Tricks of the Trade: Using Polycarbonate Sheets

Producing a polycarbonate roofing system is generally something that an amateur, or do it yourselfer, wouldn’t attempt, due to the lack of knowledge and the assumption the task at hand is complicated, and should only be undertaken by a professional. Below are some simple tips, and advice that can help you along the way when attempting a polycarbonate roof.

SLIPPING OF POLYCARB – a frequent situation that can occur, if the right materials aren’t used, is polycarbonate sheet slipping down a roof, once they have been fixed. This leaves gaps, and allows water to penetrate the building. Glazing bar end caps should be fixed on the end of each bar, which will prevent sheets from sliding.

CUTTING POLYCARB – when attempting to cut a polycarbonate sheet, it is very important to use a fine tooth saw as the sheets can be very fragile. By overhanging a solid surface, and them trimming off the part of polycarbonate not needed, you will prevent the risk of the sheet shattering, and therefore becoming unusable.

DAMAGE LIMITATION – it is very important to leave the protective cover film on polycarbonate for as long as possible, and only remove it after all cuts are finished, and the sheet has been fixed down. By leaving the film on you will greatly limit the chance of damage to the polycarbonate sheets such as scratches.

UV PROTECTION – On a polycarbonate sheets there are two sides, and these have different strengths, and uses. When placing the polycarbonate sheets into position, it is important that the side of the sheet that has writing on the film faces upwards towards the sky. This is of importance because that side of the sheet has a UV protection to it, and is specially manufactured to withstand the sun.

If you have any other queries about polycarbonate sheets, or just need some advice, please don’t hesitate to call one of the team at Atlantic Cladding.