Polycarbonate sheet size for a canopy

For your canopy, selecting the proper size polycarbonate sheets is essential for both practicality and style. Because polycarbonate sheets are strong, lightweight, and impact-resistant, they are a common material choice for canopies. They offer versatility in performance and design because they are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses.

The size of your canopy structure and the intended use should be taken into account when choosing the polycarbonate sheet size. Standard sizes can be altered in length to meet the needs of your particular project. Typically, they are 6 to 12 feet wide. Additionally, the thickness of the sheets can change, which can have an impact on insulation and light transmission.

Narrower sheets might work for smaller canopies or those with simpler designs, while wider sheets might be better for larger structures in order to reduce the number of seams and joints. It’s critical to plan appropriately because the selection of sheet size affects both material waste and installation complexity.

Furthermore, the size of the polycarbonate sheets affects how your canopy looks as a whole. While larger sheets offer a more seamless appearance that enhances the modern or minimalist aesthetic of the canopy, smaller sheets can produce a segmented look that may be appealing in some architectural styles.

Canopy Type Polycarbonate Sheet Size
Small Canopy 4 feet x 6 feet
Medium Canopy 6 feet x 8 feet
Large Canopy 8 feet x 10 feet

Which polycarbonate is better for a canopy – how to choose the right material

Transparent colored plastics are frequently used in both private and public construction to create awnings and fences of various designs.

Typically, cellular or monolithic materials are utilized for these purposes; these materials differ greatly in thickness and color even though the same raw materials are used in their production.

The main differences between cellular and monolithic polycarbonate

Several considerations are made when deciding which polycarbonate to use for a canopy. First, here are the details regarding the function and features of this awning’s operation.

In this context, the polycarbonate’s structure is crucial because hollow-type cellular panels are lighter than monolithic plastic. Hollow products are therefore orders of magnitude less expensive.

When identifying the type of polycarbonate, its aesthetic qualities are given a lot of consideration. There are situations when the style of the equipped object demands that the coating be as similar to silicate glass as possible; these types of data are found in monolithic slabs. These kinds of plastic can be used to create structures with the most bizarre layouts. Monolithic panels come in a range of shades and can be produced in full transparency.

Which is better for a canopy

Cellular polycarbonate is a great choice in this situation if the goal of the canopy is practicality and simplicity without any unique architectural features. Owing to this material’s low specific weight, special additional loads are not applied to the supporting frame’s construction.

The canopy is extremely sturdy and steady at the same time. These canopies are typically constructed with the least expensive materials possible because they are outfitted with power structures made from a mildly angled steel profile.

To ascertain which type of polycarbonate is required for a canopy, you must examine the primary attributes of each type of material. Monolithic polycarbonate sheets are nearly six times heavier than cellular polycarbonate sheets with the same thickness of 6 mm. On the other hand, their service is nearly 2.5 times longer. Regarding the remaining attributes, there isn’t much of a difference between them.

The efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the material are also crucial considerations when selecting a canopy. The geometric sizes of the sheets and the details of the equipped object’s appointment take requirements into consideration.

Essentially, this is how the following structures are outfitted:

  • Car parking.
  • Balconies, terraces.
  • Pools.
  • Public transport parking.
  • Visors and transitions between buildings.

A monolithic polycarbonate canopy has a good mechanical load tolerance. Based on this feature, the cellular panel indicators are orders of magnitude smaller. Monolithic plastic is extensively used to design a variety of social structures that frequently withstand such effects because of its anti-vandal properties.

Polycarbonate What thickness to choose for a canopy

It’s crucial to determine the ideal polycarbonate thickness for the gazebo for each individual situation based on the material. Based on similar information found in SNiP II-3-79 and SNiP 21-01-97. Together with determining the ideal polycarbonate sheet thickness, the anticipated load loads are also taken into consideration in accounting.

The specifics of using cellular polycarbonate are as follows:

  • Using panels with a thickness of 4 mm, it is allowed to decorate only small designs, which are characterized by a large radius of rounding. Usually, greenhouses and small visors are built from such material.
  • To cover the structures on which large wind and snow loads turn out to be, it is better to apply the material with a thickness of 6-8 mm. Most often, automobile parking lots and pools are made in this way, requiring the use of a significant size of a polycarbonate sheet for a canopy.
  • As for the extreme operating conditions with significant mechanical and climatic loads, the best option in this case will be a polycarbonate 10 mm thick.

The panels have internal stiffeners installed for a discernible boost in strength. At this point, when the ideal sheet thickness and the canopy’s structural characteristics are established, accounting is required. The SNiP 2 requirements are considered when calculating snow loads. For a specific climate zone, 01.07-85. The structure of cellular polycarbonate panels can also differ when their thickness exceeds 16 mm. Within them are three or five layers, and the cells can take on the form of a triangle or a rectangle.

Determination of the necessary thickness and size of monolithic polycarbonate sheets

The purpose of the building directly affects the thickness of the monolithic polycarbonate canopy, which varies by 2 to 12 mm. When compared to cellular products, this kind of polycarbonate is more robust.

Monolithic plates, ranging in thickness from 4 to 6 mm, are commonly used to decorate car parking and visors. These products are known for their optimal performance characteristics, which ensure the object’s strength.

How to choose the right color of polycarbonate

Maintaining a certain unity between building structures and architectural details is crucial. When choosing a polycarbonate color for a canopy, consideration is typically given to the surrounding buildings’ colors as well as the details of the overall background. Polycarbonate panels in shades of green, turquoise, blue, dairy, and bronze are popular for use on personnel in our nation. They lessen the distortion of the actual colors of the objects that are located. If polycarbonate in the colors red, orange, or yellow is used, keep in mind that any object placed beneath it will absorb a similar amount of shade.

In addition to the common transparent panels available, totally impenetrable silver or black cellular polycarbonate panels are also available. Such material is used to construct canopies, the purpose of which is to cast a deep shadow within the structure. When choosing a canopy’s color, the landmark that the building is located close to is usually used as a guide. In addition, the contrasting ratio method is frequently chosen.

When creating ornamental and protective structures, a few things are considered. Which polycarbonate is best for a canopy depends on a number of factors, including the sheets’ thickness and color. The most common application for cellular material is in private construction, where a respectable attitude is typically guaranteed for the structures. Regarding the monolithic material, its demand as an anti-vandal coating is higher in the public domain. Furthermore, you can construct incredibly creative architectural elements with its assistance.

Which polycarbonate is better for a canopy depends on its color, sheet size, thickness, and whether it is monolithic or cellular.

Which polycarbonate is better for a canopy depends on its color, sheet size, thickness, and whether it is monolithic or cellular.

The choice of color, size, thickness of polycarbonate for a canopy

Polycarbonate is versatile and can be used to make awnings for a variety of uses. Above garages, wings, terraces, balconies, arbors, and galleries that link the main house and its outbuildings. This material is well-suited for mounting and resists both physical and atmospheric forces.

Today, we’ll talk about polycarbonate awnings and how to choose among the various types, colors, and thickness options available.

Choosing polycarbonate for awnings

Polycarbonate comes in two varieties: monolithic and cellular. Although they have different structural and functional characteristics, they are made of the same material. A polycarbonate canopy’s service life is 10 years under warranty and up to 25 years in real terms.

Polycarbonate spheres for a roof

You can understand the meaning of the first part of the material’s name, "cell," by looking at the photo below. There are cells visible on the sheet section; these are honeycombs made of multidirectional partitions. Two to four horizontal layers are possible. Because of their design, the sheets are lightweight and flexible when heated just a little. However, the impact resistance is still very high, far higher than that of the tile or glass of the same thickness. The full range of operating qualities is maintained at temperatures between -40 and +130 degrees.

Note that the weight of the cellular polycarbonate is one of its quality indicators. The following specifications should be included in the "correct" material: Ten mm – 1.7 kg/m 2, six mm – 1.3 kg/m 2, and four mm thick – 0.8 kg/m 2. Any departures from the standard point to flaws in the production technology and, consequently, a deterioration in the product’s operational qualities.

The next picture illustrates the homogenous structure of the monolithic sheet on the cut. Though he is stronger and has a much wider range of thickness than his cellular brother, he is heavier. Because of the material’s elasticity, thin varieties can be bent without the need for heating. Its superior resistance to impacts should be considered when selecting a roof for canopies that may be exposed to such forces.

Keep in mind that a monolithic sheet has far greater transparency than a cellular one. Its transparent variant of light partitions is comparable to regular glass.

Select the appropriate hue.

Choosing which polycarbonate is better for a canopy by color is the task at hand. It is essential to choose a material with the appropriate light transmission capacity while also figuring out what tone is appropriate for a particular building.

  • White dairy-the lowest light outlet, only 20-30%.
  • Bronze, brown-25-45%, depending on the intensity of staining. The best option for car awnings – the car will not be very warm in the sun.
  • Opal, green, blue-50-75%, depending on the intensity of staining.
  • Blue-75-90%. It goes well to cover the gazebos, where you need protection against direct sunlight, but strong darkening is undesirable.
  • Transparent without tinting – from 90%. We take it to where only protection against rain/wind is required. For example, from it you can make a canopy above the porch.

Color of polycarbonate for a canopy: picture depicts the range of possibilities

How to choose a canopy made of cellular polycarbonate: we calculate the thickness

Which polycarbonate thickness works best for a canopy over a parking lot? Here, a 6–8 mm thick sheet works best. He’ll be strong enough to bear the weight of the snow and wind. More thickness is not necessary because this situation does not call for extra strength; instead, you would be wasting money and adding to the load on the canopy frame. The same is true for galleries; 6–8 mm sheets work well there.

Which kind of cellular polycarbonate to use for a canopy depends on the project’s scope. Here, 6–8 mm is sufficient.

There will be an adequate supply of sheets with a thickness of 4-6 mm for arbors. This surface will have a minimal load, and the polycarbonate in question is sufficiently flexible to allow for modeling without the need for heating.

Awning over the pavilions

For a canopy above the wings and balconies, 4-6 mm of polycarbonate is the ideal thickness, though it is not as important in this case. The weight of the sheet won’t matter much because the area of this type of visor is small, and the price difference will also be negligible.

Which thickness of polycarbonate is best for a canopy, pictures of monolithic and cellular sheets, types and colors of polycarbonate for a canopy, and service life

Uncertain about the ideal polycarbonate for a canopy? Review and comparison of photos showing the thickness, color, and size of sheets made of monolithic and cellular polycarbonate for a canopy.

It is essential to select the appropriate size of polycarbonate sheets for your canopy in order to guarantee both practicality and visual appeal. To assist you in making wise decisions, this article examines important variables such as canopy dimensions, weather, and installation techniques. By being aware of these factors, you can choose polycarbonate sheets that improve the overall appearance and functionality of your outdoor area while also offering the best coverage and durability.

Which polycarbonate is better to choose for a canopy

Everybody who is organizing their site is concerned about what thickness of polycarbonate is best for a canopy and how to select the various colors and sizes of cellular polycarbonate.

An automobile canopy

It is impossible to build a private territory without awnings. Similar designs are made for a variety of uses, such as hiding, covering the car, or hiding the territory for leisure. Occasionally a canopy—which is composed of the same materials as the roof with a fence—is incorporated into the landscape design.

This indicates that the materials used to line the site’s buildings are typically also used for canopies. As a result, corrugated board and wood canopies exist. However, the most popular material used nowadays to create hinged structures is polycarbonate, which is stronger than all other building materials and does not burn out or deform.

The primary criteria used to select the polymer for awnings and visors are as follows:

  • Light weight;
  • Heating protection, low thermal conductivity;
  • Excellent sizes, large dimensions;
  • Simplicity in processing;
  • Economy;
  • Special properties of optics;
  • Strength;
  • Easy installation.

The primary function of the canopy, or visor, is to cover the area without having to spend a lot of money on imposing a large structure while also protecting and beautifying the entrance to your home.

Quality and thickness choice

Priority one when selecting polycarbonate should be given to the material’s thickness.

You must determine the ideal polycarbonate thickness for a canopy before beginning construction. Since the structures serve distinct purposes, the polymer sheet must adhere to the particular requirements and operating circumstances. Our canopy’s primary component is the wind and snow load calculation.

Based on empirical evidence, it is not advisable to utilize cellular polymers with minimum thickness for external building facing. You will frequently need to repair your canopy; you won’t save money on a subtle polymer. The polymer will be deformed or covered in microcracks as a result of the harsh external environment’s actions, losing all of its strength-related functional characteristics.

Reduced thickness will necessitate stronger materials, so the crate’s step must be increased. You will have to purchase profiles, and the weight of your canopy will increase.

However, you can calculate your polymer width for your structure instead of selecting a much larger thickness. Choose 4 mm material for the canopy and 6 mm for the visors.

When the bending radius—a measure of the magnitude on which our material can be bent—becomes significant, thickness becomes relevant. A polymer radius of 4 mm, for instance, is at least 0.7 m. This indicates that it will simply burst on the bend if you attempt to bend it with a size of 0.6 m.

The structure of sot sheet

A cell phone is the most popular polymer for a canopy since it has two layers joined by numerous ribs. Because of its unique structure, the finished sheet has a honeycomb-like appearance. The cell polymer is also very heat-conductive, flexible, and long-lasting.

A monolithic polymer canopy works well because it is less expensive, easier to install, and less dust-caked than a cellular canopy.

The most common sizes for samples of this type of building material are 6000 mm in length and 2100 mm in width. That being said, altering the polymer’s size for your design won’t be too tough because there are plenty of metal scissors and construction knives available to adjust the sheet’s dimensions.

Manufacturers

Until recently, Polymer was exclusively available in foreign versions on the building materials market. However, that has changed. The selection of high-quality material was made extremely difficult by the large number of domestic companies that produce enormous amounts of polymer.

Furthermore, it will now be simpler to determine the source and nation of the raw materials used in the polymer production process when selecting the manufacturer.

If color has a more aesthetic effect on a material, it is probably one of the primary technical features of polycarbonate. After all, you will have to search for a colorless polymer with properties similar to glass if you require a high transmission of your structure. Samples of color transmit 30% of the light and are transparent at 80%.

More colored polycarbonate is appropriate for visors and canopies, as it effectively shields the area from heat and sunlight. However, gorgeous polymer color sheets have the power to alter the environment around you. Installing a turquoise canopy over the pool, for instance, will cause the water’s color to change and take on the hue of the sea. It turns out that the entire area beneath your canopy will be painted the same color as your canopy.

Reviews regarding the use of the polymer on the network are conflicting; frequently, customers express disappointment with the cell polymer’s strength without realizing that this is frequently the result of subpar operation, mistakes made during structure installation, or incorrect material selection during construction.

These days, using polymers is very common. Although the images on the Internet show greenhouses, commercial buildings, and strange floors for trade shows, polymers work particularly well for hinged constructions. In addition to being common features of private property, transparent, colored, "air" structures are also the primary component of the architecture of gas stations, bus stops, and advertising signs. Advertising companies have created the most exquisite invention in polymer with backlighting.

Awnings made of polycarbonate are elegant, stylish, and functional.

Which polycarbonatethickness is best for a canopy: a photo and reviews to help you select the colors and sizes of cellular polycarbonate

The canopy is an architectural component of the private plot that is absolutely necessary in a private household; Setting up a polycarbonate canopy is cheap and simple.

For your canopy, selecting the proper size polycarbonate sheets is essential for both practicality and style. The canopy’s overall design and level of weather protection will be determined by the size you choose.

First, think about your canopy structure’s dimensions. To make sure the polycarbonate sheets fit correctly, measure the length and width precisely. Choosing sheets with a little overhang will help divert rainwater away from the edges by making your measurements slightly larger.

Next, consider the polycarbonate sheets’ thickness. Thick sheets are better suited for regions that frequently experience hail or heavy snowfall because they are more resilient and impact-resistant. Although thinner sheets are lighter and simpler to handle during installation, they might eventually need to be replaced more frequently.

The kind of polycarbonate sheet is another consideration. For year-round use, solid sheets offer superior insulation and total protection from the weather. As an alternative, multiwall or corrugated sheets are ideal for creating a more open and airy canopy because they let light through while still providing sufficient protection.

Finally, think about the desired aesthetic appeal. Maximum visibility and brightness are provided by clear polycarbonate sheets, which are ideal for showcasing landscapes or starry nights. Colored or tinted sheets can complement the existing architectural elements or provide a more somber atmosphere.

Video on the topic

Profiled monolithic polycarbonate sheet size 1150*2000 mm

Monolithic polycarbonate. New for canopies, visors. Thickness 0.8 mm.

Polycarbonate for greenhouses to choose 4mm

How to choose a polycarbonate? Video review of various sheets of cellular polycarbonate.

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Denis Shcherbakov

Professional roofer with 20 years of experience. I know everything about the installation, repair and maintenance of various types of roofs. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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