How to Install Polycarbonate Panels in Your Greenhouse

Polycarbonate panels are used in two ways, both as roofs and as walls. The Roofing sheet type of polycarbonate panels come in different sizes, colors, and profiles. The price of the panels depends on the kind of profile chosen. The most popular and commonly used type of profile is the corrugated roofing panel. The lifespan of polycarbonate panels depends on their quality. A roofing sheet may last from several weeks to a few months or even a lifetime.

Researching the leading manufacturers is highly recommended as is examining positively reviewed panels. This should be helpful to you in finding durable and long-lasting roofing sheets at an affordable price. The following procedures provide a guide on polycarbonate panel roofing preparation and installation.

Roof Pitch

A lot of manufacturers recommend that a degree pitch around 1 in 5.7 is best for roofing projects. One example is a 10-degree pitch. For panels with a lesser degree of pitch, extra shielding is necessary. Panels with a low degree of pitch tend to be vulnerable and easily degraded by weathering elements. Make sure to get the suggested pitch for your panel.

Cutting

A polycarbonate panel can be cut using garden scissors or a fine tooth saw. The quality of the sheet affects how smoothly the scissors or the saw will go through it. The higher the quality of the panels, the easier the cutting will be. Aside from the saw and the scissors, other methods of cutting the panels are by using a carborundum or a disk grinder. The grinder and the carborundum are used to cut several sheets of the panels at the same time. One drawback to using grinders and the carborundum is that cutting the panels all at the same time may result in the welding of the sheets by fusion. The edges of the cut panel should be covered in aluminum tape.

Drilling

Prior to installation, all holes should already be drilled into the panels. Check for the manufacturer’s instructions on drilling holes and dimensions.

Installation

After cutting the panels into their proper length, you should install the aluminum ‘f’ trim to the edge of the roof timbers. Do this by sliding the first panel of the roof into the channel of the ‘f’ trim. Seal it using silicone caulking.

Step 1: Fixing the Panel of the Roof

The roof panel should be installed on every timber support. Fix these two components together using stainless steel screws.

Step 2: Work on the Next Roof Panel

The next roof panel should be clicked into position on the fixed panel. Make sure that the components are well placed and that the lengths are aligned. Repeat the same procedure for the other panels that follow.

Note: Before fixing any of the panels, check for the ‘click strip’ of the panel. Each sheet slides easily when the strip is properly clicked. Refer regularly to the manual or to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that you are doing this correctly. It may be wise to ask for expert inspection after completion.

Step 3: Congratulations Doityourselfer

If your polycarbonate panel roof installation passes inspection you can be proud of yourself for a job well done and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.