The material has a solid structure, reminiscent of ordinary glass. But thanks to the polymer base, it is many times superior to glass in terms of strength and flexibility, it is light in weight and of high quality. Mounting monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame does not require special skills even for beginners, it can be done at any time of the year.
Cellular polycarbonate
Sheets of cellular polycarbonate consist of stiffening ribs connected obliquely or directly, the pattern of which resembles a honeycomb. The material has a low weight, high strength, heat-insulating and noise-insulating properties, as well as a low price. Installation of cellular polycarbonate is a little more complicated than monolithic installation. For its fastening, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for fixing the plates, since the joints, edges and ends must be completely sealed.
The fastening of monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is justified by the simplicity of the design - since a greenhouse or greenhouse with such a device is assembled quickly, does not require a heavy foundation, and has great strength and durability. The technology of fixing monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame does not require special professional skills and is simple.
Necessary tools and materials
To properly fix polycarbonate sheets on a metal frame, you will need the following tools and materials:
- High speed electric circular saw with tungsten carbide blade and straight cutting teeth;
- Electric jigsaw;
- Construction knife (used for sheets up to 10 mm thick);
- An electric or hand drill with metal drills of the appropriate diameter for drilling holes for fasteners;
- Screwdriver or screwdriver;
- Fastening materials: self-tapping screws with washers or special thermal washers that allow you to securely fix the monolithic polycarbonate to the metal frame and protect the joints from moisture;
Profile fasteners to simplify the installation of polycarbonate:
- End profile (4 - 25 mm);
- Docking profile (n-shaped, detachable);
- Connecting profile (one-piece profile);
- Corner profile;
- Wall profile;
- Profile ridge;
- Insulating tape needed to seal the ends.
Rules for mounting monolithic polycarbonate on a metal frame
In order to properly fix monolithic polycarbonate to a metal or wooden frame, you need to know that monolithic sheets do not bend and therefore are fixed in a flat shape. The elements of the metal frame must be located in the same plane. The distance between the rafters of the frame is equal to the width of the sheets. The frame of the metal frame must have grooves 25 mm deep.
Features and methods of fastening monolithic polycarbonate
Among the methods of fastening, there are 3 main ones:
- Dry method with the help of special pressure strips and profiles with gaskets and seals that prevent the penetration of moisture. The method does not require the use of self-tapping screws and thermal washers;
- A method in which the attachment point of a monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is implemented using bolts or self-tapping screws with thermal washers. The recommended fastening pitch is 50 mm with a margin of at least 20 mm from the edge;
- Wet method by processing the edges of the sheets with silicone and sealing with a special putty (sealant). This method is optimal for attaching monolithic polycarbonate to metal.
An important point in the installation is the correct cutting of the material panels to the size of the metal frame. For cutting, a circular saw is used - due to the high and constant speed of rotation of the steel disk, the risk of material cracking will be minimized. Such a disc must be sharp and made of carbide metals. Sheets should be fastened using rubber or silicone gaskets.
It is advisable to use special thermal washers made of heat-insulating material that reliably protect the attachment points. They are necessary not only for fixing, but also look great as a decorative element, creating an attractive appearance. The sheets are fixed with fasteners strictly at an angle of 90 degrees, and the indent from the edge of the material should be no more than 5 cm.
During installation, it is also worth considering that the material can be deformed due to increased thermal load, as it has a high coefficient of thermal expansion.
This is important to consider when installing polycarbonate on a greenhouse, roof or canopy, which are located on the sunny side.
Under thermal stress, transparent polycarbonate expands up to 2.5 mm per meter, and for colored sheets this figure is 4.5 mm per meter. To prevent deformation and cracking, fastener holes are made with a gap of several millimeters larger in diameter than the diameter of the self-tapping screw.
The material is easily scratched, so manufacturers stick a protective film on the surface. At the end of the installation work, this film must be removed.
Fastening monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is a rather laborious and responsible process that requires careful preparation and care.
The technology of laying a polycarbonate coating has its own nuances and subtleties, for example, which side to put polycarbonate on the crate, and whether it is worth it to prepare the frame and crate of the greenhouse so meticulously. Each summer resident or just a future owner of a greenhouse, faced with the problem of how to properly fix polycarbonate on a greenhouse, tries to solve the problem at his own discretion and at the lowest cost, sometimes risking ruining everything and losing a lot of money. It is quite possible to save in the details of polycarbonate fasteners on a greenhouse, but this must be done wisely.
Features of fastening polycarbonate to the greenhouse
The quality of work performed depends on many factors. First of all, there are certain rules for fixing polycarbonate, not invented and not taken from the ceiling by the manufacturer of roofing plastic. Most companies carefully consider the mounting technology so as to ensure the maximum period of operation of polycarbonate in a greenhouse of any design. Moreover, manufacturers print textual reminders, drawings, diagrams and entire comics about the correct fastening of polycarbonate to a greenhouse on plastic packaging.
In addition to knowing, at least in general terms, instructions for fixing the coating, you need to take into account the features of mounting polycarbonate on greenhouse frames:
- The greenhouse structure must be leveled on a soil or brick base. The upper plank or conditional line connecting the arches at the highest point must be strictly horizontal, the profile strips or battens should be parallel to each other;
- Polycarbonate is attached to the crate of the greenhouse frame only with fixing the web mechanically, best of all with self-tapping screws, or for cast grades, you can fasten monolithic polycarbonate with clamping strips;
- The polycarbonate sheet must be laid on the support strips with the correct side. If mixed up, then the service life of the material will decrease by 2.5-3 times.
Note! To facilitate the task, often the manufacturer of the plastic sheet puts special inscriptions and markings on the surface. Most often, the outer side of polycarbonate is sealed with paper or an opaque film.
Some manufacturing companies seal polycarbonate on both sides, and most often the front and back surfaces do not differ in color or design. Therefore, experienced craftsmen, before screwing the polycarbonate onto the greenhouse, prefer to decipher the designations on the packaging film, after which the outer side of the canvas is marked with a red line, the wrong side with a blue marker. At first glance, it’s a trifle, but according to the colored marks it is much easier to fix and control the polycarbonate on the crate.
The situation is much worse when the material was bought from hand, in used condition or without packaging. In this case, you need to involve a specialist or try to determine the external side by indirect signs. It does not make sense to start fastening cellular polycarbonate to the crate of the greenhouse without understanding the outer and wrong side of the canvas.
Which side to attach polycarbonate to the sun
Such strict restrictions in compliance with the rules for fastening polycarbonate plastic are associated with a high sensitivity of the material to ultraviolet radiation. The material laid upside down on the greenhouse will last a maximum of 3 years, instead of 15-17 years required for high-quality polycarbonate.
Therefore, during the production process, the outer side of the polycarbonate sheet is covered with a special transparent film that blocks 80-95% of ultraviolet radiation. High-quality cellular polycarbonate retains up to 99% of ultraviolet radiation, cheap varieties at best 70-80%, therefore, in order to hide the destruction of the material in the greenhouse, they are tinted in milky and smoky tones.
In standard cellular and monolithic polycarbonate, a thin transparent PVC film helps to protect the material. If the material to be fixed on the crate of the greenhouse is not sealed with packing viscose paper, then you can try to determine the outside by indirect signs:
- PVC film is tougher and harder than polycarbonate plastic, many craftsmen can determine its presence on the surface even by touch;
- Sometimes the outer side of the used ear polycarbonate is given out by scratches and marks from the attachment;
- The second method is simpler, you can measure the thickness of the walls of the honeycombs using a caliper, the outer surface will be 0.1 mm thicker than the wrong side.
Of course, this is not the most reliable way, but still better than putting expensive polycarbonate plastic on the greenhouse, trusting chance. Moreover, collapsing under the sun, polycarbonate often breaks the wooden parts of the frame.
How to screw polycarbonate
To fasten the honeycomb sheet, galvanized steel or black carpentry screws 19-50 mm long are used. The size and design of the self-tapping screw depends on three conditions:
- Thickness of cellular polycarbonate. Usually, a material no thicker than 10 mm is used for sheathing the greenhouse frame. If the greenhouse box is assembled according to the window principle from separate cells, then a more durable monolithic polycarbonate 10 mm is attached to the roof, and the sidewalls are covered with honeycomb plastic 6-8 mm thick;
- The selected polycarbonate mounting scheme. In the event that the canvas is laid with an overlap on a metal profile, a self-tapping screw 25 mm long will be sufficient; fasteners 19 mm long are used for fastening without overlap. To fix the polycarbonate on the wooden slats of the greenhouse sheathing, a fastener up to 50 mm long will be required;
- Washer dimensions. For standard fastening, silicone pads up to 5 mm thick are used, in decorative and home-made versions of pads, the size can vary from 3 to 15 mm.
For the main methods of fastening polycarbonate, a universal self-tapping screw with a hexagonal head and a drill at the end is used, photo.
Such fasteners are used for the aluminum frame of the greenhouse, but you can also mount on a tree, however, the strength of the connection will be halved. It costs a self-tapping screw assembly of 5-10 rubles, that is, for one greenhouse 2.1x6 m, you will need to spend about 500-600 rubles on polycarbonate fasteners.
Note! On the other hand, a special self-tapping screw can be easily replaced with ordinary carpentry fasteners with a head for a Phillips screwdriver or bit. The speed of attaching polycarbonate to the frame of the greenhouse will be less, but you can save 200-300 rubles.
The only type of fastener that is not suitable for mounting polycarbonate is a self-tapping screw or a screw with an enlarged plastic washer - lining. Such lining options are used to fix decorative canopies, visors, gazebo roofs. For a greenhouse, the option is very inconvenient due to the presence of a protruding centering sleeve, in more detail on the video:
The easiest way is to fix the polycarbonate sheet with a detachable, snap-in profile. Instead of wrapping screws, it is enough to lay the plastic on a pre-assembled profile and snap the canvas with a patch strip.
Through what distance to fix polycarbonate
The step between the installation points of the self-tapping screws depends on the thickness of the material and the distance between the laths of the crate. Standard polycarbonate 8 mm thick and web dimensions 2.1x10 m is fixed in increments of 40-50 mm, for thicker sheets the step is increased to 70 mm, in any case, 1/3 of the distance between the carrier rails or greenhouse arches is considered the optimal length.
Often, on a wooden pitched roof of a greenhouse, thickened beams are used as a crate, on which sheets have to be laid not with an overlap, but with a thermal gap, and the resulting joint is closed with a sealant and a decorative frame. In this case, the fastening step of the self-tapping screws is increased by 20%, and the points for installing fasteners are staggered.
How to screw polycarbonate correctly
There are only two ways to fix plastic, fast and high-quality. It is clear that the correct fastening depends on experience and on how well the layout of the greenhouse is chosen. For example, the same polycarbonate mounting step on an arched greenhouse can be stupidly chosen 30-45 cm, following the recommendations and instructions. And it is possible in the lower part of the wall, where there is practically no normal load, to increase to 50 cm, and at the top of the greenhouse arch to reduce to 25 cm in length. As a result, you can not worry about rain and strong winds.
How to properly fix cellular polycarbonate
The easiest way to ensure quality is to follow the installation instructions for self-tapping screws. The scheme of work depends on the shape and size of the washer and the design of the self-tapping screw:
- An ordinary washer made of thin rubber holds polycarbonate mediocre, it is not difficult to install it, but when working with a screwdriver with a nozzle, you need to be very careful not to push through the honeycomb sheet on the greenhouse. The thickness of the gasket is small, and often beginners do not have time to slow down the screwdriver and pierce the surface of the polycarbonate;
- Reinforced pvc washer, usually transparent or tinted in the color of polycarbonate. The fastening process is not much different from the previous method, the risk of damaging the polycarbonate sheet already laid on the greenhouse is very large;
- Large silicone washer the easiest to mount. It is recommended to all beginners, it is rather difficult to push through the honeycombs, since the material is soft and easily deformed, preventing the screwdriver from screwing the fasteners deeper than the norm.
The most difficult is the fastening of a self-tapping screw with a head for a cross-shaped bit. If the socket for the hexagon more or less evenly holds and guides the drill of the self-tapping screw into the metal, then the Phillips bit under load overturns the fastener.
Advice! If for a number of reasons it was necessary to fasten with a cross-shaped self-tapping screw, then it is best to fix the polycarbonate in two steps. Previously, at the attachment point, drilling is performed with a thin drill for metal, after which it is easy to install a bit - a cross and wrap the fasteners with a washer in the usual manner.
The most reliable way to attach the canvas to the greenhouse
In order not to get into trouble and not accidentally push through the polycarbonate already laid on the frame of the greenhouse, the process is divided into several stages:
- First of all, it is necessary to correctly lay the polycarbonate sheet on the greenhouse frame. The edge sheet is laid on the frame with a projection above the pediment of at least 5 cm, the second edge of the sheet must extend beyond the line of the support bar by 4 cm;
- At the joints above the crate, the panels of cellular polycarbonate must be overlapped. The sheet is leveled, stretched and fixed with a clamp, after which two self-tapping screws are wrapped on each side of the greenhouse;
- Straighten and stretch the canvas under the vertical fastening of the polycarbonate. Wrap fasteners on the walls of the greenhouse;
- The penultimate self-tapping screws are installed on the top of the arch or roof of the greenhouse.
Important! In all cases, the fasteners are not completely screwed into the details of the greenhouse crate with a screwdriver, a gap of 0.5-07 mm is left.
Upon completion of the polycarbonate lining of the greenhouse, you need to take a key or a socket head for a hexagon and tighten all attachment points manually. It is difficult, time-consuming and labor-intensive, but for a beginner, this is the only possible chance to secure the canvas and not accidentally push it through due to great diligence and lack of experience.
How to fix monolithic polycarbonate
Cast grades of polycarbonate plastic are rarely used for arranging greenhouses and greenhouses. Firstly, the monolith is more expensive, and secondly, there is no particular need to use absolutely transparent polycarbonate grades. An exception may be a greenhouse equipped with a heat accumulator, in which case polycarbonate on the roof is really able to improve the heating of plants in early spring.
There are two ways to fix monolithic plastic. The first involves sticking sheets on the wooden crate of the roof of the greenhouse. The glue is usually double-sided tape or a silicone cord laid in a groove in a wooden plank. This laying method is used only for flat roofs with a slope of no more than 10 o.
If the frame of the greenhouse is assembled from small cells, then you can glaze the frame with molded plastic using staples and a small amount of silicone. In this case, the monolith sheet is fixed in the corners of the frame using self-tapping screws, Z-shaped brackets lined with soft rubber. The edges along the perimeter of the sheet and the attachment points of the monolithic polycarbonate are sealed with ordinary sanitary silicone.
The second method involves fastening sheets with clamping pads. To fix the edge of the plastic, a wooden plank and several self-tapping screws are used. Before pressing the monolith, a thin silicone cord or tape is placed on the edges.
Is it possible to mount polycarbonate horizontally
In all known greenhouse designs, honeycomb material is attached only with a vertical orientation of the honeycomb. This is done for two reasons:
- To remove condensate;
- To prevent the appearance of a “bubble” on the greenhouse wall or plastic bulging outward.
The problem of condensate can be solved by "blind" sealing of the channels with a sealant, but this should be done only after the material has been fixed on the sheathing of the walls and roof of the greenhouse. The solvent evaporating from the silicone mass will serve as an additional antiseptic, which is why many cottage owners do just that - they muffle the ends of the polycarbonate, instead of sealing with tapes. No condensation, no algae, no bugs.
The second problem is much more complicated, cellular polycarbonate has different rigidity of the canvas, so the material is laid on the walls and roofs with vertical honeycombs. It is possible to build the walls of the greenhouse with a horizontal arrangement of channels, but in this case it will be necessary to release the self-tapping screws and reduce the pressing force to the minimum possible. In this case, the criterion for proper fastening is the mobility of the silicone washer, it should fit snugly against the polycarbonate, but it should be easy to rotate by hand.
Despite the fact that in theory such a mounting option is possible, only professionals working with polycarbonate laying can implement it in practice.
With all the advantages and merits, polycarbonate remains just a soft and pliable plastic, prone to aging and cracking. Honeycomb sheets, moreover, have the unpleasant property of accumulating plant microspores and dirt inside the channels. If the ends of the polycarbonate are not covered with tape during fastening to the greenhouse frame, then soon insects and moss may appear inside. You can fight green plaque with periodic cleaning with an antiseptic solution.
If the builders incorrectly laid the polycarbonate with the wrong side up, this is not a reason to dismantle the greenhouse. Instead, you can cover the surface with a protective PVC film used to restore the paintwork of cars.
Monolithic polycarbonate is considered more reliable in terms of greenhouse operation. But thermal stresses due to temperature changes can cause the smallest cracks, as a result, water drops with dirty stains appear on the ceiling and walls. Fixing the problem can be quite simple, it is necessary to treat the cracks with solvent 646 several times in order to melt the surface and eliminate the source of leakage in the greenhouse.
One of the problems encountered when fastening polycarbonate is associated with the inconvenience of screwing self-tapping screws into a metal round pipe. In order for the fastener to properly enter the metal, the axis of the drill must be perpendicular to the metal surface. Only then can the honeycomb material be fixed without the risk of breaking through the thin surface. In this case, the L-shaped attachment to the electric drill helps a lot. With one hand we press the shelf against the steel pipe, with the other hand we drive the self-tapping screw with the washer into the polycarbonate. Marriage is almost non-existent.
If the polycarbonate sheet is planned to be fixed on the crate with ordinary carpentry fasteners, it would be right to do several training approaches on scraps in order to select the applied force on the screwdriver and the number of revolutions to fully enter the greenhouse frame material.
Conclusion
Learning to determine correctly which side to lay polycarbonate is important for the durability of the greenhouse lining, but this is only half of the existing problems. It is important to learn how to properly install self-tapping screws and eliminate minor damage in the plastic cladding, which will always be present, even with the ideal installation of the material. Maintenance of a polycarbonate plastic greenhouse is not difficult, but it still has to be done every year with the arrival of spring and the start of the season.
Polycarbonate mount
Today, polycarbonate is considered the most popular and sought-after material; if not all, then a lot is built from it, from sheds to roofs. And this is not accidental: this material is distinguished by many properties that are very important for objects under construction. But, despite such frequent use, not all developers still know how to properly fasten polycarbonate to a wooden frameso that it holds firmly, which means it serves for a long time. To do this, in addition to the material itself, you will have to stock up on what it will be possible to do all the work.
Instruments
It is necessary to prepare:
- polycarbonate panels.
- For the manufacture of the base - nails and a hammer.
- The material for the base is a wooden beam.
- Self-tapping screws for fixing work with sheets.
- To work with self-tapping screws, you will need a screwdriver or a screwdriver.
- Drill.
- Self-adhesive tapes for insulation of end surfaces.
- connecting profiles.
Before you start attaching cellular polycarbonate to a tree, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules.
Rules for fastening polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate greenhouse made of wood
Being engaged in the installation of mounting polycarbonate, you need to follow simple, but very important rules. Regardless of the type of canvas - cast or cellular material, in both cases it is a complex plastic - polymer, the panels can crack, despite the fact that they are highly elastic. The result - the material will quickly become unusable. Knowing how to properly cut the material and drill holes for fasteners in it will help prevent this.
Before you start fastening, you need to treat all the parts made of wood with a special solution that will protect the material from damage by insects. In addition, a tree in a humid environment may begin to rot, but the impregnation will prevent this. Usually, for the construction of a greenhouse structure, a beam is used, the thickness of which is 5 cm.
Work with sheets
After the frame is fully built and prepared, you can start fixing polycarbonate sheets. If monolithic sheets are used for work, they are not bent. When attaching cellular polycarbonate, it is allowed to bend the sheets along the stiffeners, but in no case across. This is important for two reasons: in order not to break the very stiffeners, and also not to prevent the removal of fumes from the cavity of the sheets.
On a note: During installation, you need to make sure that the sheets are laid with the correct side up, UV protection is applied to them, and if the canvas is not placed correctly, it will quickly become unusable, since it will not be protected from harmful radiation.
Another important point is the cutting of canvases. It is rare when purchased sheets match the desired dimensions, therefore, before attaching polycarbonate to a tree, it has to be cut. To do this, it is necessary to use a circular saw, the rigidity of its disk will not allow cracking of the surface of the blade. The disc must be very well sharpened and it is advisable to purchase one that has been made from heavy metal alloys. During the cutting operation, the blades must be securely fixed in place and fed at the same speed.
And finally - making holes. Their diameter should be a couple of millimeters larger than the diameter of the legs of the fasteners. Since wood is a material that conducts heat poorly, you don’t have to think too much about the question of how and with what to fix polycarbonate to ensure heat retention, but simply use self-tapping screws, moreover, without thermal washers. They can be replaced with ordinary metal washers, the diameter of which is not less than 2.5 cm. The main thing is to purchase fasteners made of stainless steel or galvanized steel.
Sheet mounting
This is the most crucial moment of construction. The first canvas is laid so that it protrudes slightly beyond the frame frame, and it is fixed. Then, using a profile to connect individual canvases, the rest of the material is laid and fixed. When screwing the screws, you need to make sure that the fastener fits snugly against the canvas, but does not bend it, much less break it. In the same way, work on fastening to the frame is performed both on the end surfaces and on the doors of greenhouse structures.
Video about the greenhouse
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. Also can be done. 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 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:
- Sheet collation (orientation)
- Cutting plates of the desired shape and size
- Preparing mounting holes
- Seam sealing
- Assembly of all structural elements
It is also worth considering the fact that polycarbonate can be deformed due to increased thermal load. It is especially important to know this 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 rate for 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 installed 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 that 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 disease.
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 temperatures. Read about other technical characteristics of cellular polycarbonate. This material is characterized by high strength.
How and how to fix polycarbonate to metal and wood?
When all the preparatory work has been completed, it is necessary to begin the process of mounting the structure, which is the 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.
The transparency of glass and the strength of metal, lightness and flexibility, resistance to temperature extremes (- 45 - + 120 gr.), Environmental safety, durability (up to 20 years) - these are the qualities of polycarbonate that make this material so popular.
The range of its application is wide: flat, arched and domed roofs, canopies, canopies, acoustic barriers, stair railings, advertising structures, greenhouses, fences, etc.
Panel Orientation
The stiffening ribs are oriented along the length of the panel.
The maximum strength of the structure is achieved when the hollow channels are located:
- when installing the panel vertically - vertically;
- in curved structures - parallel to the bend line;
- in inclined - in the direction of the slope.
For external structures, polycarbonate is used, on the outer side of which substances are applied that protect it from ultraviolet radiation. The relevant information is printed on the protective film. To correctly position the panels, the installation is carried out without removing the top film.
Tilt angle
On flat roofs, the angle of inclination must be at least 5 degrees or 90 mm in the direction of water flow. With a length of more than 6 meters, the slope should be increased.
Bending radius for arched structures
Theoretically, it cannot exceed 150 panel thicknesses.
In practice, it is advisable to focus on the manufacturer's instructions or the markings on the protective film.
Cutting polycarbonate
When cutting, it is necessary to ensure that there is no vibration.
After cutting, be sure to remove the chips.
Hole drilling
The drilling location is between the stiffeners. The distance from the edge is at least two drill diameters.
Drill:
- Sharpening angle- 30 degrees;
- drilling angle- 90 degrees;
- drilling speed- up to 40 meters per minute.
- Feed rate– up to 0.5 mm/rev.
- Hole diameter make 3 mm larger than the diameter of the fastener.
- During drilling chips should be removed periodically and the drill should be cooled.
Panel edge sealing
Before sealing remove the temporary adhesive tape that protects the ends for storage and transportation.
Upper ends are sealed with a continuous adhesive aluminum tape, and the lower ones are perforated. If the end does not go into grooves or other profiles, it is closed over the tape with a trim profile. Holes are drilled in the lower profile in increments of 30 cm for condensate drainage.
In arched structures, both ends are sealed as lower.
Fastening cellular polycarbonate to metal
Self-tapping screws with a drill are used stainless steel or galvanized. Be sure to use rubber washers for sealing or thermal washers.
Fastening is done in increments of 400 - 600 mm.
The self-tapping screw is twisted strictly perpendicular to the plane. In this case, it is important to prevent deformation by excessive pressure.
Mounting monolithic polycarbonate
"Frame" mount
A frame made of metal, plastic or wood must have grooves 25 mm deep.
The internal size of the frame is made the larger, the longer the length:
Mounting in the frame is carried out in two ways:
- "Wet"- using polymer putty and silicone sealants, which are used to process the edges of the elements and seals (profiles or gaskets). Suitable for wood and metal frames.
- "Dry"- using self-tapping screws, press washers, screws, bolts and nuts. Be sure to use a sealant - a plastic profile or a rubber gasket that does not contain plasticizers. It is impossible to glue the sealant to polycarbonate.
Mounting step - 50 cm. Indentation from the edge - at least 2 cm.
Mounting on supports or crate
With a large area carried out by the same fasteners.
For small structures it is possible to use polyamide glue and even double-sided tape. For outdoor use, weather-resistant silicone adhesive is used.
On demand increased transparency, it is better to use a polyurethane-based adhesive. Surfaces are degreased with isopropyl alcohol before bonding.
Types of polycarbonate fastening
Spot
Fasteners are made thermal washers directly to the frame, which is made taking into account wind and snow loads. The length and width in this case is not limited.
Mounting step - 300 - 400 mm.
The disadvantage is violation of the aesthetic appearance from the inside of the room, since the connecting profiles do not always coincide with the frame.
Profile
Attached to a metal frame aluminum or polycarbonate connecting profiles, and blanks are already inserted into them.
The length is not limited, and the width is 0.7 or 1.05 meters (the result of waste-free cutting into 2 or 3 parts in length).
Flaw: if the calculated loads are exceeded, the panel, fixed only along the perimeter, may come out of the grooves.
mixed
This is a combination of the first two types, allowing them to compensate for their shortcomings.
Accessories for fixing polycarbonate
- Profiles: end, connecting, corner, wall, ridge.
- Thermal washers, mini-washers.
- Plugs.
- End tapes (solid and perforated).
- EPDM seal for profiles.
Profiles
- end- for framing edges. A short shelf is placed outside.
- Connecting(detachable universal and solid H-shaped) - allow you to connect the edges of the sheets. Only detachable profiles can be attached to the frame.
- corner- mate elements at an angle of 90 degrees.
- wall- provide a tight connection to the wall, while simultaneously performing the functions of an end profile.
- Skate- serve to decorate the roof ridge and to interface elements at an angle of more than 90 degrees.
Thermal washers
By design:
By material:
- From stainless steel.
They are used for large areas of coverage, in areas with strong winds. The strongest and most durable in terms of service life. - From polycarbonate.
The design ensures the tightness of the connection without damaging the surface. Durability - up to 20 years. Thermally stable. They can be monolithic or collapsible. They have a wide range of colors. - From polypropylene.
The most economical in terms of cost. Service life - up to 4 years. Can only be used indoors or in the shade.
mini washers
Used in interior design, where polycarbonate of small thickness is used.
Stubs
They close the ends of the profiles, preventing the ingress of dust, moisture, insects into them. Provide an aesthetic look.
Thermal dimensional changes of polycarbonate
Calculation linear changes can be calculated by multiplying the length or width in meters by the number of degrees and by the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (0.065).
Colored sheets heat up 10 - 15 degrees more.
For example: a transparent sheet 1 meter long with a temperature difference from -30 to + 30 degrees will change the size by 3.9 mm, and a colored sheet - by 4.88 mm.
Therefore, you must:
- leave gaps when attaching and connecting panels;
- drill holes 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the fasteners;
- use thermal washers;
- use special connecting, ridge, corner profiles.
General installation rules
Storage before installation
Protective coatings
Not removed during transportation, storage, sawing, drilling and installation. Remove them immediately after completion of work.
Immediately after cutting the film is removed from the edges, chips are removed and sealing is carried out.
Materials that do not destroy polycarbonate
- polyethylene;
- polypropylene;
- polychloroplain;
- teflon;
- neoplain;
- silicone.
Materials not compatible with polycarbonate
- polyvinyl chloride;
- polyvinylnitrile;
- polyurethane;
- acrylic sealants;
- sealants based on amines or benzamide.
frame
When developing a frame project, consider:
- wind and snow load;
- thermal panel deformation;
- direction rainwater runoff;
- admissible bending radii;
- size used sheets taking into account economical cutting;
- the edges of the sheet along the long the side is better to rely on bearing supports;
- installation step longitudinal supports - 700 mm, 1050 mm plus a thermal gap between the panels;
- bearing thickness beams must be at least 30 mm for attaching connecting profiles;
- before installation the frame is painted in white or very light color. It is advisable not to allow direct contact of polycarbonate with metal, using rubber gaskets with a diameter of 30 mm and a thickness of 3 mm.
Approximate lathing step for a flat structure (without taking into account the angle of inclination and climate features):
Approximate lathing step for an arched structure (excluding geographic location):
Temperature accounting for installation work
In temperature in the range from +10 to +20 degrees, polycarbonate does not experience thermal expansion. This is the best mode for editing.
In hot weather, the gaps between panels and connecting profiles are reduced to a minimum; in cool weather, they are increased to a maximum.
Movement on the mounting surface
Supports with a length of at least 3 meters, a width of 40 cm, covered with a soft cloth are used.
Cleaning polycarbonate after installation
If after removal cellular or molded polycarbonate screen protectors need to be cleaned using a mild neutral detergent, warm water and a cotton cloth. Rinse with cold water and remove drops of water with a dry soft cloth.
For large areas processing use a machine washing method. Heavy soiling can be removed with isopropyl alcohol.
Sheet polycarbonate is one of the most convenient materials used for the construction of greenhouses, sheds, canopies and various other outbuildings to the house. It owes its popularity to a whole range of beneficial properties: durability, strength, heat resistance, as well as the ability to transmit light and retain heat.
For polycarbonate structures to be truly durable, it is important to know how to properly cut and drill sheets, as well as how to fix polycarbonate to a canopy. This is not too difficult work, but you need to know a few technical subtleties.
Types and features of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is available in two varieties:
- Monolithic. This is actually organic glass, which has increased strength. It can be used for greenhouses and greenhouses, but this is not the only application.
- Cellular. These are special sheets with internal cavities that significantly increase the thermal insulation properties.
This material, unlike ordinary glass, does not break, it is very difficult to damage it. It can have any color, therefore it has advantageous decorative qualities.
This allows it to be used in the production of arches, canopies and canopies, as it effectively blocks solar heat with a sufficiently high translucency. Such a canopy will not shade the site too much, while it will become a reliable shelter from rain and from the sun.
Knowing how to properly cover a canopy with polycarbonate, you can create a pleasant recreation area on the site, build a shelter for plants or arrange a place for guest parking. This material is becoming more and more in demand in suburban construction every year.
Basic rules for working with polycarbonate
This polymeric material is quite easy to use if you know and follow the main rules for working with it. It is necessary to observe safety precautions when cutting and know how to properly lay polycarbonate on a canopy. In work, the following basic rules must be observed:
Compliance with the basic rules and requirements allows you to simplify the work with polycarbonate and get the best result. This is not too capricious material, and you can learn how to handle it correctly very quickly. Beautiful and even sheets can be used as decoration for outbuildings, they will become a harmonious part of the interior design of the site.
Rules for fixing polycarbonate sheets
How to cover a canopy with polycarbonate? The frame for mounting polycarbonate can be made of metal or wood. Greenhouses, large sheds and canopies to the house most often have a metal base, steel pipes require mandatory anti-corrosion treatment.
A wooden frame made of timber or plywood can be used for small structures that will not be subjected to significant stress. The elements of the metal frame are connected by welding, for the wooden frame self-tapping screws are used.
How to screw polycarbonate on a canopy? Sheets can be fastened in two main ways:
A special end profile is mandatory installed on the edges of the sheets: it is designed not only to protect the sheet from moisture, dust, insects and various debris getting inside, but also to give the structure an aesthetic finished look.
Rules for fastening with an H-profile
This type of fastening is used for large structures, for example, it can be used to build a carport for parking a car. The H-shaped profile provides the most hermetic connection of the sheets: it closes and seals the gaps between the sheets, and thanks to the pitched or arched design, rain moisture and snow will leave on the sides of the canopy, which will protect it from excessive load.
The H-shaped profile is available in several varieties:
Fastening with profiles is considered a “dry” method that can be used at any time of the year. Polycarbonate does not lose its properties at low temperatures, and work on the installation of canopies can be carried out in spring and autumn.
However, there is also a “wet” installation method: elements of canopies and other structures can be attached using a special polymer putty, after which all joints must be treated with a sealant. This method makes it possible to save on the purchase of profiles and at the same time obtain a sufficiently strong structure.
Making a canopy from polycarbonate attached to the house
A polycarbonate canopy is a profitable solution for any building: it can become an analogue of a mini-veranda, convenient for placing plants, benches, sun loungers, such an extension requires a minimum of foundation work, and it can be built at minimal cost. Before starting construction, you will need to correctly calculate the dimensions and consider the placement of the frame. If the house is built of wood, the most appropriate solution would be a light canopy based on a wooden frame.
How to properly cover the canopy with polycarbonate, the following step-by-step instructions can show:
- The first step is calculation and design. The support posts are placed at a distance of 1.5 meters from each other; for a durable canopy, you can choose polycarbonate sheets with a thickness of 6-10 mm.
- Foundation construction. For him, you need to prepare holes 60 cm deep, which are poured with concrete. After the solution has dried, metal brackets-corners are attached to it, and the pillars are installed using a bolted connection.
- The transverse beams of the attached canopy can be mounted on special metal brackets, or you can place a transverse beam on the wall, on which the frame attached with corners will rest.
- When the base is ready, polycarbonate can be attached to it. For a wooden frame, it is easiest to use self-tapping screws with thermal washers: fasteners are usually purchased separately, and you need to correctly calculate the required number of fasteners. At the joints, you can install an H-shaped profile, and if this is not possible, the joints are connected using an aluminum tape that prevents moisture from entering.
The frame consists of bent and transverse beams: the bent elements of the arched frame can be made of plywood, and a strong bar is used for the transverse elements. It must be remembered that all elements of the frame must be pre-treated with antiseptics to protect against decay and pests.
It is problematic to independently calculate the load on the frame, so you can either find ready-made drawings or order a calculation from professionals. Mistakes in the engineering part are very expensive, so it is better to take care of professional design. Then the canopy will be durable and safe, and it can be used both for a children's mini-playground and for parking a car.
Advantages of a polycarbonate canopy
A polycarbonate canopy is not a very expensive solution: the sheets themselves are relatively cheap, a wooden or metal frame can also be purchased at minimal cost or you can make all the elements yourself from materials left after repairing a house or cottage. Fasteners can also be purchased without problems, and as a result, you can provide your home with a convenient and practical extension.
The platform under the canopy can be arranged in different ways. The simplest solution is to remove the top layer of soil and anger the space with concrete. After drying, you will get a solid and even platform that can be used to park your car.
Another common solution is paving slabs: an intricate pattern can be laid out on the site, and an arched or pitched canopy will reliably protect the tiled carpet from precipitation. To make it as durable as possible, you will need to lay a curb garden stone along the edges of the site.
Despite all the difficulties, a polycarbonate canopy remains the most common solution for a summer residence or a country house. Almost every homeowner can build it with his own hands.
Polycarbonate structures are becoming more and more common. Fastening polycarbonate to a metal frame has several variations, and each of them has certain advantages.
Advantages of a metal frame
The installation of polycarbonate sheets on a metal profile is popular due to the speed and simplicity of the assembly process. The design of metal profiles looks much more aesthetic than wood, and allows you to assemble a larger frame without the inconvenience of its weight.
The metal profile product has the following advantages:
- low weight of structural elements;
- ease of processing and manufacturing of blanks with the required parameters;
- high strength in comparison with a wooden frame;
- invulnerability to atmospheric influences;
- no need for protection from aggressive environments.
Experts very often note the disadvantage inherent in a wooden frame. When screwing in a self-tapping screw, increased attention to its orientation is required, since it is easy to make a mistake with the direction. This is due to the heterogeneity of the tree - the presence of knots and seals that interfere with the advancement of the self-tapping screw. The metal construction avoids this.
There is another advantage of iron profiles, which also applies to the fastening process: metal profiles are made hollow inside. When installing polycarbonate sheets, the self-tapping screw makes a hole only on the adjacent edge of the profile. When the plastic is fixed, the self-tapping screw will center itself, thus avoiding the skew of the sheet. By fixing the polycarbonate in this way, you can evenly distribute the load and set the correct direction of the fastener, even if it was wrong at the beginning of the installation.
Video "Method of attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame"
From this video you will learn how to mount polycarbonate to a metal profile using simple self-tapping screws.
Preparing for installation
To assemble a beautiful and durable polycarbonate structure, it is necessary to develop a frame drawing that will allow you to calculate the actual amount of materials needed. You should also prepare the tools:
- selected profile type;
- drill for drilling holes for self-tapping screws;
- self-tapping screws;
- thermal washers (if necessary).
Installation of polycarbonate sheets on a metal frame is carried out using self-tapping screws The next stage of work is the preparation of the material itself, which is carried out in the following order:
- The correct channel orientation is selected.
- Polycarbonate is marked and cut according to the drawing.
- Holes are drilled to fasten the panels to the frame in the designated places.
- If honeycomb plastic is chosen for assembly, it should be sealed at the ends, taking into account the degree of bending and temperature effects.
- All components that can be connected before fastening to the steel structure should be assembled.
Mounting methods
In the modern market of roofing materials, you can find kits for assembling polycarbonate coatings. They will include sealing gaskets, steel or plastic washers, covers and metal screws.
Thermal washers
This mounting method is one of the most popular. The thermal washer consists of several components: an elastic sealing ring located inside a plastic washer, as well as a plug that protects the screw head from clogging.
Thermal washer is a fastener for mounting polycarbonate on building frames To fix polycarbonate panels with thermal washers, you need to drill holes at the marked points. The self-tapping screws inserted into the thermal washers are installed in these holes and twisted into the metal profile. Fastening the panels to the frame is best done with an assistant who will not allow the panel to move or fall. After tightening the screws, it is necessary to install protective caps.
Thermal washers allow you to get rid of the "cold bridge" that occurs due to the presence of self-tapping screws in the structure. Deformation of the panels is prevented by resting the legs against the metal. The optimal pitch for fasteners is 300–400 mm.
Thermal expansion, which is characteristic of all plastic building materials, can be compensated as follows: holes for self-tapping screws must be drilled with a larger diameter than the leg of the thermal washer. The larger the sheet, the more elongated the holes should be.
Installation of polycarbonate sheets on a metal frame should be done clearly according to rules, otherwise you may damage the material
The degree of thermal deformation of the panels depends on their type and color:
- milk-colored panels and transparent polycarbonate - 2.5 mm per 1 m;
- panels of other colors - at least 4.5 mm per 1 m.
These figures apply at temperatures up to +50 °C. Extreme temperatures from -40 to +120 °C require double calculation.
profile connection
You can assemble a polycarbonate roof using profiles by choosing the most suitable type of construction - detachable or connecting (one-piece).
Installation of plastic panels on detachable profiles is carried out as follows:
- Holes are drilled in the base with a pitch of 300 mm with a slight excess of the diameter of the self-tapping screws.
- The base is installed on a metal structure and fixed.
- Polycarbonate sheets are mounted on both sides. When installing them, a thermal gap of 3–5 mm must be observed.
- With the help of a mallet, the cover snaps onto the base and plugs are installed on both ends of the profile.
Profile fasteners are convenient to use for connecting small polycarbonate sheets One-piece profiles are used if the width of the panels is in the range from 500 to 1500 mm. In this case, the plastic sheets are connected before they are installed on the frame. The connecting profiles are not attached to the frame. The process of assembling panels with one-piece profiles is much simpler, but it has a drawback: it can be problematic to install large structures on a metal frame.
When choosing sheets of honeycomb type, it is necessary to seal the ends. Manufacturers of polycarbonate panels cover the ends with adhesive tape, which must always be removed before starting sealing work.
There are two methods of sealing, which are selected depending on the location of the panels.
When assembling an arch structure, it is necessary to install perforated aluminum tape on both sides of the panel. If the direction of the panels is vertical or inclined, the upper end must be equipped with a continuous tape, and the lower end with a perforated one.
Sealing polycarbonate sheets will help protect the material from external influences and moisture A profile-stub is installed on top of the ends of the panels. The best choice would be aluminum profiles, which are durable and at the same time have an aesthetic appearance. To drain condensate from the panels, several small holes must be drilled in the profile. Such a profile does not require special fasteners, since its design provides a reliable connection.
Differences between fasteners of cellular and monolithic polycarbonate
Cellular plastic is always attached to metal profiles by means of self-tapping screws or bolts. Monolithic polycarbonate can be fixed with a polymer lubricant laid along the edges of the plate.
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The technique of attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame allows you to use it to implement a wide variety of options for building structures, including canopies and roofing of domed and arched types.
Some of the remarkable properties of polycarbonate that make it so attractive to the average user include:
- transparency and strength;
- lightness and flexibility;
- the possibility of operation in a wide temperature range (from minus 45 to plus 120 degrees);
- environmental safety and durability (service life up to 20 years).
Let's add such an important detail as the ease of installation of coating elements from this material.
In addition to all of the above, canopies of various classes, acoustic barriers, greenhouses, enclosing structures and much more are made from this material.
Types of polycarbonate
On the domestic market, there are two types of polycarbonate products (cellular or honeycomb and with a monolithic structure), each of which has modifications that differ in thickness and color of the material. They are made from the same raw materials, but have many structural and decorative differences.
When choosing each of the known designs of polycarbonate, the following considerations (initial data) are guided:
- the structure of the material (since honeycomb panels are hollow, they are lighter in weight and easier to install);
- cost per square meter;
- method of attaching polycarbonate to metal;
- its decorativeness and attractiveness;
- material durability.
So, in the construction of greenhouses, canopies and canopies, preference is given to lighter cellular polycarbonate, and for decorative design of fences and other durable buildings it is more convenient to use monolithic panels.
The cost of a polycarbonate sheet can be very different; it all depends on the modification, thickness and dimensions of the proposed product. At the same time, each user chooses the price range that he can master (not to the detriment of the quality of the purchased material).
Regarding the question of how to attach polycarbonate to metal, it should be noted that each such product is accompanied by an instruction that describes in detail the procedure for its installation. Due to the variety of its shapes, this material allows you to create complex and original designs with fastening mainly on a substrate (frame or profile).
Mounting features (installation standards)
High strength characteristics of structures made of this material are achieved with an appropriate orientation of the hollow channels included in its structure. So, with vertical installation of polycarbonate panels, the greatest strength is provided by their orientation from top to bottom, and for curved structures - parallel to the bend contour. For inclined elements, maximum rigidity can be obtained by placing sheets in the direction of the slope.
For external installation of such products, as a rule, polycarbonate with a protective coating that protects against UV radiation is used. All information on the type of protection and the method of laying the panels is usually given on the protective film, so it is not recommended to remove it until the installation of the products is completed.
Before attaching polycarbonate to metal, you need to familiarize yourself with the restrictions on the permissible parameters of its installation, such as, for example:
- the angle of inclination with a standard sheet length should not exceed 5 degrees, and with a blank length of more than 6 meters, this figure can be increased;
- the bending radius during the formation of arched structures according to the specifications cannot be more than 150 nominal thicknesses of the panel itself;
- the diameter of the holes prepared for fastening is generally selected 3 mm larger than the same size for the fastener.
In addition, the list of restrictions specifies the type of hardware (fasteners) or polymeric materials used to fix workpieces, the procedure for installing gaskets, and much more.
Preparatory activities
Before attaching polycarbonate to a metal frame, we advise you to pay attention to the fact that the following set of tools will be required for mounting sheets:
- hacksaw for metal;
- electric drill with a set of drills and a screwdriver;
- sharpened mounting knife;
- measuring and marking tool (ruler and pencil).
In addition, before starting work, you should prepare self-tapping screws with a galvanized tip (or stainless steel) and a set of thermal washers that ensure a reliable seal of the joints.
Even before their implementation, you also need to pay attention to the following points:
1 There are two types of polycarbonate fastening: frame and profile. In the first case, a frame with grooves up to 25 mm deep is used, made of wood, metal or plastic. The internal dimensions of this design are selected in accordance with the dimensions of the workpiece used (taking into account the necessary clearances). When choosing the second option, special guide profiles are used for fastening. 2 Fixing on the profile frame can be done in two ways. This is the so-called "wet" method, which involves the use of special putty and sealants, and the "dry" method (using self-tapping screws, screws and bolted joints). 3 Self-tapping screws are screwed in perpendicular to the laying plane so as not to deform the material by excessive pressure. 4 During installation, it is mandatory to use sealing elements made in the form of rubber gaskets without plasticizers or a plastic profile.
Gluing sealing gaskets to polycarbonate, as well as attaching it directly to metal, is not allowed.
5 The step of fixing the gaskets is 50 cm (taking into account the two-centimeter indent from the edge of the frame). 6 When working with the “wet” method, you can use polyamide glue or double-sided adhesive tape (for lightweight structures). For outdoor installation, weather-resistant silicone compounds are used. 7 Before gluing prefabricated elements, their surfaces are degreased with a solvent, which is usually isopropyl alcohol.When describing the upcoming work, we will consider the option of profile fixing of workpieces on a metal frame using the “dry” fastening method.
Direct mounting of polycarbonate blanks
- Then, the sheets are marked in accordance with the dimensions of the already mounted profile frames, on which the attachment points are pre-marked and holes for polycarbonate are drilled.
- Before mounting the blanks, special sealing gaskets are placed in the profiles, fixed in an arbitrary way (but not with glue).
- Already marked sheets with holes drilled in the appropriate places are mounted on these gaskets.
- At the final step, it remains only to fix the workpieces laid on the gaskets with self-tapping screws, trying to maintain an even cut line.
In conclusion, we note that situations are not uncommon when, during operation, an incorrectly fixed sheet is torn off by the wind and destroyed. To restore the surface of the structure, it is necessary to remove the remains of the destroyed material, lay new seals along the guide profiles, and lay a pre-prepared sheet of the required size on top of them. The fastening of a new workpiece is carried out by the method we have already considered.