How to fix cellular polycarbonate at home. How to properly lay polycarbonate on a canopy - clear instructions

When installing various translucent structures under polycarbonate, as a rule, they mean a polymeric thermoplastic material supplied in the form of sheets (plates) of two varieties.

When installing cellular polycarbonate between the sheet and the inside of the frame, a gap of at least 5 mm should be left, taking into account the thermal expansion of the material.

Monolithic polycarbonate is a transparent panel that looks like glass and differs from it in higher impact resistance, flexibility and significantly less weight.

Cellular polycarbonate has a cellular structure of stiffeners inside the plate. The resulting hollow slab retains light transmission and has thermal insulating properties. This property makes cellular polycarbonate an indispensable material for the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses.

The ease of attaching polycarbonate sheets to any frame has led to their high popularity in the construction of transparent partitions in rooms for various purposes and a variety of roof structures and canopies.

You should consider how to fix polycarbonate in different ways.

Tools and materials

For different mounting methods, you will need some tools and supplies:

• polycarbonate sheets;
• profiles of various modifications according to the task performed - linear, angular, ridge, etc.;
• hacksaw, jigsaw, etc. - for cutting polycarbonate;
• drill - for drilling holes for fasteners;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• self-tapping screws and thermal washers - for attaching panels to the frame.

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Installation of monolithic polycarbonate

The use of monolithic sheets instead of glass also implies their installation in a similar way - reinforced on all sides, inserted into a profile frame.

During installation, it is important to take into account the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the panel and the internal size of the frame. Between the polycarbonate plate and the inner edge of the frame, it is necessary to leave a gap of at least 5 mm for each m of the length and width of the sheet. There are two ways to attach polycarbonate to metal:

• wet - with putty;
• dry - mechanical fastening using auxiliary elements.

When fastening with a wet method, apply polymer putty around the perimeter of the frame and on the edge. Install the sheet into the frame, observing the necessary gaps, press firmly to remove excess putty. To ensure watertightness, apply an additional layer of silicone sealant to the joint. When mounting in the grooves of the aluminum profile, special profiled rubber gaskets are used for sealing.

When mounted on steel support frames, a rubber sealing tape and a layer of sealant are laid on both sides of the sheet, which ensures the impermeability of the structure.

When mounting in a dry way, special polycarbonate and metal profiles produced by the manufacturer in a wide range with rubber gaskets or plastic seals are used as means of fastening.

For installation, a threaded connection of the profile with the supporting structure is used. Polycarbonate sheets are placed in the grooves of the profile, remaining free to move in the process of thermal contraction or expansion.

When using monolithic polycarbonate in the device of frame structures as a coating material, its installation is carried out by point fastening. To do this, use bolts with nuts or self-tapping screws for metal (fastening directly to the frame) or wood (fastening on mortgages). The fastening step is about 50 cm. Fastening is carried out in stages:

1. At a distance of at least 20 mm from the edge of the sheet, a hole is drilled with a diameter 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screw or bolt.
2. Self-tapping screws are screwed in with a screwdriver. For fastening use rubber sealing washers.

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Installation of cellular polycarbonate

When attaching cellular polycarbonate, the following rules must be considered:

• when mounted on vertical surfaces, the stiffening ribs inside the sheet must be located vertically so that condensate flows freely from the cavities;
• with arched fastening, the location of the stiffeners must be arched;
• the ends of the panel must be protected from the ingress of water and dirt with the help of special profiles or adhesive tape;
• when using polycarbonate with a protective layer against ultraviolet rays, the sheets should be placed with the protective layer up - for this a special marking is applied, usually blue;
• remove the protective film during installation only from the inside of the sheet, so as not to damage it during installation;
• after installation is completed, it is imperative to immediately remove the protective film from the surface of the structure, as it corrodes under the influence of the sun and it will be difficult to remove it after a while.

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Fastening with a profile

Polycarbonate sheets are laid using a split profile in the following way:

Step 1. The flat base (base) of the detachable profile is attached to the frame with self-tapping screws in increments of 30-50 cm.

Step 2 Pre-cut and prepared polycarbonate sheets are laid on the profile. If a hermetic connection is required, silicone sealant is applied to the profile recess when laying the sheets. To prevent thermal deformation of the sheet, a gap of 2-5 mm wide is left between its edge and the inner part of the profile.

Step 3. The profile cover, equipped with a locking device, is superimposed on the base and snaps into place when you press it.

One-piece profiles are used to connect sheets to each other. When using them in installation, polycarbonate is attached along the sheet to the frame crate in increments of 50 cm, its edges are inserted into the grooves of the profile. The connecting profile is not attached to the frame.

When building greenhouses in a summer cottage, many use cellular polycarbonate to cover their structure. The material is good in that its service life in practice significantly exceeds the terms declared by manufacturers with only one caveat. Polycarbonate panels can really last a long time, provided that they are attached to the greenhouse frame in accordance with all the rules. In this article, we will analyze all installation options, its features, advantages and disadvantages.

The structure of polycarbonate boards and their properties

The successful installation of universal slabs on the construction of protected ground and their duration of operation largely depend on the structure of the material. It is the structure that must be taken into account before attaching polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame. The panels produced by manufacturers for country use in their section are two-layer flexible sheets, separated by bulkheads forming air chambers. Due to this structure, the material has unsurpassed properties that allow it to be used in crop production:

• High impact resistance;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Excellent light transmission;
• Filtering of hard UV radiation;
• A light weight;
• Flexibility;
• Resistance to chemicals.

All these properties make it possible to use cellular polycarbonate to cover the frames of country greenhouses. At the same time, the presence of air chambers and the characteristics of the polymer itself, if installed incorrectly, make the material vulnerable. The application of excessive force in the process of attaching the panels to the frame, improper docking and location can cause certain difficulties for the diligent summer resident.

Main problems

In case of inattentive fastening of cellular polycarbonate with self-tapping screws to a wooden or metal frame of the greenhouse, there is a possibility of damage to the surface of the plate and deformation of the internal bulkheads. Most often this happens if the screws are screwed in at an angle or excessive force is applied. In this case, the integrity of the canvas will be violated. Moisture will enter the channels and dust will enter. In summer, microorganisms will begin to develop in the cavities, which will reduce the light transmission of the sheets. In winter, due to condensate, the channels can be torn apart by ice forming inside.

Not taking into account the thermal expansion of polycarbonate during installation, laying it on the frame of the greenhouse, there may also be problems with the tightness of hollow channels as a result of material deformation. When heated in the sun, the leaf expands, increasing in its linear dimensions. If thermal gaps between the stacked slabs are not met, then deformation and destruction are inevitable.

Even the correct screwing of self-tapping screws, without pre-drilling holes for fastening, with temperature fluctuations, will contribute to the destruction of polycarbonate plates on the frames of country greenhouses.

ATTENTION!!! 1 m 2 of cellular polycarbonate with increasing temperature increases in linear dimensions by 2 ... 3 mm. Before screwing in the self-tapping screws, it is necessary to pre-drill a hole with a drill with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the self-tapping screw by 2 mm.

The location of the sheets on the frame of the greenhouse structure is also of great importance when attaching it. When placing cut slabs, it is very important to observe the direction of the channels relative to the earth's surface. They will be laid in channels in a horizontal plane, then the condensate formed inside the cavities will have nowhere to go. When the temperature drops below zero, the condensate will turn into ice, which can break the channels and the surface of the sheet.

Frame mounting options

In order to properly cover the greenhouse with polycarbonate, there are many options for attaching them to the frame. Let's take a closer look at each of them. Consider the main advantages and disadvantages.

Using straps

The use of galvanized or polyester tie-down bands is far from a new way of attaching polycarbonate sheets to the frames of country greenhouses. It allows you to tightly press the panels to the racks of the arched structure without damaging the roofing sheet. The tape is thrown over the entire structure and secured on both sides with special locks with bolted ties. The main advantages of using such tapes include the following:

• Short terms of installation of a polycarbonate covering;
• Tight joining of panels with an overlap;
• Easy dismantling of sheets without damaging them;
• The possibility of opening the greenhouse for the winter.

As such, there are no shortcomings in fastening polycarbonate with tie-down bands. At one time, one could hear complaints that the screed weakened over time and the sheets on the frame of the greenhouse were loosened. However, the latest models of greenhouses began to be equipped with special locks that allow you to adjust the tension of the tapes.

The use of thermal washers

Mounting polycarbonate sheets on the frame of the greenhouse using thermal washers is another of the surest and most reliable methods of fastening. The peculiarity of this type of fastener is that the plastic washer is made in the form of an umbrella, the leg of which is designed for the use of self-tapping screws with a diameter of 5 mm. At the bottom of the cap there is a seat for a sealing washer. In the upper part, a hidden recess allows you to hide the head of the self-tapping screw, which snaps into place with a cover to protect the fasteners from corrosion.

When attaching polycarbonate to the rafters of the greenhouse frame using thermal washers, holes are drilled in the sheets with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the leg by 2-3 mm. This condition makes it possible to prevent deformation of the covering sheet in the places of their pressing in the process of increasing or decreasing linear dimensions with temperature differences. The recommended spacing between washers is at least 30 centimeters and not more than 50 centimeters.

The main advantages of using thermal washers in fastening polycarbonate panels to greenhouse frames include the following:

• Protection of honeycomb sheets from punching. The length of the leg of the thermal washer corresponds to the thickness of the sheet;
• Ensuring a tight connection;
• No cold bridges;
• Increase operating time.

However, the use of polycarbonate thermal washers has its drawbacks. One of them is the high cost of the kit required for fixing cellular polycarbonate sheets on standard greenhouse structures. For a standard arched 6 meter structure, at least 170 pieces will be required.

The use of self-tapping screws

It is not the best option to attach honeycomb polycarbonate panels to greenhouse rafters. However, if there is no other option, then choose self-tapping screws with sealing washers made of EPDM material. Such a washer will allow you to evenly distribute the load on the surface of the sheet at the place of fastening. The diameter of the self-tapping screw should not be less than 6 mm. For proper screwing, you will need a screwdriver, with which a larger hole is first drilled, and then a self-tapping screw is screwed in.

When fastening with self-tapping screws, try to place them strictly perpendicular to the plane of the cellular polycarbonate sheets mounted on the greenhouse frame. Screw them in effortlessly so as not to destroy the partitions and the panel surface. If during installation you squeezed the self-tapping screw, and the surface was deformed, slightly release the fasteners. While maintaining the original shape of the bulkheads, the surface will be restored.

The advantages of this type of fastening include:

• Fastener availability;
• Low cost;
• Connection reliability.

fastening earrings

Sheathing of the frame of greenhouses made of polypropylene pipes can be carried out by attaching polycarbonate with special earrings and staples. They wrap around the round profile of the pipe from the inside, reliably pressing the covering panels against them with counter plates. Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not recommend using this installation method, practice shows that the option has a right to exist.

The advantages of this method of attaching polycarbonate with a honeycomb structure to the surface of pipe frames are obvious:

• Simplicity and accessibility;
• Relative cheapness;
• Possibility of fastening to a rafter with a non-standard profile section;
• Short installation.

Among the shortcomings can be called:

• The inability to join sheets without the use of additional materials (joining and corner profiles);
• It is impossible to quickly remove polycarbonate from the frame;
• Violation of the integrity of the panels;
• Insufficient sealing of attachment points.

Basic installation rules

Considering all of the above, it is possible to derive certain rules for attaching polycarbonate to the frame during the construction of a country greenhouse.

• Rule 1. Position the sheets so that the channels are in a perpendicular plane. In this case, the condensate will flow down;
• Rule 2. Provide thermal gaps between mutually located panels;
• Rule 3. When attaching sheet polycarbonate to the greenhouse frame with self-tapping screws, drill holes 2 mm larger than the diameter of the self-tapping screws;
• Rule 4 Use self-tapping screws with EPDM washers. This will maintain the tightness of the mount;
• Rule 5. Do not clamp the self-tapping screws strongly to avoid deformation of the surface and bulkheads of cellular polycarbonate;
• Rule 6. Holes for thermal washers and roofing screws should be at a distance of 4 cm from the edge of the panel;
• Rule 7. The fastening step with self-tapping screws for panels with a thickness of 4 mm should be no more than 50 cm. And for panels with a thickness of 6 mm, no more than 60 cm;
• Rule 8. Use special fasteners for mounting transparent panels on frames made of non-standard materials.

The material has a solid structure, reminiscent of ordinary glass. But thanks to the polymer base, it is many times superior to glass in terms of strength and flexibility, it is light in weight and of high quality. Mounting monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame does not require special skills even for beginners, it can be done at any time of the year.

Cellular polycarbonate

Sheets of cellular polycarbonate consist of stiffening ribs connected obliquely or directly, the pattern of which resembles a honeycomb. The material has a low weight, high strength, heat-insulating and noise-insulating properties, as well as a low price. Installation of cellular polycarbonate is a little more complicated than monolithic installation. For its fastening, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for fixing the plates, since the joints, edges and ends must be completely sealed.

The fastening of monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is justified by the simplicity of the design - since a greenhouse or greenhouse with such a device is assembled quickly, does not require a heavy foundation, and has great strength and durability. The technology of fixing monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame does not require special professional skills and is simple.

Necessary tools and materials

To properly fix polycarbonate sheets on a metal frame, you will need the following tools and materials:

• High speed electric circular saw with tungsten carbide blade and straight cutting teeth;
• Electric jigsaw;
• Construction knife (used for sheets up to 10 mm thick);
• An electric or hand drill with metal drills of the appropriate diameter for drilling holes for fasteners;
• Screwdriver or screwdriver;
• Fastening materials: self-tapping screws with washers or special thermal washers that allow you to securely fix the monolithic polycarbonate to the metal frame and protect the joints from moisture;

Profile fasteners to simplify the installation of polycarbonate:

• End profile (4 - 25 mm);
• Docking profile (n-shaped, detachable);
• Connecting profile (one-piece profile);
• Corner profile;
• Wall profile;
• Profile ridge;
• Insulating tape needed to seal the ends.

Rules for mounting monolithic polycarbonate on a metal frame

In order to properly fix monolithic polycarbonate to a metal or wooden frame, you need to know that monolithic sheets do not bend and therefore are fixed in a flat shape. The elements of the metal frame must be located in the same plane. The distance between the rafters of the frame is equal to the width of the sheets. The frame of the metal frame must have grooves 25 mm deep.

Features and methods of fastening monolithic polycarbonate

Among the methods of fastening, there are 3 main ones:

• Dry method with the help of special pressure strips and profiles with gaskets and seals that prevent the penetration of moisture. The method does not require the use of self-tapping screws and thermal washers;
• A method in which the attachment point of a monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is implemented using bolts or self-tapping screws with thermal washers. The recommended fastening pitch is 50 mm with a margin of at least 20 mm from the edge;
• Wet method by processing the edges of the sheets with silicone and sealing with a special putty (sealant). This method is optimal for attaching monolithic polycarbonate to metal.

An important point in the installation is the correct cutting of the material panels to the size of the metal frame. A circular saw is used for cutting - thanks to the high and constant speed of rotation of the steel disc, the risk of material cracking will be minimized. Such a disc must be sharp and made of carbide metals. Sheets should be fastened using rubber or silicone gaskets.

It is advisable to use special thermal washers made of heat-insulating material that reliably protect the attachment points. They are necessary not only for fixing, but also look great as a decorative element, creating an attractive appearance. The sheets are fixed with fasteners strictly at an angle of 90 degrees, and the indent from the edge of the material should be no more than 5 cm.

During installation, it is also worth considering that the material can be deformed due to increased thermal load, as it has a high coefficient of thermal expansion.
This is important to consider when installing polycarbonate on a greenhouse, roof or canopy, which are located on the sunny side.

Under thermal stress, transparent polycarbonate expands up to 2.5 mm per meter, and for colored sheets this figure is 4.5 mm per meter. To prevent deformation and cracking, fastener holes are made with a gap of several millimeters larger in diameter than the diameter of the self-tapping screw.

The material is easily scratched, so manufacturers stick a protective film on the surface. At the end of the installation work, this film must be removed.
Fastening monolithic polycarbonate to a metal frame is a rather laborious and responsible process that requires careful preparation and caution.

First, let's say a few words about polycarbonate. It is a transparent polymer plastic. It is produced from polymer granules by extrusion. It has good performance characteristics, they have made its use in construction popular. This is a wide variety of colors, light weight, easy installation, long service life. Polycarbonate is produced in two types: monolithic and cellular.

About material

Monolithic polycarbonate is a transparent plastic sheet without internal voids. Outwardly, it looks like ordinary glass. It has good impact resistance properties. Cellular polycarbonate consists of two panels connected by jumpers. Today, many site owners are trying to lay polycarbonate on their own. Polycarbonate is mainly used on the border of the external and internal design of the room.

In addition, having a high light transmission capacity, polycarbonate has become an indispensable material in the construction of summer cafes, transport stops, gazebos, greenhouses, terraces, balconies, and the list goes on. How to lay polycarbonate on a canopy , you can find out by looking at some questions.

Rules for laying polycarbonate

Working with polycarbonate is quite simple. It easily attaches to other materials in a variety of ways. It can be a special glue, special rivets, a melting method. Consider a few rules that will help you learn how to lay polycarbonate on a canopy.

1. At the design stage, it is correct to calculate the required thickness of the panels. Properly chosen thickness of the panels will save on the frame in the future.
2. Choose the right transparency. In the southern regions, you can select polycarbonate with low light transmission, while in the northern regions, the use of such a panel will lead to a lack of daylight color.
3. Protect polycarbonate sheets from direct mechanical influences. Remove the protective film after complete installation.
4. Never over-tighten polycarbonate mounts.
5. Before starting laying work, it is necessary to withstand the material in a dry, warm room for several days.
6. Vapor-proof materials cannot be laid on the surface of polycarbonate. Condensation that forms during this can damage the fastening.
7. When arranging roofs, remember the minimum allowable slope, should not be less than 5 degrees.

We install a canopy with polycarbonate on our own

When we have a construction plan, the shape is chosen and the material is selected, we can begin the laying process. To do this, you need to prepare a tool.

• building level, tape measure;
• drill and drill bits for metal;
• in the manufacture of a metal frame, a welding machine and a professional welder are needed;
• grinder, for cutting products of the required dimensions from the profile.

First of all, it is necessary to clear the area for the canopy from all foreign objects, and make markings. Determine the places where the poles for the canopy will be installed. To do this, under each bearing pillar we make a hole for pouring concrete. Having placed the pillars in the pits, we pour concrete. After the concrete has hardened, usually after a couple of days, we begin to mount the frame for the canopy. All metal parts must be treated with an anti-corrosion solution, primed, and painted. After drying, the most important process, the fixing of polycarbonate, will begin.

There are many ways to lay polycarbonate not a canopy, let's first consider the method of laying and fastening with screws. For its implementation, only minimal skills are required. We mark the required dimensions on the sheets, and we will cut it with the help of a grinder. This process must be done without removing the protective film. The sheet is mounted on the frame with the protective side up. Usually a protective film is pasted on this side at the factory.

When using an arched structure, polycarbonate sheets can only be bent along the channel line. Polycarbonate is attached to the frame using stainless bolts or self-tapping screws, while the fastening pitch will be 35-45 cm. Special thermal washers are often used for fastening. They have a diameter of 30 mm, and a silicone coating that allows the joint to be sealed.

Often, special adhesives are used to connect polycarbonate with other materials such as plastic, wood, and metal. So, for connecting polycarbonate to metal, epoxy glue is more suitable for you. Silicone adhesives are used in case of exposure to a wide temperature range from -45 to +125 degrees.

There are many different adhesives that can be used to bond polycarbonate materials, but try not to use adhesives that contain solvents. This adhesive can damage the polycarbonate.

A little more about installation

Polycarbonate is one of the most convenient materials used for the construction of greenhouses, sheds, canopies and other outbuildings to the house. This material has a number of positive qualities:

• long service life;
• resistance to damage;
• heat resistance;
• flexibility;
• ability to transmit light;
• ability to keep warm;
• relatively light material;
• very easy to operate;
• has an aesthetic appearance.

In order for a structure made of this polymer to serve you for many years, you need to know about the nuances of working with this material.

There are two types of polycarbonate:

1. Monolithic. This type is a durable organic glass that does not break. It is mainly used for greenhouses and greenhouses.
2. Cellular. It is sheets with cavities inside them, which increase the thermal insulation properties. It is able to block the body of the sun, while it has high transparency. This type is used in the manufacture of canopies, visors, arches.

Rules for working with polycarbonate:

1. When cutting polycarbonate sheets, it is recommended to use a construction knife if the plate thickness is not more than 8 millimeters. If the polymer is thicker, then a fine-toothed circular saw should be used.
2. If the structure is intended for rolling snow, then the sheets should be laid along the slope, and the arched structures should be bent in the direction of the ribs.
3. Sheets must be cut on a hard surface. This will ensure smooth, jagged edges.
4. To drill holes, use an electric drill with special drills for metal. Holes must be located between the stiffeners. This will ensure good condensate drainage.
5. Polycarbonate sheets must be positioned so that the cells are in a vertical position. If they are placed horizontally, then moisture will accumulate in them, which will cause them to bloom. Even if the combs are covered with heat-resistant tape on top, the holes for the fasteners will still let water through, which will accumulate in the horizontal combs. In sheets laid vertically, water will simply roll down, thereby flowing out.
6. With a sheet thickness of 10 millimeters, the distance between the fasteners should be no more than 50 centimeters, with a larger plate thickness, the distance can be increased to 80 centimeters.
7. The polycarbonate roof sheathing must also meet a number of conditions. The flatter the roof, the smaller the step of the crate should be. Since not only rainfall, but also snow can accumulate on it, which can often cause a polycarbonate sheet to be pushed through. The optimal angle of the roof is fifty degrees. If possible, it is better to use an arched roof. It has the ability to withstand heavy loads. When making an arch from a polymer with a thickness of 16 mm, you can not use a crate at all, but at the same time, the rafters should be located at a distance of 2 m 30 cm from each other.

But it should also be taken into account that the polycarbonate coating has a number of significant disadvantages:

1. Weather precipitation in the form of hail can break through a polycarbonate roof, so it is better to choose sheets that are covered with a protective film. They have a higher cost, but this is easily offset by the lack of costs for replacing individual sheets.
2. Polycarbonate is a plastic, its disadvantage lies in the high value of the coefficient of thermal expansion.
3. The surface is easily scratched, so the protective film from the sheets should be removed only after all installation work has been completed.

Polycarbonate has become a good substitute for wood, metal and glass. It has a good margin of safety, protection from ultraviolet radiation. It has good plastic properties. Can be used in thermal protection. A wide variety of colors makes it an indispensable material for designers.

If you have long wanted to make a shed canopy, but do not have enough experience, then study our article on how to do it right on one's own.

Polycarbonate is a user-friendly material. Fastening polycarbonate to a wooden frame can be done without unnecessary costs and difficulties. For this purpose, honeycomb sheets of material are used. How polycarbonate is attached to a tree and what are its features, we will consider in this article.

Types of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is monolithic and cellular.

Monolithic sheets are usually smooth, but corrugated ones with a special wavy texture are also produced. Sheets are produced in different thicknesses, depending on this they are used for certain purposes.

When working with monolithic plates, it is necessary to correctly calculate the temperature gap and correctly attach the edges, since due to incorrect installation, thermal cracking of the sheet or damage to the edges is possible.

Cellular (cellular plastic) has a more complex structure. It is produced in the form of sheets with a section containing one or more cells. These cells are called cells. They are filled with air, making the material very light.

Cellular material is slightly more difficult to handle than cast material. During installation, special rules must be observed. All ends and edges of sheets must be sealed.

On the advantages of honeycomb material

Cellular polycarbonate is very light. If we compare it with glass, then it is about ten times lighter than the latter.

The walls of the cells act as stiffeners, thanks to which the material is bending strong and can withstand external loads.

Other advantages of polycarbonate include:

1. Transparency, light transmission and light dispersion, which have a beneficial effect on plants (if a greenhouse is built from the material).
2. Resistant to moisture and some chemicals.
3. Ease of transportation. Before loading into the machine, you can twist the sheet into a roll.
4. Fire resistance. The material does not burn, but melts without releasing toxic substances.
5. Ease of dismantling. If necessary, one or more sheets can be easily replaced.
6. Long service life (8-10 years). If you cover the material with a protective composition from ultraviolet rays, it will last up to 25 years.

About wooden beam

Often, polycarbonate is used for the construction of greenhouses on a frame made of wooden beams. This is an oblong lumber having a rectangular or square section.

Basically, timber is made from coniferous trees. In this article, we will consider a variant of pine and larch timber.

The frame of the greenhouse is made from a bar 50 by 50, 100 by 50, 100 by 100 or 150 by 150 millimeters in cross section. A beam of greater thickness is not recommended due to unjustified cost, and when using a thinner material, it may not be able to cope with the load from the snow.

It's important to know: It is important to choose a quality timber for construction. It should be smooth, free of defects and bends.

It is better to take a tape measure to the store to make sure of the correct geometry and linear dimensions. Annual rings on a good bar are located approximately at the same distance. Deep cracks are unacceptable. The presence of dark spots in large numbers is a sign of the poor quality of the material and its subsequent vulnerability to mold. In addition, the timber must be perfectly dried.

Let's get acquainted with the features of larch timber:

• wood of high strength;
• high resistance to mold and microorganisms;
• resistance to moisture activity;
• the material is not of interest to mice and insects;
• excellent thermal insulation;
• the difficulty of sawing due to the high density and hardness;
• the price exceeds the average cost of timber.

Features of a pine bar include:

• affordable cost;
• low density, which makes sawing easy;
• long service life (if you follow the construction technology and properly care for the material);
• drying out, pine releases phytoncides that kill fungus and microorganisms.

Antiseptic for timber

To protect the timber from moisture and bacteria, it is treated with an antiseptic.

For processing, impregnations and film-forming compounds are used.

After application, impregnations gradually penetrate deep into the timber, depriving it of its attractiveness for microorganisms and mold.

Thanks to the film-forming film, an outer layer appears on the beam, which plays the role of a barrier to microorganisms.

Usually several antiseptics are used at once in the complex. You should not believe the advertising of supposedly universal compositions from everything and at once. It is better to use several highly specialized formulations.

It will be easier to cover the frame of the greenhouse with easy-to-apply water-based compounds. To do this, arm yourself with a respirator mask, a brush and a container of the right size. You can use a spray gun instead of a brush.

Often, timber is also treated with copper sulphate. This substance should be used on bare wood without metal elements, as it can damage the metal.

How to attach polycarbonate to a beam?

Consider the types of self-tapping screws that are used to attach polycarbonate to a beam:

1. Roofing galvanized, having a hex head and a washer.
2. Having a rubber thermal washer with a larger diameter cover and gasket than in the previous version.
3. Equipped with a polymer thermal washer, having a shape that looks like an umbrella.

In addition, when determining how to attach polycarbonate to a tree, one should not forget about the connecting profiles of a detachable or one-piece nature. They seem to clamp sheets of material.

A self-tapping screw is a metal object that provides fastening of two or more materials by means of a screw connection. The cutting of the required thread occurs at the moment of screwing.

Self-tapping screws for wood have a larger thread pitch and fewer turns than those used for metal. This reduces the friction force during screwing. Also, a distinctive feature of a self-tapping screw for a tree is often the presence of a tip in the form of a drill, which makes it easier to enter the tree.

Roofing screws are widely used. They have a large shaft diameter, which favors successful insertion into hard roofing materials. Such elements are equipped with a hex head, therefore, during installation, the screwdriver does not jump off to the side. The surface of the product must be galvanized to protect against corrosion. The kit always comes with an EPDM washer, including a galvanized cover and a thin rubber gasket.

Roofing screws are considered the cheapest fastener for polycarbonate.

To solve the problem with a thermal gap, a thermal washer with a large thickness and diameter is often used instead of a conventional washer. Thus, the load is distributed over a large area and the deflection of the material at the screwing point is practically impossible.

A self-tapping screw with a washer made of polycarbonate or other polymer contributes to reliable fastening and maintaining a sufficient thermal gap. It is shaped like an umbrella.

What is required for work?

To properly fix the polycarbonate to the wooden frame, you will need the following tools:

1. The required number of polycarbonate sheets.
2. Connecting profile for joining material plates.
3. Drills for making holes.
4. Sealing tape. You need to have in your arsenal both solid and perforated.
5. Wooden bar.
6. Nails, screws and a hammer for fixing wood.
7. Screwdriver and screwdriver.
8. Thermal washers for strong fixation of the material to the tree.

Installation rules

To create a solid polycarbonate structure, it is necessary to build a reliable frame.

1. With a pitched structure, polycarbonate should lie along the slope, with a vertical one - vertically, with an arched one - in an arc.
2. It is important to take into account the thermal expansion of the material during its fastening in order to avoid cracking and depressurization.
3. Cutting of plates should be carried out in the intercostal space. To do this, use a circular saw or a sharp knife. In this case, the plate must be well fixed on the working surface.
4. To make holes in the material, you need to use a drill or drill with a diameter exceeding the size of the self-tapping screws by 1-3 mm in order to avoid cracking the polycarbonate.
5. Before attaching polycarbonate to a tree, the last material should be well processed to prevent its decay and deformation.
6. Polycarbonate sheets should be positioned so that there is a support under the junction of the two plates.
7. When laying the first sheet on the frame, you need to make sure that its edge protrudes forward by 0.3-0.5 mm.
8. Between themselves, polycarbonate sheets are fastened with a connecting strip placed along the frame supports.
9. To equip corners, corner polycarbonate profiles are used.

Installation steps

More:

1. Assembly of a frame from a bar. At the same time, it is important to calculate that the edges of the timber that will be in contact with the polycarbonate are as even as possible.
2. Removing the dimensions of the frame and transferring them to a plate of material that will need to be sawn.
3. After marking the dimensions on the plate, proceed to cutting. The builder must wear protective gloves and goggles to protect himself from damage.
4. The prepared plate is applied to the frame properly.
5. In places where the plate adjoins the tree, holes are drilled with a diameter that should not exceed 1 mm. The pitch of the holes should be approximately 20 cm.
6. Then, self-tapping screws are screwed into the finished holes, on which washers are put on in advance. A gap of 1 mm should be left between the washer and the self-tapping screw, thanks to which it will be possible to avoid cracking and damage to the material when the temperature rises.
7. At the very end, the polycarbonate panels are sealed (concerns the quick-assembly roof). Self-adhesive aluminum tape is used to seal the ends. The transverse ends of the plate are not insulated so that condensate can escape through them.

Orientation and cutting

It is most important to orient and cut polycarbonate plates correctly.

The correct orientation is especially important for cellular polycarbonate due to the presence of stiffeners. Thanks to them, the material is easily bent.

The sheets of material are oriented exactly along the stiffeners. If you place them against the direction of such ribs, the polycarbonate may crack. Also for this reason, condensate may accumulate in the cavities when the material is bent across the stiffeners. So the sheets may darken.

It is very important to cut the material correctly in order to obtain the desired shape without deforming the edge. A circular saw with finely serrated blades is best suited for this. At a high cutting speed, such a saw gives a smooth cut that does not need to be processed additionally.

In the absence of a circular saw, it is possible to use a grinder with a disc for cutting wood.

Conclusion

Nowadays, various designs are made of polycarbonate quite often. All thanks to its advantages - high density and the presence of different colors. They use such material for the construction of canopies or visors, the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses, and much more.

This type of polymer, attached to a wooden frame, is an excellent solution for those who want to do their own construction without hiring professionals.

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