Cellular polycarbonate is a relatively new material used in the construction of roofs, awnings, peaks, as well as all kinds of greenhouse structures. There are several types of polycarbonate, but cellular is the most common.
He gained his popularity primarily due to low cost. Modern technologies have given polycarbonate significant advantages over other transparent materials. These include:
- lightness of the material - allows to withstand large snow loads, as well as use inexpensive materials as the frame of the structure;
- installation of cellular polycarbonate is simple and does not take much time;
- great strength;
- high temperature resistance;
- fire safety;
- excellent noise, sound and heat insulation characteristics;
- high light transmission;
- viscosity property - how to cut polycarbonate into several separate elements, then fasten them to the frame, thereby weighting the appearance and complicating the work, it is better to use the viscosity property of the material, due to which it can take any configuration;
- resistance to temperature extremes and atmospheric pressure.
Typical Polycarbonate Processing and Installation Issues
It should be noted that polycarbonate is highly susceptible to mechanical stress. To ensure that the sheets are not damaged during processing and installation, before cutting polycarbonate, drilling it or attaching it, check that all tools are well sharpened and serviceable.
Is drilling possible?
If you need to make a small hole, ordinary screw drills are quite suitable. In this case, when drilling, it is necessary to ensure a tight pressing of the sheet to the table.
What are the sizes of polycarbonate cell?
Width - 2.1 m, length - 6 or 12 m, thickness - from 4 to 16 mm. When working with the material, you can adjust the size, however, before cutting polycarbonate, you must take into account that the material expands under the action of high temperature up to 2.5 mm.
How to store?
When laying polycarbonate sheets, the UV protection side must be on top. Also, so that the material does not lose its operational characteristics, it should be periodically wiped with an aqueous solution of room temperature with the addition of cleaning products. A soft cloth or sponge is used.
How to cut polycarbonate?
A mechanical or hand saw held at a slight angle is perfect. During cutting, in order to avoid stress and vibration, it is necessary to firmly press the sheet to the table.
When to remove the protective film?
It protects the sheets from the ingress of various mechanical particles during sawing and fasteners, so it must be removed at the end of the installation.
How to fasten?
Make sure that all sheets are correctly oriented, namely in the direction of the slope or edges of the roof. This is done to prevent the accumulation of water - condensate. For fasteners, only thermal washers must be used to prevent deformation. Sheets must be fastened with an indent of at least 4 mm, otherwise chips may form.