Roof arrangement requires the use of reliable roofing, characterized by moisture resistance, windproof properties and thermal insulation function. Ordinary corrugated board does not fully meet these requirements, and laying tiles is expensive and not always possible due to the large weight of the material. Roof panels can be called an intermediate option, allowing you to complete the construction of the roof with minimal labor and financial resources.
Material overview
Roofing panels are a multi-layer slab, including several technological levels of protection. For the same reason, this material is classified as a sandwich panel. The base bottom and top layers are usually made of galvanized steel, and the core is based on heat insulators. For the warming function, mineral stone wool is most often used. The outer coating also has special performance properties, which are determined by the type of surface treatment. For such purposes, polymer compositions, plastisol and polyester can be used. It is important to take into account the characteristics of the external coating from the very beginning, so that the roof panels comply with environmental andhygiene standards. The fact is that the same polymer treatment, depending on the composition of the coating, is not always safe from the point of view of use in roofing for residential buildings, but it is allowed for the installation of industrial buildings. This nuance will be important during operation. But even for private use, the panels must have high protective properties, including resistance to UV radiation, corrosion and acidic environments.
Sizes
Thickness is one of the main indicators of the reliability of roofing, but it also determines the degree of load on the roof truss system. On average, the dimensions of roofing panels vary in thickness from 50 to 250 mm. Accordingly, for arranging a private house, the optimal format would be 50-100 mm, and massive elements up to 250 mm thick should be used in the installation of the roof of hangars, warehouses, industrial facilities, etc.
In terms of length and width, established formats also dominate, but with a wide range. In any case, this applies to lengths ranging from 2000 to 15000 mm. Again, the appropriate format is determined by the location where the sandwich roof panels are to be used. Width dimensions are not so diverse - the standard is 1000 mm, although there are also special extended and narrowed series. As for the mass, it averages 20-30 kg/m2.
Varieties of panels
The complex structure of the panels makes themstructural diversity. First of all, it is necessary to note the differences in terms of the number of layers of the plate. The standard is a three-layer configuration, two of which perform protective and load-bearing functions, and the third insulates the roof. But there are also modifications with additional inclusions of layers of heat, vapor and waterproofing. Actually, at their expense, the thickness of the cover increases to 250 mm or more. At the same time, both roofing three-layer panels and modernized analogues can have different fixation mechanisms. The traditional option is considered to be a simple overlay "overlap" without locking joints. Modern versions of sandwich panels provide fastening by means of Z-Lock mechanisms. This retainer brings the lower parts of the panels together, and the outer layers are superimposed one on top of the other in the usual way of roofing installation.
Preparation for installation work
To begin with, you should consider the technical feasibility of roofing. This may require the installation of scaffolding and lifting mechanical platforms. In this case, the area adjacent to the building should be cleared with an indent of 2.5 m. Also, by the time of the work, the truss system should be ready. This applies not only to the structural part, but also to the completion of processing activities. Bearing structures must be initially painted and impregnated with protective agents.
If the weight of the roof panel exceeds 30 kg/m, then in order to be able to store the material on the truss system,reinforcing columns should also be provided. In the future, the load will be distributed over the entire roof area and the need for support posts will disappear.
Installation of panels
The most important stage of the installation is the first run. The panels for the initial row should be carefully inspected, and the locking elements, if any, are made ready for fastening. Installation is carried out with a free corrugation facing the end of the house. Depending on the parameters of the overhang, it may be necessary to trim the inner lining and remove the heat insulator. Connections between panels are made with clips from both ends. This configuration of the installation is provided if the set of plates has special pressure plates. The central part of this element falls on the gap between two sheets.
Further, the installation of roofing panels will be carried out using hardware. Power fixation can be carried out with self-tapping screws, brackets or screws - the choice of fasteners depends on the structure of the plates. As a supplement, stabilizing nylon cables can also be used, but they are removed after installation operations.
Installation of flashings
With the help of flashings, additional sealing of areas that were not covered by panels, but also need external protection, is carried out. Before that, all open gaps must be treated with mounting foam. The overlap of the flashings themselves in the case of group cascade fixing should be 40-50 mm. Fastening is carried out by means of self-tapping screws with a pitch of 500 mm. It is important to take into account that the fastening of the hardware should be carried out only with rubber washers, otherwise the installation area will not be completely sealed.
If the structural elements of the base deviate from the correct geometric layout, sealant can also be used to eliminate small gaps. The same applies to the technique of fastening roof panels in corner areas in case of loose fitting of the element. For doors and windows, special flashings are used, the installation of which should begin from the bottom of the opening. Fixing is carried out either with profile components with small fasteners, or with large-format self-tapping screws and brackets. Again, the choice of mounting system will depend on the characteristics of the substrate and the mounting configuration as a whole.
Completing installation
After completing the installation operations, the coating should be brought into a state ready for operation. To do this, first of all, protective films are removed from the surface of the panels and flashings. Next, you need to rinse the material, removing the remaining construction debris, particles of sealant, mounting foam and the remains of a heat insulator. Depending on the operating conditions, roofing sandwich panels are sometimes treated with additional protective agents. Frost-resistant and anti-shock compounds can be applied to the metal surface, which will protect the material from thermal and physical overloads.
In conclusion
Positive or negativethe manifestation of the operational properties of the panels largely depends on how correctly the initial choice was made. Preference should be given to a material that primarily corresponds to the destination in terms of technical and structural parameters. For private use, roof panels should also be selected taking into account decorative qualities. The surfaces of standard plates of this type are not much different from the appearance of corrugated board, but there are also special models with an original color texture. Also, do not skimp on the additional elements of the sandwich roof structure, which will allow you to aesthetically design adjacent functional coverage areas.
