How to fix polycarbonate to metal correctly: how to fix it and which side

A well-executed polycarbonate sheet attachment to metal structures guarantees stability and longevity for your roofing project. Polycarbonate is a common material for roofing because of its impact resistance and transparency. It is renowned for being lightweight but strong. When installing polycarbonate, whether for a patio cover or a greenhouse roof, it is essential to secure it correctly to withstand weather conditions and ensure longevity.

Knowing which side of the polycarbonate sheet should face outwards is one of the most important factors to take into account when fixing polycarbonate to metal. To protect the material from damaging sun rays, the polycarbonate’s UV protective layer should normally face outward. This UV protection prolongs the polycarbonate’s life and preserves its aesthetic appeal by preventing yellowing and degradation over time.

Regarding the actual fixing procedure, you have a few options based on the kind of metal structure and your unique requirements. Using specific screws and washers made for polycarbonate are common techniques that help distribute the load evenly and guard against sheet damage or cracking. Prior to screwing the polycarbonate sheets into position, it is crucial to drill pilot holes in order to prevent stress fractures.

A weatherproof barrier can also be produced by using the appropriate sealing tapes or profiles along the edges of the polycarbonate sheets. By doing this, water intrusion is avoided and the roof structure’s overall stability is improved. To stop wind uplift and potential damage during bad weather, it’s crucial to make sure the polycarbonate sheets and the metal framework fit snugly and securely.

General recommendations

Visors, verandas, and arched and pitched awnings can be made from monolithic and cellular polycarbonates.

The material can be used to manufacture private and public greenhouses, as well as for industrial cultivation of yields in greenhouse farms, due to the cell sheet’s low cost and high load capacity (which is dependent on the number and location of stiffness ribs).

Consider the following factors when getting ready to install light transformation material on the frame:

• In cellular polycarbonate, stiffener ribs are located along the length of the sheet. When installing the panel vertically or with an inclination, hollow channels should be oriented from top to bottom, in the designs of free forms – parallel to bends.
• On the outside of the polycarbonate sheet designed for use in the open air, a special coating has been applied to prevent the destruction of the polymer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The protective film with the designation of the front surface is not removed until the end of the installation, so as not to confuse which side the panel must be facing out.
• The material is not designed for increased snow loads, so the minimum angle of slope of slopes with a length of up to 6 meters should be 5 degrees. The larger the length of the slope, the greater the angle of inclination should be. In this case, the indicator of the stiffness of the sheet, and the step of the crate should be taken into account.
• Arkal structures have no more than 150 polycarbonate thicknesses of polycarbonate.

Preparation for installation

The first step is to gather the required equipment and supplies, mark and cut the panels according to the project, and cover the ends of the prepared elements.

It is used to cut polycarbonate:

• Installation knife. It is allowed to use for small volumes of work, the recommended sheet thickness is up to 10 mm.
• Hand -haired hacksaw for metal.
• High -speed saw. Mandatory conditions – the presence of a stop, carbide, not diluted small teeth of the canvas.
• Electrician.
• Ribbon saw with a ribbon wide up to 20 mm and up to 1.5 mm thick. In this case, the step of the teeth should not exceed 3.5 mm, and the cutting speed – 1000 m/minute.

The conditions under which cutting won’t cause the panel to vibrate must be guaranteed.

Chips and stripes of the protective film are removed from the ends of the prepared elements made of cellular polycarbonate.

In the event that the panel is fixed vertically or beneath an incline, the upper end must be identified and secured with a unique continuous aluminum tape.

Perforated tape is used to paste the lower end. The lower ends of the arched structure are shielded by perforated tape. Such protection stops condensate from settling and growing, dust and insects from getting into the channels, and mold from growing.

The sealed ends are closed with a unique end profile if, following installation, they are still free (per the project specifications). Condensation will drain through pre-drilled holes in the lower profile. The holes’ step is 30 centimeters.

Selecting installation technology is a necessary step in the preparation process. Glue can be used to attach the monolithic material sheets together. It is preferable to use a specific polycarbonate or aluminum docking profile for cell panels. Selecting the method for fixing polycarbonate is also necessary. Several fasteners are available from manufacturers to secure the sheets to the crate.

Fasteners

The choice of fasteners based on speed, convenience, and installation quality affects both the design’s longevity and installation speed.

The following parameters need to be taken into consideration:

• Self -cutting characteristics (fasteners are selected depending on the material of the structure – metal or wood);
• manufacturing material and pucking parameters.

Self-tapping screws can be bought separately or as a set with washers. If a wooden structure is necessary for polycarbonate glazing, you should use wooden screws as a fastener.

Cellular polycarbonate should be attached to a metal frame using screws with stainless steel or galvanized tips.

Polycarbonate thermos

Goals of the same material are available, especially for fasteners of polycarbonate sheets, so you can select the perfect color option. These fasteners have an eye-catching appearance but are not visually striking.

The following components make up thermo-haired:

• convex upper part with a wide leg and a hole for a self -tapping screw;
• elastic polymer seal (ring);
• holes for self -tapping screw.

The thickness of the panel must be taken into consideration when choosing the thermo-shabes leg height. The sheet is securely fastened without pushing because the leg limits the clamp. Because of this, glazing endures heat from the sun.

The type of drill used to create a hole for fasteners is influenced by the thickness of the leg.

To prevent sheet elements from deforming during temperature expansion, the hole’s diameter should be 3 mm larger than the leg’s diameter.

For ornamental structures, polycarbonate thermo-haired is the most appealing and useful choice. They firmly shut the fastener and firmly secure the sheet material on the frame, provided that they are installed correctly. The thermo-hayb made of polycarbonate has a 20-year service life.

Polypropylene thermals

In addition, the polypropylene thermally-haired cap is a polymer with a self-tapping screw and plug hole that firmly presses the sealing ring against the sheet coating’s surface.

A polycarbonate washer and this kind of product are not the same.

• less elastic seal, which is made of foam plastic;
• the absence of the legs of the puck;
• lack of coating that protects from ultraviolet radiation;
• opaque and relatively small color scheme.

Since the puck lacks a leg, it is important to carefully fasten the fasteners to prevent pulling.

After a few years in the sun, polypropylene washers burn out, become discolored, and start to collapse. The use of fasteners is limited by a limited color selection and an inaccurate material match. It is appropriate for indoor structures and hidden areas, as well as for installing greenhouses and thin-film polycarbonate greenhouses that are intended to last three to four years.

One benefit of polypropylene washers is their low cost; they are less expensive than polycarbonate. This kind is intended for fasteners that have a 6 mm thickness. As a result, to ensure thermal clearance during installation, the holes in the sheets must be drilled using a 9 mm drill bit.

The remaining types of goals

If the structure’s aesthetics are not particularly important, regular flat-wide goals can be used to attach the polycarbonate sheets to the frame. Simultaneously, to keep moisture out of the polycarbonate fastener, a thick elastic seal is required for structures on the street, while a thin rubber seal is sufficient for structures inside the room.

Clusted cooked goals composed of galvanized or stainless steel, with a thick EMDP rubber gasket or an umbrella gasket made of foamed polymer.

When building a structure with a large glazed surface area in an area with strong winds, these fasteners allow you to dependable fix the polycarbonate coating on a metal frame.

Since the mounting element hat is exposed to air sediments, use corrosion-resistant screws or bolts to secure the puck to the gasket.

Compared to regular flat washers, Tarelly stainless washers have a significant advantage in that they can guarantee the fastener’s tightness.

The connection of the sheets with each other

Polycarbonate sheets can be overlapped in the simplest of situations, but this solution won’t allow you to guarantee that the greenhouse or canopy is tight.

As a result, the following methods are employed to connect panels to one another:

• gluing using silicone -based composition (first of all, this is an option for monolithic polycarbonate);
• the use of an unusable profile;
• The use of a detachable profile.

In order to arrange glazing adjustment to the wall or other structures, profiles are also utilized.

Make sure there is a gap of 2-3 mm along the entire length of the sheet to allow for material thermal expansion when inserting the sheet’s edges into the profile.

Polycarbonate fastening

Think about the proper way to mount polycarbonate to the greenhouse’s frame. Before starting the installation process, it is essential to determine how many screws with the right kind of washers will be needed in order to connect sheets and fasteners in the presence of sheets with sealed ends and to have a suitable profile.

The structure’s frame should be built to withstand the atmospheric loads it will encounter following glazing.

Consolidation of polycarbonate can be done using the point method. Using self-tapping metal screws, each sheet needs to be fastened to the crate in increments of 300–400 mm.

The panels are overlapped (the overlap should be placed on the rafters with a minimum width of 200 mm) or joined by an inefficient profile. It is advised to determine the element sizes such that the docking profile rests on the frame’s rafters. This will strengthen the glazing and improve its appearance.

With just a detachable profile, a small canopy or visor can be installed; each sheet will be firmly fastened on two sides.

However, because of the greenhouse’s large surface area, significant wind and snow loads, and other factors, this option is not appropriate. Every sheet has to have screws with washers attached to it in addition to the detachable profile.

To properly attach polycarbonate to metal, it"s crucial to follow specific steps for a secure and durable installation. Choosing the right side of the polycarbonate sheet matters: always place the UV-protected side facing outward to prevent damage from sunlight. Use specialized screws with neoprene washers to secure the sheets to the metal structure, ensuring a tight fit without over-tightening, which could cause cracking. Maintain proper spacing between screws and avoid drilling holes too close to the edge of the polycarbonate to prevent cracking. This method not only ensures the longevity of the installation but also maintains the structural integrity of both the polycarbonate and the metal framework, providing a reliable solution for roofing and other applications.

Rules for installing fasteners

The easiest way to create holes in the polycarbonate sheets is to measure the frame and mark them on the ground, making sure the holes are 2-3 mm higher than the diameter of the thermal shirt legs or the thickness of the self-tapping screw. After drilling holes and noting the necessary spacing between the mounting points, the chips must be taken out.

A partner’s assistance will be needed to raise the sheets up the structure and align them there. Using a thin drill, a hole is drilled through the polycarbonate in a metal frame. A screwdriver is then used to screw the screw onto the metal after placing a puck on it.

Screws must be inserted into the leaf material at a straight angle to the frame element in order for it to be fixed correctly.

Because polycarbonate needs to be firmly but gently attached, it is simpler to use thermo-shabes with legs for those who lack the necessary skills. After finishing the fasteners and verifying proper installation, insert the plugs into the thermo-haired.

Video

How to fix polycarbonate to metal correctly:	Ensure to use specially designed screws that are compatible with both materials. Fix the polycarbonate sheets using rubber or neoprene washers under the screw heads to prevent water leakage.
Which side to fix it:	Always fix the UV-protected side of the polycarbonate facing outward to protect it from weathering and UV damage over time.

A secure and long-lasting installation of polycarbonate sheets on metal structures requires careful attention to detail. Because polycarbonate sheets are strong and lightweight, many people choose to use them for roofing and other constructions. The type of fasteners used is critical when joining polycarbonate to metal. For this application, self-drilling screws with EPDM washers are usually advised. In addition to providing a weather-tight seal and firmly fastening the polycarbonate, these screws also stop leaks and damage over time.

The way the polycarbonate sheets are oriented during installation is another crucial factor to take into account. Both an unprotected and an UV-protected side are typically present in polycarbonate sheets. Installing them with the UV-protected side facing outward is imperative. By shielding the polycarbonate from damaging sun rays, this UV protection layer helps to extend its lifespan and preserve its clarity over time. When sheets are installed incorrectly, UV exposure can cause premature deterioration and yellowing.

For your polycarbonate roof or structure to remain structurally sound and long-lasting, proper installation methods are essential. Make sure the metal framework is dry, clean, and free of any debris that could corrode the seal or cause damage over time before securing the sheets. Securely tighten the screws, being careful not to overtighten as this might shatter the polycarbonate sheets. In order to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction and lessen the stress that temperature fluctuations place on the metal frame and sheets, you should also think about utilizing spacer washers.

Video on the topic

Live hack from the project of RA!How to fix polycarbonate to metal correctly! Avs and did not know!???

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