How to cover a canopy with polycarbonate. Do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopies for a private house: photo of modern hanging structures. Where to order a canopy

Polycarbonate is a modern high-tech material that is increasingly used in construction. It is made by extrusion from polycarbonate granules and is, in fact, a polymer plastic. The popularity is due to the unique properties of the substance: it is transparent, has very high strength and low weight, besides it is plastic and tolerates low temperatures well. An excellent replacement for outdated PVC panels.

Types of polycarbonate - material properties

There are two main types of polycarbonate:

• monolithic;
• cellular.

Cellular polycarbonate device - main characteristics

Device cellular polycarbonate quite simple, it is a panel consisting of several layers of transparent or matte plastic, firmly connected by vertical stiffeners, which are located in the direction of the material fibers.

Due to the presence of air in the voids between the layers, the panels have excellent thermal insulation. Despite the rigid construction, the sheets are easy to bend even in a cold state, which makes it indispensable in the construction of objects of complex shapes.

Table of dependence of the main parameters and characteristics of cellular polycarbonate.

Monolithic polycarbonate - useful properties

Unlike cellular, monolithic polycarbonate consists of a molded plastic sheet and has a number of useful properties:

• lasting;
• transparent or matte;
• very light;
• absorbs ultraviolet light.

The scope of its application is not limited to construction, this material is successfully used in all areas of industry, including high-tech ones.

Polycarbonate structures - the main advantages

Absolutely all polycarbonate structures, whether it is a carport, a canopy over the entrance, a roof or a cover for a greenhouse, have a number of indisputable advantages:

• excellent appearance (variety of shapes and colors);
• low cost;
• defence from negative impact UV radiation;
• the ability of the material to be transparent or matte;
• durability;
• ease of installation and maintenance;

Polycarbonate canopy structures - roof shape

There are a lot of designs of polycarbonate canopies, but they are all divided into groups according to the number of slopes:

• lean-to;
• gable.

It can also be classified according to the shape of the slope:

• straight;
• arched;

If you dig even deeper, then the products differ in the structure of the roof, which can be supported on rafters or a truss, the presence of a crate, and so on.

Polycarbonate canopy over the entrance to the garage

Types of polycarbonate canopies - classification by purpose

Being an excellent alternative to metal and wood, polycarbonate is actively used as a covering for awnings, which have a wide range of applications.

Polycarbonate carport or "Autocanopy"

A polycarbonate carport is a great way to protect your car from external negative factors. The shape of the carport can be anything, for example, arcuate, polygonal, arched or classic rectangular - it all depends on your imagination. Do not forget about environmental friendliness, which is especially important for summer cottages or country houses.

Polycarbonate Pool Canopy - Indoor Pavilion

A polycarbonate canopy for swimming pools has many useful features. It protects people from the bright sun, preventing heat stroke. Creates shade and prevents water from blooming. The water-repellent texture of the panels does not allow drops to linger, allowing them to flow down under their own weight. The covered pond is protected from dirt and leaves.

The solution is more expensive, however, at the end, you get completely different results:

• You can use the swimming pool in winter and summer;
• full protection against dirt and water blooms;
• plenty of shade, much needed on a hot day;
• a rigid construction that is not afraid of even the strongest winds.

Canopy over the porch made of polycarbonate - a roof for the entrance group

To protect the entrance to the house and the adjacent territory (porch or veranda) from bad weather or the scorching sun, a polycarbonate visor is constructed.

The variety of shapes and colors make it possible to most aesthetically fit the canopy into the architectural composition of the building. You can choose from clear or frosted plastic to provide just the right amount of sunlight.

Polycarbonate canopy above the front door to the house Polycarbonate canopy on a metal frame above the front door Polycarbonate canopy in the yard

Canopy over a polycarbonate balcony - an alternative to glazing

Installing a polycarbonate canopy over the balcony is an excellent solution if your balcony loses its functionality during the first rain or snowfall, because it is simply impossible to get out on it.

For lovers of greenhouses, a transparent plastic canopy is suitable, which will provide plants sunlight in sufficient quantity.

Such a roof will protect from precipitation and slow down the aging of the balcony, especially if it is made of wood, it will prevent the formation of mold and other fungi, which is extremely important if you use it as a pantry.

A canopy over a polycarbonate terrace is the key to a comfortable stay

What could be better than a vacation in a country house on fresh air. But so that the scorching sun or rain does not spoil your pleasant pastime, install a canopy over the polycarbonate terrace, which will not only create shade, but also shelter you from bad weather.

Under such a roof, you can organize a summer kitchen and enjoy cooking outdoors.

Polycarbonate gazebo canopy - modern roofing

If you are puzzled and do not know what material to cover the gazebo with, then pay attention to the polycarbonate canopy. The advantages that this material has make it the best option for the roof.

You can make a transparent roof or a colored matte one that will create interesting lighting and complement the landscaping of the site. In any case, such a roof will provide complete protection from ultraviolet rays and precipitation, and what else is required from a gazebo canopy?

How to choose polycarbonate for a canopy - which one is better?

Now you know what types of plastic are and how to use them. It remains only to choose polycarbonate for the canopy. Which is better?

For the roof of all the above structures: porches, balconies, terraces, verandas, swimming pools, car parking and other things, cellular polycarbonate is perfect, which will allow you to make a canopy of any shape and color.

The thickness of cellular polycarbonate for a canopy - choose wisely

It is worth paying the most careful attention to the choice of the thickness of the cellular polycarbonate for the canopy, which should be selected based on the type and purpose of the future structure. The key points here are: the step of the crate, the calculation of snow and wind loads, the bending radius.

For the roof of outdoor structures, do not use the thinnest sheets. There is an opinion that buying a panel of a smaller thickness can save money, but this is not so. The fact is that in this case you will have to use a more frequent crate step, which will lead to additional costs. But buying the thickest panels, trying to maximize the strength and reliability of the structure, is also not worth it. It is necessary to select the thickness of polycarbonate sheets, starting solely from the purpose and features of the structure.

• Honeycomb panels, 4 mm thick, are perfect for the construction of greenhouses, greenhouses, advertising structures.
• 6-8 mm - for wide application, for example, for the construction of canopies, all kinds of canopies, stained-glass windows, various partitions, roofs.
• Sheets 10 mm thick are used for vertical surfaces: noise barriers, skylights;
• 16mm panels withstand heavy loads and are excellent for roofing large areas such as car parking.

Polycarbonate canopy frame
When designing the basis of the structure, it is necessary to take into account the longitudinal (q) and transverse (d) steps of the frame. For longitudinal bearing supports, a step of no more than 700 mm is recommended, for transverse ones it is calculated based on the thickness of the sheet, and for 8-16 mm panels it is no more than a meter. If the thickness of the plastic sheet is less than 8 mm, then the step is up to 700 mm.

Choosing the color of cellular polycarbonate

Along with the thickness, it is important to choose the right color for cellular polycarbonate. The panel can be of various colors and degrees of transparency: turquoise, milky, blue, green, bronze, matte, transparent, etc.

When choosing a color, the main thing to consider is the purpose of the design. For example, turquoise, blue and green panels are ideal for constructing a polycarbonate canopy over a pool, but will be completely unsuitable for building canopies over retail counters, completely distorting the color of products and goods.

Of course, transparent sheets should be used to cover the greenhouse, but they are not suitable for a canopy over a recreation area, since they do not protect from sunlight at all.

Is the quality of cellular polycarbonate important?

The quality of cellular polycarbonate directly depends on the manufacturer. By choosing products of well-known brands, you can be sure of the reliability and environmental friendliness of products. A solid product has a special layer of UV protection applied to the surface of the sheet. It perfectly protects the material itself and everything under it from the aggressive effects of sunlight.

The amount of secondary raw materials used for the manufacture of sheets is also important, which should not exceed established norms. Companies that value their reputation adhere to strict standards, ensuring a high level of polycarbonate quality.

Consequences of Saving

How to make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands - video and photo instructions

To make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands, you should carefully consider the action plan and outline the main steps:

1. Design;
2. Site arrangement;
3. Frame assembly;
4. Panel mounting;

Polycarbonate Canopy Project - Design Stages

Having chosen a place for the product, it is necessary to draw up a project for a polycarbonate canopy:

When designing any structure, the load is calculated, taking into account the effect of external factors (wind, snowfall) on the structure. Based on the results, the material is selected and adjustments are made to the design of the product.

For example, the distance between the supports depends on climatic conditions and ranges from 1 to 1.5 m. With a large amount of precipitation and, accordingly, large snow loads, this parameter will take on a maximum value.

Arrangement of a platform for a canopy

Arrangement of the site begins with marking. In places where the racks of the frame will be located, we dig recesses of 50-150 cm, depending on the height of the canopy, and install embedded parts in them. We put them exactly vertically and fill them with concrete. Subsequently, racks will be screwed to them.

Along the perimeter of the site, it is desirable to lay drainage pipes or make grooves to drain excess water.

On a leveled area, you can lay the final coating. What do you prefer?

Concrete screed

If the soil is not subject to displacement and is sufficiently stable, then a concrete screed with a frame of reinforcement can be made. To do this, a wooden formwork is being built along the contour of the site. required height. On top of the sand, in the resulting form, concrete is poured in an even layer of 5 cm, on which, without waiting for solidification, it is laid reinforcing mesh. All this is again filled with a layer of concrete.

The thickness of the concrete screed must be at least 10 cm. If you plan to use a polycarbonate canopy for a car, then it is better to play it safe and increase this value.

The concrete will harden in 2-3 days and it will be possible to remove the formwork. However, the site is currently unusable. In the best case, she needs to settle for a month so that the concrete completely gives up moisture and gains strength - then it can withstand any weight.

paving slabs

If the soil is unstable and prone to swelling, then, perhaps, in a year the concrete screed will crack and become unusable. Therefore, you need to choose a different coating. Could be a great alternative paving slabs, during laying of which a monolithic layer is not formed. Due to this, moisture from the ground evaporates better and the base is not so prone to swelling.

The tile is laid on a bed of compacted sand without any binder mixtures. It is “nailed” with a special rubber mallet and pressed tightly against adjacent flooring elements. After completion of the laying process, they pass over the entire surface with a tamping machine and water the site with water. It is advisable to put a curb stone around the perimeter, which will prevent the coating from spreading.

If the site is large, then boards should be laid that will divide the "cushion" of sand into cells. So it will be possible to compact the substrate more strongly and achieve a flat surface using the same boards as the level.

Instead of tiles, you can use paving stones, clinker bricks or natural stone.

lawn grate

Lawn grill or eco-parking is an option for lovers of eco-friendly clean materials ideally combined with the natural landscape. It is a very rigid plastic grating with many small cells through which grass grows.

The polymer grid evenly distributes the weight throughout the area, so that the lawn will always look well-groomed. Benefits of eco-parking:

• durability (up to 25 years);
• frost resistance;
• drainage;
• does not require maintenance.

However, the lawn grate is relatively expensive.

Frame for a canopy made of polycarbonate - we create the basis

The drawing shows that the frame for the polycarbonate canopy is made of load-bearing metal racks with a section of 80 mm and other structural elements with a section of 40 mm.

To the previously installed embedded parts, we fasten the support posts and connect them with horizontal beams along the perimeter and along the width of the roof. Next, we assemble the rest of the structure. In our case, these are arcuate profile pipes that are attached to load-bearing beams with vertical braces.

Why the arched shape? Because leaves, dirt, snow do not accumulate on such canopies. After precipitation, no water remains on the roof. And, of course, the appearance of the arched polycarbonate canopy is quite interesting.

To fasten the frame elements, welding or hardware is used: washers, nuts and bolts. If you bought a prefabricated polycarbonate canopy, then there will already be holes in the racks and pipes of the crate. Otherwise, you will have to make them with a drill.

Installation of a polycarbonate canopy - installation of sheets

The quality of the installation of a polycarbonate canopy depends on its service life and the overall reliability of the structure. Installation of panels is not very difficult and requires only basic building skills. You will need the simplest tools:

• a circular saw.
• screwdriver;
• drill;
• construction knife.

In order not to damage the polycarbonate sheets, cutting is carried out in a protective film. With a panel thickness of up to 8 mm, a construction "clerical" knife is used. In other cases, you can use a circular saw. To avoid damage to the material, use cutting discs with small and undivided teeth.

Protective polycarbonate film
The sheet is mounted with a protective side from ultraviolet to the sun. Usually, it is covered with a special film, on which a drawing with installation instructions is applied. After the canopy is covered with polycarbonate, the entire protective film is removed from the panels.

Video: how to properly fix polycarbonate

In the case of an arched structure, like ours, the sheet can only be bent along the channel line. Fastening to the frame is carried out with stainless bolts or self-tapping screws with a pitch of 30-40 cm. For reliable fixation of the panel, special thermal washers for cellular polycarbonate with a diameter of 30 mm are used. They have a silicone base, thanks to which they perfectly seal the connection.

Taking into account the thermal expansion of the plastic, a hole is drilled at the attachment point with a diameter exceeding the dimensions of the thermal washer or self-tapping screw by 2-3 mm. In order not to damage the material, holes should be drilled between the stiffeners. Then there is a direct fixation of the sheet to the frame. It is important not to pinch the hardware, otherwise, the polycarbonate may burst.

Between themselves, the sheets are fixed with an aluminum or plastic H-shaped profile of a standard size (usually 6 meters). Before starting the connection, a protective film of 50 mm is removed from the ends of the sheet. Then the edge of the panel is inserted into the profile by at least 20 mm, and it is necessary to leave a gap of about 5 mm, since the plastic tends to narrow and expand under the influence of temperature.

The open ends of the panels must be sealed with aluminum tape - solid on top and perforated on the bottom. The solid tape serves to protect the honeycombs from the penetration of moisture, dirt and insects, and the perforated one prevents the penetration of dust and helps to remove condensate.

For more better protection, the joints can be treated with a special sealant that does not contain acrylic.

Following these rules, you can easily make a polycarbonate canopy over the porch with your own hands, and without serious building experience.

Video: do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopy

The video clip shows the process of assembling a canopy with a polycarbonate coating.

Storage and care of polycarbonate

Structures made of polymer plastics are easy to maintain and maintain. For example, to clean a polycarbonate canopy for a summer residence , it is enough to wash it with plain water, even without using any detergents. You can use a sponge or cloth soft tissue. In no case should aggressive cleaning solutions containing alkalis, aldehydes, salts, isopropanol, methanol and others be used. Do not use sharp objects to avoid damage to the UV protection layer.

Polycarbonate storage
The process has a number of features that must be taken into account. Sheets should only be placed vertically. Do not remove the protective film, so as not to damage the surface. It is also worth limiting direct sunlight and rain. During transportation, strong mechanical influences should be avoided.

Conclusion

With the development of science, more and more materials with unique operational properties appear. Synthetic substances have an indisputable advantage over natural ones:

• cheap;
• have a pleasant appearance;
• durable and unpretentious;

In addition, they are made in accordance with high environmental standards.

Polycarbonate is an excellent replacement for metal or wood. It is strong, reliable, withstands any load well, protects against ultraviolet radiation, is flexible and plastic, and also has excellent anti-corrosion properties. Cellular polycarbonate can be used as a heat-insulating material, and the abundance of colors and plasticity allows you to realize the most daring design ideas.

AT last years polycarbonate has received great distribution and popularity. Greenhouses, various sheds and many other structures made of this material delight users with their simplicity and versatility. We will devote today's article to the topic of polycarbonate canopies, in which we will find out all the nuances of this structure, as well as what to look for when making a polycarbonate canopy with our own hands.

The main properties of polycarbonate

Before talking about the manufacture of a polycarbonate canopy, it is necessary to understand what this material is, what types it is and what is its peculiarity. So, polycarbonate is a polymer that is used in various industrial fields. It is produced from transparent granules, which are molded or extruded into light, transparent sheets of plastic.

Polycarbonate is of the following types:

• monolithic;
• cellular;
• channel (cellular).

The first two have found wide application, the latter is quite rare. Monolithic polycarbonate is a strong, relatively heavy sheets. This type is considered a great alternative to glass, being much lighter and more durable. Monolithic plates come in several shades and tones: transparent, matte, opaque. It differs from cellular in the absence of an air layer.

Cellular polycarbonate is a material that has formed voids inside. They are called honeycombs by another word, from this the symbolic name of the species. Cellular polycarbonate is multilayer, the more of them the stronger the sheet. Polycarbonate is sufficiently resistant to impacts and the occurrence of various types of cracks. Has not big weight and has low thermal conductivity. This type is highly impact resistant and has a protective film. When working with this type of polycarbonate, it is important to consider the method of its fastening. First you need to make a hole in the material and only then insert a self-tapping screw into it, and not just drive it into the sheet with a screwdriver. Under the influence of temperature, cellular polycarbonate tends to expand. The table shows the main advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate material.

Due to its versatility, polycarbonate is used in agriculture, automotive and aircraft engineering, etc.

How to develop a project

Polycarbonate canopies are installed not only near houses, they are used as shelters for swimming pools, cars, near shops and other organizations. In today's article, we will consider a simple version of a polycarbonate canopy for a private house, which even beginners will be able to do.

The initial stage in this matter can be called the development of a project for a future structure, which will allow you to visualize the design, determine the size and calculate the number required material. Experts recommend that inexperienced craftsmen pay attention to ready-made drawings of the simplest ideas.

At this stage, it is worth finally deciding on the type of material that will be taken as a basis. The choice of material directly depends on the purpose of the finished canopy and its dimensions. Using construction tools to measure the area, you should measure the proposed area for installing a canopy and select the type of supports for it.

The choice of material thickness for a polycarbonate canopy

The choice of polycarbonate panels for the construction of a canopy is a responsible matter, because the life of the structure depends on the material. Considering this or that kind plastic sheets it is worth considering the amount of annual precipitation in your area, the frequency of the crate of the planned canopy, etc. Polycarbonate sheets are available in thicknesses from 4 to 25 mm, optimal size for the canopy there will be a sheet of 8-10 mm. Let's take a closer look at these indicators.

Cellular polycarbonate has at least five types of panels of various thicknesses and structures. They differ from each other in the shape of honeycombs, stiffeners and proper density. When choosing cellular polycarbonate for a canopy, it is better to opt for the average thickness of the sheets, this will be enough to ensure that the structure is resistant to hail and huge snow cover. Whatever the cellular polycarbonate is, it has excellent sound insulation.

Installation of a canopy made of monolithic polycarbonate, at least good choice. This type of material is realized in 10 well-known modifications, which differ not only in thickness, but also in the surface structure of the panels, their shades and viscosity. The thickness of monolithic panels is 2-6 mm, according to individual orders produce sheets up to 12 mm thick. When choosing monolithic polycarbonate, you should pay attention to the marking, as some models are not suitable for use in places close to fire, others are used in medical institutions etc. Depending on the purpose of the canopy, some masters, which often happens, combine types of polycarbonate. This material is very popular in landscape design.

A necessary tool for making a do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopy

Polycarbonate is one of those materials that is easily processed by various manual and electric tools. It can be easily milled and thermoformed. To work with polycarbonate panels for the manufacture of a canopy with your own hands, you need to prepare the following working tools:

• construction knife;
• roulette;
• screwdriver;
• Bulgarian;
• welding machine;
• a hammer;
• screws;
• metal corners;
• electric jigsaw.

A number of working equipment depends on the type of material for the manufacture of do-it-yourself supports for a polycarbonate canopy.

How to make a frame for a canopy

Polycarbonate is our basis for a canopy, and for the manufacture of the frame, it is necessary to choose another, profitable, durable, stable material. The metal frame is considered classic. For its assembly, a welding machine is used, as well as special fasteners. For small structures, aluminum is suitable, for overall structures, you can take heavier types of metal.

Some owners assemble wooden frames, but in such cases the material must be treated with antibacterial agents. Wooden frame means laying cross beams, which should be carefully placed so that the design is proportional and durable.

Assembling the frame is perhaps one of the most responsible and time-consuming processes in the manufacture of a canopy with your own hands. Its safety and durability will depend on the quality of the assembled base for the structure.

Ease of assembly and reliability are distinguished by frames assembled from profile pipe. This option goes well with forged parts, has an aesthetic appearance, etc. Professionals recommend that novice craftsmen in the process of assembling a frame for a canopy turn to more experienced specialists for help.

Do-it-yourself step-by-step instructions for installing a polycarbonate canopy

Installation of a polycarbonate canopy takes a lot of time, even if it is a small structure. The whole process of work is carried out in several steps, which can be summarized as follows.

Step 1. Preparing the site for the installation of the structure.

Step 2. Preparation of pits for supports for a canopy.

Step 3. Assembly and installation of the frame.

Step 4. Installing polycarbonate sheets.

The design of the structure is ready, the material for the frame has been decided, the tools have been prepared ... The next step in the installation of the canopy is the preparation of a place for the installation of the structure. The territory must be removed from debris, cleaned from excess soil layers. If it is planned to build a carport for a car, then you can concrete the base or fill it with rubble. original version the creation of eco-parking (with landscaping) is also considered.

When clearing the area for a canopy, it is worth planning and measuring the location of the supports and dig deep holes for their installation. When the pits are ready, the supports are placed in place and fixed with a concrete solution. Further work should be carried out after complete drying of the filling. This will take about 4 days, during which time the concrete must be sprinkled with water to prevent cracking.

The most common option is the arched frame. The installed supports are interconnected by embedded parts, then horizontal beams are laid. At this stage, the design is called the upper viscous. Next, an arch is constructed. This does not mean that the canopy must be necessarily bent, it can also be fixed in a horizontal position. The finished metal frame must be treated with anti-corrosion liquids and opened with paint. Frames for canopies at the porch are attached using special supports that are driven directly into the wall.

The final step is the installation and fixation of polycarbonate sheets.

It is better to cut sheets of material in advance, a hacksaw will help in this, they also use a circular saw. Do not rush to remove the protective film from polycarbonate panels, it has a special marking that will allow you to cut the necessary pieces more accurately. roofing material fastened to the frame with stainless bolts and self-tapping screws. If you have chosen cellular polycarbonate, take care of the availability of special thermal washers. To fix the sheets at the joints, plastic (or aluminum) profiles are used. At this stage of work, the protective film from the material should be removed. An important point for a polycarbonate canopy is the sealing of the ends of the sheet. Aluminum tape is most often used as a sealant. This allows you to protect the structure from the penetration of moisture into the interior of the structure. When purchasing tools for processing joints of polycarbonate material, you should pay attention to the presence of acrylic in the product. You should buy liquids without it.

In order to avoid problems with the polycarbonate coating in the next few years, it is necessary to follow the rules for caring for the material.

First, you need to wipe the surface with a soft sponge and detergents with a simple composition.

Secondly, cleaning with various solutions such as white alcohol is not carried out on the side covered with a protective layer.

Thirdly, after any cleaning operation, the polycarbonate coating should be thoroughly rinsed with water.

In the event of the appearance of microcracks on the surface of the material, it is better to immediately treat them with transparent silicone products.

For detailed information on the correct installation of a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands, see the video:

Canopies made of polycarbonate - street structures, universal for economic purposes. The material is light, flexible, translucent in a large range of colors, convenient format, presented in different thicknesses, which allows you to design canopies of simple and complex curvilinear shapes. The buildings look light, elegant, do not overload the landscape, fit into any stylistic solution of the architectural ensemble on the site.

In the article we will give step by step instructions how to make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands, how to choose the right shape, calculate and design a structure.

What you need to know about polycarbonate awnings - general criteria

The manufacture of polycarbonate canopies has become popular due to the ease of installation, the practicality of the material, and the aesthetics of buildings. There are:

• independent, detached - canopies over the pool, greenhouses, parking for a car, gazebos, outbuildings for various purposes;
• attached to the building: bathhouse, garage - verandas, terraces, canopies over the porch and gate;
• mobile - easily move around the site, usually over barbecues and small gazebos.

Sheds attached to a polycarbonate house, photo of large curved outbuildings

These structures are simple rectangular or complex, curvilinear in shape, sometimes two-story, for example, above a garage or a summer kitchen. open and closed type, for this side walls glazed, sewn up with panels, a beautiful lattice, clapboard, blockhouse or closed with thick curtains.

Indoor canopy made of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate support canopy attached to the house, photo of a curved roof

Sheds are supporting vertical pillars and a roof. The frame is made of wood, metal, less often of concrete, stone, brick.

Typical drawing of a free-standing polycarbonate canopy

Wooden sheds with polycarbonate roofing

Making canopies and canopies from polycarbonate on a wooden base is the most budgetary and easiest way to independently make a small architectural form on the site. The work does not require professional equipment, household hand tools are enough. To build a wooden canopy made of polycarbonate with your own hands, glued and profiled timber 100 * 100 or 150 * 150 mm, rounded log ∅150-200 mm, tree trunks, strapping and Mauerlat are made of the same material. For the truss system of outbuildings, according to SNiP, it is necessary edged board 40*100 mm.

Sketch wooden canopy polycarbonate

The main disadvantages are combustibility, poor moisture resistance as a result - rotting, fungal infections, loss of strength, aesthetics. Rodents, small bugs are able to inflict bearing elements substantial harm. Wooden canopies and canopies made of polycarbonate must be treated with fire-resistant compounds, an antiseptic, and a durable finishing protective layer of oil or varnish.

A polycarbonate canopy attached to the house, in the photo there is a building with a sloping roof

metal awnings

Before you make a canopy of polycarbonate on a metal frame, you should choose the type of building:

• Welded from profiled or round pipe- the most popular polycarbonate canopies. For vertical racks, pipes ∅50-150 mm are used, depending on the size of the building, for strapping - a profile with a rib of 40-80 mm, for a farm -25-50 mm.
• Forged - beautiful, elegant, but quite costly from a financial point of view. On the construction market, you can buy stamped forged parts and create your own exclusive product.
• Prefabricated aluminum.

A canopy to the house made of polycarbonate, in the photo is a hanging forged cantilever visor

For polycarbonate canopies up to 5 m, a profile with a wall thickness of 2 mm, a cross section of 40 * 20 mm is used; for buildings over 5.5 m, a roll of 3 * 40 * 40 or 2 * 30 * 60 mm is required.

An example of how to make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands, drawings of an arched structure

An iron canopy will last for decades, although its main enemy is corrosion. It is necessary to clean the parts with a stiff brush from rust, scale, oil stains, go over the entire surface with an abrasive, then rinse with a solvent. Then cover with primer, paint, preferably hammer paint, it copes well with chemical, biological and mechanical stress.

Sketch of a suspended polycarbonate canopy over the entrance

Brick, stone and concrete

Brick, concrete, stone sheds made of polycarbonate in the yard look impressive, but light, not bulky, thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. They do not require maintenance during operation, they are fire resistant, they tolerate harmful atmospheric influences, physical and mechanical influences well, although they involve significant time and financial costs. If sheds made of other materials can be dismantled, moved, then such structures are stationary, their dismantling is impossible.

Roof

Canopies made of polycarbonate, photo interesting ideas are presented in the gallery, there are also quite a lot of pictures and projects in the network, there are single- and double-slope, arched, cascading, cone, domed, undulating are less common.

Typical options for polycarbonate awnings

The manufacture of the base is not difficult, it is enough to take into account the wind, snow loads in the region, but rafter system requires serious calculations.

Farm classification:

• According to the characteristic outlines of the contour - polygonal, triangular, broken parallel belts.
• According to the type of lattice - rhombic, triangular, semi-diagonal, oblique.
• According to the method of support - cantilever, beam, arched, beam-cantilever.

Cascade cantilever canopy made of polycarbonate

The simplest option is shed canopy made of polycarbonate, the optimal angle of inclination of the roof is 22-30 o. Rafters are made of wood or it is a truss - a horizontal, curved or triangular frame with supporting braces, racks at an angle inside the main structure.

Scheme for a shed building

To create a project you need:

• The scheme of the canopy with the type of roof, the type of lower and upper belts depends on this.
• Drawings of polycarbonate canopies should include the dimensions of the building, since the load varies in direct proportion to the size. It is important to determine the upper and lower points of the slope, the smaller the slope, the more snow will accumulate on the roof.
• Consider the size of the panels, the distance between the rafters depends on this so that the edge does not fall into the void.
• Wind and snow load in the region can be found in special tables.

Double slope polycarbonate canopy - a project with forged elements

Farms are calculated according to the SNiP regulations in section 2.01.07-85, it is difficult for independent calculations, engineering education is required, as well as special software. To avoid errors, it is recommended to use online calculator either take finished project. Loads and impacts are specified in the SNiP standards in part 2.01.07-85, rules for manufacturing metal structures- P-23-81 SNiP.

Arched canopies made of polycarbonate, in the photo sketches for small buildings

In order not to get confused in complex calculations, use the recommendations:

• With a slope of 22-30 o in a building 6-12 m wide, the height and length of the triangular truss should have a ratio of 1: 5;
• If the slope is 15-22 o, the dimensions are in a ratio of 1: 5, but the braces should be low-descent, it is necessary even number belts, optimally - 8.
• A smaller slope is suitable for large industrial buildings, engineering calculations are needed here, the length and height of the run should be in the proportion of 1:7, 1:9.

Simple diagrams of how to make polycarbonate rafters for a canopy

Calculation of a canopy made of polycarbonate from a profile pipe

We take a canopy as a basis, the size is 6000 * 4000 mm, this ergonomic solution: a comfortable gazebo or covered parking for a car.

Standard dimensions of polycarbonate in width and length:

• cast 2.050 * 2, 3, 6.12 m;
• cellular 2.100 * 3.6.12 m.

For private buildings, a sheet thickness of 6-12 mm is suitable.

Polycarbonate performance table

Farms must be placed under each edge and in the middle of the sheets, so the distance between them will be 1 m.

For racks, take a pipe ∅80-100 mm, step - 2.0 m along the long side of the canopy. For the roof:

• the main elements are a profile pipe 30 * 30 mm, the length of the lower ones is 3.1 m, we recall the Pythagorean theorem: the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs, we calculate the length of the upper ones, in our case - 3.9 m;
• inclined spacers - profile pipe 20 * 20 mm, location - at an angle of 25 °.

We will install perpendicular jumpers every 0.5 m from each other.

Standard scheme of a small farm

Step-by-step instructions on how to build a canopy for a polycarbonate house yourself

To weld metal canopies for polycarbonate cottages, a number of conditions must be met:

• Details, as well as load-bearing elements, must not be cracked.
• The roughness of the butt end of the support rib is determined by GOST 2789-73 - Ra £12.5 µm.
• It is unacceptable to use steel with an internal layer and coarse slag inclusions for the lower chord of the truss.
• According to GOST 14771-76, connections are best made by mechanical type welding, in carbon dioxide or its mixture with argon.
• According to GOST 2246-70 and 26271-84, it is recommended to use welding wire PP-AN-8.
• To fasten the rafters to the rafter elements and vertical columns, class 5.8 bolts are used according to paragraph 7798-70 GOST.

Drawing of an asymmetric arched canopy

Practical construction

We mark out a place for the pillars, dig holes, 700 mm deep, make a pillow of 100 mm sandstone, 100 mm crushed stone, ram. At the bottom we pour 100-200 mm of concrete into it, install a pillar, insert it with force, in a circular motion, so that it goes deep. We fill the pit with concrete, check the vertical along the plumb line, correct it if necessary, and also strengthen it with supporting slopes.

How to fix vertical supports

When the solution is completely up, we connect the pillars along the heads, check the geometry, the diagonals must be equal.

Farms are best cooked on the ground, according to the chosen scheme, the most common ones are shown in the photo above. The finished parts are lifted, distributed evenly over the strapping, in our case, every meter. The attachment points of the longitudinal slats and rafters are made using steel scarves, as well as welding or bolting.

The next stage is the crate (perpendicular runs), from a pipe 20 * 40 mm, with a step of 400-600 mm, sheets will be attached to it. The finished metal structure is cleaned, then painted.

Runs will strengthen the frame, this will more securely fix the polycarbonate

Watch video tips on how to properly attach a polycarbonate canopy to the house, this will help you avoid global mistakes when building with your own hands.

How to work with polycarbonate

It is better to cut polycarbonate with a circular saw equipped with a hard-alloy disc with undiluted fine teeth. Holes should be made with a drill with a drill for metal, between the stiffeners. At the upper ends of the honeycomb panels, strips and self-adhesive tape for sealing should be installed, the lower ones cannot be closed.

There are 2 ways in total:

• Thermal washers - holes are made 2 mm larger than the fastening leg, the part should fit tightly until it clicks. The length of the washer is equal to the thickness of the polycarbonate, it is necessarily equipped with an elastic band that seals the connection, which prevents precipitation and dust from getting inside. Such fastening is called point, the washer tightly holds the polycarbonate and prevents its deformation when heated.

How to fix polycarbonate on a canopy with a thermal washer

• A special profile is a bar with grooves on both sides, into which polycarbonate is inserted. The method is preferable if the sheets have to be joined. The edges are screwed with thermal washers. Profiles are provided for different connection: corner, docking, one-piece, wall, detachable and special for docking, if you need to change the configuration of the roof.

Photo instruction on how to attach polycarbonate to metal frame canopy with a profile

There is also a wet method, the panels are attached to the putty, but if you make a canopy with your own hands, then it is better to limit yourself to the 2 previous tips.

Types of fastening polycarbonate to the crate

Canopies made of polycarbonate can be used for a variety of needs. These are hinged canopies over the balcony and porch; covered parking for cars and agricultural machinery; covered passages between the house and the bathhouse, summer kitchen, sheds, etc.

This article will consider different types of canopies for a polycarbonate house, features of the choice of materials for the frame, calculations of buildings. Also you will find here step by step guide for the construction of a structure based on a metal profile.

Types, calculation and design of canopies, choice of frame material

The most popular options for polycarbonate visors and canopies are arched, cascading, single and double slope. All of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.

arched structures

Arched polycarbonate canopies in the yard are by far the most popular, especially for organizing parking lots and galleries between the house and outbuildings.

• The semicircular shape of the vault prevents snow from accumulating on the roof.
• When it rains, the water drains only on two sides.
• Due to the downward facing sides, the chance of the canopy being damaged by the wind is quite low.
• The arched design is equally well suited for a small canopy over the porch, and for a spacious parking lot for several cars.

The arched polycarbonate canopy has one drawback - if you make it yourself, you may face the problem of bending the profiles.

Arched canopy made of polycarbonate: the photo shows a covered parking lot

Cascade system

Cascading canopies are, in fact, a system of several arched ones. This design is chosen for installation above flights of stairs, where the slope of the roof is very large. And there are two reasons for that:

• In the rain from a solid arched roof, located at a large angle, water pours into the space in front of the first steps, falling on the incoming ones. With a cascading arrangement of roof elements, water goes to the sides.
• Aesthetic side of the issue. Several cascading arched canopies made of polycarbonate look much more interesting than one solid, pointing down.

The disadvantages of such a system are the complexity of the design, high time and material costs.

Arched polycarbonate canopy attached to the house: photo of a three-stage system

Shed roof

A shed polycarbonate canopy is the easiest option to build:

• Profile bending is not required, as is the case with arched roofs.
• No bending of polycarbonate sheets required. Accordingly, you are not limited in choosing the thickness of the roofing material.
• During construction, you can do without the use of roof trusses, only longitudinal and transverse beams will suffice.

Shed structures are often used when attaching a canopy to the wall of a house or garage. The disadvantage is a slight slope of the roof, in winter snow will accumulate on it.

Polycarbonate wooden canopy: photo of a shed design

gable canopy

In construction, it is a little more complicated than a single-sided one, as it requires the reduction of two slopes at a certain angle. However, in operation, such a building is more convenient:

• The slopes lowered on two sides provide better protection against wind and precipitation compared to one slope.
• The angle of inclination of the roof here is greater, which means that in winter snow will accumulate on it less.
• The frame of the gable roof is rigid, thanks to which it resists wind loads well.

A double-slope polycarbonate canopy can be used for various purposes: for parking lots, barbecues, barbecue ovens, porches, pavilions between outbuildings.

Gable roof over barbecue

Calculation and design of polycarbonate canopies

Even at the stage of creating a project, before starting the calculation of a canopy made of polycarbonate from a profile pipe, you need to find out for yourself the following:

• The size and location of the future building.
• Wind and snow loads - these parameters affect the shape of the roof structure.
• The design of a private house and outbuildings - the choice of frame design and the color of polycarbonate sheets depends on this.
• Specifications of available/desired building materials.

Armed with this information, we proceed to the calculation and drawing up a drawing of a polycarbonate canopy. Here we already accurately indicate: the dimensions of the building and the shape of the roof; technical characteristics of the material of supports, frame and roof; the number and nature of fasteners.

How to make a polycarbonate canopy: the width of the runs between the profiles of the crate depends on the parameters of the roofing material

And now about the height of polycarbonate canopies. In principle, it can be anything - it all depends on your needs and wishes. However, for comfortable use of the building, it would be better if the lowest point of its roof is at least 180 cm above the ground.

The parameters of the support posts for the manufacture of canopies and canopies made of polycarbonate must be calculated based on the following numbers:

• The minimum section is 40x40 mm.
• The thickness of the metal is from 1 mm.
• The thickness of the foundation pillars must exceed the section of the pillars by at least 10 mm.
• The recommended depth of foundation pits is from 50 cm.
• For the sidewalls of roof trusses, a profile with a cross section of 20 mm or more is taken, for diagonal gratings - from 15 mm.

How to make a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands: the drawings must be very detailed

Choosing a material for the frame

Typically, the following materials are taken for the manufacture of polycarbonate canopies:

• Metal profile. Durable, easy to install and easy to use. Care requires minimal - only timely treatment with anti-corrosion agents. Disadvantages - a large weight of the structure and high price.
• Metal pipes. The advantages are the same as the metal profile. The only thing is that the rounded shape in cross section is not so convenient for welding and other types of fasteners.
• Wood - profiled or ordinary timber, rounded log. Beautiful, lively material, suitable if the canopy should be stylized as something. When building a wooden canopy made of polycarbonate with your own hands, you will need certain skills in carpentry.

wooden frame

Building a polycarbonate canopy with your own hands

The longest part of the construction is the creation of the foundation. The frame itself and the fastening of roofing sheets to it will take, at most, one and a half working days.

Installation of support poles and installation of bindings

The support poles are installed in the following way:

• We dig foundation pits - 50 cm deep and 30 cm in diameter.
• Inside we install a reinforcing cage.
• We fill the pits with a cement-sand (3/1) mixture, cover with cellophane and leave to harden for several days.
• We fasten the supports to the foundation with anchors.

Pole concreting

We tie the supports along the tops with a single beam, then the front part of the canopy will rest on it. This dressing is best done from a square or rectangular profile. The use of a round pipe is undesirable here, since the area of ​​\u200b\u200bcontiguity of the elements during welding will be too small.

Polycarbonate canopy attached to the house: the photo shows the location of the front supports

We make a canopy to the house from polycarbonate: the photo shows the installation stage of the binding

We bend the profile for the roof frame

If the polycarbonate canopy has an arched roof, then we will have to think about how to bend the profiled pipe. This can be done in several ways:

• With a pipe bender. Such a device is expensive, and it does not make sense to buy it only because of the construction of a canopy.
• By sawing (6-8 mm) of the pipe and bending it into opposite side. The files are then closed with metal patches.
• Manual bending of a preheated profile. To prevent flattening of the pipe, sand is rammed inside before work.

Manual tube bending machine

Canopy frame welding

We start welding the frame with the assembly of roof trusses. This is done on the ground, with the obligatory use of the building level. We begin to weld diagonal slats on parallel profiles from the edges, gradually moving towards the center. The work will be greatly facilitated by magnets for welding - it is good to set the angles between the parts using them.

In the following video you can see how welding magnets are used.

Ready-made trusses for a canopy made of polycarbonate are set up for binding and on the support of the front. Spot bait, and then weld. All elements must stand strictly vertically, therefore, after baiting, we check the correct installation with a building level. If necessary, we slightly correct the location with a sledgehammer.

Canopy attached to the house, made of polycarbonate: photo of the installation of roof trusses

Across the roof trusses we cook runs from a thin profile of a rectangular section. The distance between the parts is made from 50 to 60 cm.

Installation of runs

Next, proceed to the installation of the sidewalls. We weld sections of the profile to the bases of the extreme trusses and fasten them along the entire length to the walls. We stretch and weld profiles of the same thickness from the lower edges of the segments to the ends of the trusses. do a couple cross jumpers. You can see how it looks in the next photo. The frame is ready, you can proceed with the installation of polycarbonate.

Sidewall work

Mounting cellular polycarbonate on the frame

And now about how to attach polycarbonate to the metal frame of the canopy. Installation is carried out using special fasteners - thermal washers. They consist of sealing and plastic washers, as well as plugs to them. All this is pulled together with ordinary self-tapping screws. Special attention three points should be noted:

• Strict verticality of screwing screws.
• Moderate tightening of fasteners. Insufficient will not ensure the proper quality of installation, and excessive can lead to damage to the surface of the material.
• From the cuts of the sheet to the borders of the hole for the self-tapping screw must be at least 4 cm.
• The hole for the screw should be 2-3 mm larger diameter the last one.

How to properly fix polycarbonate on a canopy: you need to use special thermal washers

In addition to thermal washers, the following fittings are used in the process of installing polycarbonate:

• Removable profile. It is used to connect two sheets of material together. It consists of a base and a lid - the base is fastened with screws to the frame, and the lid is fastened to it with a special lock.
• End profile and perforated tape. They are used to finish cuts on polycarbonate sheets. First, a perforated tape is glued along their entire length, and then an end profile is fixed on it.

Additional fittings

Polycarbonate is high-tech material found its application in many construction industries. For the manufacture of polycarbonate, the extrusion method is used, and the material itself, in principle, is a polymer-based plastic. What explains such a great popularity of the material? First of all, unique properties, including transparency, lightness, increased strength, plasticity and resistance to low temperatures. In a word, an excellent alternative to obsolete PVC panels.

Additional photos (click to enlarge)

So, today we will find out how to build a polycarbonate canopy, what this material is in general and what are its main advantages. We will also get acquainted with the types, technical parameters and prices.

Do-it-yourself instructions for assembling a canopy for a car made of polycarbonate

Raw Materials

We measure the platform for the canopy

Checking the slope of the site

Drilling holes for racks

We install racks

We mount side trusses

Assembly of arched trusses

Installation of arched trusses

Lathing installation

Installation of polycarbonate

End profile installation

We concrete racks

The price of polycarbonate awnings

1	NA6, Price: 2000 rub. m2.	NA7, Price: 2000 rubles. m2	NA7, Price: 2000 rubles. m2
2	N04, Price: 2200 rub. m2	N03, Price: 2200 rub. m2	N02, Price: 2200 rub. m2
3	N01, Price: 2200 rub. m2	N05, Price: 2300 rub. m2	N11, Price: 2400 rubles. m2
4	N10, Price: 2400 rub. m2	N12, Price: 2500 rub. m2	N24, Price: 2800 rub. m2
5	N22, Price: 2800 rub. m2	N44, Price: 4200 rubles. m2	N43, Price: 4200 rubles. m2
6	N45, Price: 4400 rubles. m2	N48, Price: 4600 rubles. m2	N28, Price: 3200 rub. m2

Key varieties of polycarbonate

Let's start with the fact that the material itself can be:

• monolithic;
• cellular.

Let's get acquainted with the features of each type of material.

Cellular polycarbonate - what is it?

This material is different simple device- this is a kind of panel, which includes several plastic layers (opaque or transparent), mated to each other by means of vertically located stiffening ribs. The ribs themselves are located in the direction of the polycarbonate fibers.

Thus, voids are formed inside the material, in which, in turn, there is air. This feature provides panels with excellent thermal insulation qualities. We also note that honeycomb sheets are quite rigid, but they can still be easily bent even at low temperatures, making the panels simply indispensable for the construction of complex objects.

As for the specific characteristics, they are shown in the table below.

Table. Characteristics and properties of cellular polycarbonate.

Monolithic polycarbonate - what are its features and benefits?

This material differs from that described above in that it is a cast plastic, which is why it received such useful qualities:

• high strength;
• ability to absorb ultraviolet;
• haze/transparency;
• slight weight.

Note! Monolithic polycarbonate is widely used not only in construction, but also in many industrial areas, including those related to high technology.

Key advantages of polycarbonate structures

All structures made of polycarbonate (regardless of whether we are talking about a canopy or a greenhouse roof) have a whole range of advantages.

• They have excellent external data (the choice of colors and shapes is simply huge).
• They are easy to install and subsequently maintain.
• The cost of the material is more than affordable.
• All structures are durable, able to serve for many years.
• They protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
• Polycarbonate, as noted earlier, is both matte and transparent.

Choosing the shape of a canopy made of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate canopies can have a wide variety of designs, but they are all conditionally divided by the number of slopes into two large groups - single and double. In addition, products can also be divided according to the design of the slopes - from this point of view, they are:

• arched;
• straight.

Moreover, the canopies can also be divided according to the roof structure (the latter can be located on the farm or on the rafters), the presence / absence of the crate, etc.

Classification of polycarbonate canopies according to their purpose

AT recent times Polycarbonate canopy is gaining more and more popularity, mainly due to the fact that it has become an excellent alternative to wood and metal. Consequently, the design boasts a fairly wide range of uses.

Do-it-yourself carport

A car canopy is a great way to protect vehicles from negative impacts. environment. Tellingly, the carport can be of any shape - for example, square, arched, in the form of an arc - and the only limitation in this case is only human imagination. You should also remember such an important point (especially in private homes) as environmental friendliness.

Polycarbonate canopies for swimming pools

These canopies have a lot of very different functions. So, the structures protect swimmers from the summer sun, thereby minimizing the risk of heat stroke. The texture of the panels is also water-repellent, so drops do not linger on them, but flow down under the influence of their own weight. A shadow is created over the pool itself, and the water inside it does not bloom. Finally, leaves and other debris are guaranteed not to fall into the water.

Also have Alternative option– we are talking at the pavilion for the pool. Yes, it will cost significantly more, but as a result you will receive such significant benefits:

• the pool can be used regardless of the season;
• the design will turn out to be rigid, which means it is resistant to strong winds;
• the water in the reservoir will be reliably protected from flowering and debris;
• the design will give a lot of shade, which is especially important on hot summer days.

Features of a canopy over the porch of the house

For guard front door, as well as the territory adjacent to it, from the hot sun or bad weather, many build a small canopy using polycarbonate for it. Due to the fact that the shape / color of the material can be absolutely, the design can be easily entered into the composition of the building. Plastic can be bought even transparent, which will allow, as it were, to regulate the penetrating light.

Polycarbonate canopy for a balcony - you can not glaze!

This option will be great solution in the event that with the slightest precipitation or snow the functionality of your balcony is immediately lost (that is, it is simply impossible to go there). People who like to set up greenhouses can use transparent plastic, which can provide the plants on the balcony with light in the quantities necessary for their normal and full development.

Note! Such a canopy will not only protect from the weather - it can also extend the life of the balcony structure itself, especially if it is made of wood. There will not form various fungi, which is important for people using the balcony as a pantry.

Polycarbonate canopy over the terrace

Recreation outside the city in the fresh air is truly incomparable. But so that such a vacation is not overshadowed by precipitation or the hot sun, it is recommended to equip a polycarbonate canopy. You can organize under it, for example, a summer kitchen so that the cooking process is carried out in the fresh air.

Polycarbonate gazebo canopy - today's alternative to traditional roofing

If you want to build a gazebo or are already in the process, but don’t know what exactly to cover the structure with, we advise you to give preference to the polycarbonate described in this article. Due to its many advantages, this is the best option for creating a roof. You can, for example, make a beautiful matte roof for the gazebo, which will also be an excellent addition to the design of the site. Be that as it may, the canopy will become an excellent protection against surrounding troubles, and there are simply no other functions that a canopy in the gazebo should have.

Rules for choosing polycarbonate for the construction of a canopy

We figured out the features and varieties of the material, now we will find out what to look for when buying. For the designs that were listed above, the best option would be honeycomb material, with which you can build a porch of any configuration and color.

Good choice of material thickness

When choosing, special attention should be paid to the thickness of the polycarbonate - it depends, first of all, on the purpose and type of the future structure. Also, this should take into account the bending radius, the step with which the crate will be constructed, wind / snow loads, etc. More detailed information can be found in the table below.

If we are talking about outdoor structures, then for their roofing preference should be given to thin sheets of plastic. Do not think that you will save money this way - this is fundamentally the wrong opinion. And indeed, after all, the step of constructing the crate here will be more frequent, which, of course, will require large expenses. It is also better not to use thick sheets, even to increase the strength characteristics of the structure. In a word, when choosing the thickness of the material, it is necessary to focus on the features and purpose of the canopy.

Here are some helpful tips to help you make the right choice.

• 4mm polycarbonate is ideal for greenhouse structures and advertising structures.
• Panels with a thickness of 4 to 6 millimeters can be used to build canopies or canopies.
• A thickness of 1 centimeter is ideal for various vertical structures - for example, skylights, noise protection structures, etc.
• Finally, panels with a thickness of 1.6 centimeters are able to withstand significant loads, so they can be used for parking lots or other large-area structures.

Features of the frame structure

When designing a polycarbonate canopy, you must take into account the transverse / longitudinal pitch of the frame itself. In the case of transverse supports, the step depends on the thickness of the material, and for a material of 0.8-1.6 centimeters it is a maximum of 100 centimeters, and in the case of longitudinal supports, no more than 70 centimeters. If the sheets are thicker than 0.8 centimeters, then the distance between the transverse supports can be reduced to 70 centimeters.

How to choose the color of the material?

The thickness of the material is not the only criterion by which you need to make a choice. The fact is that the color of the panels can be very different, as well as the degree of their transparency. Below are the most popular color options today.

What should be taken into account when choosing a particular color? First of all, the purpose of the planned design: for a pool, for example, blue, green, blue colors are ideal, but they are absolutely not suitable for creating canopies over the counters, as they will completely distort the color of the products sold.

If we are talking about a greenhouse, then it is obviously better to use a transparent material for it. At the same time, it is definitely not suitable for a place of rest, because it will not be able to protect vacationers from sunlight.

What about quality?

How high-quality polycarbonate depends solely on its manufacturer. If you give preference to well-known companies, then there will be no doubt that the material is reliable and environmentally friendly. Quality products are covered with a special layer designed to protect against UV rays. Moreover, this layer protects not only polycarbonate, but also everything that it - the material - covers.

The volume of recycled materials used in the production of panels is also important - this indicator should be within the normal range. If the manufacturer really values ​​his authority, then he will definitely comply with strict standards, releasing high-quality material.

Video - Why you can not save on polycarbonate

DIY step-by-step instructions for making a polycarbonate canopy

To make a canopy of this material with your own hands, you need to carefully think over and design everything, prepare a site for the structure, build a frame and, in fact, install polycarbonate models. Let's take a closer look at each of these steps.

Stage number 1. We draw up a project

First, select the place where the canopy will be built, after which:

• measure the site and determine what the dimensions of the structure will be;
• decide what the frame will be made of (wood, metal) and the canopy itself (cellular polycarbonate, monolithic);
• make an accurate drawing.

Polycarbonate canopy drawing

Note! In this case, it is necessary to take into account future loads and the influence of external factors. Depending on all this, certain adjustments may be made to the design.

Stage number 2. Equipping the site

First, mark the site, and then dig holes where the racks will be (the depth can be from 0.5 to 1.5 meters, it all depends on the height of the structure) and install mortgages there. Install the latter strictly vertically, then fill with concrete. You will subsequently screw all the racks to these mortgages.

Then take off on the plot upper layer soil (about 20 centimeters). Fill the resulting pit with a “cushion” of sand or gravel, after which tamp everything well. Along the perimeter, try to arrange small drainage ditches through which excess water will be removed.

Stage number 3. We build a frame

As you may have noticed, in the drawing, the iron racks of the frame have a cross section of 8 centimeters, while for other structural elements this figure is 4 centimeters. Attach support posts to the mortgages that you poured with concrete, and to those, in turn, horizontal beams around the perimeter. After that, assemble the remaining elements (if we talk specifically about our example, then the arcs, for which special spacers are used to fasten them to the beams).

You may be wondering why the arch? Everything is extremely simple: nothing accumulates on such a surface, including precipitation, and it all looks very attractive. Use bolts and nuts as fasteners (and washers if necessary).

Stage number 4. We mount polycarbonate panels

The life of the entire structure depends on how well you carry out the work. The panels themselves are easy to install, requiring only minimal skills in construction.

First, prepare everything you need - in particular:

• circular saw;
• construction knife;
• electric drill;
• screwover.

Cut the material without removing the protective film, so as not to damage it. If the panels are thin, you can do this with construction knife if not, use a circular saw. Install the sheets so that the protective layer is directed towards the source of ultraviolet radiation. The film can be removed only after completion of installation work.

Video - Proper installation of polycarbonate with your own hands

If the canopy is arched, you will have to bend the sheets - do this exclusively along the channels. For fastening, use self-tapping screws from "stainless steel", twisting them in increments of 0.3-0.4 meters. Additionally, you can use special thermal washers intended for cellular polycarbonate, the diameter of which is 3 centimeters. The base of such washers is made of silicone, so the tightness of the joints will be excellent.

Note! The diameter of the holes should exceed the diameter of the self-tapping screws by several millimeters, which is explained by such a phenomenon as the thermal expansion of plastic.

Also remember that holes must be made between the stiffeners, otherwise there will be a risk of damaging the material. Only after that the sheet is attached to the metal frame. It is not worth pinching the hardware, otherwise, again, the polycarbonate may be damaged.

To join the sheets with each other, standard H-shaped profiles are used (their length, as a rule, is 6 meters). To do this, it is necessary to remove the protective film from the ends of the material by about 5 centimeters in advance, after which insert the edges into the profile by at least 2 centimeters, leaving (in without fail!) half-centimeter gap for the same thermal expansion of the material.

So, now you know everything you need to know about a polycarbonate canopy. We recommend watching a video about the installation of this design. That's all, good luck!

Video - Do-it-yourself polycarbonate canopy