
Things You Should Know
- Trim panels with an angle grinder or circular saw. Drill holes 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart on the ends and sides of the panels with a 3⁄16 in (4.8 mm) drill bit.
- Use 10-by-2 in (25.4 by 5.1 cm) screws with polycarbonate washers to secure panels to the roof trusses. ...
- Choose PVC roofing to let light into your enclosure and block heat. ...
How do you install polycarbonate roofing sheets?
It is made of polycarbonate and is a one part system. You install this by installing your sheets loosely and sliding this from the bottom of this joint all the way to the top. 2. Polycarbonate base and cap – This system consists of 2 parts – a base and a cap.
What is the minimum slope for polycarbonate roofing sheets?
When fitting polycarbonate sheets, it is important to ensure that your roof has a minimum slope of 5 o to allow rainwater run-off. Follow this step-by-step guide to fixing Polycarbonate sheets.
How should I store my polycarbonate roofing after drilling?
Clearing the sheets of any dust caused by the drilling process is recommended, as is ensuring that you any screw caps and/or buttons you have used have been properly applied are uniform across the roof. If you have any polycarbonate roofing left and would like to store it for later use, it is best kept in an interior location to minimise wear.
Is polycarbonate roofing a good first roofing project?
However, if this is your first roofing project, it can be a little overwhelming when you consider the many steps involved when installing polycarbonate roofing sheets. As one of the most important elements of any structure, the roof must be installed correctly to provide effective, long-term protection for whatever’s inside.

How do you attach polycarbonate roofing sheets?
3:5212:18Polycarbonate Roof Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's important to leave a few millimeters. Each side of the sheet to allow it to expand. AndMoreAnd it's important to leave a few millimeters. Each side of the sheet to allow it to expand. And contract. I left about four or five millimeters on each side of the sheet. And to secure the aluminium.
How do you secure polycarbonate panels?
Use screws with neoprene bonded washers to fasten polycarbonate to greenhouse. Use ½″ washers with corrugated polycarbonate and 1″ washers with triple wall polycarbonate. Do not fasten screws within ½″ of the edge of a polycarbonate sheet. When fastening screws, do not tighten below the surface of the panel.
Where do you screw polycarbonate roofing?
1:083:52How to use polycarbonate fasteners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe one-shot fastener. As I said it's quite easy you can hold it down the bottom so you get a goodMoreThe one-shot fastener. As I said it's quite easy you can hold it down the bottom so you get a good grip on it and we put it straight into the ridge of the polycarbonate roofing onto the purlins.
Can you screw down polycarbonate?
Can you screw through Polycarbonate? Polycarbonate expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes. For this reason, use screws in pre-drilled holes in sheets, instead of nails. By pre-drilling the holes, you'll avoid warping and cracking around the screw.
What is the best adhesive for polycarbonate?
Epoxide glue, also known as epoxy, is a simple way to glue polycarbonate together. This is commonly used for quick fixes, or for bonding the polycarbonate to materials like ceramic.
How do I stop polycarbonate greenhouse panels blowing out?
Keeping Wind Out of Your GreenhouseGlazing repair tape on both sides of overlapping panes offers extra protection against wind.Foam tape helps make a better seal when the roof vent is closed.Make temporary repairs to damaged greenhouses to keep the wind out until you can buy replacement glazing.
What screws do you use for polycarbonate roofing?
Buildex® Poly Teks® Buildex® 14 -14 Poly Teks® Polycarbonate Roofing Screws are designed for crest pierce fixing polycarbonate roof sheets steel between 1.5mm and 5mm. Typical applications are pergolas, outdoor entertainment areas and skylights.
Do you pre-drill polycarbonate?
When installing polycarbonate roofing, it is considered good practice to pre-drill the screw holes before fixing the sheets. It is also recommended that you slightly oversize these holes to make room for the thermal adjustments described above.
Are closure strips necessary for polycarbonate roofing?
Closure strips enhance the appearance of your polycarbonate or PVC panel project. Providing weather tightness, plastic or foam closure strips are recommended for sealing the opening created where the corrugated sheet meets flat surfaces at flashing, curbs, etc.
Does polycarbonate crack when drilled?
Polycarbonate (or PC) is available in two types: solid and twin wall polycarbonate. The twin wall type is, in fact, unsuitable for drilling: because of the internal stresses, it will quickly crack or break. Drilling it is not impossible, but great caution is required.
Can you walk on polycarbonate roofing?
Can you walk on polycarbonate roofing? Polycarbonate roof sheets are not designed to support the weight of a person and so you should avoid walking on them. If you do need to access the roof sheets, use crawl boards between the rafters or step ladders as a safe means of doing so.
How do you screw down plastic roofing?
3:299:37How to Install Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe shank size is about six millimeters. We actually need a 10 mil hole to go through our roofing toMoreThe shank size is about six millimeters. We actually need a 10 mil hole to go through our roofing to allow for expansion and contraction.
How do you secure polycarbonate sheets to a greenhouse?
2:016:25Fitting The Greenhouse Polycarbonate I Foodie Gardening ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause they do move a bit I didn't see all these with the sealant. And I think they are protectedMoreBecause they do move a bit I didn't see all these with the sealant. And I think they are protected at the top because there's this gutter. And they're tucked right in underneath. There.
How do you seal the ends of polycarbonate sheets?
2:106:19Edge Sealing Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the top edge you're going to want to seal it with the solid aluminum tape. Peel back a littleMoreFor the top edge you're going to want to seal it with the solid aluminum tape. Peel back a little bit of the paper backing. And tack the tape onto. The end of the sheet. Securely.
How do you attach polycarbonate sheets to wood?
There are two methods of fixing polycarbonate sheets to timber. The first method is to directly use screws on the polycarbonate sheets themselves. The second is to use glazing bars to hold the sheets. The first method is fine for garden features, especially in areas without a lot of wind.
How do you join polycarbonate sheets together?
There are two methods of bonding pieces of polycarbonate effectively, one being the use of an epoxide glue (Epoxy), which is relatively straightforward and not at all dissimilar to glueing any other two materials together; and the other being fusing the two together.
Installing Polycarbonate Roofing
It typically requires a minimum of tools. In most cases even the cutting and joining can be done with a simple scissors, although it’s recommended that you use a rotary cutter when possible for clean lines and crisp edges.
Things to Know About Polycarbonate Roofing
Polycarbonate Roofing is a material that is used to produce roofs or canopies.
Benefits of Installing Polycarbonate Roofing
There are many benefits of installing polycarbonate roofing. Polycarbonate roofing is a rotary molded, corrosion resistant product developed for low slope applications including flat roofs.
Conclusion
Polycarbonate roofing is an advanced material that provides many benefits for your building or structure. Installing polycarbonate roofing can help you save money on energy costs, provide natural lighting capabilities and much more!
How to look at polycarbonate?
Looking at a piece of polycarbonate is kind of like looking down the end of a cardboard box. A sheet on the outside, a sheet on the inside and a rib running between them. If you peel the layers apart you will see that they are all clear, but the rib that runs in the center is what distorts your view.
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a rigid plastic. The polycarbonate used for greenhouses is typically a multiwall. This means that there are 2 exterior walls, possibly some interior walls, and ribs that run between these walls. You cannot see clear through this like looking through glass.
What is the part that joins polycarbonate sheets side by side?
This is the part that joins the polycarbonate sheets side by side. There are several different options for this. 1. Polycarbonate H – this is the part that slides between the sheets and fastens them side to side. It is made of polycarbonate and is a one part system. You install this by installing your sheets loosely and sliding this from ...
What is a polycarbonate base and cap?
2. Polycarbonate base and cap – This system consists of 2 parts – a base and a cap. The base is screwed down to the framing. The sheets are placed over the base. The cap is “snapped” into place using a rubber mallet. The base and cap have an interlocking mechanism that keeps it tight. This is considerably easier to install on longer sheets.
When was polycarbonate first installed?
The first time we installed polycarbonate was in 1993. Our “cell” phones were called transportable phones. It was about like hauling a suitcase around. There was no internet. No way to search for instructions on how to install polycarbonate sheets. No YouTube videos! Can you imagine. So, we had to learn the hard way by trial and error. Thank goodness we have more sophisticated tools available now. Most people will have a lot of questions when installing polycarbonate for the first time. It is not all that difficult. I think it is just the fact that it is a new material.
Do you need to install polycarbonate sheets on a flat roof?
12. Do not install polycarbonate sheets on a flat roof. A minimum of a 1 on 12 roof pitch is required. If you do not do this you will have leaks at the H profiles.
Can you store polycarbonate sheets in sunlight?
4. Do not store your sheets in direct sunlight. The protective film will melt into the polycarbonate panels. You will never be able to remove it once this happens.
How much polycarbonate to lay on aluminum?
11. With the UV side facing up, lay the Gallina Polycarbonate onto the Lower Aluminum profile, leaving 1/8th inch per 4ft to allow the polycarbonate to expand and contract.
Where do I insert the gaskets on a Poli-Lok?
12. Insert the Gaskets into the left and right side of the Upper Aluminum Profile. Trim the Gaskets to sit flush to the end of the Aluminum Poli-Lok.
Where to insert aluminum gaskets?
Insert the gaskets into the left and right side of the Lower Aluminum Profile. Trim the Gaskets to sit flush to the end of the Lower Aluminum Profile. 3. Place the Lower Aluminum Profile on the far-left rafter (or purlin).
How far from the sides should you peel aluminum tape?
9. Peel the film at least 5 inches from the sides to apply Aluminum Tape to the top flutes and Vent Tape to the bottom flutes of the sheets.
Which direction should polycarbonate sheets be installed?
Polycarbonate sheets should be installed with the ribs running in the direction of the slope and it is recommended that at least one of the ribs is securely clamped in the glazing system.
How strong are polycarbonate sheets?
Some of their properties include: Up to 200 times stronger than glass. Shatterproof. Flexible. 5 times lighter than glass. When fitting polycarbonate sheets, it is important to ensure that your roof has a minimum slope of 5 o to allow rainwater run-off. Follow this step-by-step guide to fixing Polycarbonate sheets.
How to prevent moisture in sheets?
It is essential to prevent the ingress of moisture, dust and insects by applying the appropriate tapes, closure and sealants. Blanking tape should be applied to the top and a breather tape should be applied to the bottom end of the sheet to allow air to move through freely, reducing the chance of condensation.
