The wide use of polycarbonate in various fields has become possible due to the unique characteristics and aesthetic data of this material. When installing products made of polycarbonate, it is necessary to take into account some features of this material. In order to maintain the performance of the panels, it is necessary to select the fasteners correctly. This article will tell you how to choose the right thermal washers for fixing polycarbonate, as well as how to carry out installation.
Properties and distinctive qualities of polymer plastic
- The material has high strength and requires high quality tooling.
- Thermal washers for fixing polycarbonate must be corrosion resistant.
- When working with plastic, it is necessary to take into account its high coefficient of thermal expansion. Rigid fixation can cause the web to tear in cold weather, and swelling in hot weather.
- Fastening elements should not impair the appearance of the structure.
Fasteners
The best option when installing a polycarbonate structure is to use thermal washers, with which you can solve the following problems:
- strong and reliable fixation of the canvas to the supporting structure;
- sealing holes drilled in polycarbonate to install washers, which prevents dust, liquid and cold from entering the structure;
- polycarbonate and the material from which the thermal washers are made expand and contract at the same time;
- color assortment makes it possible to choose fasteners in the color of the structure itself.
What are thermal washers for fixing polycarbonate made of?
Material for manufacturing is:
- stainless steel (unlimited service life);
- polypropylene (service life - 3-4 years);
- polycarbonate (will last up to 20 years).
Stainless steel polycarbonate fastening washers are used to fasten large-sized sheets and in areas with strong winds to metal supporting structures. The fastener has a round shape with a small recess in the middle and a hole in the center. A polyurethane seal is inserted into the recess. For secure fastening, the distance between the washers is 25-30 cm.
Today, mounts with a plastic washer are in great demand. Although polypropylene fasteners are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which destroys the material over several years. As a result, the canvas begins to vibrate and may collapse. The advantages include low cost, aesthetic appearance and a wide range of colors. Transparent products are also produced.
The most popular are universal thermal washers made of polycarbonate, especially when mounting transparent sheets. Such fasteners:
- durable due to special UV treatment;
- blend harmoniously with the main material and are almost invisible;
- do not collapse and do not change their physical properties with temperature changes;
- due to the fact that the washer is flat, it is hermetically attached to the sheet without damaging it.
Manufacturers produce thermal washers with a leg (selected for a specific sheet thickness) and without a leg (they are universal).
Thermal washer consists of:
- actual washers with or without a leg;
- seal (polymer ring);
- caps (copper or plastic washer);
- self-tapping screw (usually sold separately).
Polycarbonate fastening rules
- When drilling holes for thermal washers in plastic and the supporting structure, the tool is set strictly perpendicular. A hole drilled even at a slight angle will cause the seal to fail and the panel to collapse.
- Only sharp drills are used, preferably with central fixation(a wood drill is suitable), which will not slip off and will not damage the canvas.
- The hole for the thermal washer is made a couple of millimeters larger than the thickness of the leg of the self-tapping screw, taking into account the possible deformation of the plastic under the influence of heat.
- Use only stainless steel head screws.
- During installation, the seal should be pressed tightly against the surface of the polycarbonate, but not pressed in.
- The distance between the thermal washers is from 25 to 70 cm, depending on the size of the structure and operating conditions.
Which thermal washer is better: with a leg or universal?
Many believe that due to such an element as the leg of the thermal washer, more reliable sealing is achieved, the chance of “pinching” the sheet with a self-tapping screw decreases (the resting leg interferes) and the risk of “leaks” is reduced. It should be remembered that usually polycarbonate itself and thermal washers for it are produced in different places, so the tolerances for the thickness of the sheet and plastic may differ by about 1 mm. Due to this, conditions may arise for the occurrence of leaks in all attachment points.
Experts advise when using universal thermal washers to slightly “squeeze” the fasteners. In the cold, "clamping" is compensated by reducing the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet.
