Roof carbonate. Profiled polycarbonate for the roof - a durable roof for your home

Cottage building is so popular that everyone more people leave apartments in noisy cities and move to Fresh air. Here you can relax and rejuvenate, escape from the hustle and bustle and admire the beauty of nature. But the more fans a country dwelling has, the more diverse buildings are being built in their habitats, and this is great, because often new items in the construction industry simply amaze with their functionality and decorative properties.

It is these characteristics that polycarbonate roofs for houses and adjoining utility structures have. They are installed above the porch or pool, built in the form of a canopy in the parking lot and above the barbecue area. So why does this material, which is quite new for our country, attract modern developers?

Material Specifications

Polycarbonate is characterized by excellent durability. This polymer is durable and has an attractive appearance, although it is the kind of plastic we have long known. Its transparent structure allows the sun's rays to pass through, and also provides a panoramic view, which only increases its decorative value. Terraces near the house, verandas and bright spacious greenhouses are built from such material.

The service life of a polycarbonate roof is directly affected by the quality of the material and the correct installation. The polymer can be divided into several categories, each of which has its own service life:

1. Premium - withstands at least 20 years of operation.
2. Elite - serves at least 12 years.
3. Optimal - an average of 10 years.
4. Economy - up to 8 years.

Before choosing such a material for your home, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages, which will make it possible to better understand the properties and features of the new generation roof.

Advantages

The advantages of honeycomb polymer coating include:

• excellent light transmission. About 80% of sunlight passes through the transparent coating;
• good flexibility parameters, which makes it possible to make structures of a curved shape without the risk of deforming the structure and violating the integrity of the material;
• worthy General characteristics thanks to which it can be successfully combined with building materials of different textures;
• high thermal stability, which allows polycarbonate to be used in the temperature range from -40 to +120 C;
• strength against mechanical impact, withstands a layer of snow more than one meter;
• excellent thermal insulation properties. The canopy keeps warm in the cold season and keeps cool on hot summer days;
• light weight, only 2.5 kg/1m2;
• resistance to fire;
• full compliance with safety requirements, in case of damage it does not break into small or even sharper fragments;
• has good soundproofing parameters;
• easy to install, no special skills are required for its installation;
• affordable cost, in comparison with the same glass;
• makes it possible to build a structure of any, even the most bizarre forms that will decorate the house;
• a wide range of colors, so there will be no problems with choosing the desired option.

disadvantages

Polycarbonate does not have many disadvantages and they are rather conditional. For example, the material will not be able to shelter you from the bright sun, but the same property can also be considered as a virtue, because you do not need to resort to additional lighting fixtures during the daytime, thereby saving electricity costs.

And, of course, the really minus of the polymer is brittleness, which can manifest itself with improper installation, which can lead to cracks on the treated surface.

Types of polycarbonate

Two types of polycarbonate are used in construction:

1. Solid, produced in the form of sheets, the thickness of which can be from 2 mm to 1 cm. Most often it is installed where heavy rainfall is observed and gusty winds blow. At visual inspection, you can hardly distinguish it from glass. This type of material is the most expensive.
2. Structured, with sheet thickness up to 3 cm, and an impressive weight, which sometimes exceeds that of a monolithic product. This type of polymer has increased strength due to the cellular structure. They can cover arched ceilings and round roofs of the house. Before purchasing such a building material, ask the seller about which option better fit for your conditions, otherwise you may experience an unplanned replacement of the material because it does not meet your requirements.

An example of mounting a polycarbonate roof

On the example of installing a cover for a gazebo, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with step by step instructions, which will help to make a high-quality design with your own hands. Here we will use cellular polycarbonate, the thickness of which is 8 mm. The shape of the canopy can be anything - hipped, with several slopes, domed or any other, but we will talk about the direct configuration of the roof.

As in any construction process, here the beginning of work lies in the preparation of a project with drawings that must be prepared in advance.

truss system

Wooden elements for truss system before installation, it is necessary to treat it with antiseptics, which will not allow the natural material to rot, thereby its operational period will increase significantly. Also, if desired, you can make the wood tinted with a special varnish. Dry boards must be installed vertically in increments equal to the width of the polycarbonate sheet. A crate is stuffed from the bars, which is mounted across roof elements.

Fixing sheets

To fix sheets of reinforced plastic on the crate, you need to use self-tapping screws equipped with sealing washers as fasteners. To avoid deformation of the skin, you can first mark the places for self-tapping screws, and then drill holes in their place with a diameter exceeding that of the fasteners.

Between themselves, the sheets of material are connected using special profiles, which can be either solid or detachable. Self-tapping screws are not recommended to be screwed all the way, otherwise, with a sharp change in temperature, the linear expansion will remain in a static position and the roof may burst from stress in the plastic structure.

Sealing

In order for the roof of the gazebo near the house to serve its owners for many years, it is necessary to properly seal the honeycomb sheets, for which a tape is glued on the ends of the polycarbonate elements or a profile is installed, thereby eliminating the appearance of condensate. It is also recommended to lubricate an additional layer of sealant at the joints of the plates, then you will get a guaranteed impermeability.

To make the work easier, and the result of the installation turned out to be positive, use the advice of professionals:

• do not mount a completely transparent roof, as you will not be able to hide under it from the scorching sun;
• do not remove the protective film from the material, because it protects it from damage;
• don't forget to equip ventilation system in the event that the roof of the house made of polycarbonate is mounted above the dwelling;
• avoid building a completely flat roof, as snow and water will constantly accumulate on its surface, corroding the structure at the joints of the elements;
• during operation and operation, do not step on polycarbonate sheets, because they are fragile and may not support your weight.

If you strictly follow the instructions and listen to our advice, then you will get an excellent do-it-yourself polycarbonate roof.

Many modern products have appeared on the domestic market of building materials, among which roofing polycarbonate is also listed. Light-transmitting roofs built with its use allow creating a stable connection between the outer space and the interior of the household, which is a new direction in architecture.

Requirements for polycarbonate roofing

Since the polycarbonate roof has recently become popular among property owners, it does not hurt to know that a number of requirements are imposed on such structures:

1. The roof, erected using polycarbonate, must provide a value for the illumination index, which is not less than the standard values.
2. It is necessary that the light-transmitting slopes protect the room sufficiently from bright sun rays.
3. Roof structure in terms of strength, hydro- and thermal insulation, as well as in terms of protection against penetrating noise, it must comply with building codes and regulations.
4. For a polycarbonate roof, it is necessary to provide sufficient ventilation capacity and the ability to remove smoke in the event of a fire.
5. Snow layers from a transparent roof should be easily removed.

Benefits of a polycarbonate roof

Roofs, during the creation of which polycarbonate roofing material is used, can have different structural solutions - single or gable, arched and others. Thanks to this, designers have the opportunity not to limit their own fantasies when designing roofs, because this material has good plasticity and the same strength characteristics.

Translucent structures fit perfectly into various construction projects. The construction of polycarbonate roofs is especially recommended when arranging a greenhouse or garden planted with living plants. Such translucent roofs are a great solution, if necessary, to build a wide variety of outbuildings, including garages, baths, gazebos, sheds, greenhouses, indoor pools, etc.

The presence of a light-transmitting surface at the roof can significantly reduce energy consumption, since it is possible to do without the use of electric lighting devices for most of the day. Since the room is well warmed up by the rays of the sun, the owners also manage to save on heat supply.

The benefits of polycarbonate roofs include:

• the ability to transmit about 90% of the light;
• protection against infrared radiation;
• high bearing capacity;
• simple installation, simple processing;
• low weight - the material is 15 times lighter than glass with a similar degree of strength;
• high impact resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes - such roofs can be operated in the range from +120 to -50 degrees
• sufficient service life - a carbonate roof is able to maintain its original qualities for 10-12 years;
• fire safety - the material does not support combustion, and during the heating process does not emit toxic chemical compounds.

honeycomb material

Roofing cellular polycarbonate is ideal material for the construction of a winter garden, greenhouse or greenhouse. This roof covering is able to ensure the penetration of the maximum amount of light into the premises.

Cellular polycarbonate is a panel made from a sheet of this material, which are connected by longitudinal stiffeners. These products can have a different number of layers, and accordingly differ in thickness.

Roofing from cellular polycarbonate often equipped in cases where thermal insulation indicators are not significant. For example, it can be the construction of sheds in the courtyard, the installation of a canopy and other objects.

Roof coverings made of this material create natural light in the premises, which contributes to a comfortable stay in them, since they are distinguished by excellent light transmitting qualities and the fact that they can scatter light well.

Monolithic material

The material looks like silicate glass, it is smooth and transparent. Its load-bearing capacity and impact resistance many times exceed those of glass. A roof made of monolithic polycarbonate is used in the construction of single-pitched and flat roofs due to its lack of flexibility.

Installation of structures made of cellular polycarbonate

Creating a translucent roof is simple and therefore many home craftsmen try to build them on their own plots on their own.

When performing installation, you must adhere to certain rules:

1. Cellular polycarbonate boards are laid so that the side with UV protection is located outside - the marked film will help to identify it.
2. The material is installed parallel to the direction of the roof slopes.
3. The connection of the plates is carried out using a profile in the shape of the letter "H".
4. For fasteners, studs and threaded screws, self-tapping screws installed complete with a gasket and washer are used.
5. Holes for mounting fittings in order to ensure thermal expansion should be made oval or slightly increased in diameter in accordance with the diameter of the screw or screw. It is necessary to lay polycarbonate using rubber gaskets 3 mm thick.
6. During the installation of the roof, installers should not walk on the slabs, but move with the help of pedestal boards.
7. The protective film is removed from the material immediately after completion of work, since it will be more difficult to do this later.
8. For sealing, neutral sealants are used that do not contain compounds harmful to polycarbonate.

The choice of roofing polycarbonate

The thickness of polycarbonate for the roof is in the range from 4 to 35 millimeters, there are also different sizes of polycarbonate sheet. The weight of the sheet depends on this parameter, and it can be from 2 to 2.5 kilograms. There are 7 standard sizes polycarbonate according to thickness. Each variety has its own purpose - it is necessary to use the material in accordance with their technical characteristics.

Knowing how to choose polycarbonate for a roof helps ensure that natural (daylight) light enters the room. This is done in each case individually, taking into account the features of the structures being built.

Polycarbonate roofing sheets are made from high quality thermoplastic material which is strong, ductile, unbreakable and light in weight. Compared to glass, it weighs 6 times less, and compared to acrylic glass - 3 times less. Polycarbonate roof used in industrial, commercial and residential construction. The inherent light weight of the material avoids additional load on the structure.

The roofing material is available in a wide range color scheme and different textures, which allows you to create a unique and unique design. In addition, unlike conventional or standard roofing materials, most polycarbonate roofing materials are made from recycled materials, thereby significantly reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Material types

There are 2 types of PC for roofing - monolithic transparent and structured or cellular. Polycarbonate transparent sheets are either completely transparent or slightly tinted, and are used where maximum illumination through the roof is needed - in greenhouses, solariums, skylights, glazed terraces and patios. Sheets of monolithic polycarbonate for the roof necessarily have a layer of protection against ultraviolet rays.

Unlike monolithic, cellular roof polycarbonate is less transparent and therefore finds application for more traditional purposes. Cellular PC is produced in a wide range of colors.

In terms of functionality, such material not inferior to metal roofing sheets, but unlike metal, it is not subject to corrosion, and its honeycomb structure provides additional insulation and sound insulation.

Honeycomb polycarbonate roof is mainly used for industrial buildings such as: warehouses, flat or pitched roofs for porches, gazebos, sheds and small residential buildings.

With a thin-walled rectangular tunnel structure and a sandwich construction that allows air to be trapped between layers, honeycomb sheets increase thermal insulation and energy efficiency structures. The material is difficult to ignite, does not support combustion and does not emit toxic substances.

Honeycomb PC with a thin protective layer on both sides of the sheet provides high daylight penetration and 100% UV protection. Another feature of this type of polymer is its high elasticity, the sheets bend well without preforming, which is widely used in structures. complex shape such as archways and domes.

The polymer is available in different colors and textures. The material is also produced in a corrugated (profiled) form. Profiled polycarbonate for roofing is usually produced in the form of sheets of wavy shape and has either a round or square contour, which increases its strength and allows drainage of water.

Properties and installation features

All kinds of PC sheets have properties such as heat resistance, resistance to all weather conditions and impacts, flexibility, lightness and non-flammability.

As load-bearing structure for a polycarbonate roof, square or rectangular structural steel pipes are used, depending on the construction project.

Sheets are usually installed between aluminum connection profiles using EPDM rubber seals to ensure watertightness. This system is known as dry glazing.

Profiled or corrugated sheets, like metal sheets, are fastened with self-tapping or self-drilling screws (STSD).

Innovative roofing materials

The quality of the PC is constantly improved through technical and scientific innovation. Currently, new installation possibilities are being explored and products are being developed to provide the consumer with additional benefits. For example, a roofing sheet with a combination of various additives and shades that block a significant amount of glare without affecting the quality of the light passing through the sheet or its aesthetic appeal.

Corrugated sheets in transparent shades of bronze, grey, opal and milky white provide high UV protection, which allows them to be used for outdoor structures such as patios, pool decks and verandas.

Polycarbonate sheets with double UV protection have a high wear resistance. The discoloration in this kind of material is no more than 4 delta units according to the yellowing index, while the discoloration of ordinary sheets is more than 10 delta units.

Another type of material in this segment is cellular polycarbonate, filled with airgel. This type of product has maximum thermal insulation, excellent weather resistance, high light transmission and high impact resistance. Its heat-insulating properties are superior to three-chamber and double-glazed windows filled with argon.

ultraviolet protective covering applied by co-extrusion during sheet production. This type of roof is environmentally friendly and is used for roof glazing in conservatories, eco-houses, skylights, open structures and industrial buildings.

A similar energy-saving product is profiled extruded polycarbonate with a UV protective layer that is co-extrusioned to the outside of the material and reflective particles are incorporated inside the sheet. material reflective up to 60% solar radiation and reduces the heat load of the building, which in turn reduces the use of air conditioners and can reduce electricity consumption by 10-30%.

Video: "Translucent roofing and wall polycarbonate systems"

The development of new technologies and the emergence of modern building materials gave impetus to significant changes in architecture, which affected even such a conservative construction site as the roof. Traditional roofing materials have been replaced by new, unusual and unusual, but perfectly reflecting the trendy design trend in home improvement today - unity with nature. About one of these roofing - translucent polycarbonate - and will be discussed.

Polycarbonate and its types

The main task of polycarbonate in the form of roofing is to make the house brighter, to provide as much natural light as possible to the interior. Based on this, a number of requirements are imposed on polycarbonate roofs. They have to:

• have a statically strong design;
• provide standard indicators of illumination;
• protect from direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation;
• allow free snow removal.

In addition to roofs, polycarbonate in private housing construction is used to cover gazebos, greenhouses, verandas, awnings, canopies, parapets, mansards and facades, as well as for facing balconies and loggias. This beautiful plastic material has amazing qualities and allows you to create truly bewitching architectural structures.

The open veranda, covered with a polycarbonate roof, beautifully complements the architectural ensemble of the suburban area

Performance properties of polycarbonate

1. High impact strength - withstands bullet impact, which is inherent in a very small number of materials. Under strong mechanical influences, polycarbonate is deformed, cracks, but does not shatter into fragments.
2. Low flammability coefficient - at a critically high temperature, this material melts and flows down in the form of fibrous filaments.
3. Low specific gravity (1.5–3.5 kg/m²) and excellent load-bearing capacity, which is determined by the thickness of the sheet.
4. High light transmission rate - from 85 to 96% and the ability to filter out ultraviolet rays.
5. Good noise and heat insulation abilities, as well as the absence of electric current conductivity.
6. Frost resistance and durability - service life more than 30 years.

Table: comparison of the properties of polycarbonate with other materials

But like any other material, polycarbonate has its drawbacks that you need to pay attention to when using it:

1. susceptibility to thermal expansion. For polycarbonate, it is much larger than for materials of supporting structures, which must be taken into account when designing.
2. Possibility of mechanical damage. It is undesirable to remove the protective polyethylene coating from the surface of the sheets before the end of the installation.

Video: do-it-yourself polycarbonate house

Durable (monolithic) polycarbonate in appearance resembles silicate glass and is a solid polymer sheets without any voids.

Monolithic polycarbonate plates with double UV protection are widely used in the private, industrial and agricultural sectors.

Such a polymer is made by synthesizing phenol and carbonic acid, which makes it easier and more practical to use compared to the same glass. Sheets of monolithic polycarbonate are easily cut and bent. This allows it to be used in arched, domed and radically broken structures.

In addition to the properties listed above, characteristic of all types of polycarbonate, a monolithic material has:

• the ability to self-extinguish - it melts only in the flame of another source - and colossal strength;
• high light transmission power - up to 96%;
• a wider range of temperatures at which it retains its operational properties - from -100 to +145 ° C;
• the presence of a protective film on both sides of the sheet, which makes it more resistant to fracture;
• resistance to sudden changes in temperature, hail, heavy wind, thunder and lightning, rain and snow;
• resistance to acids, oils, detergents, making it easy to clean;
• excellent thermal insulation capabilities, which reduce the cost of not only lighting, but also heating.

Monolithic polycarbonate is distinguished by the thickness of the plates from 2 to 25 mm, color, size, weight per 1 m² and modifying additives. For example, PC-1 is a material of high viscosity, PC-2 is of medium viscosity, PC-3 is of low viscosity. PU-4 has good thermal stability, PK-M-1 has minimal friction, and PK-LTS-30 is a quartz-filled material.

Monolithic polycarbonate is available in a large number of colors, so it will not be difficult to choose a coating to match the main finishing material of the building.

Table: properties of monolithic polycarbonate

When choosing, it is important to consider not only the brand of polycarbonate, but also the thickness of the material, depending on the purpose of the monolithic panels.

1. Sheets of small thickness (up to 8 mm) are suitable for billboards, signs, greenhouses, etc.
2. For small architectural structures - fences, verandas, sheds, pools - panels with a thickness of 8–16 mm are required.

   The fence of a private house can be built from monolithic polycarbonate slabs 8 mm thick

3. For the arrangement of a transparent roof, facades, gables and those objects where good thermal insulation is needed (winter garden), sheets with a thickness of 20 mm or more are needed.

   In the original house in Germany, 20 mm thick polycarbonate sheets were used in the construction of the facade and transparent inserts on the roof

Video: monolithic polycarbonate - strength test

Wavy polycarbonate

Wavy polycarbonate is a subspecies of a holistic one with a corrugated wavy surface, so it has the same properties as a monolithic one, but is more interesting in appearance.

Corrugated and trapezoidal polycarbonate plates are produced, which differ from each other in the form of a break

The main qualities of corrugated polycarbonate:

• ease of processing - it is well cut and drilled, so it is convenient and safe to work with it;
• strength and heat resistance;
• ease of maintenance and installation - it is overlapped by 1-2 waves without any additional layout elements, while the same high light transmission is maintained in the places of overlaps;
• durability during operation in different climatic conditions.

Due to its ability to repel ultraviolet, it is actively used in regions with a hot climate. And due to its high strength and bearing capacity (1 m² can withstand loads up to 350 kg), it is used as a roofing even in areas with severe winters and large amounts of snow.

Corrugated polycarbonate can withstand a high specific load, so it is used as a roofing even in regions with high snow activity.

A variety of profiled polycarbonate are plates with trapezoidal fractures of the surface. They have the same qualities as the wavy ones, they just differ in appearance, one might say, they are more strict. Well, that's what anyone likes.

Video: profiled monolithic polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate got its name due to its structure - the presence of voids of great importance:

• they increase the thermal insulation performance of honeycomb plates;
• when connecting sheets, additional stiffeners are obtained.

Its main advantage is its low specific weight and ease of installation, which can significantly reduce the cost of construction work.

Most often, honeycomb sheets are used in the construction of greenhouses - passing through the cells, the sun's rays are scattered, which has a beneficial effect on plants and increases their productivity.

Honeycomb boards showed themselves well for the manufacture of advertising installations, canopies, fences, sheds, pools, in the construction of farms and glazing of balconies. But since it is inferior to a monolithic material in terms of light transmission (86%), heat resistance (up to -40 ° C) and strength, cellular polycarbonate is used less often for arranging roofs and transparent facades of residential buildings.

The operational properties and scope of cellular polycarbonate depend on the thickness of the sheets and density - the thinnest ones are suitable for light buildings, and in areas of strong winds and for objects of more complex structures, panels of 16 mm and more will be needed that can withstand serious loads.

Cellular polycarbonate up to 10 mm thick is used to cover greenhouses and light buildings, for more complex cases, panels up to 50 mm thick are produced

Honeycomb plates also differ in color, but this difference is rather decorative, since it does not affect the quality of the material in any way. You can find bronze, red, blue, yellow, green and completely transparent sheets. The choice depends on the preferences of the consumer.

The cost of cellular polycarbonate is determined by the quality class - economy class, standard and premium. This classification is rather conditional and depends on:

• the cost of raw materials used in the production of honeycomb boards - primary or secondary;
• the number of connected sheets - single-chamber (2 sheets + a row of jumpers), two-chamber (3 sheets + 2 chains of jumpers), reinforced and four-chamber with five sheets and four lines of diagonal jumpers - the thickness of such a plate is 25 mm;
• the presence of a protective layer, which must be considered when choosing.

For each year of operation, the thickness of the protective layer decreases by 2 nanomicrons.

Video: choosing the thickness and density of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate for roofing: which one to choose

First, choose a supplier. Purchase goods from proven, trustworthy manufacturers, since now there are many of them - both domestic and foreign. Belarusian plant "TitanPlast", enterprise "Plastilyuks-Group" (Belgorod), Polygal (Israel), Macrolon (Germany). Brand HaiGao, Borrex and Arabic Sabic. The choice is huge.

As for aesthetics, this is not a mandatory aspect, but still - if a wooden house is being restored, then transparent polycarbonate on a repaired wooden truss system will be in place. But when the building is stylized as hi-tech or minimalism, you will have to choose the color of the sheets so that they are in harmony with the facade cladding and muffle the visibility of wooden rafters.

In general, the choice of material must be approached carefully in order to obtain the desired result in full. You can’t buy happiness, folk wisdom says, but you can build a beautiful, bright house in which residents will be cozy and comfortable. And it's practically the same.

Video: how to choose a good polycarbonate

Mounting Features

Installation of polycarbonate is not very complicated, and the tools you need are the simplest:

• construction knife with a retractable blade;
• screwdriver;
• electric drill;
• a circular saw.

But there are certain rules that should be followed in order for such an extravagant design to serve for many years.

The requirements are simple, and if they are observed, it will not be difficult to mount polycarbonate on your own on the roof, facade, greenhouse, canopy, etc.

A transparent insert in the roof or wall allows enough light to pass through, so it saves on home lighting

Video: installation rules for cellular polycarbonate

The service life of polycarbonate roof

Many manufacturers guarantee the life of polycarbonate for at least 10 years. But in fact, it can be much longer if you do not violate the order of handling this material:

• comply with the conditions of transportation and storage of polycarbonate sheets;
• strictly adhere to the installation technology;
• ensure the frequency of inspection and maintenance of the roof.

And do not forget about the competent choice of material, especially its thickness, which plays a key role. You cannot rely on the long service life of a polycarbonate roof if, in order to reduce construction costs, it is covered with slabs of an inappropriate thickness for this purpose.

Video: changing polycarbonate on the roof

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