of material can be up to 12 meters. The thickness of the profiles and grooves must correspond to the linear dimensions. In rectilinear structures, the thickness of the sheet is determined depending on the slope of the roof and the length of the space between the cross members.

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

Store the material flat without bending. If it is not possible to leave them indoors, cover them with plastic.

A small polycarbonate roof may well be self-assembled

Principles of cutting sheets

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

Preparation for work of cellular polycarbonate - cutting sheets

Drilling rules

Standard metal drills (tapered and stepped) work best. It is necessary to drill between the stiffeners, observing a distance of at least 40 mm from the edge of the panel, at an angle of 110 ° - 130 °.

Panel end sealing

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

Note:

If the ends of the cellular polycarbonate are left open, the transparency decreases over time. But it is also impossible to seal the ends of the panels hermetically, even with ordinary tape. To ensure the drainage of condensate, you need to drill several small holes in profile.

Use sealing tape, perforated tape and u-profile correctly

How to orient and point-fix panels

To prevent the roof surface from turning into noodles over time when the frozen moisture bursts, the panels of the structures should be oriented in such a way that there is room for the resulting condensation to drain out. For this, internal channels of the panels are provided, therefore, the stiffeners should be placed vertically with vertical glazing and along the slope in pitched structures. In arched structures, the arrangement of the stiffeners is arcuate. On the outer surface of the sheets, a special marking of the protective UV-stabilizing layer is applied. Panels are mounted in a film, which is removed after the end of the work.

One more nuance:

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

It is also necessary to follow the rules for orienting the panels - it is imperative that the protective layer be outside, otherwise the roof surface may suffer from ultraviolet radiation, which will negatively affect the strength and durability of the structure. It is easy to determine where the protective layer is located by the inscriptions and pictograms. Slabs are mounted only vertically, they should be bent in a cold state, the direction should be chosen only transverse, parallel to the stiffeners.

Orientation of polycarbonate sheets

How to attach polycarbonate to metal

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

You need to know:

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

How to properly attach polycarbonate to the frame

Do not use ordinary nails, rivets or other unsuitable materials. Polycarbonate sheets are attached to the frame in a pointwise manner using thermal washers and self-tapping screws. On a plastic washer with a leg (corresponding to the thickness of the panel in terms of height), there is a snap-on cover. The kit also includes a sealing washer - without it, the roof will easily be blown away by a gust strong wind... The sealing washers contain a layer of rubber or silicone to ensure reliable fastening... Diameter 3, 3 mm.

Interesting: this design of the thermal washer prevents the panels from crushing when they are attached to the frame of the structure, and also does not allow the formation of "cold bridges" that can arise from self-tapping screws.

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

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

So, assembling cellular polycarbonate with your own hands includes the following sequential operations:

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

Docking profile systems

To fasten the elements to the lathing, additional fasteners are used to one-piece docking profiles (4, 6, 8, 10 mm), otherwise the sealing of the joints will not be reliable. Without additional fasteners, it is only possible to join the joints of the edges of the slabs in vertical structures, if there are no high loads.

Reliable sealing of joints is obtained with the help of splitting joint profiles (8, 10 and 16 mm), at the same time the clamping of polycarbonate plates is strengthened.

Consideration of thermal expansion when installing cellular polycarbonate

The continental Russian climate contributes to the expansion of cellular polycarbonate in summer heat and narrowing it down in winter. This should be taken into account when installing in hot weather, the plates should be installed more tightly, the necessary clearance for removing condensate will be obtained when the temperature drops. In winter, on the other hand, you should retreat more.

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

Polycarbonate is one of the most promising building materials

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