Replacing cellular polycarbonate with monolithic polycarbonate
Solid Polycarbonate: Applications, Installation, Transparent Roofing
Polycarbonate Properties, Sheet Sizes and Prices, Installation
Solid polycarbonate has long established itself in the market due to its strength, lightness, and a number of other properties. The primary applications of this material are glazing and roofing. Gazebos, canopies, verandas, and even valuable structures that need to be protected from vandals—solid polycarbonate is currently the best choice.
Pros and Cons of Solid Polycarbonate
The use of solid polycarbonate has several undeniable advantages:
• Transparency. Due to its ability to transmit direct sunlight, it is ideal for glazing gazebos or verandas.
• Sound absorption.
• Fire safety. Solid polycarbonate is a self-extinguishing polymer and is difficult to ignite.
• Resistance to temperature fluctuations. The material can easily withstand temperatures from 120 to -40 degrees Celsius.
• Durability. Solid polycarbonate is approximately one hundred and eighty times stronger than ordinary glass.
• Environmentally friendly. In addition to its durability, the material is easily recycled.
The material does have some drawbacks. Despite its durability, it is quite easily scratched, for example, when clearing snow. Furthermore, after approximately one and a half to two years, solid polycarbonate begins to lose its original transparency and become cloudy.
This occurs due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. To prevent degradation, the material must be coated with a UV-protective film.
Manufacturers, of course, add a substance to the raw materials to prevent degradation, but this is not enough to provide complete protection from ultraviolet rays. There are also product lines that are completely protected from the damaging effects of the sun, but these are quite expensive. Installation of Monolithic Polycarbonate Panels
Before proceeding with installation, it's important to know that monolithic polycarbonate is manufactured in a standard size—2050 mm wide by 3050 mm long—but pricing may vary. Sheets up to 12 m long can be manufactured upon special order.
Modifying the shape of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet is quite easy through molding, and the dimensions of the polycarbonate sheet can be reduced, including by hand.
When installing a monolithic polycarbonate sheet, follow these guidelines:
• Aluminum profiles are best suited for this material.
• Secure the clamping frame with screws at intervals of 25–30 cm.
• Attach monolithic polycarbonate to wooden rafters using wood screws.
• Before installing the sheet, leave a gap of 3–4 mm under the clamping washer. This allows for contraction and expansion due to temperature changes.
Conclusion
Monolithic polycarbonate is an excellent material: strong, durable, safe, and environmentally friendly, it has received excellent reviews from both professional builders and their clients. It is ideal for constructing gazebos, canopies, vertical and horizontal glazing for verandas, and other structures.
PlastNaves offers a wide selection of polycarbonate structures. We offer a full range of services, including measurements, 3D design, and installation.
Our specialists have the experience to install structures of any design within two days at the best price. A two-year warranty is provided. The full range of polycarbonate products can be viewed on the company's website.