For many, the roof is associated with the sky. And, indeed, the roof is akin to the sky, protecting the house from intrusions from the outside. And if the roof is transparent, then it expands the limits and boundaries of the house, making the space around it open and light. In our article we will talk about what a transparent roof is and introduce you to the features of its installation.
The main options for a transparent roof
As a material for transparent roofs Currently, a whole range of modern materials is used. Monolithic and cellular polycarbonate are especially popular.
Next most popular roof covering - plexiglass and "transparent slate" (corrugated PVC sheets).Cellular plexiglass, corrugated cellular polycarbonate are not popular due to their high cost.
At the heart of the manufacture of a translucent roof is a post-transom system. It is made of aluminum profile, which can be filled with different materials, including acrylic honeycomb glass.
The transparent roof can be made in the form of:
- arches;
- separate inclined slopes;
- domes;
- pyramids;
- polygons, etc.
The most common options for the use of translucent roofing:
- for the arrangement of the winter garden, greenhouses;
- for the pool;
- for home observatory;
- as a constructive association into a single ensemble of several buildings.
When arranging a translucent roof, it is important to take into account: the design of an overhead lighting system must be addressed in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the features of the operation of the premises, as well as the climatic conditions of the region.
The main advantages of translucent roofing
Translucent roofs:
- Visually expand the space, filling the premises with natural light.
- Organize weather protection before entering the house or on the terrace.
- In use, they do not cause trouble.
- Long-term.
- Waterproof.
- Resistant to high temperatures, UV rays and chemicals.
- Anti-corrosion.
- They are widely used in suburban and residential construction.
- Very light. The weight of modern materials is 16 times lighter than traditional glass.
Installation of translucent roof
The process of mounting a translucent structure greatly simplifies its low weight.To perform the installation of such a roof, it is not necessary to buy special tools. You can get by with conventional tools for metal and woodworking.
If the structure is made of plastic, then, taking into account the peculiarity of plastic for thermoforming, even the most complex geometric translucent elements can be produced by heating: arches, domes.
Often, manufacturers of translucent roofs increase their thermal insulation properties by using plexiglass and monolithic polycarbonate as glazing materials.
The ideal option for providing heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties are double-glazed windows and cellular polycarbonate.
Attention! Transparent roofing should not be made of polycarbonate and polystyrene (without a UV protective layer). Such roofs become cloudy over time, become less transparent and lose their functionality after 2 years, up to the complete destruction of the material.
Therefore, such materials can only be used for translucent interior structures.
The main materials of translucent roofs
- Cellular polycarbonate
It is often called channel or cellular.
Used for roofing
- pool patios;
- peaks and canopies;
- walls and roofs of the winter garden, greenhouses, greenhouses;
- vertical glazing;
- transparent partitions;
- when arranging anti-aircraft lamps, etc.
Today, transparent and colored panels are available on the market. They have high impact strength (200 times that of glass) and light weight (12 times lighter than glass).
Cellular polycarbonate gives the structures lightness and elegance, while providing good sound insulation.The main disadvantages of cellular polycarbonate: a significant coefficient of thermal expansion.
In order to connect the panels to each other, it is necessary to use special connecting profiles made of polycarbonate, steel or aluminum.
It is important to know: in order for polycarbonate panels to serve their service life, they must not come into contact with metal parts.
- Profiled PVC
Modern manufacturers produce two options: in the form of a window and facade system.
A translucent roof made of PVC profiles should be combined with powerful steel elements - they perform the function of a truss system. PVC profiles have high impact strength, chemical inertness and low water absorption.
- Polyester reinforced with fiberglass
Sheet or roll, inexpensive material. It is made from polyester resins and fiberglass.
Most often used to cover large areas, recreation areas, hinges and canopies, as separate elements of roofs of complex shape. Polyester has high temperature resistance and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
A transparent roof is a beautiful constructive solution. In order to determine the choice of material, you need to know the functional purpose of the building, its design features and the expected load during operation.
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