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How to fix polycarbonate or how to fix polycarbonate sheets. Cellular and monolithic polycarbonate - how to make a mount Through what distance to mount polycarbonate

Today, it is becoming more and more popular to use in construction and repair work polycarbonate. This material is famous for its good performance properties, so many people use polycarbonate for the construction of gazebos, sheds and other structures, while, however, many face difficulties related to how to fix polycarbonate.

Varieties of material

Polycarbonate, depending on its type, can be cellular and monolithic, while each type has its own characteristics. The peculiarity lies in the structure. Cellular polycarbonate is two thin polymer sheets connected by longitudinal bridges, the distance between these bridges is called honeycombs. Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid sheet, it will be somewhat stronger than a cellular one, and besides, it is almost transparent.

Based on the fact that there are two types of polycarbonate, each type of fastening is performed differently.

Rules for fixing and preparing sheets

It is important to know that in cellular polycarbonate, stiffeners are located along the entire length of the sheet.

Note! Fastening should be carried out so that the stiffeners are located vertically; when fastening the sheet in the form of a pitched structure, they should be along the slope. In arched structures, the sheet must be positioned so that the ribs are directed along the arc.

The location of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet is not regulated in any way, since it comes as a solid sheet.

After the location of the sheets has been determined, a measurement is made, according to which, if necessary, the sheets will be cut.

Cutting is one of the most important operations in the installation of polycarbonate sheets, since the sheets are produced in a standard size. Its implementation can be called an easy task, because the sheets lend themselves well to cutting if it is produced with a special cutting tool. A high-speed circular saw can be used as a cutting tool.

Note! At the time of cutting the sheet, it should be well fixed so that vibration cannot affect the quality and evenness of the cut.

Drilling sheets of cellular polycarbonate is the most difficult operation that requires care. It is necessary to drill a hole between the stiffeners. In cellular polycarbonate, it is imperative to seal the ends, this can be done using a continuous adhesive tape.

In order for condensate to be discharged, several holes should be made in the end profile.

Mounting methods

Cellular polycarbonate can be fixed in a dotted way. Such a mount can be called the simplest. For its implementation, conventional self-tapping screws with a thermal washer are required. Thermal washers allow you to create a good sealing of the place where they are installed, besides, the “cold bridge” is eliminated, and the self-tapping screw does not crush the surface.

Note! The length of the plastic leg of the thermal washer should be equal to the thickness of the sheet itself, and the diameter of the hole in the sheet should be 2–3 mm larger than the diameter of the leg. The step between the fasteners should be 40 cm, and at least 4 cm from the edge to the self-tapping screw is allowed. The self-tapping screw should not fit too tightly into the sheet, as it can easily crush and damage it.

The joints between the sheets are closed using special profiles, and the edges are also closed using these profiles. The profile for these purposes can be detachable or one-piece.

The detachable profile includes two main parts - a base and a cover. The base is fixed to the frame using self-tapping screws. The step between the fasteners in this case is about 30 cm, but not less. The sheet is pushed into the base by 2 cm. The base is closed with a lid. The lid snaps on fairly easily.

The one-piece profile is also fixed with self-tapping screws with a thermal washer to the frame. The edges of the polycarbonate sheet are joined, and the intermediate sheets are attached in a dotted manner.

Method of fixing monolithic polycarbonate

There are two types of installation of monolithic polycarbonate - it is dry and wet.

  1. Dry mounting implies a connection using special profiles with a rubber gasket. Bolts, nuts or self-tapping screws are also used. This method is the most accurate.
  2. The wet method consists in attaching a polycarbonate sheet to a special mixture, namely polymer putty. After drying, the seams are additionally coated with a sealed silicone-based compound. Instead, you can use a special strip or gasket to create a sealing seam.

If monolithic polycarbonate is used to create a coating on a frame structure, the fastening can be made similar to the fastening of cellular polycarbonate - by a point method. In this case, the step between the connection should be about 50 cm.

Joints must be connected taking into account changes in dimensions due to temperature changes.

Video

Installation instructions for polycarbonate "Kinplast":

Polycarbonate - beautiful modern material. In private construction, they usually use, and to create decorative partitions, indoor barriers, advertising structures, designers choose both monolithic and honeycomb sheets. It is not difficult to fasten this material, an available tool is used for the work, and the fastening technology can be mastered in a short time.

Polycarbonate is used to cover light buildings, garages, sheds, greenhouses and sloping roofs. Cellular carbonate, unlike monolithic, can be bent, creating not only straight, but also arched structural elements. Since this material does not withstand snow pressure well, the roofs of buildings and structures must necessarily be sloped. This is especially important in areas where there is a lot of snow in winter. The slope of the slopes should ideally be such that the snow does not linger on the fragile plastic roof and slide to the ground.

At right choice construction, strong frame, correct orientation of carbonate sheets and their sealing, this material will maintain a beautiful appearance long years. Properly fixed sheets will not allow polycarbonate to collapse from the outside or from the inside, moisture will not accumulate inside the honeycombs and fasteners, due to which yellowness and black mold appear.

To carry out work on fixing the panels, tools, basic and auxiliary equipment are needed. The choice depends on which frame is attached and how the material is mounted, as well as on the complexity of the design.

For work it is necessary:

  • screwdriver;
  • electric drill (with drills for wood or metal);
  • electric jigsaw for;
  • vacuum cleaner for collecting small crumbs and dust from honeycombs after cutting;
  • device for trimming aluminum profile;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • bolts with nuts;
  • various washers;
  • rubber, plastic, silicone gaskets for washers (umbrella or flat);
  • ladder;
  • metal ruler;
  • measuring tape (roulette);
  • level.

Prices for self-tapping screws

self-tapping screws

Fixing devices

To fasten the canvases, polycarbonate thermal washers, washers made of stainless materials, polypropylene washers, ordinary bolts with nuts and various self-tapping screws are used.

It is necessary for reliable fastening of polycarbonate on the frame and consists of three parts:

  • a plastic convex washer with a wide leg, which is recessed into a hole in polycarbonate;
  • sealing rings made of elastic polymer;
  • plugs.

Thermal washer for mounting cellular polycarbonate

The self-tapping screw is usually not attached to the thermal washer; its builders purchase it separately. The washer not only gently and reliably presses the sheet to the frame and does not let moisture into the material, but also has a beautiful appearance and performs a decorative role.

On a note! Thermal washers are made of transparent plastic - the same as sheet polycarbonate. Polycarbonate washers are available in a wide range of colors and are matched to any commercially available polycarbonate. They are more durable when compared with polypropylene. The service life of polycarbonate thermal washers is 20 years.

Prices for thermal washers

thermal washers

Polypropylene washers have been produced for about 10 years. They consist of a porous plastic O-ring and a colored polypropylene cap with a plug. Compared to polypropylene thermal washers, they have a number of disadvantages. The caps of these washers do not have a UV protection layer applied, so they fade quickly. After a few years of service on a solar roof, the material loses its strength.

Such washers are recommended for use on shaded roofs and indoors. These fasteners are cheaper than polycarbonate thermal washers, they have a short service life, but they are cheap. These washers can be fixed with screws 6 mm thick.

Stainless (steel, galvanized) washers

Steel and galvanized fastening washers are used to fix carbonate sheets over large areas on a metal profile. They hold the sheet well and hardly loosen, which is especially important for areas with strong winds. These washers have the form of a concave plate, under which lies an umbrella gasket made of polyurethane foam, plastic or thickened EMDP rubber. This rubber remains elastic and about -15 degrees. Stainless washers are attached to self-tapping screws and bolts.

Reference! A washer made of stainless material, together with a rubber umbrella seal, best ensures the tightness of the connection. Rubber tightly adjoins the surface of the sheet and completely excludes the ingress of moisture into the cells of the sheet.

If the structure is used in a dry room, under a canopy, then the sheets can be fixed with self-tapping screws with an ordinary thin washer with the same thin rubber gasket. In some cases, washers may not be used at all. In the open air, a thick rubber gasket is put on under a wide washer.

Table. Types of thermal washers for fixing polycarbonate.

Connection profile

A special profile is used to fasten the sheets to each other and to the frame. It is made from the same material as sheet polycarbonate. The industry produces a profile for sheets of standard thickness - 4,6,8,10, 16 mm.

Important! There must be a gap of 3 mm between the inner wall of the profile and the sheet inserted into it. It is designed so that polycarbonate expanding in the summer heat does not warp and deform the structure.

The profile can be detachable and one-piece. Sheets are inserted into the grooves of the profile and fixed there. Cloths can be fixed in a polycarbonate, plastic or aluminum profile. A profile of different sections has different markings - H, HP, HCP, U, RP, UP, FP, SP, L.

Important! It is necessary to use sealing and tapes to seal the ends of the web, and after that the sheets are fixed inside the profile.

The canvases attached to the grate can be fastened together with a sealant. But such a connection in strong winds will not be strong enough. You should select a high-quality sealant that retains strength and elasticity for several years.

How to fix polycarbonate in a profile on a metal frame

Elements, rafters and runs of metal frames must lie strictly in the same plane. Such a frame does not have any protrusions, therefore it will not be difficult to strengthen the canvas on it. The distance between the rafters should be equal to the width of the polycarbonate sheets.

The procedure for fixing cellular polycarbonate in a profile to a metal case will be as follows.

Step 1. To the surface metal beams constructions lay a heat-insulating tape.

Step 2 A profile is attached to the grate with self-tapping screws.

Step 3 Panels are installed on cells. An end profile should be put on the end sheet. The upper part is fixed by combining and pressing from above without much effort. The latches fall into place and securely hold the panel.

Step 4 Before installing the sheets, you need to remove the protective film from the bottom of the sheet, and bend the top edge so that it does not interfere with drilling.

Step 5 The edges of the panels must be protected from water and dust. A sealing tape is glued to the upper (located above) edge of the web. A perforated tape is glued to the bottom edge. After that, the canvas is inserted inside the profile.

Interesting! Panels of cellular polycarbonate are easily bent into an arch. The pressure inside the curved sheet makes it more rigid and durable. The radius of the resulting bend depends on the thickness of the polycarbonate.

Manufacturers cover the sheets with a protective film. The side on which the technical data and the logo of the company are applied is the outer side. As a rule, the film on the outside is white and opaque. The front surface of the sheets is coated with a special composition that protects polycarbonate from ultraviolet radiation. A transparent film is pasted on the inside of the sheet. protection is removed after installation of the structure. It is impossible to leave the film on the canvases after installation, since the glue with which it is attached does not change its properties for the better and, if the film is removed later, it may leave traces.

Another option is to fasten polycarbonate sheets to a metal frame using thermal washers.

Video - Fastening polycarbonate to a metal frame

How to fix polycarbonate on a wooden frame

The order of fastening sheets on a wooden frame will be as follows.

Step 1. The panel is laid on the frame and using an electric drill, holes are made for fasteners (washers) and self-tapping screws (or bolts). The sheet should protrude 2.5-3 cm beyond the frame frame.

Drilling a hole

Step 2 Washers are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.

Step 3 Subsequently, other panels are laid and fixed.

Step 4 Sheets are attached in the same way at the ends and on the doors.

Step 5 Seal the edges of the canvases with thermal tape, profile or other materials. If necessary, additional processing of joints with sealant is done.

Holes must be drilled strictly perpendicular. Experienced craftsmen on large sheets of polycarbonate drill not round, but oval holes, elongated along the length of the sheet. The distance between the holes for thermal washers and other fasteners depends on the thickness of the material, the area of ​​coverage and is on average 30-50 cm. The outermost hole should be at least 4 cm from the edge of the sheet.

The washer must completely cover the hole. For drilling, you can use a special cutter with a pilot drill. A hole is drilled with a drill, only after that a self-tapping screw is screwed through the hole in the thermal washer. A cap is put on top, which does not allow water to pass through and creates a finished look.

A wooden frame is built for greenhouses, gazebos, summer pavilions, light garages, sheds and outbuildings. The frame must be strong and stable, and all structural elements must be well fastened. The tree should be impregnated with a special compound that prevents the wood from rotting and being eaten by carpenter beetles. Cellular polycarbonate is often attached to the wooden frame of greenhouses and outbuildings, less often - monolithic. For such structures, light metal frames are also made.

Video - Fastening polycarbonate to a wooden frame

Wet fastening of canvases on a wooden frame

This method of fixation is mainly used for fixing monolithic sheet polycarbonate. The order of work is practically the same as the procedure for installing glass in a wooden frame.

Step 1. Polycarbonate sheets are cut in such a way that there is a 2 mm gap between them and the wooden frame on each side.

Step 2 Sealant is applied to the grooves of the wooden frame.

Step 3 The canvas is placed in a frame and lightly pressed. Other canvases are strengthened in the same way. Sheets are additionally fixed with wooden or plastic slats.

Proper fastening of polycarbonate using a profile and professional fasteners will help create not only a strong, reliable and beautiful design. Do-it-yourself structures personal plot according to all the rules of building art, will delight the owners for many years.

Prices for sealant for polycarbonate

sealant for polycarbonate

Video - Sealing the ends of cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate is a modern material that is widely used for greenhouse cladding. It allows you to quickly and inexpensively obtain reliable translucent walls.

In this article we will tell you how to properly attach polycarbonate to a greenhouse.

Benefits of polycarbonate

Like any material, polycarbonate has both its pros and cons.

  • Its main advantages include:
  • Flexibility and impact resistance - it is about 20 times better than glass.
  • This material does not contribute to combustion and has good thermal insulation due to closed air cells.
  • The optimum ratio of price and quality. The average price for a 4 mm sheet 210 * 6000 cm is 1500-1800 rubles.
  • He is not afraid of moisture, high and low temperatures, sudden changes in humidity.
  • This material is lightweight, so you will not have any problems how to fix a polycarbonate greenhouse to the ground. The simplest foundation or a wooden frame nailed to the ground on long reinforcement is enough.

The main disadvantage of this material is:

  • Low abrasive resistance, easy to scratch.
  • It is also destroyed by ultraviolet rays, so to avoid this, manufacturers protect it with a special film.
  • During installation, it is necessary to take into account the presence of a thermal gap so that during temperature changes, the casing can freely expand and contract.

Sheet arrangement

The stiffening ribs in cellular polycarbonate are located along the length of the sheet, therefore, when fastening, they must be positioned in such a way that the channels have an outlet to the outside. This is necessary to remove the resulting condensate inside. That is, on vertical walls stiffeners should be vertical, on arches along the bend of the arc.

Modern polycarbonate is made with a special protective film, which usually indicates the markings and logos of the manufacturer. A layer with such a film must be laid outside. It is better to remove it after fixing the polycarbonate on the greenhouse.

Also, when mounting on arched structures, it is impossible to exceed the maximum allowable bending values ​​of sheets set by the manufacturer.

cutting

The process of cutting sheets is one of the main ones, because this material is usually supplied in the form of long sheets. Them standard size: width 210 cm, length 6 or 12 m.

The cutting process itself is very simple, for this you can use a regular hacksaw or a power tool: a jigsaw, a circular saw. The protective film will protect the surface from scratches during cutting.

After cutting the desired sheet, you should carefully remove all the chips from the internal cavities, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner for this. This is necessary so that condensation does not accumulate inside.

Hole drilling

Ordinary drills are suitable for drilling, but the holes must be made between the stiffeners, as well as at least 4 cm from the edge of the panel. The size of the holes should be 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screws to create a temperature gap.

Note!
When installing long sheets exceeding 6 meters, it is necessary to stretch the size of the holes along the length so that they turn out to be oval.

The drilling angle must be perpendicular, otherwise it will not be possible to fix the self-tapping screw with the washer evenly. In this case, the tightness will be broken, the attachment point will be unreliable, and the thermal insulation will deteriorate.

Panel fixing

Fastening polycarbonate to a metal greenhouse frame can be done in two ways:

  • Using a self-tapping screw with a washer and a sealing gasket.
  • With the help of a thermal washer.

Outwardly, the thermal washer looks like a mushroom cap and consists of two parts: a sealing and an upper plastic one. In the center it has a through hole for a self-tapping screw head. In addition, the plastic leg, which is selected according to the thickness of the coating, prevents the bolt from being overtightened.

After fastening the self-tapping screw, a special cap is put on it, which hides it. Thus, the self-tapping screw is protected from the effects of the external environment and the cold bridge is removed. You can see its structure in the photo:

How to fix polycarbonate on a wooden greenhouse? This is done in exactly the same way, the difference with metal frame only in used screws. In this case, it is better to use ordinary roofing washers for this, since they are cheaper than thermal washers.

For metal, they usually take self-tapping screws with a drill tip, and for wood with a sharp end. They should be 4.2 mm in diameter with a press washer. For fastening to wood, a screw length of 25 mm will suffice, and for flat metal profiles - 13 mm. Fastening should be every 30-40 cm.

Note!
When screwing self-tapping screws, do not rigidly fasten them, overtighten them, or use nails, rivets, or unsuitable washers for fastening.

Cell sealing

Before attaching polycarbonate to the frame of the greenhouse, you need to carefully seal its ends. The upper end must be sealed with ordinary self-adhesive tape. From below you need to stick the tape, and make holes in it for the condensate to escape.

Panel docking

For correct docking polycarbonate between themselves, you need to use special component profiles.

  • A simple connecting profile for joining two panels. In this case, the profile itself is not attached to the crate.
  • Composite connecting profile allows you to connect 2 panels and fasten them to the crate.
  • The end profile is needed to seal the end of the panels.
  • The wall profile allows sealing the ends and fixing the edge of the panel to the wall.
  • Corner profile - for mounting perpendicular corners.
  • Ridge profile - to create a joint on gable roofs various angles.

Instructions for attaching polycarbonate to a greenhouse are shown in the video in this article:

  • Between the polycarbonate sheet and the metal, you need to bake from a heat-insulating tape.
  • For fastening to First, it is screwed to the frame Bottom part, the so-called base, and then a panel is inserted into it. Before that, you need to remove the lower protective film, and bend the layer of the upper film by 10 cm so that it does not interfere with the installation.
  • If fastening takes place on the edge, then from its extreme part, close to the composite profile, you need to install an end or wall profile.
  • Then you need to fix the upper part of the composite profile, by simply snapping into the base. Between the profile and the panel you need to leave a temperature gap of 3 mm.
  • For fastening against the wall, a wall profile is used. It is put on the end of the panel, and its second part is attached to the wall with a sealant.
  • Immediately after the installation is completed, completely, otherwise it will stick to it even more strongly.
  • When mounting arched surfaces, the length of the profile must be greater than the length of the panels, as their size may differ. The excess is cut off after installation.

Conclusion

The presence of a large number of components for polycarbonate will allow you to do the installation yourself without difficulty. (see also article) All joints will be neat and tight.

The polymeric material, which has thermoplastic properties, is usually presented in the form of sheets. Despite the different colors, it is transparent. In everyday life it is called polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is intended for arranging greenhouses, sheds, and verandas. You can also do . It is believed that there can be nothing complicated in working with him, however, there are still some features.

What do you need to know before starting installation?

Polycarbonate by appearance looks like glass. However, its apparent transparency still serves as a good protection from direct sunlight. This monolithic material has good flexibility, but is very strong and quite light. The operating temperature of polycarbonate is from - 40 to + 120 degrees Celsius.

Polycarbonate is divided into two types:

  • Monolithic. It's practically glass, only lighter and stronger.
  • Cellular. It is a hollow but multi-layer structure with stiffeners arranged longitudinally.

Before purchasing polycarbonate, it is necessary, preferably, to determine its dimensions as accurately as possible. This will greatly facilitate the fitting of sheets. And also you should be prepared for the fact that the installation of polycarbonate, if you imagine it step by step, looks like this:

  1. Sheet collation (orientation)
  2. Cutting plates of the desired shape and size
  3. Preparing mounting holes
  4. Seam sealing
  5. Assembly of all structural elements

It is also worth considering the fact that polycarbonate can be deformed due to increased thermal load. This is especially important to know before doing, attaching polycarbonate to a greenhouse, roof or canopy, which will be located mainly under the scorching sun.

Worth knowing! 2.5 millimeters per meter is the standard expansion of cellular transparent polycarbonate, and for colored plates this figure is 4.5 millimeters per 1 meter.

When installing in the summer in the heat, the panels must be installed closely, including to the lock of the docking profile. Lowering the temperature will reduce the polycarbonate and the required gap will appear between the profile lock and the sheet, which will provide additional moisture.

Panel selection

When working with cellular polycarbonate, the main thing is to correctly position the sheets, taking into account the stiffeners. The panel must be mounted in such a way that the internal channels of the stiffeners have an outlet to the outside. This will remove the condensate that will form inside the sheet. Is it possible to mount polycarbonate horizontally?

It is important! When constructing a greenhouse, the sheets must be placed vertically (stiffeners must be perpendicular to the surface). If the installation of pitched surfaces is to be, then the ribs must be located along the slopes. With arched installation, the ribs should be placed in the direction of the arc.

It is worth paying attention to whether the manufacturer made one of the sides of the polycarbonate outer. If so, then such a side has a special protective layer, which can be removed after the sheet is fixed.

When working with cellular polycarbonate, you need to take into account the maximum bending radius of the material, which is indicated for each type of panel separately.

Accurate measurements will help to acquire the right amount of material, which is enough for high-quality fastening.

Plate cutting

Given the correct location of the panels relative to their stiffeners, it is worth preparing a drawing with measurements of the required number of polycarbonate plates. Then you need to start cutting a large canvas.

For cutting, a high-speed circular saw is quite suitable. It is best to do the job with hard-alloy discs with undivided fine teeth.

Attention! Polycarbonate sheets must not be held in hand during cutting. Strong vibration may cause injury to a person or a poor cut. It is best to put the panels on a flat, hard surface and fix them securely, even with a vise. And the cut line after work must be cleaned of chips.

Holes in polycarbonate

It is necessary to drill holes in cellular polycarbonate between the stiffeners (this will not interfere with the removal of condensate). Work must be done before mounting. It is best to drill with an electric drill with metal drills.

Sealing

This process only needs to be done for honeycomb panels. At the ends located on top, you need to fix the self-adhesive tape. The bottom ends cannot be sealed.

If you decide to make a polycarbonate greenhouse, then keep in mind what needs to be done. This is necessary in order to reduce the risk of crop diseases.

By the way, it is not for nothing that polycarbonate is used in the manufacture of greenhouses. This material transmits light well and at the same time is resistant to high temperature. Read about others technical specifications cellular polycarbonate. This material is characterized by high strength.

How and how to fix polycarbonate to metal and wood?

When all preparatory work completed, you need to start the process of mounting the structure, which is a competent fastening of polycarbonate.

There are 2 common ways to attach polycarbonate sheets:

  • With the help of thermal washers
  • With the help of profiles

Fastening polycarbonate with thermal washers

For thermal washers, you need to make holes in polycarbonate sheets a couple of millimeters wider than the diameter of each thermal washer. The plastic construction on a short leg should fit snugly into the hole and snap into place. Its length is equal to the thickness of the panel.

The thermal washer must have a rubber seal, which makes it possible for additional fixation and does not allow moisture and dust to pass through. This installation method can ensure that the polycarbonate is tightly held by the washers, which expand under thermal loads and prevent the sheets from changing their shape. This method of fastening is called point.

Fastening polycarbonate with metal profiles

Such an installation assumes that polycarbonate sheets will be inserted into a metal profile, and then the finished structure will be installed where necessary. This method is convenient when the panels are stacked in several rows and need to be joined.

The edges of the panels in the profile must be fixed with self-tapping screws or the same thermal washers. Most often, using profiles, it is possible to fix panels that should become the edges of the structure, and the middle can be mounted using point fastening.

The profile can be:

  • Detachable
  • one-piece
  • docking
  • Special (it is necessary to connect the panels where the frame configuration changes)
  • corner
  • Stenov

In all cases, polycarbonate sheets should “go in” no more than 20 millimeters into the profile.

All the methods of fixing polycarbonate described above are also called dry. But the "wet" method suggests that the sheets must be attached to the frames or to each other using polymer putty. After that, all joints with inside treated with sealant.

The method of attaching polycarbonate should be chosen based on what tasks are assigned to the structure and how easy it will be to mount it. And subject to all the rules, it should turn out strong and beautiful.

Video on how to fix cellular polycarbonate

Detailed video instruction for the installation of cellular polycarbonate.

How to properly attach polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame so that the coating does not crack, bend or burst. What to choose fasteners for polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is construction material, which is a polymer sheet with thermoplastic properties. To date, this material is quite popular in the construction of industrial and public facilities, as well as in the construction of advertising structures. On the construction market, depending on the purpose, you can purchase honeycomb or monolithic sheets.

Monolithic polycarbonate is a transparent sheet with a continuous surface. It looks like glass, but differs from the latter in its low weight and considerable strength. With normal flexibility, this material has a high impact resistance.

The honeycomb material is a sheet with voids, which consists of many layers and has stiffeners extending in the longitudinal direction.

The monolithic sheet is often a replacement for glass in schools and hospitals, as well as in sports facilities - swimming pools and gyms. In addition, showcases are made from this material in many shopping malls. The purpose of cellular polycarbonate is slightly different. It is used in commercial buildings and utility rooms. Also found wide application in construction on suburban and summer cottages. They cover the structures of greenhouses and conservatories, sheds and other similar objects. Next, we will talk about how to fix polycarbonate, depending on the frame on which it will be fixed.

Methods for fixing monolithic sheets

Just like glass, monolithic polycarbonate is used for shop windows, partitions and fences, for the construction of sheds. In this regard, the fastening of these sheets occurs with the use of structural elements that are used for simple glass. The fastening of the material can occur in two ways. With the help of "dry" and "wet" methods, monolithic sheets can be installed and fixed. A frame is used, which is a frame into which the sheets are inserted and fixed. You can also use holders of different designs, with the help of which the fastening takes place in the selected position.

  • With the “dry” mounting option, only fixation is used using mechanical means, which can be different profiles or other structural elements complete with figured seals, rubber gaskets. Mechanical means of fixation include threaded connections - these are self-tapping screws, bolts, nuts and other fasteners. This method of fastening the material is considered more preferable, since when using it, the work is done neatly and cleanly.
  • With the “wet” method, an overlay is made along the entire frame contour and the edges of the sheet, which is a polymer putty, which is simultaneously suitable for compatible structures, after which the sheet material is inserted into the frame. After this, the docking points are sealed silicone sealant. To create a tight seal, you can use rubber gaskets or special strips of a profile configuration.

Both fastening methods are similar only in that, if used correctly, small gaps must be left, since polycarbonate sheets are prone to thermal expansion. If gaps are not left, deformation or destruction of the material is possible.

Monolithic polycarbonate can also be used as coatings in structures based on a frame. This applies to verandas, greenhouses and greenhouses, in which sheets can have both vertical and horizontal directions. Sheets are fixed to the frame using the usual fasteners - self-tapping screws, screws, bolts with additional rubber washers for sealing. Along the length of the frame, fixing should occur approximately every 0.5 m.

Holes are pre-drilled in monolithic polycarbonate sheets. They should recede from the edge of the sheet at a distance of 2 cm, while the diameter of the hole should be 3 mm larger than the size of the fastener. This is done in order to compensate for the change in the dimensions of the material that occurs during the thermal expansion of the sheet. Holes in the polymer are best made with drills designed for wood, while drilling should be done at low speeds so that the material does not overheat during processing. If you correctly fix the sheets to the frame, you do not need to tighten the fasteners much. The pressing force of the sheet and the diameter of the mounting hole must not interfere with the movement of the sheet during thermal expansion.

Methods for fixing sheets of cellular polycarbonate

The simplest method of fixing such material is point fixation. With this method, self-tapping screws with thermal washers of special manufacture are used. Thanks to this method of fastening the sheets, the material is reliably fixed, the fixing joints are sealed, the formation of "cold bridges" is not allowed, while the sheets are not subjected to deformation. All these positive moments are possible thanks to thermal washers, which include plastic washers with a foot and sealing washers with covers that close the holes intended for self-tapping screws.

  • The leg length of the plastic washer should match the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet.
  • A hole is made in it, the diameter of which should be approximately 3 mm larger than the size of the leg.
  • If the sheet is long, round hole under the leg is replaced by an oval one with the direction of the main axis along the stiffeners.
  • The distance between the fixing points should be approximately 0.4 m.
  • Self-tapping screws can not be tightened very strongly.
  • Self-tapping screws should be at a distance of 4 cm from the edge of the sheet.

If the coating occupies a large area and the sheets are fixed in several rows, then the structural elements are connected using special design docking profiles. Thanks to them, the edges of the panels are fixed to each other.

  • Profiles are divided into detachable and one-piece. Fixed elements are fixed to the frame using self-tapping screws together with thermal washers. Such fastening resembles point fixation of sheets. Along the perimeter, the panels are inserted into profiles, while sheet structures are attached to individual fragments of the frame in a dotted manner.
  • Detachable profile for fixing sheets of cellular polycarbonate has two components, which are called "base" and "cover". The first is connected to the frame structure with self-tapping screws at a distance of approximately 0.3 m between them. The panels are arranged in such a way that they are brought into the “base” by about 2 cm. force or with mild blows with a mallet - plastic or wooden. The material for the manufacture of detachable profiles can be both aluminum and polycarbonate.

In addition to conventional connecting profiles, special structures are also used for joining panels in places where the frame contour changes. For example, wall profiles are used to fasten sheets to the wall surface. If the panels are at an angle to each other, docking and fixing are carried out corner profiles. For the installation of a ridge on the roof, there is a ridge profile. Unlike other profiles, the latter can duplicate the angle at which the roof slopes are located.

Valuable notes

Always when connecting sheets to each other, as well as to connecting profiles, it must be taken into account that the sheets of material change in size with a temperature drop. To avoid deformation and breakage of panels, it is necessary to leave gaps at all points of potential contact of polycarbonate sheets with elements in the neighborhood. It is known from practice that for each meter of the sheet there should be a gap of at least 3.5 mm. In addition, it is impossible to fix the panels with fixing elements in a way that causes thermal stress.

For sheets of cellular polycarbonate, the thickness of which is up to one cm, the use of thermal washers for point fixation is mandatory. Special design elements can make the mount attractive and durable.

Video

This video talks about how and how to fix cellular polycarbonate:

This video will tell you how and how to fix monolithic polycarbonate: