However, if this is your first roof project, it can be a bit confusing given the numerous steps involved in installing the polycarbonate roof panels. Being one of the most important elements of any structure, the roof must be installed correctly and effectively and long-term protect everything inside.
That's why I created this guide. Read on to find out more about all the main steps, as well as a description of the tools and equipment you need. If you want to install polycarbonate roof panels on almost any structure, these steps are the same, but some steps may vary from project to project.
1. Configure the proper screw spacing according to the sheet thickness, and avoid the spacing being too large or too small; the polycarbonate sheet is maybe damaged by the stress resulting from the too-small screw spacing; the polycarbonate sheet is maybe fixed instability due to the too large screw spacing. Therefore recommend the following screw spacing:
A: The polycarbonate sheet thickness < 3.0 mm, the screw spacing is about 20-30cm;
B: The polycarbonate sheet thickness >3.0 mm, the screw spacing is about 30-40cm;
C: When the polycarbonate sheet is fixed with the straps, the spacing is about 30cm;
Note: If the polycarbonate sheet is fixed with a self-tapping screw directly, it is better to choose the larger screw spacing.
2. The screw hole size must consider the polycarbonate sheet thermal expansion and contraction with the different seasons ( summer or winter) and diurnal factors. In general, the screw hole size should be larger than the screw diameter 2~4mm, to reserve space for expansion. Because the diameter of the screw should be 2~4mmlarger than the diameter of the screw, aluminum spacers are required for fixing.
3. The screw hole is too close to the edge of the polycarbonate sheet, which easily leads to the sheet breaking. In general, the screw holes from the edge of the PC sheet are more than 2.5 times the diameter of the screw holes. Such as the location of 4mm diameter screws, the screw holes should be at least 5cm from the edge of the PC sheet.
4. Do not lock the screws too tightly, otherwise, cause the sheet to deform and lead to stress.
5. Remember not to use pull rivets for fixing PC sheets, otherwise, it will cause stress. And stress increases with the sheet thickness increasing.
6. ln order to reduce the screw pressure on the sheet, a washer is available, but PVC gaskets and some rubber rings will destroy the PC panels, which can not be used. It is recommended that the inner material of the gasket be the EPDM rubber aluminum gasket.
7. The alkaline solution is not applicable, which could erode the polycarbonate sheet. All the substances which could make the polycarbonate dissolved or swollen are forbidden，such as esters, ketones, halogenated hydrocarbons.
