Alexei Volkov
Plastic sheet roofing is a cost-effective, long-lasting and low-maintenance roofing option that is easy to install. It is a popular choice for those looking to save money on professional installation services. Before installing plastic roofing, it is important to understand key factors such as proper alignment, securing methods, and drainage optimization. The installation process involves measuring, cutting, and fastening roof panels, and it is made easier if you drill the holes for fasteners in advance. Plastic roofing is strong and easy to cut to the required size, but it is more lightweight and less durable than aluminum.
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What You'll Learn
Understand the benefits of corrugated plastic roofing
Corrugated plastic roofing has several benefits that make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties. Firstly, it is lightweight and easy to install, making it a budget-friendly option for DIY enthusiasts and contractors alike. Its lightweight nature also means it can be easily handled and transported, which is especially useful for larger projects.
Corrugated plastic roofing is also highly durable. It is water-resistant and not susceptible to rot, fungus, decay, mildew, rust or corrosion, which can all lead to degradation and leaks. It is also surprisingly impact-resistant, with high-quality plastic roofs able to withstand falling limbs, hailstorms and heavy winds. This impact resistance also means it can hold up to foot traffic for maintenance, and its corrugated nature helps prevent water build-up.
The material is also coated with an anti-scratch coating and UV protection, ensuring the roofing remains intact and undamaged for a long time, even with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. This UV-blocking technology also prevents the material from becoming yellow and shields against dangerous UV radiation.
Corrugated plastic roofing is available in a wide range of colours and styles, allowing property owners to customise the look of their buildings. It is also easy to clean, requiring only a soft cloth, water, and cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer. This low-maintenance feature helps to reduce long-term costs.
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Choose the right type of plastic roofing
When it comes to choosing plastic roofing, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right type of plastic roofing for your project:
Material Type
The most common materials for plastic roofing sheets are polycarbonate and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Polycarbonate roofing is known for its durability, impact resistance, and ability to block harmful UV rays while allowing light transmission. It is available in corrugated or multiwall forms, with the corrugated option offering better weight distribution under high winds or heavy snow loads. HDPE, on the other hand, is known for its strength and puncture resistance. It is non-biodegradable and can be used in both horizontal and vertical applications.
Thickness
The thickness of plastic roofing sheets is an important consideration, as it will impact the balance between rigidity and flexibility. For outdoor skylights, a thickness of 1mm for corrugated plastic sheets is often recommended as the best balance between price and performance. Thinner sheets may be too flimsy, while thicker sheets will be more rigid but less flexible.
Size and Color
Plastic roofing sheets are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. When determining the size, consider the coverage area and the specific dimensions required for your roof structure. Some sheets can be cut to size using garden shears, scissors, or a fine-toothed saw, depending on the type of plastic. For a neat finish, higher-quality plastics tend to cut more easily and leave cleaner lines. As for color, you can choose from clear, gray, or white sheets, or opt for colored options to add a unique touch to your roof.
Application
Consider the intended application of your plastic roofing. For example, if you're installing a greenhouse roof, corrugated plastic sheets with their ridges and grooves can provide added reflection and refraction properties, benefiting the growth of plants. On the other hand, if you're looking for a decking solution, you might want to consider a water-shedding option that transforms the space beneath your deck into a dry, usable area.
Installation Process
Finally, consider the installation process and your level of expertise. Plastic roofing sheets should be transported and stored horizontally on sturdy pallets. During installation, ensure proper alignment, secure fastening methods, and optimize drainage. If you're installing the sheets yourself, opt for lightweight options that don't require special tools, and consider drilling holes for fasteners in advance to make the process easier.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right type of plastic roofing for your specific needs and ensure a durable and effective installation.
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Prepare the sheets and the roof
Plastic roofing is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and low-maintenance roofing option. Before installing plastic roofing, it is important to prepare the sheets and the roof properly to ensure a durable and effective installation. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the sheets and the roof for installation:
Understand the Material
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the properties of the material you are working with. Polycarbonate, a common material for plastic roofing sheets, is a robust thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance, light transmission, and adaptability. It is strong yet easy to cut to the required size. However, different types of plastic may require different cutting tools, ranging from garden shears or scissors to a fine-toothed saw.
Transport and Store the Sheets Properly
Plastic sheets should be handled with care during transportation and storage. They should be placed horizontally on a flat, sturdy pallet that is equal to or larger than the sheet size. This ensures the sheets are supported adequately to prevent warping or damage before installation.
Determine the Number of Purlins and Spacing
Purlins are essential structural elements that support the roofing sheets. A load support chart typically accompanies polycarbonate sheeting to help determine the required number of purlins and their spacing. The top purlins should be positioned approximately two inches down from the ridge, allowing space for the plastic to expand in warmer weather.
Seal the Edges
Before placing the sheets, it is important to seal the edges properly. Seal the top end of the sheets with solid polycarbonate tape to prevent water ingress through capillary action. The bottom end should be sealed with anti-dust tape to keep out dust, dirt, and insects.
Position the Sheets
When positioning the sheets, start from the end opposite to the prevailing wind direction. Ensure that the side with the UV protective layer faces upwards, as some roofing sheets are only UV-coated on one side. This step is crucial for the longevity of the roof and the protection of the structure beneath.
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Install the sheets
Installing corrugated plastic roofing sheets is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a detailed guide on how to install plastic roofing sheets:
Firstly, ensure you have selected the correct thickness for your sheets. For outdoor skylights, 1mm thickness offers the best balance between price and performance. Thinner sheets may be flimsy, while thicker sheets provide more rigidity but are less flexible. Before installation, seal the edges of the sheets: use solid polycarbonate tape for the top end and anti-dust tape for the bottom to prevent dust, dirt, insects, and moisture. Positioning the sheets correctly is crucial. Start from the end opposite to the prevailing wind direction, and ensure the sheet with the UV protective layer faces upwards—some brands are only UV-coated on one side. When positioning the sheets, refer to the load support chart that comes with the polycarbonate sheeting to determine the number of purlins and the spacing required. The top purlins should be about two inches down from the ridge for optimal drainage and to allow for the expansion of the plastic material in warmer weather.
For fastening the sheets, it is advisable to drill holes in advance for ease of installation. Ensure your ladder is securely positioned to avoid overstretching, and consider having an assistant hold the ladder for added safety. Once the sheets are in place, inspect your work thoroughly. Check that all screws are tightened appropriately, joints are sealed, and the sheets are secure. For an attractive finish and enhanced weather protection, flashing can be used to improve the seal, especially if the plastic roofing adjoins another building. Finally, consider installing gutters if your area experiences high rainfall.
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Finish and inspect
Before installing the sheets, seal the top end with solid polycarbonate tape and the bottom end with anti-dust tape. This prevents dust, dirt, and insects from entering and stops water from being drawn up through capillary action. Positioning the sheets is also important. Start from the opposite end to the prevailing wind. Position the first sheet onto the purlins, ensuring the side with the UV protective layer faces upwards—some brands of roofing sheets are only UV-coated on one side.
The flashing helps with waterproofing and adds a neat finish to your roofing. Make sure all screws are tightened appropriately without being overtightened, all joints are sealed, and the sheets are secure. It is best to install polycarbonate roofing on a mild day as the sheets may contract in cool weather and expand in hot weather.
If you live in an area with a high level of rainfall, it may be wise to invest in gutters that can be installed after the plastic roof is in place. The grooves and ridges of corrugated roofing mean that water or liquid will shed from the roof surface, minimizing buildup. When corrugations are applied to transparent plastics such as polycarbonate sheets, the ridges and grooves provide added reflection and refraction properties, beneficial for greenhouses.
For the average user, the optimum corrugated plastic sheet thickness that offers the best balance between price and performance for outdoor skylights is 1mm. Thinner sheets will be flimsy, and thicker sheets will be more rigid but less flexible. Plastic sheets should be transported and stored horizontally on a flat, sturdy pallet whose dimensions are equal to or larger than the sheets themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
The optimum thickness for corrugated plastic roofing sheets is 1mm. Thinner sheets will be flimsy, and thicker sheets will be more rigid but less flexible.
Corrugated plastic roofing sheets are a cost-effective, long-lasting, and low-maintenance alternative to corrugated metal roofing. They are also easier to work with and can be cut using garden shears, scissors, or a fine-toothed saw.
It is important to understand the material you are working with and the correct installation process. Polycarbonate roofing sheets, for example, should be sealed at the edges with tape to prevent dust, dirt, insects, and water from entering. The sheets should also be positioned with the UV protective layer facing upwards. Additionally, it is recommended to install the sheets on a mild day to avoid expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
