How to fix polycarbonate with your own hands - video and

Polycarbonate is a modern polymeric material that belongs to the class of thermoplastics, having light weight, mechanical strength, low thermal conductivity, and high light transmission. It is widely used in construction as a more practical and durable alternative to silicate glass. With the help of monolithic polycarbonate, vertical glazing is performed in state institutions, children's and medical institutions, and cellular material is suitable for building greenhouses, greenhouses and other arched structures. In this article we will describe how to fasten polycarbonate and properly connect the sheets to each other, so as not to damage it and ensure reliable fixation.

Monolithic plastic mounting technology

Monolithic polycarbonate - thermoplastic polycarbonate plastic, visually reminiscent of silicate glass. It has a light transmission of up to 92%, as well as high impact resistance and durability. In the construction of monolithic polycarbonate used for the organization of vertical glazing, including decorative, for the construction of windows, transparent partitions. To fasten this material, use a variety of frames and holders made of plastic, metal or wood. Correctly fix the monolithic polycarbonate in the frame can be 2 ways:

1. Wet mode The technology of fastening polycarbonate plastic in a “wet” way consists in applying a polymer putty, suitable for its composition, along the inner perimeter of the frame, before installing the sheet. After inserting the polycarbonate into the holder, the joint is treated with a silicone-based sealant.
2. "Dry" method. “Dry” fastening technology does not involve the use of putty, in it the fixation of polycarbonate and the connection of the sheets to each other occurs with the help of special profiles and rubber seals. Screws, bolts and nuts are used as fasteners. This mounting option is considered preferable, as it is more accurate and clean.

Important! In the manufacture of monolithic polycarbonate structures (as a gazebo roof, porch or roof), the sheets are mounted on a metal or wooden frame using special profiles and threaded elements, the distance between which should not exceed 50 cm.

Method of fixing cellular plastic

Cellular polycarbonate differs from the monolithic structure of the material, which consists of hollow cells filled with air, formed by internal stiffeners. The translucency of this material is usually not more than 84%, but it has high strength, but low thermal conductivity, therefore it is widely used for the construction of greenhouses, greenhouses, winter gardens. Cellular plastic bends well, so it is suitable for the construction of arched structures. Fastening sheets of this type is as follows:

• Before you attach the polycarbonate, construct the frame structure of metal or wood. To increase the service life of wooden elements, they are coated with an antiseptic or varnish.
• Before installing the first sheet of plastic on the frame set the starting profile, which is tucked into the edge of the polycarbonate.
• The sheets are fastened to the profile by the point method using special self-tapping screws with thermo-washers, equipped with a gasket, which protects the hole from the ingress of moisture and cold air.
• In order to correctly connect polycarbonate sheets between each other, a connecting profile is used, which provides hermetic joining of the material. It is detachable and one-piece. A detachable profile-connector consists of a base, which is mounted on a frame with self-tapping screws with a step of 30 cm, and a lid that clicks into place after mounting the sheets.
• At the ends of the cellular polycarbonate wear plugs that protect cells from leaking water, condensation or penetration of dirt.

Note! If you connect the sheets of material to each other without a connecting profile, gaps are formed at the junction point, leading to moisture leakage and leakage, which extremely negatively affects the condition of the structural frame.

Installation Features

Polycarbonate is a reliable, wear-resistant and durable material from which you can create quite a few types of structures. However, in order not to spoil the plastic panels, it is necessary to take into account their features. Skilled masters advise to take into account during fastening of polycarbonate, the following nuances:

1. Polycarbonate plastic is subject to thermal expansion, so it is attached to the frame with regard to dimensional changes with increasing temperature.
2. Holes for fasteners are pre-made with a drill and drill, the diameter of which is a couple of mm larger than the diameter of the screw or bolt.
3. In order not to rumple the sheet or not to deform the cells, the screws and bolts do not twist completely, leaving a gap of 2-3 mm.
4. Under the influence of ultraviolet cellular polycarbonate is destroyed, so it is mounted upside down on the side that is covered with a film that blocks the sun's rays.
5. It is correct to make openings in cellular polycarbonate between partitions in order not to spoil the sheet.
6. Self-tapping screws for fastening polycarbonate sheets are chosen so that the length of the fastener corresponds to the thickness of the material.

When deciding how to dock the polycarbonate together, keep in mind that if the installation is performed vertically, the stiffeners of the sheets should also be placed vertically. If a sloping structure is mounted, they are placed along the slope; in the arched structure, the stiffeners must go along an arc.

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