Multiwall Polycarbonate Technical & Install Guide You're the Center of All We Do
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Table of Contents Introduction 1 Performance of Multiwall Polycarbonate 4 UV Protection 4 Hail Resistance 4 Physical Properties 4 Chemical Resistance 5 Transportation, Handling, and Storage 6 Transportation 6 Handling 6 Storage 6 Before You Start 6 Safety Tips 6 Installation Tools 7 Install Components 7 Structural Design Guidelines 8 Pitch 8 Rafters 9 Purlins 9 Loading 9 Installation 16 Protective Film 16 Cutting
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide About Polymershapes Polymershapes is the premier distributor of plastic sheet, rod, tube, film, and associated products. We have the industry’s most knowledgeable sales team and extensive inventory from world-class supplier partners. We offer expert conversion capabilities including sheet cutting, film conversion and machining. We consistently deliver innovative solutions to delight our customers.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Performance of Multiwall Polycarbonate UV-Protection The light and radiant energy rom the sun has a harmul effect on polycarbonate. Multiwall polycarbonate features a UV-protected surface on one or both sides of the sheet. This UV protection prevents ultraviolet rays from deteriorating the polycarbonate, ensuring the sheet will not crack, yellow, or weaken from intense sun exposure.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide The following chart provides an overview of typical performance values for multiwall polycarbonate sheet products. Actual values may vary depending on specific product color, thickness, or structure. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES LIGHT TRANSMISSION Product Thickness mm/ IN Lbs./sf Min Bending Radius R-Value U-Value Clear Opal Bronze Softlite White THERMOCLEAR™ 16mm 3-Wall* 16mm (5/8”) 0.57 110” 2.50 0.40 74 40 30 72 20 6mm (1/4”) 0.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Transportation, Handling, and Storage Transportation • Use a sturdy pallet (or wooden crate) that is as long as the longest sheet. • Stack sheets horizontally starting with longest sheet on the bottom (longest to shortest). • If using a pallet, secure sheets to limit movement during transportation. Handling • • • • Even though polycarbonate is durable, protect sheets when handling. Even though polycarbonate is flexible, do not fold sheets when handling.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Installation Tools Lightweight and easy to handle, multiwall sheets can be fabricated on site and require no special tools to install. Common tools needed include: table or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade, clamps, drill with a ¼” bit, tape measure, safety glasses, utility knife, straight edge, sawhorses, and a ladder. Install Components Before beginning your project, confirm you have all the necessary install components.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide .Profiles • A polycarbonate U-channel may be used to cap off the top and bottom of a multiwall sheet, preventing debris from accumulating within the walls. • Drill weep holes every twelve (12) inches in U-channel to ensure proper moisture drainage. • A polycarbonate H-channel may be used to join two multiwall sheets together, providing a finished, professional look. • An aluminum base and cap frame system may also be used.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Rafters Rafters are vertical sloping beams that make up the main framework of a roof. These framing members typically run from the roof peak to the eaves. Rafters support the weight of the roof and the roof load. • Maximum rafter spacing depends on sheet thickness and sheet width. • ‘On center’ is the measurement from the center of one rafter to the center of the next.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE For example: If your material is an 8mm LEXAN™ THERMOCLEAR™ 15 multiwall with 48” rafters, we recommend spacing your purlins at the maximum length of 27” apart. See diagram below. Technical & Install Guide Loading Charts 6mm Multiwall Sheet (Stocked) Sheet Width = Rafter Spacing Sheet Length = Purlin Spacing *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide 8mm Multiwall Sheet (Special Order) *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide 10mm Multiwall Sheet (Special Order) *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide 16mm Multiwall Sheet (Stocked) *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide 20mm Multiwall Sheet (Special Order) *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide 25mm Multiwall Sheet (Special Order) If you have questions concerning the loading guidelines required for your project, please contact Polymershapes at 800.421.0102 or send an email to retail@polymershapes.com. If you have specific questions about requirements in your region, contact your local code office or building inspector. *DMX = Deflection retail@polymershapes.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Installation Protective Film Multiwall sheets come with a protective film. This film protects the sheets from scratches and provides important product information. Keep the film on until the sheets are fully installed. If needed for cutting, taping, and/or fastening, remove approximately two (2) inches of film from the top and bottom edges of the sheet. The film in the center of the sheet should remain attached while installing the sheet.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Circular or Table Saw A circular saw or table saw with a fine-tooth blade may be used to cut any sheet thickness. Before cutting, secure the sheet to the work surface with a clamp and mark a straight line. If needed, pause between cuts to allow the blade to cool. Too much heat may melt the sheet. Note: Before installing, remove dust or debris from sheet surface with compressed air or a vacuum.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Sheet Orientation and Positioning Install multiwall sheets with the UV-protected side up or facing the sun. On sheets with only one UVprotected side, the protective film indicates which side is protected. • Install sheets with the flutes (ribs or channels) running vertical (downward) to allow for proper drainage. • Use an H-Channel to join two multiwall sheets together. This gives a finished, professional look.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Drilling Temperature change causes sheets to expand and contract. Any resistance can cause sheet distortion. Always pre-drill holes to allow for thermal movement, providing enough space for seasonal temperature fluctuation. • • • • Use only new or sharply ground steel or carbide tipped drill bits. Drill at a low speed. Support sheet underneath to avoid vibration. Pre-drill holes 1/16” larger than the screw’s diameter. Do not drill within 1-1.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Sealant After the sheets are installed and the protective masking is removed, points where the sheet meets the building’s exterior walls may be sealed with a thin bead of 100% silicone sealant. Always check the product label to ensure sheet compatibility. Note: When using H and U-profiles a continuous bead of sealant is not required between each sheet. Cleaning Periodically cleaning in accordance with guidelines can help prolong the life of the sheets.
MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE Technical & Install Guide Removing ‘Stuck-on Product Label’ From Sheet • First method: Try saturating the label with soapy lukewarm water to loosen the adhesive. The label should remove easily after about 15 minutes of soaking. • Second method: Wet a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Place the cloth on the label face. Leave it sit until the rubbing alcohol has soaked through the label (approx. 15 minutes). Starting at one corner, carefully peel off label.
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