Polycarbonate has a 250-fold higher impact resistance than glass, making it almost unbreakable. It’s also half the weight, making installation a breeze. It keeps its rigidity at high temperatures, comes in UV and fire resistant grades, and is 100% recyclable.
You should also analyze the strengths and benefits of polycarbonate so that you can determine whether it will satisfy all of your project’s criteria and compare it to other materials. You may want to think about what color polycarbonate sheeting you choose based on the intended purpose. It’s a popular assumption that polycarbonate is always clear, however, this isn’t always the case.
Polycarbonate sheeting is ideal for roofing because of its strength, low weight, UV protection, and ability to be cut into any shape. We didn’t mention that twin and multi-wall polycarbonate also provides insulation, which helps keep spaces warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Three or more layers make up multi-wall polycarbonate, whereas two layers make up twin-wall polycarbonate. A polycarbonate sheet with additional layers gives more insulation.
Polycarbonate sheeting is kept in storage.
If you’ve already bought polycarbonate sheeting, make sure it’s kept dry to prevent moisture from getting into the flutes. Scratching is a possibility with polycarbonate sheeting, so keep that in mind when storing and handling it.
How to install polycarbonate roofing
- To install polycarbonate roofing, you must first select whether you want to utilize twin-wall or multi-wall polycarbonate sheet
- The easiest way to remember it is that the more layers there are, the more insulation it provides, therefore the thicker the sheeting is, the more insulation it provides. 35mm multi-wall polycarbonate, for example, will give significantly higher insulation than 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate.
- A glazing system is also required.
- Glazing bars are put into the joists’ centers, and the polycarbonate sheet is trimmed to fit between them and installed.
- Because polycarbonate sheets vary in size depending on temperature, you should always check that the glazing system has enough capacity to compensate for expansion.
- When the temperature rises, the polycarbonate expands, and when the temperature drops, the polycarbonate contracts.
- Polycarbonate is a sturdy and durable material that may be easily shaped with a jigsaw or circular saw with fine-toothed blades.
- To cut polycarbonate sheeting, fix the panel so it doesn’t move, mark the required size on the cover film, and cut the panel while the film is still attached. Once the cut is complete, use an air compressor or a vacuum to remove any dust.
- If you plan to use polycarbonate for roofing or canopies, keep in mind the direction of the ribs when cutting and installing the material.
- This ensures consistency by ensuring that the ribs are going in the same direction as the pitch. They should be running in the slope’s direction.
- It’s critical to use the correct sealant. You should use a non-hardening sealer since other sealants can cause your polycarbonate to crack, discolor, and become brittle.
- Make sure the polycarbonate sheets are facing the proper side up! Because polycarbonate sheets are only UV-protected on one side, you’ll want to make sure that side is facing up toward the sun.
- If it’s fitted backward, you won’t get the UV protection benefits, which can cause withering and discoloration. Underneath the branded film is always the UV protection side.
- Maintain a minimum pitch of 5 degrees when installing polycarbonate roofing so that rainwater drains off into the gutter and moisture does not develop on your roof.
- After the sheets are in place, add end caps, remove the protective film, add fixing buttons, and, if necessary, a flash band.
How to make sure that polycarbonate sheeting is put appropriately and safely?
You should use the proper safety equipment and follow safe working procedures to guarantee that your polycarbonate sheeting is placed safely and accurately.
Working on a roof is quite hazardous. Falls from height were the mishap with the largest number of fatalities for workers in 2017/18, according to the HSE.
Any injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper PPE and following safe work procedures. After doing a risk assessment, appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be selected, and all work at height PPE should conform with applicable regulations, such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Employers and anyone in charge of any work at height activity must ensure that the task is adequately planned, overseen, and completed by qualified individuals. The following are some suggestions:
- As much work as feasible should be done from the ground, and workers should be able to securely get to and from places where they operate at height.
- Make sure your equipment is acceptable, sturdy, and powerful enough for the job, and that it is maintained and examined regularly. When operating at height, make sure you don’t overburden or overextend yourself.
- When working on or near fragile surfaces, exercise caution.
- Protect yourself from falling things.
- Consider your evacuation and rescue methods in the event of an emergency.