Instructions / Assembly

16
N. Important Installation Comments:
1. Avoid over-tightening the fasteners. Allow gaskets to squeeze slightly until full contact with panel. Over tightening induces
undue internal stresses, leading to premature failure. Regular Washer / Gaskets (Tek Screws) for metal panels apply excessive
pressure, are inadequate for SunSky sealing, and cause undue internal stresses in the panel. The stresses result in crazing,
fractures, and eventual failure.
2. Never use soft PVC (vinyl) washer / gaskets. Soft PVC is totally incompatible to polycarbonate and will harm the panel.
3. Never apply paints, shading compounds, paint thinners or any material that may chemically attack SunSky, without first verifying
compatibility to the panel by contacting Palram Americas or its distributor.
4. Always work safely. Follow safety recommendations in the Installation Instructions.
5. Maximum span: Net spans should not exceed 5' to avoid buckling due to thermal expansion. Reference profile specific technical
addendums on page 2.
6. Fastening: Always use recommended fasteners (Table 2, Page 8) for securing Sunsky. Never install SunSky by nailing.
7. Isolating SunSky from harm: When placing SunSky on asphalt shingles, soft PVC or vinyl, or other incompatible materials, use an
isolating barrier, metal or wooden strips, EPDM rubber patch etc., between the panel and a material of questionable compatibility.
8. Extra Fastening: On length runs, where SunSky overlaps metal panels on both sides, we recommend side stitching fasteners beside
the main fasteners connecting the SunSky to the frame. These should be spaced along the side-laps about 12-16" apart.
9. End-Lap Support: SunSky / metal or SunSky / SunSky panel end-lap should always be fully supported, to avoid deflection at that
area. This also applies to ridge-cap/SunSky end-lap.
10. Support Profiles: At SunSky / SunSky or metal / SunSky side-lap (length overlap), metal or wood length support bars can be
added under the side-lap to minimize deflection, assisting in sealing & stitching. The length support bars should be sized to
suit the corrugations.
11. Silicone Sealant: 100% silicone sealant (see page 10, section 6c). Refer to Palram Americas or its distributor for other approved
sealing or bonding materials should they be required. Unapproved sealing or bonding material may be incompatible,
damage the panels, cause failure and void warranty.
12. Butyl-Rubber Seals: Side-laps and End-laps of any SunSky profile should be treated with butyl-rubber or expanding tape,
placed between the overlapping panels at all edges. In shallow pitch roofs (less than 5 percent) double (parallel) sealing strips are
recommended at end-laps.
13. Shaped Foam Closures: Expanded foam polyethylene (XPE) closure strips are used to seal the space between the upper or lower
SunSky profile to edge purlins or ridge caps. Matching XPE top & bottom strips are available for each major SunSky profile. The strip is
held in place by the screws fixing the panel to the purlin. (see figures 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b, on page 12 and figure 28 on page 13).
14. When installing clear SunSky, it is advisable to paint purlins using white acrylic paint, or to cover with aluminum tape, in order to
prevent over-heating and / or charring of the purlins.