Polycarbonate Roof Overview
See our latest Video (Jan 2017), explaining Multiwall and how it's used in Roof Construction...
The following is an overview of the roofing sheet and products available from Plastic Solutions Dublin.
Multi-Wall Polycarbonate from Print Solutions on Vimeo.
We have selected a typical image from the Internet and illustrated where our products will be used. The original image is not ours and is used here purely for reference purposes. (As a courtesy, we state that the original image source is Builder Bill http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/)
#1 - 'F' PROFILE
The F shaped profile is a rigid aluminium bar available in lengths of 3mtr and 4mtr. This bar is fitted on the starting (and ending) rafter of the roof. The F prong shape of the bar allows the sheet to be wedge fitted and hence the F profiles come in thicknesses matching that of the sheet, namely 10mm, 16mm and 25mm. The stem or 'leg' part of the F profile will sit flush against the side of the rafter and can be drilled and then screw fitted against the rafter. This provides a secure clamp fitting which holds the sheet in place on the rafter.
Material: Powder coated Aluminium
Colours: White or Brown
Sizes: 3.0mtr + 4.0mtr lengths and F prong thickness matching sheet - 10mm, 16mm, 25mm
#2 - FLASHTEX
Flashtex or Flashing is a flat butyl membrane covered with a thin metallic skin. It comes in a roll 10mtrs long and is available in widths of 6" and 8" inches. Used as a multi purpose sealant material, it is particularly effective in roof construction as the material will adhere to a variety of surfaces, including uneven and pebble dashed surfaces. In the case of this roof application, the Flashtex is adhered partly to the wall with the remainder covering the sheet. In this way, sheets meeting the wall at the top end of the roof are covered in a water proof seal.
Material: Adhesive flashing with metallic outer skin
Colour: White butyl with metallic outer surface
#3 - FIXING BUTTONS
Fixing buttons are a plastic dome shaped button with stainless steel screw and foam washer. Buttons are used on the intermediate rafters i.e. rafters where there is no sheet join. A small hole just big enough to take the grommet of the button is drilled into the sheet, some silicone is inserted and then the button is inserted. The screw is inserted through the centre of the button and screwed into the rafter below. A small finishing cap is inserted over the screw head. The button is visible on the outside of the sheet as a neat mushroom shaped 'speed bump'. It is crucial not to over tighten the screw in the fixing button to avoid an indentation on the surface of the sheet.
Material: PVC
Colours: White or Brown
Sizes: screw lengths matching 10mm, 16mm and 25mm sheet
#4 - CAPEX BARS
Capex bars are a thin rigid aluminium profile that come with fixing screws and flat rubber gasket. Although rigid in small lengths, the bars will cold curve in full / longer lengths and hence are ideal when being used in gently arching canopies like car ports etc. Capex bars are used where two sheets are joining on a rafter. In the example above highlighted at #4, the next roofing sheet will share the rafter with the previous sheet. The flat rafter gasket supplied with the capex bar is laid along the length of the rafter. This provides a moisture free seal against the underside of the sheet and also eliminates creaking - the name given to the sound effect of the sheet moving very slighting or gradually against the rafter during expansion and contraction (when gasket is not used). A small gap is left between the two sheets and then the capex bar is placed over the join running along the length of the rafter. The capex bar is pre drilled and the fixing screws supplied with the bar are screw fitted through the top of the bar, between the gap in the sheets and into the rafter below. The edges of the capex bar on both sides have a gasket fitted into the bar and provide a waterproof seal where it touches the sheets over the join. It is important not to over tighten the screw going through the capex bar, as a capex bar fitted too tight will distort how the edge gasket sits on the sheet.
Material: Powder coated aluminium
Colours: White or Brown
Sizes: Widths of 40mm or 60mm and in lengths of 3.0mtr, 3.6mtr, 4.8mtr and 6.0mtr
#5 - RSC
The RSC or 'Roof Sheet Closure' is a PVC u shaped strip that sits over the finishing end of the Multiwall sheet. This is only used at the 'gutter' end of the roof. When our roof panels are cut, our sheets are 'cut and blown'. This refers to the process of blowing out the fluted chambers of the sheet to remove cutting swarf (small particles left after the saw blade moves through the sheet). It is possible to look down the fluted chambers of the sheet as the sheet ends are 'open'. Breather tape is applied over this open end of the sheet. This seals the ends of the sheet, preventing insects and dust etc. from entering the sheet while still allowing air to pass through the tape and vent the chambers. The RSC or u shaped profile is 'wedge' fitted over this tape providing a tight seal and an aesthetic finish to the sheet edges. (At the top / wall end of the sheet, aluminium foil tape is used).
Material: PVC u shaped profile
Colours: White or Brown
Sizes: 2100mm long (matches the maximum width of the multiwalll sheet) and in thicknesses to suit that of sheet, namely 10mm, 16mm and 25mm
All products are ex stock in our warehouse on the Naas Road in Dublin. Contact us today on 01 409 8000 should you have any questions about these materials.