Answered by our in-house Plastic Experts!
Multiwall
What materials should I use to put a Lean-To on my house?
Our most popular options are 10mm twin-wall and 16mm triple-wall clear polycarbonate. For this system, you will require Capex joining profiles, side F sections, front RSC U profiles, fixing buttons, silicone, and flashing, all of which you will see in the roof example. Also, you can advise what the wall's surface is like, as this will affect which flashing can be used, and whether or not you have to pre-prepare the surface.
You can find more here: The Anatomy of a Lean-To Roof: Using the Right Tools and Materials
How much of an angle do I need to have on my Lean-To?
When installing a Lean-To Package, keep a minimum pitch of 5 degrees so that the rainwater runs off toward the gutter preventing moisture from collecting on your roof.
How do Iinstall the Fixing Button?
- Use a sharp steel drill bit.
- Space the buttons between 500mm / 600mm.
- Drill at least 40mm away from the edge of the sheet.
- Drill between the ribs.
- Do not over-tighten the screw when fixing.
- Use a 12mm / 13mm drill bit to allow for expansion and contraction.
- Use silicone sealant around the edge of the button to help seal and prevent leakage.
Could my roofing become discoloured within a year or two?
If you use our twin wall/triple wall clear polycarbonate sheets, we offer a 10-year guarantee of non-discolouration/yellowing: if installed correctly. These sheets are single-sided, UV-protected sheets, so it is paramount that the UV-coated side is installed facing the sky; the sheets will clearly be labelled “UV side”.
What can I use to clean my roof?
Make up a solution of lukewarm water and ordinary household cleaner or mild soap and use this to wash the sheet. A sponge or soft cloth should then be used to gently remove dirt and grime.
Warning:
- Do not scrub the sheet with brushes or sharp implements.
- Do not use squeegees.
- Avoid solvents other than those listed or any abrasive cleaners.
- Avoid cleaners of a highly alkaline composition.
Can I walk on Multiwall Polycarbonate roofing?
Multiwall Polycarbonate Roof Sheets are not designed to support the weight of a person, so you should avoid walking on them. If you do need to succeed with the roof sheets, use crawl boards between the rafters or step ladders as a safe means to doing so.
Polycarbonate
What is Polycarbonate sheeting and its applications?
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material whose fantastic properties and versatility make it the perfect material for a wide range of applications.
The structure of the plastic comprises carbonate groups. This allows the material to be strong and flexible at the same time. It is widely used in glazing thanks to its unique combination of clarity, strength, and UV resistance.
Applications: Lean-to, sunrooms, carports, most glazing applications,
walkways, shelters, machine guards and greenhouses, and many more.
How strong is clear solid polycarbonate compared to glass?
Regarding your roof strength: polycarbonate is considered
virtually unbreakable with an impact resistance of around 200 – 250 times stronger than regular safety glass. Polycarbonate also fares favourably against other plastic options. For instance, it is 30 times stronger than a comparable acrylic sheet.
Can I cut the material to size myself?
Yes, you can cut the polycarbonate sheets to size yourself. We do, however, recommend using the correct and safe method to do so. Polycarbonate sheets can be cut with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. A circular saw is the best tool to use for cutting larger polycarbonate lengths. Thanks to the properties of this material, polycarbonate won't crack or splinter around the cut.
You can find more here : How To Properly Cut Polycarbonate Sheets
Can I put a drill hole into the material?
Yes, you can drill holes into polycarbonate sheets. When drilling polycarbonate, it is important that the sheet is well supported. Place the sheet on a flat surface that supports it well and which the drill can run into, for example, a wood board. You candrill polycarbonatewith a normal steel drill or an HSS drill.
What is the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic sheeting?
Although very similar in appearance, there are 2 major differences in clear polycarbonate and clear acrylic. Polycarbonate has a much higher impact resistance than acrylic; approximately 30 times stronger. Our polycarbonate has a UV protection coating on both sides which gives the 10-15 year guarantee of non-discolouration whereas acrylic is naturally resistant to UV and won’t discolour for upwards of 20 years.
We have put together a handy guide covering the differences between the two materials, which can be found here.
How long does polycarbonate last?
Polycarbonate is a robust and long-lasting material. How long it lasts is affected by factors like the type of usage and how much wear and tear it is exposed to. But on average, you can easily expect a minimum of 10 years and potentially as high as 20 or more years.
Acrylic
What is the difference between Cast and Extruded Acrylic?
Cast acrylic and extruded acrylic are both produced from the same base thermoplastic; PMMA; Polymethyl Methacrylate, more commonly known as “perspex” or “plexiglass”. The different production processes are responsible for their slightly different properties and result in them being suitable for different applications.
You can find more here: Difference Between Cast and Extruded Acrylic
What is the difference between Plexiglass, Perspex and Acrylic Glass?
Our clients sometimes ask us questions such as the difference between acrylic, plexiglass and perspex and whether plexiglass is better than acrylic or perspex. The short answer to all these questions is that there are no significant differences between acrylic, plexiglass and perspex, as they all mean the same thing.
You can find more here: Differences Between Plexiglass, Perspex and Acrylic Glass Finally Explained