Profiled polycarbonate - dimensions and specifications
Technologically advanced materials are used predominantly in modern construction, the technical and operational characteristics of which far exceed traditional counterparts. So polycarbonate, which scientists discovered by chance while researching painkillers, eventually replaced fragile, heavy and relatively expensive silicate glass. This material has 3 types: structural, monolithic and profiled. These varieties differ in structure, thickness and strength. In this article we will tell about the profiled polycarbonate, which is used for the construction of translucent roofs, gazebos, sheds, terraces and other structures.
Characteristics of the material
Profiled polycarbonate is a modern technological material, which is produced from carbonic acid and bisphenol A by extrusion, giving a wavy surface profile. He, like monolithic plastic, has no voids in the structure. According to the degree of light transmission, polycarbonate of profiled type is divided into transparent, translucent and matte. The technical characteristics of this polymer plastic are far superior to silicate glass, it has a large carrying capacity, impact resistance and durability with low weight. The following profile shapes are produced:
- Wavy. The surface of the wave-like profile resembles the traditional slate, so this type of plastic is often called transparent or plastic slate.
- Trapezoidal. Profiled polycarbonate plastic with a trapezoidal profile resembles profiled sheeting.
- U-shaped. Plastic with a u-shaped surface is also compared to the shape of the profile with corrugated board. In addition, it has additional stiffeners that increase the carrying capacity of this material.
Note! Polycarbonate is produced in a wide range of colors, warm and cold colors. Transparent material is used for flooring in greenhouses, winter gardens, plastic warm colors suitable for the equipment of recreation areas and eating, and cold - building canopies over the pools. Polycarbonate has standard sizes, sheet width is 2.05 m, and length is up to 7 m.
Material advantages
High performance characteristics of the material allowed replacing silicate glass in many areas of construction. Monolithic polycarbonate with a wavy profile is used as a facade and roofing material. Speaking about the quality of this material, masters always compare its qualities with glass. The advantages of profiled polycarbonate are:
- A light weight. Depending on the sheet thickness, profiled polycarbonate for the roof is 2-3 times lighter than silicate glass. Moreover, the weight of this material is less than that of acrylic glass.
- High impact resistance. The impact strength of this type of plastic is 200 times greater than that of ordinary glass, and 10 times greater than that of acrylic. Therefore, polycarbonate is called "anti-vandal" material and is used to construct elements of urban infrastructure, road signs, signs, billboards that are difficult to destroy.
- High carrying capacity. Polycarbonate maintains high snow loads without deforming, due to which it is used in northern regions.
- Flexibility. Polycarbonate sheets are flexible and plastic, so they create structures of complex shape without applying heat treatment.
- Translucency. The coefficient of light transmission of profiled polycarbonate is 80-92%, depending on the thickness of the material, it exceeds the characteristics of acrylic glass and almost reaches silicate.
- Easy installation. Simplicity of material processing, as well as convenient sizes of sheets facilitate, accelerate the installation process of polycarbonate.
Important! The main enemy of polycarbonate is ultraviolet, which destroys the material, causing it to wear out after 5-6 years. However, premium products last 20–25 years, thanks to a special film that blocks the sun's rays, which is applied on one or two sides of the plastic.
Recommendations for selection
Profiled polycarbonate is considered a reliable roofing material that will last more than a dozen years, provided that you select quality products and follow the rules for working with them:
- As the temperature rises, the monolithic material undergoes thermal expansion, that is, it changes soybean sizes by 1-3 mm. So that polycarbonate is not deformed due to this process, the attachment to the frame is made not rigid, but free, with a small gap.
- For fixing use wooden, plastic or metal frame, depending on the construction of the roof, the area of the slopes and the climatic conditions of the construction area.
- Sheets of material stacked overlap by 20 cm, that is, they overlap each other by 1-2 waves.
- The fasteners are screwed into the crests of each even wave.
- To cut a sheet of plastic using a grinder operating at low revs.
- When installing the roof of profiled polycarbonate, you should not step on the sheets of material so as not to smash or deform the coating. For the convenience of the work, scaffolding is mounted or a high ladder is installed.
Experienced masters note that the radius of curvature of structures from profiled plastic should not be less than 4 m, therefore, arched structures are made of it less often than from honeycomb.
