One of the primary attractive points of skylight roofing is its aesthetic. However, due to the dynamic weather changes in the Philippines, polycarbonate roofs may not look as much as you want them to be. Sometimes the common problems can be traced back to the installation process. Wrong installation can cause a lot of problems more than you think. Follow the mnemonic ABCDE in installing polycarbonate sheets to limit the problems you may face and to enjoy the benefits of the polycarbonate in its maximum usage.
A- lways practice extreme care when installing. Practicing appropriate care not only lessens time and money to complete the project but also assures your safety. Prepare the safety gears and equipment you need. Remember not to step directly on the polycarbonate sheets since it is slippery and may cause you to fall. Moreover, you may scratch the material.
B- e well-equipped and informed about the whole process beforehand. There are different polycarbonate sheets to choose from, each having specific instructions for installation, and specific installation accessories required. For example, twin wall polycarbonate uses certain accessories that you do not need for other types of sheets. Take note of the minimum framing space required to make sure that the solid polycarbonate or corrugated polycarbonate sheets won’t sag. You may ask your local polycarbonate supplier for professional advice and tips on installation.
C- arefully install the right side and orientation of the polycarbonate. First, you need to locate the part of the polycarbonate sheet that is UV protected. Make sure to place the UV coated side of the sheet facing the sun. The UV radiation can cause discoloration and deterioration of the sheet and the UV protection of the sheet prolongs the roofs’ life. Moreover, make sure to place the vertical lines of the twin wall polycarbonate sheet parallel to the frames.
D- rill holes into the sheets before applying the tek screws. Temperature changes cause the sheets to expand and contract so make sure to drill holes wide enough to not cause breakage. Tighten the fixings well to prevent rattling but not too much to damage the material.
E- liminate direct contact of polycarbonate to harsh chemicals. Avoid any contact with alkaline, alkali, salts, amines, ketones, aldehydes, esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, methanol, isopropanol, asphalt and putty. When applying sealant to the fixings, only use neutral non acetic sealants.
After learning the ABCDEs of installing polycarbonate sheets, do not forget to F- ollow the guidelines stated above. The primary goal in installing polycarbonate roof is to make no room for mistakes. Faulty installations can lead to a lot of problems in the long run. Save time and money by taking note of these tips! For inquiries, you may contact us directly.
This is part 3 of the series ABCDE of Polycarbonate Sheets. Click here to read the previous article, “The ABCDE of Handling Polycarbonate Sheets.”