Sealing the ends of polycarbonate. Should the ends of the polycarbonate be covered?

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One of the important properties of polycarbonate is flexibility. Sheets can be bent, giving the structure the required shape, cut and glued, achieving beautiful design solutions. To ensure that the assembled structure lasts for many years, a special sealant for polycarbonate is used in construction, which we want to talk about.

Installation instructions for cellular polycarbonate

Panel cutting

Sheets of cellular polycarbonate and polycarbonate profiles are quite easy to cut. For better cutting, it is necessary to use high-speed circular saws with a stop . Blades for such saws must have small, unset teeth and be reinforced with hard alloys. When cutting polycarbonate panels, the profiles must be securely supported to avoid vibration. Cutting can also be done with a band saw.

After the panels are cut, shavings must be removed .

Drilling holes

Sealing the ends of a cellular polycarbonate panel

It is important to properly close the ends of the panels . When the sheets are inclined or vertical, the upper ends must be sealed with continuous aluminum self-adhesive tape. Cover the lower ends with a special perforated tape, which will prevent the penetration of dust and ensure condensate drainage. If the structure has an arched appearance, then both ends must be covered with perforated tape.

We strongly recommend using polycarbonate end profiles of similar color. They are quite aesthetic, reliable and very comfortable. The design of such profiles provides for fairly tight fixation at the ends of the panels and does not require additional fasteners.

To ensure condensate drainage, it is necessary to drill several holes in the end profile.

You cannot leave the ends of cellular polycarbonate open, seal them with regular tape, or hermetically seal the lower ends of the panels.

Orientation of polycarbonate panels during design and installation

In cellular polycarbonate, internal stiffeners are located along the length of the sheet (typical sizes are 3m, 6 or 12m). The panel must be oriented in such a way that the condensate that will form inside the panel can flow through its internal channels and be discharged outside.

If the glazing has a vertical orientation, then the stiffening ribs should be located vertically, in a pitched structure, respectively, along the slope. If the frame has an arched appearance, then the stiffening ribs should follow an arc and not parallel to the ground. These conditions must be taken into account at the design stage of the structure when calculating the number of sheets of cellular polycarbonate and their correct cutting.

For outdoor use, it is advisable to use cellular polycarbonate coated with a special protective UV-stabilizing layer , which is applied to the outer surface of the panel. On this side, the polycarbonate sheet has a protective film with special markings. We recommend installing the panels without removing this film, and doing this only after completion of the work.

You cannot bend panels to a smaller radius than that specified by the manufacturer for the specific thickness and structure of polycarbonate. Also, you cannot violate the rules of sheet orientation.

Point fastening of panels

Point fastening of cellular polycarbonate sheets to the frame is carried out using self-tapping screws and special thermal washers.

The thermal washer consists of a plastic washer with a leg, the height of which corresponds to the thickness of the panel, a sealing washer and a snap-on lid. This device allows you to reliably and hermetically fasten polycarbonate panels, as well as eliminate “cold bridges” created by self-tapping screws. In addition, the leg of the thermal washer will rest against the frame of the structure and thereby prevent the material from collapsing.

In order to compensate for the thermal expansion of cellular polycarbonate, the holes in the panels must be made 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the thermal washer leg. And if the panel is long, then it is recommended to make the holes elongated along the sheet. The recommended point mounting spacing is 300-400 mm.

Service life and scope of application

As it was written earlier, the service life of cellular polycarbonate, declared by the manufacturer, is 10 years. If the installation was carried out in accordance with the technology, then during this time the sheet should not collapse, deform or significantly change its characteristics towards deterioration. With proper care, the “life” of the SPC can be extended to 20 years, but this requires the following conditions to be met.

1. During installation, a gap must be left at the junction of sheets for thermal expansion.
2. The stabilizing layer of the SPK sheet should “look” outward.
3. If there is a risk of damage to the material, then it is better to use thick sheets - from 16 millimeters or more.
4. To clean cellular polycarbonate from dust and dirt, you should use gentle detergents that do not contain ammonia, alkalis, aldehydes or ethers.

Wash sponge When caring for sheets, do not use abrasive cleaning agents or accessories - during cleaning there is always a risk of scratches and damage to the stabilizing coating.
Paint stains can only be removed from polycarbonate using gasoline or ethyl alcohol. Due to its outstanding characteristics, superior to other transparent polymers and glass, cellular polycarbonate is widely used to create many structures, including:

• canopies to protect vehicles or other objects and materials from the effects of precipitation;
• canopies over the entrance to the house;
• greenhouses;
• gazebos, attics and summer kitchens;
• bus stops and other structures;
• soundproofing fences along railroad tracks or highways with heavy traffic;
• partitions and fences;
• train stations, airport terminals, sports facilities and shopping centers.

Application of cellular polycarbonate

Sealants for effective sealing of joints

Durable and environmentally friendly polycarbonate is widely used in the construction and agricultural sectors to create greenhouses and canopies that perfectly transmit sunlight. Polycarbonate sheets are easy to cut, bend and can be drilled during installation.

A good owner will certainly have a question about whether it is necessary to seal the ends of polycarbonate. Which polycarbonate sealant should you choose when sealing joints in panels, since you can’t leave them untreated?

To protect the panels at the joints, silicone sealant for polycarbonate is used. It is convenient to use this tool when assembling a greenhouse.

It is necessary to choose the right sealant for polycarbonate, and which one is better for this or that design? Silicone has the ability to penetrate into all hard-to-reach places, so it can be used to cover internal seams in greenhouses. Special films are also used in special cases.

Laying polycarbonate slabs

Installation of polycarbonate sheets on a frame made of metal corners is carried out in several stages:

1. The sheets are cut into fragments of the required size.

   
   Polycarbonate is cut to the required sizes before construction begins.

2. Each fragment is covered with sealing tape and punched paper tape according to the geometry of the future structure. It is advisable to degrease the surfaces before gluing.
3. The surface of the corners is cleaned and then degreased.
4. A sealant is applied to the metal from the inside.
5. The fragment is applied to the cell and pressed down.

When using certain sealants, you do not have to resort to the services of a specialist. All the necessary work can be easily done with your own hands.

Protective tape

The excellent characteristics and undoubted advantages of polycarbonate have contributed to its popularity and wide distribution. However, structures made from this material are located in open space all year round, exposed to the destructive effects of the external environment. Fortunately, structures can be protected and their service life extended by sealing the ends of the polycarbonate.

For strength, layers of plastic in carbonate are connected to each other by thin bridges, which provide flexibility to the sheet. But water and unnecessary debris enter the open end cavities, facilitating the colonization of biological organisms.

The special self-adhesive tape has no expiration date, can withstand any temperature changes and absorbs movement of the material. A relatively constant microclimate is maintained in its cavities, and when assembling the structure, the adhesive tape does not allow the edging to wear off.

The tape serves to hermetically close the end of the polycarbonate and increase the service life of the structure. To reliably seal polycarbonate, two types of special tape are used:

• perforated – for the lower ends,
• continuous sealing – for the upper end profiles.

Manufacturers have specially developed these products to protect joints into which water and debris can get in. If assembly instructions are strictly followed, the structure will last for decades.

Video description

Watch the video that shows the installation of the perforated tape and the end profile:
To prevent moisture from accumulating in the profile, but flowing freely out of it, it does not need to be put on tightly until the bottom is connected to the end of the polycarbonate. It is necessary to leave a small gap between them. It is also needed to compensate for the thermal expansion of materials in extreme heat.

If, when choosing how to cover the bottom of a polycarbonate greenhouse, you chose an aluminum profile, all work on protecting the ends is performed in exactly the same way. Putting on the profile will require more effort, but it will last longer.

As for protecting the ends of the facade walls of arched greenhouses, it is enough to cover them with sealing tape, and when installing the side vaults, make a small release of polycarbonate.

Ends

When erecting polycarbonate structures, you must definitely think about sealing the ends. To do this, you can use a special tape for this material. Currently, 2 types of such tapes are used:

These accessories are designed specifically to protect honeycomb carbonate from the penetration of debris and water. The service life of self-adhesive tape is unlimited. It withstands temperature changes and also follows the fluctuations of carbonate sheets. In addition, the tape maintains a relative microclimate in the cavity of the cellular polycarbonate. Also, the tape is able to withstand the friction of the edging when assembling the structure.

The product withstands temperature changes and high levels of humidity. The surface of the polycarbonate tape is coated with a special substance that prevents the appearance of various fungi. Its service life can last more than 10 years. The adhesive layer of the tape is quite reliable, but it has a property that allows it to be re-glued if necessary.

The problem of heat loss in a polycarbonate greenhouse - what could happen

And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a country greenhouse or whether there will be only one task - to reduce heat losses as much as possible, because this is heat - your money

The first and most common cause of this problem is damage to the polycarbonate. Sometimes a few cracks are enough for this effect, even if they are barely noticeable to you. Over time, they will only grow due to temperature changes, and accordingly, the quality of service under the dome will decrease. Your task in this case is to inspect the greenhouse and eliminate the slightest damage to the casing. This phenomenon can be avoided by carrying out greenhouse maintenance every six months. Similar problems can occur with glass greenhouses: insufficient insulation of corners, cracks, damage to beams - all this leads to heat loss and is quite noticeable for the temperature regime maintained by an infrared heating system.

Troubleshooting options

Another common option is problems with the foundation. It is quite possible that there was previously a regular wooden base under your greenhouse, and now its service life has expired. The owner of the greenhouse himself, after 5 years (that’s how long a similar design lasts), could well have forgotten about this nuance, but meanwhile it was important. What should you do in this case? If you have no complaints about the condition of the dome, open the foundation. You cannot replace it during this period. But the structure can be insulated a little. This will help you survive until the end of the season. After this period, the structure will have to be dismantled and the foundation itself will have to be replaced. Preferably on a concrete or wooden analogue.

A third possible option could be a drop in temperature due to worsening weather conditions. Snowless winters with severe frosts, which are not typical for your climate zone, can lead to similar consequences. What should you do in this case? If you find that the problem lies in weather conditions, it is recommended to take measures to insulate the greenhouse. To do this, it is enough to cover the existing dome with an additional layer of polycarbonate. There is no need to take material thicker than 8 mm. This is a standard version of greenhouse polycarbonate. If you want to take a denser analogue, you will probably have to strengthen the structure, and this is not always convenient.

Whatever the reason why your greenhouse is quickly losing heat, in any case, work should be concentrated on inspecting the greenhouse and replacing its faulty parts. In this case, it is strictly not recommended to change the heating temperature. Because this can lead to drying out the soil or overheating of the roots. Such measures will not be able to eliminate the problem. But the damage from them will make itself felt very soon.

To find out what they are, watch the following video:

Hermetic tape (solid)

Hermetic tape is used to protect the upper part of the joint of carbonate sheets from precipitation. If the panel is mounted vertically, and the honeycombs are also in a vertical position, then the upper end of the panels must be completely sealed with polycarbonate tape, as shown in the photo. The solid tape is designed to prevent various types of wet precipitation (snow, rain, hail) from entering the hollow part of the honeycomb carbonate.

general information

Polycarbonate is a polymer material that is a compound of carbonic acid and dihydric alcohols. It is produced in the form of small granules. These granules are subsequently melted and turned into a homogeneous plastic mass, to which dyes and components are added that improve the technical characteristics of the final product. Then the plastic mass is subjected to extrusion - extrusion through a special mold. After cooling and cutting, the finished cellular polycarbonate is obtained - a building material in the form of sheets.

In cross-section, it consists of several layers - monolithic surfaces parallel to each other. Between them are rows of cells having a rectangular or triangular shape. Cellular polycarbonate acquired its name precisely because of this feature of its structure.

Cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate Polynex

Until recently, the requirements for this material and characteristics were regulated by document TU-2256-001-54141872-2006. Subsequently, based on these technical conditions and other standards, the state standard GOST R 56712-2015 was drawn up, so at the moment the quality of cellular polycarbonate sheets (or SPK for short) is determined by it.

Structure of cellular polycarbonate

In accordance with this document, the material must meet the following requirements.

1. Smooth outer surface, without transverse and longitudinal stripes.
2. Uniform coloring (if any) throughout the entire volume of the material.
3. It is mandatory to have a stabilizing layer on the outside of the sheet that protects the cellular polycarbonate from exposure to ultraviolet rays. The minimum thickness is 30 micrometers.
4. No serious defects such as chips, creases, swelling, dents, delamination and cracks. Minor scratches are acceptable.
5. The length and width of the sheet correspond to those declared by the manufacturer. The tolerances for these parameters are 2 and 3 millimeters per meter of length and width, respectively. For thickness, the permissible deviation from the nominal figures cannot exceed 0.5 millimeters.
6. Minimum number of foreign inclusions. The latter requirement was included due to the fact that unscrupulous manufacturers used recycled polycarbonate of different grades and characteristics in the manufacture of SPK sheets. As a result, the quality of the material dropped sharply.

Technical characteristics of cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate with defects

Punched tape

This accessory is used to protect the lycarbonate connection from below, as shown in the photo. The perforated tape is equipped with an air filter, the pores of which have a size of 40 microns. They prevent various debris from getting into the hollow part of the material. In addition, the filter is capable of letting moisture out, which accumulates in the carbonate honeycombs. If the panel is installed vertically, and the honeycombs have the same direction, then this tape will protect its lower joint.

Depending on the type of structure, tapes have different purposes. Two inclined panels at the junction are covered with hermetic tape on top, and covered with perforated tape at the bottom. When constructing arched structures made of cellular carbonate, only punched tape is applied at both ends. At the same time, it is necessary to drill small holes at the end in increments of 25-35 centimeters so that condensation does not linger, as shown in the photo.

If moisture cannot escape from the honeycomb, where it always collects, the material will soon begin to deteriorate. In this case, you will have to spend a lot of money to repair the structure. And never use ordinary tape, as it is not able to protect the material from any damage.

Briefly about the main thing

To ensure that the polycarbonate in a greenhouse or other structure always remains clean and does not become a haven for microorganisms and insects, you need to securely close its ends, which provide access to the hollow honeycombs of the material. For this purpose, special profiles are used, under which protective tapes are glued. The upper sections are sealed to prevent moisture from entering them, and the lower sections are closed with a membrane that allows water to pass through, which condenses on the inner walls of the honeycomb when the air temperature changes. To ensure the integrity of the tapes and give the structure a beautiful finished look, special profiles are placed on the ends.

Sealants

There are many different methods for sealing different materials at their joints. These include silicone sealant, which is used to seal polycarbonate products, as shown in the photo.

To seal the carbonate panels at the joints, and also to prevent them from moving out of place, silicone sealants are used. For example, they are used when assembling greenhouses from polycarbonate sheets, as shown in the photo.

Sealants have the following advantages:

• Elasticity. When the temperature changes, the material is able to compensate for any shifts in the joints to which it is applied;
• Tolerates any temperature during long-term use;
• Excellent adhesion to polycarbonate;
• Not exposed to various atmospheric influences, as well as mechanical damage.

Domovest

In recent years, greenhouses made of cellular polycarbonate have become popular. This material is new, unfamiliar to many gardeners. And of course, any owner wants his greenhouse with new covering material, which, by the way, is not very cheap, to last as long as possible without losing its appearance. And although manufacturers provide a guarantee for polycarbonate of 3 years or more, it, like any other thing, must be used correctly.

1) How to maintain the appearance of cellular polycarbonate.

2) How to install polycarbonate sheets.

3) How to mark cellular polycarbonate.

A marker (felt-tip pen) is best suited for marking cellular polycarbonate; pencils and pens, including gel ones, leave virtually no marks on the plastic. So don't forget to stock up on this drawing accessory.

4) How to seal the ends of polycarbonate sheets.

5) How to cut cellular polycarbonate.

Cellular polycarbonate is cut with a regular construction knife. You can use any other knife, for example, a shoemaker's knife. The main condition is that the knife must be sharp and thin. Cutting along the length does not cause any difficulties at all. The sheet is easily cut into a honeycomb tube, the walls of which serve as a good stop for the blade. It is more difficult to cut cellular polycarbonate across and diagonally. Quite a lot of force is required to cut the walls of the honeycomb. And it’s better to cut crosswise in two steps - first, cut the top layer, and then finally separate the parts of the sheet.

6) Under what weather conditions can a greenhouse be covered with cellular polycarbonate.

Install polycarbonate in dry, windless weather. Rain and wind, even small ones, will not only interfere with work, but can also ruin the appearance of the covering material. Dust and water trapped inside the honeycomb tubes will dramatically worsen the appearance of the polycarbonate. And although a small amount of dirt and moisture will not in any way affect the strength of the covering material, foreign inclusions inside will be an eyesore for a long time and spoil your mood. In addition, even on plastic that has been slightly wetted by splashing rain, the marker ceases to leave marks and markings for cutting the sheet become difficult to complete.

7) How to reduce the adhesion of dust and debris to the greenhouse covering material.

Therefore, it is advisable to ground the metal frame of the greenhouse. Moreover, this is done simply and quickly. A metal pin is driven into the ground. It is most convenient to place the pin in the corner of the greenhouse. A thick wire, preferably stranded, is screwed to the pin with a self-tapping screw, the second end of which, also through a self-tapping screw, is connected to the frame of the greenhouse. Of course, this will not provide complete relief from static electricity; nevertheless, the frame is painted, and the polycarbonate is screwed to it through plastic or rubber gaskets. But the conditions for charge drainage will be significantly better. By the way, it is advisable to ground the iron frame for the film greenhouse. This will slightly extend the life of the film.

How to use?

Of particular importance is not only the choice of the appropriate type of polycarbonate tape (in terms of type and size), but also the correct use of the material. Experienced builders recommend following simple instructions when using the material and be sure to follow the recommendations of specialists.

First of all, you need to prepare the polycarbonate panels. They need to be cut to size (which is relevant in a particular case), then holes specially designed for thermal washers must be made. After this, it is necessary to begin the process of purging the honeycombs. Only after these processes are completed can you begin to directly apply the tape.

Before gluing the tape, you need to carefully treat the polycarbonate

It is important to remove existing bumps, scratches and any other defects. This will allow you to stick the tape onto the surface as accurately as possible, and accordingly, the tape will effectively perform its tasks

In those areas where the tape will be glued in the future, you need to remove the protective film from the polycarbonate.

At this stage, you can begin directly applying the tape to the ends of the polycarbonate

In this case, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the edges of the tape are neatly and evenly distributed over the polycarbonate. To ensure this effect, during the application of the tape you need to tighten it (however, this must be done in such a way as not to tear the material). In addition, during the process of gluing the tape, you need to pay attention to ensure that folds do not appear on the surface of the material.

In addition, when gluing the tape, you need to pay attention to ensure that no folds appear on the surface of the material.

Once you have applied the tape, press the edges of the tape using a soft felt cloth. At the same time, you should not put excessive pressure on the material so as not to spoil or destroy it. After completing the above steps, the end profiles should be installed on top of the material. At the same time, you must remember to leave a small gap (2-3mm). Such a gap is a drainage gap, since it is used to remove condensate.

Thus, we can conclude that polycarbonate tape, despite the fact that it is an auxiliary building element, plays a very important role. Its use will significantly increase the strength and reliability of the structure. At the same time, you should carefully approach the choice of material and take into account all its characteristics, so as not to regret your purchase in the future.

To learn how to seal the ends of polycarbonate with different types of tapes, see the following video.

Types of end profile and its characteristics

The end profile is made of plastic (the same polycarbonate from which the sheets are made, monolithic or cellular) and aluminum.

Characteristics of plastic profile

The plastic profile for protecting the edges of the honeycomb plate is a strip curved in cross-section in the shape of the letter P, with one side longer than the other. The maximum length of a commercially available strip is 2.1 m. The cross-sectional thickness of the material is 1.5-3 mm. The plank should fit tightly to the sheet from below and above, so the long and short sides of the profile deviate slightly inside it, towards each other.

Plastic end profile

The main advantages of the plastic end profile include:

• light weight;
• flexibility;
• high strength;
• reliability in operation;
• ease of installation.

Plastic end profile is available for honeycomb slabs of standard thickness. In technical documentation, the material is marked with the Latin letters U, UP or Russian PT. The cross-sectional dimensions of the strip correspond to the parameters of the sheet.

End profile

Table. Standard sizes of plastic end profile.

Plastic strips are flexible enough to strengthen arched roof vaults. The material from which the sheets and profiles are made does not burn, but only melts in the fire. The planks do not soften at high air temperatures and do not break in the cold. No special skills, special tools or equipment are required to secure the planks. Polycarbonate has average resistance to scratches and impacts.

Polycarbonate profile end view

Important! On sale it is easy to find a profile of any color, including transparent, opal and bronze. The material is resistant to ultraviolet rays in the same way as sheet polycarbonate.

End profile colors

Aluminum end profile

An aluminum profile is much more expensive than a plastic one, but roofs, arches and walls of buildings fixed in such material to a metal frame can last ten years or more. This profile is most often used to fix and protect structures made of thick honeycomb carbonate (16, 20, 25 and 32 mm). But thin sheets (4, 6, 8, 10 mm) can also be attached to aluminum strips. The aluminum profile is symmetrical in cross-section and is shaped like the letter P.

Aluminum Profile for Polycarbonate

Advantages of aluminum profile:

• corrosion resistance;
• long service life;
• high strength.

The structures assembled on an aluminum frame are very durable and have a beautiful appearance. The slats have restrictive grooves that prevent the cells from closing in polycarbonate sheets or special drainage grooves for water drainage.

Aluminum end profile for polycarbonate, PTO 4-16 mm

An additional protective or decorative layer can be applied to the metal. Manufacturers anodize aluminum (coat it with a protective film of oxides) and paint it in different colors (bronze, turquoise, white, blue, yellow, green, gray, blue, orange, red). Manufacturers also, at the request of the customer, cover aluminum with a special film with a pattern of wild stone or wood. Decorative painting of aluminum can be beautifully combined with translucent polycarbonate fabric of the same or contrasting color.

Polycarbonate prices

polycarbonate

At what stage of installation is the end profile fixed?

Before starting the installation of polycarbonate slabs, the master cuts the canvas. After this, tape is glued to the upper and lower edges of the sheets and end strips are placed. After their installation, the plates are connected to each other. Experience shows that in some cases it is more convenient to put on the end profile immediately and then attach the carbonate. But sometimes the ends are protected after the structure is completely installed. Most often this is done when the material is mounted in an aluminum profile.

Cutting polycarbonate with a jigsaw

How to choose?

The choice of tape for polycarbonate should be approached as carefully and responsibly as possible. In this case, experts advise taking into account several key parameters.

• Purpose. Initially, you need to figure out for what purposes you will use the tape. This decision will determine what type and size of material you choose. Accordingly, you must make this choice before purchasing the material.
• Manufacturer. Preference should be given only to those goods that are produced by manufacturers who enjoy the trust of consumers. This is due to the fact that only such a tape will meet all the necessary requirements, and its production will comply with generally accepted (national and international) standards.
• Place of purchase. You should buy tape for polycarbonate only in specialized construction stores, where you can get qualified advice from salespeople and managers.
• Reviews. Before purchasing a tape, you need to carefully study user reviews and comments. In this case, you will be confident that the qualities declared by the manufacturer will fully correspond to the real state of affairs. Considering these characteristics, you can purchase a tape that will 100% meet your needs and perform its functions well.