How to join polycarbonate sheets with each other: 3 ways

Polycarbonate sheet joining is necessary for many projects, such as building greenhouses and roofing systems. Polycarbonate sheets are perfect for outdoor applications because they are impact-resistant, lightweight, and strong. Depending on the particular requirements of your project, there exist multiple techniques to efficiently combine these sheets, each with their own advantages.

Utilizing specific polycarbonate profiles is one popular technique for joining polycarbonate sheets. These profiles provide a seamless and secure connection by fitting over the sheet edges. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes, including H-, U-, and F-profiles, to suit a variety of sheet thicknesses and structural needs. The profiles ensure longevity and durability by joining the sheets together and forming a barrier that is resistant to weather.

Using adhesives that are compatible with polycarbonate is another well-liked method of joining polycarbonate sheets. These adhesives are designed especially to provide a strong bond between polycarbonate surfaces. Make sure the surfaces are dust- and debris-free before using the adhesive. Press the sheets firmly together after evenly applying the adhesive along any edges or seams that need to be joined. As directed by the manufacturer, give the curing process enough time to produce a solid and trustworthy bond.

Polycarbonate tape provides a workable solution for projects that call for a more flexible and removable joining technique. The purpose of polycarbonate tape is to firmly attach to polycarbonate surfaces while permitting alterations or disassembly when necessary. It offers a quick and simple method of joining sheets without the use of adhesives or specialized equipment. This approach works best for temporary structures or scenarios that call for frequent adjustments.

"Three useful techniques for efficiently joining polycarbonate sheets are covered in this guide. Whether you’re working on a professional installation or a do-it-yourself project, knowing how to use profiles, adhesive tapes, and screws will help you make connections that are sturdy and resistant to weather. You can select the best strategy depending on the particular needs and requirements of your project because each method has distinct advantages.

Preparation of panels for installation

Polycarbonate panels are cut with a circular saw or knife-haired woman for metal in the quantity specified by the project. There is no need for additional training specific to monolithic sheets. Cellularly structured panels must be sealed at the ends to prevent insects, moisture, and dust from entering the channels created by the partitions.

Selecting which edge of the sheet will be upper and which lower is necessary if the sheet is mounted under the slope rather than an arch and both ends stay free. To the upper edge is glued a continuous sealing tape. Perforated self-adhesive tape is located on the lower end. Previously, the edges had a protective film strip removed.

After deciding on the installation method that uses the connecting profile, it is important to figure out how much will be needed for panels, fasteners, and profiles (both angular and linear connecting profiles).

Selection of sheet connection technology

The way that polycarbonate panels made of cellular or monolithic material are connected is chosen according to the structure’s specifications and personal preferences.

Leaf material is compatible with the following:

• unusual profile;
• detachable profile;
• glue of silicone or solvent based on methylene chloride or ethyl chloride.

Aluminum or polymer are used to make both kinds of docking elements. Standard self-tapping screws with a flat hat or self-tapping screws made of polymer material are used, depending on the technology planned for the panel connections. The latter enable the fastening points to be reliably sealed.

A screwdriver and an electric drill are needed to install fasteners correctly. It is advised to use screws with legs whose thickness matches the panel’s thickness when attaching polycarbonate sheets to the frame. This will stop fasteners from being overtightened during installation.

It should be mentioned that a drill bit with a diameter two millimeter bigger than the leg is used to create the hole in the polycarbonate needed for the fastener. The material’s ability to expand thermally requires this space.

Let’s take a closer look at the process of joining polycarbonate to build a sturdy gazebo roof, a visor over the front door, a carport, a greenhouse, or any other type of greenhouse.

Steply profile

The central channel, created by two jumpers, and the sides of the grooves, where polycarbonate sheets are inserted, have a stingless linear profile.

The docking element is secured to the frame frame using this channel. For metal, the aluminum profile is fastened using standard metal screws; for polymers, self-tapping screws with thermo-haired are advised. Fasteners are positioned 90 degrees away from the profile’s surface.

The self-tapping screw should simultaneously enter the crate by at least 5 mm and pass through its central channel.

You should insert the panel’s edge into the extreme docking profile before fixing it to the frame and applying the same profile to the other edge. Since the connecting profiles should fall precisely in the center of the frame elements on which they are fixed, assistance will be needed to lift the structure. External loads will not be supported by the flooring if the sheets are fastened without support.

Until all of the material is laid, the edge of the subsequent polycarbonate sheet is inserted into the second profile’s open groove.

Make sure there is a gap of two to three millimeters between the polycarbonate flooring’s edge and the docking element’s inner jumper before securing it. This is important to allow for thermal expansion.

The connecting, useless profile is typically composed of polymer. Because its edges are bent, it holds the leaf material firmly. Products made of aluminum are also utilized. The way they are internally configured and the damping gaskets they have help fix the sheet.

Detaless profile

It is most practical to use a detachable profile for docking polycarbonate sheets, particularly when joining the coating of the arched structure’s components.

The following stages of work are outlined in the instruction:

1. The lower part of the profile is attached to the frame using screws for metal or wood (the choice depends on the material of the frame and profile, the fastening points are located in the central channel with a step of 30-50 cm);
2. The panels are laid so that their edges fall on the sidewalls of the lower part of the profile and there remains a gap of 2-3 mm to the vertical wall of the element;
3. After the edges of the panels on both sides are laid in the profile, the upper bar of the profile is laid, the palm or wooden hammer is closed and snap.

Adhesive technology

Because the docking elements extend beyond the panel plane, using profiles prevents the creation of an absolutely smooth and even surface. With a polycarbonate glue method, an aesthetically pleasing design is produced that has the appearance of a whole translucent canvas.

This technology necessitates the use of silicone-based special glue. With a mounting gun and a dosed glue supply, the composition is applied to the sheet’s side surface along its whole length. Press the edge of the second sheet against the appended surface after distributing the adhesive mass evenly across it. It’s important to remember that glue dries quickly when working.

You can use solvents in ethyl or methylene chloride in place of silicone glue. The polycarbonate sheets are joined to one another and both appended edges process the composition. The dissolved polymer material dries, leaving behind a strong, sealed, and barely noticeable seam.

To guarantee the strength of the seam, the polycarbonate docking needs to be dense. When a joint is done correctly, it seals and atmospheric precipitation is not missed by these structures.

The final stage

Following the sheet installation, the projecting aligned ends are sealed with a unique profile to increase the structure’s rigidity and give it a polished, finished appearance. Monolithic panels have a transparent or color-selected end profile applied to their free ends.

It serves purely aesthetic purposes in this instance. Finally, a film that shields the material from haphazard damage during installation is removed from the polycarbonate.

By following the installation guidelines, you can dependable join two polycarbonate sheets to form a robust and aesthetically pleasing protective layer.

The best way to join polycarbonate sheets will depend on the project at hand as well as your unique requirements. Every approach—using screws, tape, or profiles—has pros and cons of its own.

Using profiles guarantees a robust, dependable connection with some flexibility and thermal expansion. For larger structures or locations where weather resistance is essential, this approach is perfect. Additionally, profiles give the installation a polished, tidy appearance that improves its visual appeal.

As an alternative, joining polycarbonate sheets with tape is easy and quick. It works well for shorter projects or transitory installations where application simplicity and removal ease of use are key considerations. But compared to other techniques, tape might not provide the same level of strength and resilience to weather.

Using screws to attach polycarbonate sheets together offers a more conventional and durable method that offers a reliable connection that can withstand weather and environmental conditions. For permanent installations or locations that frequently experience strong winds or a lot of snow, this approach is advised. It guarantees a tight seal and stops the sheets from moving over time.

In the end, the approach you select should be in line with the particular requirements of your project, including any concerns about durability, installation simplicity, or aesthetics. You can choose the ideal choice with confidence to accomplish a successful and long-lasting polycarbonate sheet installation if you are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each joining technique.

Video on the topic

Combine polycarbonate sheets using the docking profile

Connection of polycarbonate sheets using the H-shaped profile into one working person

Connection of polycarbonate sheets with each other

Installation of polycarbonate on the end