Currently, construction technologies are actively developing, offering consumers new and interesting solutions. One of these is a polycarbonate roof. It is ideal for houses, porches, gazebos and other structures where natural daylight is required. At the same time, despite all its lightness, it is quite durable.
What is polycarbonate?
This is the name of a polymer material. It is resistant to mechanical stress and temperature extremes, as well as high heat and sound insulation performance due to the presence of small air chambers. It is also lightweight and easy to handle. These indicators provide easy installation of the material. The polycarbonate roof does not retain 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 one to choose?
You should not buy thin polycarbonate for the roof. The price for it is lower, but it is also able to withstand smaller loads, and the thermal insulation properties are worse. If we compare 9 mm and 16 mm material, then their performance is significantlydiffer. So, their impact strength will be 2.16 J and 5.6 J, respectively. As for the thermal insulation indicators, their heat transfer coefficient will be 3.2 and 2.3 W / m2C. But such a difference in performance translates into a solid price difference. A polycarbonate sheet with dimensions of 1200x6000 mm and a 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, then 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 a polycarbonate roof
Almost any design can be made from this material. The roof can be flat, sloped, in the form of a dome, prism, pyramid, etc. But in any case, the material should be mounted on a pre-prepared frame. It can be made from:
- Metal profile. Both steel and aluminum structures can cope with this task.
- Polycarbonate profile. In terms of structural strength, they are practically not inferior to metal counterparts. But at the same time they have a number of advantages. They are lightweight, airtight and transparent. And this means that the polycarbonate roof will not have visible connection lines. That is, it will be completely transparent.
If the frame is made of a metal profile, then the end sides of the polycarbonate 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 that securely closes the longitudinal recesses.
The last step is the fastening of the sheet material. If the frame is made of metal or non-separable polycarbonate profiles, then it is fixed with self-tapping screws with washers every 30 centimeters. That is, pointwise. If the frame is made of collapsible polycarbonate profiles, then the sheets of material are laid on the guide elements, and then fixed with a fixing one. This is how the polycarbonate roof is mounted.
