DIY polycarbonate windows: glazing gazebos, verandas, terraces

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If for some reason it is not possible or you do not want to use ordinary silicate glass for glazing, you can make polycarbonate windows for the veranda instead. Moreover, depending on your preferences, you can use both cellular and monolithic varieties of this polymer.

What are these windows?

Compared to standard glass windows, polycarbonate structures have a number of undoubted advantages.
First of all, we are talking about the fact that polycarbonate retains heat very well, which allows it to best withstand even significant temperature changes. In addition, this material is resistant to any mechanical impact. Experts recommend installing polycarbonate windows in those places where there is a need to increase the level of light penetration and sound insulation.

Polycarbonate has a particularly long service life, but only on the condition that the polycarbonate window frame is made exactly to the required dimensions, and the window itself is installed correctly. In this case, the structure will be protected from condensation.

Polycarbonate manufacturers offer their products in a wide range of colors.

Material properties

In addition to its high insulating properties, polycarbonate is also distinguished by its high strength, which is 200 times higher than that of glass, so it can withstand mechanical stress and wind loads.

Note: What is noteworthy is that if damage does occur to the polycarbonate surface, sharp chips and splinters do not form.

It is this property that is most important for owners of apartments and private houses located on the lower floors; polycarbonate glazing is much safer, more convenient and economical.

The main characteristics of polycarbonate material include:

• high fire resistance, even under the influence of open fire it does not ignite, but only melts, without emitting any harmful substances;
• extreme lightness, which allows the material to be used even where glass, due to its heavy weight and extreme fragility, is quite difficult to install;
• excellent flexibility, the material takes any shape, does not break or tear, making it possible to create structures of any shape. The main thing is not to overdo it;
• high light transmittance, so polycarbonate glazing will provide excellent penetration of daylight into the premises;
• excellent resistance to chemicals that do not contain aggressive components;
• long service life, during which the quality and appearance of the material remain unchanged;
• protection against UV radiation is provided by the presence of a special layer;
• excellent resistance to all types of weather conditions;
• ease of installation and ease of transportation.

Why are windows made of monolithic polycarbonate better than double-glazed windows?

Traditional glass windows have two significant disadvantages: heavy weight and risk of injury if broken carelessly. If the gazebo has an insufficiently powerful foundation (or without it), then polycarbonate instead of glass for the windows will lighten the load on the base of the building. This will prevent possible distortions in the design.

If you install polycarbonate, the window looks less transparent from the outside, which contributes to a cozy atmosphere inside. Colored canvases create a light filter effect, turning the light red, green, yellow or another color, depending on the color. Unlike glass, the elastic sheet takes curved shapes, allowing you to close openings on round buildings and curved buildings. Installation does not require special equipment or experience - just fasteners and a minimal set of tools are enough.

Pros and cons of cellular polycarbonate

Among the advantages of cellular polycarbonate, the following deserve attention:

• High levels of sound and heat insulation. This is achieved through air channels.
• Cellular polycarbonate is lighter than its monolithic counterpart.
• Has higher flexibility.
• Wide range of colors.
• Its production uses less raw materials, so it costs less.

Among the disadvantages of this material for glazing veranda windows it is worth noting:

• Has less light transmittance.
• Less durable than its monolithic counterpart.

When choosing polycarbonate for glazing a veranda, it is important to consider several factors. Cellular polycarbonate is more affordable and will provide you with more reliable thermal insulation. On the other hand, monolithic has higher impact resistance and is more attractive when it comes to the aesthetic consistency of the veranda. Be that as it may, the material must be UV protected.

Practicality of polycarbonate windows

An excellent replacement for glass is polycarbonate. This is a worthy alternative to plastic double-glazed windows, as it has quality characteristics:

1. Increased impact strength and strength. Polycarbonate is distinguished by its increased impact strength
2. Low specific gravity allows the foundation to be lightweight.
3. Fire and environmentally safe.
4. Temperature changes do not affect the quality of the material.
5. High heat and sound insulation properties.
6. Transparency and tintability expand the options for implementing design ideas.
7. Plasticity promotes the flexibility of a material without heating.
8. High resistance to aggressive environments and sunlight.
9. It does not transmit ultraviolet rays, but it blocks infrared rays.
10. Costs less than glass.

Flaws:

1. Weakly resists abrasives. Easily scratched. Despite its many advantages, polycarbonate is susceptible to abrasion
2. It reacts to the effects of low and high temperatures with a significant change in its size. This factor should be taken into account during installation, planning in advance the place for the thermal gap.

Advantages of aluminum structures

The material is resistant to mechanical damage and atmospheric conditions. It is these qualities that are valued in aluminum sliding systems. It does not fade or be damaged by ultraviolet radiation, and most importantly, it is resistant to rust. In addition, such designs have the following advantages:

• Cheaper production. The structure does not need to be reinforced with reinforcement and other devices, which makes its production cheaper.
• Sophistication and simplicity. For translucent structures, thin frames are used, which are several times smaller than wooden and plastic structures. Such systems transmit light perfectly.
• Possibility of glazing large openings. The lightness of aluminum allows you to glaze very long windows and doors. At the same time, the light transmission and sophistication of the systems are maintained.
• Wide color palette. Aluminum can be easily painted with various coatings of various colors, so choosing a structure to match the color of the facade will not be difficult.
• Possibility of production according to room standards. Structures made from such material are produced according to individual customer requests.
• Easy to use. Sliding windows of this type need to be washed periodically and the fasteners inspected for preventive purposes.

However, such windows also have their disadvantages:

• Slight spread. Few companies produce such structures. You may have to order structures from another city, which will increase their cost.
• High price. Installations with single glass units are cheap. The same cannot be said about windows with triple glass; they are an order of magnitude more expensive than PVC structures of a similar configuration.

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Thanks to aluminum structures, unusual design ideas can be realized. Windows of this type are optimal for use on cold verandas, greenhouses and balconies.

Advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate still belongs to the category of new products; its properties are not known to everyone. Let's consider the pros and cons of the material. The advantages include:

• Strength.
• Light weight.
• Elasticity.
• Transparency.
• Resistance to loads, the ability to withstand impacts of a certain force without destruction.
• The material melts but does not support combustion.
• Ecological cleanliness, absence of harmful emissions.

At the same time, some disadvantages are inevitable:

• The surface of the material is not resistant to scratches, which must be taken into account when working or caring for plastic.
• The material changes its linear dimensions when heated; when designing polycarbonate structures, it is necessary to leave gaps to compensate for linear expansion.
• Instability to ultraviolet radiation. The material itself does not transmit UV rays, but under their influence its structure changes. At the same time, manufacturers have already resolved the issue; a film is installed as an outer protective layer, protecting the material from exposure to the sun.

The list of advantages of the material is much longer, and the disadvantages are rather features. But the most important advantage of polycarbonate should also be mentioned: for all its positive qualities, it is also quite cheap, which greatly increases its attractiveness for users.

Advantages of polycarbonate

For the construction of the roof, tiles, slate, profile sheets, etc. are traditionally used. But only polycarbonate will give the terrace reliability, durability, aesthetics, reduce installation time, and save the budget.

Polycarbonate, produced in the form of sheets, can be cellular or monolithic.

Cellular polycarbonate - with cellular voids - has the following advantages:

• lightweight – allows the use of lightweight load-bearing elements during construction;
• flexible – easily takes the desired shape without heating;
• durable - withstands loads in the form of snow;
• light transmission capacity – 80%;
• reliably protected from ultraviolet radiation;
• shockproof;
• incombustible.

Disadvantages:

• can be scratched easily;
• exposed to aggressive environments.

Monolithic polycarbonate, consisting of a homogeneous material, has the following advantages:

• transmits 90% of light;
• high strength;
• heat resistant;
• fireproof, will not release highly toxic substances during combustion;
• bends easily.

The disadvantage is the fact that the material requires thermal molding to impart curvilinearity.

When choosing a material for a terrace, you should focus on the characteristics of the supporting structure and the influence of various factors during the operation of the structure.

Aluminum complete systems

Many people are put off by the overly technological appearance of aluminum glazing systems. Rare adherents of the high-tech style may be disappointed by the high cost of such systems. However, aluminum profiles are definitely one of the best options when choosing windows for a veranda or an attached area. There are several reasons for this.

Aluminum profiles do not require any maintenance - set it and forget it. More precisely, not so: imagine how hot it is on a fully glazed terrace on a hot summer day. If in the case of wooden windows it would be necessary to take into account the need for opening sashes, aluminum frames allow you to simply remove the glass for the summer and install it back when cold weather sets in. And there are no problems with the inclusion of a pair of hinged doors in the front either.

Aluminum profile systems are best suited for full-height glazing. In addition to high load-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance, standard solutions for such structures provide for the installation of doors of all types of opening. Installation of this kind of systems is carried out in the shortest possible time: the profiles have a high degree of unification and a simple assembly diagram; installation is quite easy to do with your own hands.

In terms of appearance, aluminum frames are also a very advantageous solution. There are options with wood lamination and painting in various colors, so the issue of style matching is not an acute issue. Naturally, this leads to an additional increase in the cost of an already expensive system, which can without a doubt be called the main disadvantage of aluminum profiles.

Main characteristics of polycarbonate windows

Polycarbonate is a polymer plastic that tolerates temperature changes well and is shock resistant. It is inserted into a wooden or plastic frame. Previously, such windows were used mainly in the construction of greenhouses. Polycarbonate has many advantages over ordinary glass. These include:

Table of thickness and bending radius of polycarbonate sheets.

1. Excellent degree of insulation of the room from cold and extraneous sounds. This effect is achieved thanks to the pores that are located in the thickness of the polycarbonate. They provide a kind of cushion of air inside, which simply prevents the cold from penetrating into the room. And the polycarbonate itself remains relatively warm.
2. Great strength of the material, which allows it to completely replace ordinary glass. The thicker the polycarbonate, the stronger it is. And in many cases, the resistance to mechanical stress is even higher than that of glass. Especially if the carbonate used is also pre-processed using a special technology.
3. Very long service life. As a rule, any type of polycarbonate sheets will serve you for quite a long time, provided they are installed correctly in the frame. In this case, the material will not deteriorate due to temperature changes, and condensation will appear on the window much less often.
4. Wide selection of glass shades. Polycarbonate is a material that can be used for various purposes. Therefore, you even have the unique opportunity to choose colored glass through which you will have a great view of the street, but at the same time you will not be visible from the street.

And a few more words should be said about the main types of polycarbonate, which is used for window frames. This is cellular and monolithic polycarbonate. In terms of their characteristics, monolithic sheets are much better, since they are of better quality and easier to install. They are also safer because their edges are not very sharp. But cellular polycarbonate is more suitable for greenhouses rather than windows. Accordingly, monolithic sheets are much more expensive, but their price is completely justified.

Material selection

Polycarbonate plastic is a modern polymer material that is an ester of bisphenol A and carbonic acid. It has light transmittance up to 92%, high impact resistance, load-bearing capacity and resistance to atmospheric moisture. The advantage of polycarbonate is its ultra-light weight, 0.8-4.3 kg, which makes it easier to install the structure yourself. Experienced roofers recommend using this material if the roof slope exceeds 5-10 degrees. The following are produced:

• Cell phone. A special feature of cellular polycarbonate, from which terrace roofs are often made, is a cellular structure formed by the internal stiffening ribs of the material. Compared to other types of plastic, it has better thermal insulation properties, bends easier, and also weighs less. Cellular polycarbonate is used if the roof is of the arched, hipped or dome type.
• Profiled. The surface of profiled polycarbonate has a wavy or trapezoidal profile, which distinguishes this material from monolithic one. It is used if the roof has a slope of 5 degrees or less to increase the drainage of water from the slope.
• Monolithic. Smooth, transparent polycarbonate, which looks like silicate glass, is called monolithic. This material is much stronger than others, therefore it is used for installing terraces with a flat roof with a slope of 1-2 degrees, experiencing intense snow loads.

Glazing technology

For a standard veranda, sheets with a thickness of 8–10 mm are used. However, if you have to glaze a veranda that has a large area, then it is better to purchase polycarbonate with a sheet thickness of 14 to 16 mm.

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After making the foundation for the veranda, which can be strip or columnar, you should begin making the frame. To do this, you will need corners, metal pipes, channels or wooden beams, pre-treated with special compounds to protect against moisture, mold, rot and insects.

The frame is attached to the foundation of the veranda. After the concrete becomes strong, you can begin making the sheathing. Most often, beams are used for these purposes, the diameter of which can vary between 5–10 cm. It all depends on the size of the veranda. In order for the roof to withstand snowfalls, when glazing it with monolithic polycarbonate, it is necessary to ensure its strength. The sheathing pitch should vary between 60–80 cm.

A profile is installed on the surface of the veranda sheathing, onto which the window frame is attached. Using wooden wedges and a level, you should set the frame at an angle of 90?, aligning it vertically and horizontally. At this stage, a window sill is installed, if provided. After leveling the frame, it must be finally secured with metal anchors. The preparation of individual frame elements should be done using a hacksaw and a knife if we are talking about a wooden structure.

After this, you need to close all the gaps between the veranda and the frame with sealant or foam. An end profile is attached to the end of the cellular polycarbonate cut out to fit the window frame using moisture-resistant silicone. This way, you can protect the honeycomb material from moisture and dust. Now the polycarbonate is installed in the frame.

Installation of rafters for a transparent roof

Even the purchase of the most expensive plastic will not always be able to ensure the reliability of the roof and the performance of all functions assigned to it. The main thing is to correctly design and build a load-bearing rafter system.

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Construction of houses, extensions, terraces and verandas

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For the frame, a wooden beam with a section of 40x60 mm or a standard metal profile is used. To strengthen the base, additional bars are used, placing them in the transverse and longitudinal direction.

In some cases, it is advisable to purchase a ready-made set of profiles, which is usually always available at a hardware store. For work, you will need various frame elements, including ridge, end profiles, connecting parts for external and internal operations.

The rafters are installed according to pre-prepared drawings. For a veranda or terrace roof, the distance between the longitudinal elements is 70-100 mm. The thinner the plastic, the smaller the distance should be chosen between them. The rafters are fastened in such a way that the joints of the polycarbonate panels are located exactly in the middle of the beams with an overlap of 1-1.5 cm. After the construction of the main frame, connecting and end profiles are installed.

Glazing options

Before you glaze the gazebo with polycarbonate with your own hands, you should choose the type of glazing - partial or continuous. In the first case, the frame with sashes is installed on a fence located at a certain height relative to the floor plane. The second involves the installation of translucent structures from floor to ceiling.

The last option is large movable doors, which are similar in size to doors. The result is panoramic glazing. It is convenient to arrange it, for example, on a veranda with access to the backyard. The same method can be used to glaze a greenhouse with large opening doors.

Installation of windows and doors

After the polycarbonate has been laid on the roof of the veranda and the profiles have been completely fixed, you can proceed to the installation of doors and windows. You can use metal-plastic products with single-glazed windows. They are light in weight and can be easily mounted on profiles. Additionally, a summer polycarbonate veranda may include a small ventilation grille (with closing blades).

The last step is the installation of polymer gutters, which are responsible for draining rainwater. Thanks to them, the veranda at the dacha made of cellular polycarbonate will serve the owners for as long as possible. Then the terrace is arranged: armchairs, sofas, tables are installed. Using the attached photos you can find many original solutions for decorating the extension. It is recommended to additionally install flowerpots with fresh flowers on the site and attach curtains. Fabric sheets provide good protection from the sun and give the finished veranda a stylish look.

Required Tools

To install windows yourself, you need to take care of the materials and tools needed for the job in advance. The list of materials is quite limited:

1. Polycarbonate slabs of the selected type and color.
2. End profiles.
3. Self-adhesive protective tapes.
4. Self-tapping screws.
5. Washers for sealing with sealing.

The list of tools is more impressive:

• a hammer drill, it will be needed to make holes;
• pliers;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• stationery knife - you will need it to remove excess sealant during final installation work near the windows;
• building level, with the help of which the elements are installed in the desired position;
• nail puller, crowbar, which will be used to dismantle old windows;
• a hacksaw to straighten the edges of the frame;
• tape measure, as everyone understands, to perform the necessary measurements;
• polyurethane foam for sealing;
• circular saw. It is designed for cutting polycarbonate sheets.

Almost every man who prefers to perform many types of work on his site has had almost all of the tools listed for a long time. If for some reason not, the missing items can be purchased in specialized stores; all you need to do is spend a little money once and the purchased tools will be enough for work on the farm for many years.

And the most important thing is safety, so that when installing a polycarbonate window with your own hands, in order to protect children and adults, as well as animals from accidental injuries, it is imperative to fence off the area near the house on the side where the window installation work is being carried out.

Preparatory stage

Sheet polycarbonate is available in two types:

• structured or cellular, in which between the layers there are jumpers in the form of cells similar to bees;
• monolithic is a sheet of homogeneous material without voids.

Cellular has better sound and heat insulation compared to monolithic, it is lighter, has greater flexibility, and is cheaper. However, it has less strength and ability to transmit light.

Monolithic polycarbonate is indistinguishable from glass, stronger than cellular, it only forms a dent from an impact, but is susceptible to scratches and costs more than cellular.

Monolithic polycarbonate is several times stronger than cellular polycarbonate

When glazing a veranda, if you want to have transparent windows, install sheets of monolithic polycarbonate, and if you want to be in a warm room, choose cellular polycarbonate.

At the preparatory stage:

1. Select the design of the veranda windows:

• opening or swinging;
• sliding;
• deaf.

2. Decide on the type of polycarbonate sheet - structured or monolithic.

3. Find out the sizes of the sheets you will purchase. For glazing, a material with a thickness of 8–10 mm is preferable.

Before using polycarbonate as windows, you should determine the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet

4. Knowing the dimensions of the veranda, the dimensions of the polycarbonate sheets, make a sketch with the dimensions of all elements of the structure: foundation, roof, racks, lintels, window frames, etc.

5. Prepare materials:

• sheet polycarbonate;
• tape or adhesive tape to protect the surface of the material;
• connecting profiles for polycarbonate as elements of the supporting structure;
• special washers for self-tapping screws and screws;
• fasteners;
• polyurethane foam.

6. Prepare your tools:

• hammer drill or drill;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;

To install polycarbonate glass you will need a screwdriver

• screwdrivers;
• stationery knife;
• building level;
• jigsaw;
• file;
• hacksaw for wood and metal;
• roulette

What to consider when glazing

Polycarbonate sheets come in different thicknesses. For glazing, the best material is a sheet thickness of 8–10 mm. So, for verandas and terraces it is better to use a two-layer honeycomb material or a monolithic analogue equal to 10 mm in thickness.

If you decide to make windows for the veranda yourself, then we suggest you familiarize yourself with some useful tips:

1. Prepare well for the glazing process. It is better to first develop a drawing that will indicate the dimensions of sliding and monolithic windows on the veranda. So, you can determine in advance the type, quality and quantity of material.
2. Since the windows for the veranda at the dacha must provide enough light in the room, it is important to select a glazing system in advance.
3. If you install sashes, they must open inward. This way, you can provide a large flow of clean air into the room.

Features of polycarbonate windows

A polycarbonate window consists of the sheet itself and the frame. The latter can be metal or wood. The material is resistant to almost all types of influence, and is resistant to temperature differences and temperature changes. When used to cover greenhouses, special additional polycarbonate films are often used. They are necessary to neutralize the effect of UV rays on plants. Some polycarbonate sheets are sold with a film already applied, which is ideal for home glazing.

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Due to the presence of air pores in the structure of the polycarbonate plate, the material has high sound-proofing and heat-insulating properties, although these parameters will ultimately depend, of course, on proper installation.

Useful tips

In order to preserve a beautiful terrace area or veranda, it is important to follow a couple of simple rules:

• From time to time, inspect the polycarbonate glazing of the terrace, and if cracks or deep scratches are found, you need to wipe the surface with a special care product for transparent plastic. If the damage is large, then it is best to replace the material, cover it or seal it with a thin transparent RET film.
• When preserving it for the winter, it is best to cover polycarbonate glazing with thick plastic film. If you don’t have one at hand, then an old bag or even paper glued to a soap solution will do.

The polycarbonate sheet should stand in the frame with a sufficiently large gap, 0.3 cm for every meter of the sheet. If there is no heating on the veranda in winter, then the cracks and joints must be covered with soft silicone. You can take any plumbing compounds, for example, Seresit 15CS. For this reason, with the first days of spring, it is worth visiting the dacha once again to cover the veranda with polycarbonate and check the condition of the glazing.

Types of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate sheets are sold either monolithic or cellular. Honeycomb material is most suitable for decorative purposes, so it is used in the manufacture of canopies, for glazing balcony areas, and blind windows.

Good to know: Monolithic polycarbonate is much stronger and safer, so it is ideal for installing windows.

In addition, it perfectly transmits the sun's rays and daylight, although this material has a drawback - it costs much more than its cellular counterpart.

But if we take into account the excellent properties of monolithic panels and long service life, it becomes quite clear that such a high-quality material with such unique properties cannot be cheap. Both types of polycarbonate panels have a wide selection of colors, which expands the possibilities for use.

Sliding windows

The sliding structure consists of glazed frames moving along guides in the plane of the opening. From the point of view of convenience, such windows are quite practical, do not require space for the movement of the sashes, and do not flap from gusts of wind. For narrow spaces this option is quite successful. But there are also significant drawbacks, the main one of which is poor tightness. If you install any kind of seal, then abrasions from it will quickly appear on the surface of the polycarbonate, which will ruin the appearance of the window. Another problem is the constant accumulation of moisture in the lower profile for the guide sashes. Condensation accumulates there and rain moisture gets in. The design is quite heavy, especially if a high-quality profile is used. Judging by the reviews of experts, the design of sliding windows is not strong enough and often fails.

Installing sliding systems yourself

Owners of plots outside the city are accustomed to doing everything themselves. Insulation of various structures is not a complex, impossible task. Often the material used is polycarbonate sheets. For a person who is familiar with construction tools, insulating a veranda or gazebo by installing windows is not difficult. The structure can be assembled without outside help.

Before you begin, you should decide on the method of opening the windows. This determines what fittings will be used when installing polycarbonate structures.

There are two ways to open windows:

For installation, you can use sheets of cellular and monolithic polycarbonate. These materials are light, safe, easy to process, and do not transmit harmful ultraviolet rays. The choice depends on the wishes of the owner of the site. The use of cellular polycarbonate will reduce the cost of the process and darken the room; the monolithic version is more expensive, but is transparent like glass.

Hinged (opening) windows

This design has been known for a very long time. It is traditional and familiar. Hinged windows allow you to open or close the opening for ventilation, viewing, or other reasons. Structurally, casement windows are a frame, inside of which one or more sashes are inserted, rotating around a vertical axis using hinges.

Removable windows

This option for self-production is the simplest, since no mechanisms or guides are used here. The sash is simply inserted into its place in the window block and removed if necessary. The downside of this design is that it cannot be partially opened; space is required to store the removed frames. Simplicity in this case is simply a lack of functionality, but in the absence of skills, this option may be the most acceptable.

Metal-plastic windows

Metal-plastic products are suitable for heated verandas. They are distinguished by excellent sound insulation properties, durability, and attractive appearance. Such windows are recommended for cold regions with harsh winters. Among the disadvantages is the significant weight of the structure; metal-plastic should not be used for light wooden buildings.

It is better to entrust the installation of metal-plastic windows to specialists. If this is not possible, you need to carefully measure the window openings, order profiles of the appropriate size, and then install them yourself.

Sliding structures go well with panoramic glazing. If desired, you can mount a combined tilt-and-slide system from metal-plastic profiles. Such windows not only slide to the side, but also tilt towards themselves. This function is used for micro-ventilation; the movement of the door can be controlled using the handle.

Peculiarities

One-story or two-story country houses can have only a veranda or terrace, or provide both options for these buildings. Let’s immediately find out the fundamental difference between them.

The terrace is an open area with a monolithic or raised pile foundation. The external design of the terraces is largely determined by local climatic conditions. In the southern regions, a completely open option with plant fencing instead of traditional railings is justified, while in the central European part of Russia with a temperate continental climate, terraces are characterized by the presence of an awning or roof. The veranda can be conventionally called a closed terrace. In most cases, this covered room is not heated and forms a single whole with the main building thanks to a common wall or corridor as a connecting link.

For a long time, translucent structures - greenhouse pavilions, greenhouses, gazebos, canopies and all kinds of decor - were created from the widespread traditional light-transmitting material - silicate glass. But its high cost combined with fragility did not suit everyone.

This building material is:

• monolithic, having an external resemblance to silicate glass due to its flat, smooth surface and transparency;
• steel in the form of hollow plates having a cellular structure. The shape of the cells formed by multilayer plastic can be rectangular or triangular.

Strengths.

• It is light in weight. Compared to glass, monolithic sheets weigh half as much, while for cellular sheets this figure can be multiplied by 6.
• High strength properties. Polycarbonate, due to its increased load-bearing capacity, can withstand intense snow, wind and weight loads.
• Translucent qualities. Monolithic sheets transmit light to a greater extent than silicate glass structures. Cellular sheets transmit visible radiation by 85-88%.

• High sound absorption and thermal insulation characteristics.
• Safe. If the sheets are damaged, fragments are formed without sharp edges that can injure.
• Low maintenance. Caring for polycarbonate is reduced to washing with soapy water. The use of ammonia as a cleaning agent is prohibited, as it destroys the structure of the plastic.

The disadvantages of the material include:

• low abrasive resistance;
• destruction under conditions of intense exposure to UV radiation;
• high thermal expansion rates;
• high reflectivity and absolute transparency.

Provided a competent approach to installation, these shortcomings can be corrected without problems.

Glass used

When performing glazing, various types of glass are used:

standard glass in wooden frames is the simplest, most economical method of glazing;

Wooden frames and ordinary glassSource spec-okna.ru

stained glass windows have a higher cost - they can be painted over completely to create shading, or partially;

Stained glass will decorate any verandaSource pinterest.de

tempered ones are used when making frameless glazing and have high performance characteristics;

Tempered glass is usually used for panoramic glazing Source pallazzo.su

Laminated glass can easily be confused with tempered glassSource 999.md

energy-saving, installed with frames, used when making warm glazing, an expensive option, but effective;

Energy saving is ensured by the frame designSource roomester.ru

double-glazed windows are mounted together with frames, retain heat well and provide high sound insulation;

Glazing of the veranda with “blind” double-glazed windows Source vl-fasad.ru

polycarbonate (cellular, monolithic), is lightweight and low cost, a good degree of transparency allows you to preserve natural light, monolithic polycarbonate is a little more expensive, but more durable structures are created from it.

Polycarbonate can be considered as a temporary structure, but often a full-fledged veranda is made from this material Source pinterest.at

For design ideas for veranda glazing, see the following video:

Design

When developing a plan, you need to provide for all the details that will ensure comfortable living conditions on the veranda in the future. First of all, decide on the level of illumination. Depending on your wishes, you can purchase transparent, corrugated, matte or colored polycarbonate, which reduces the degree of insolation and becomes a design element.

At the design stage, it is worth paying attention to the glazing of the roof and walls: consider the number and location of openable windows (without them, on a hot day, the veranda will turn into a “greenhouse”), consider installing sliding doors. If a transparent canopy does not meet your preferences, choose metal tiles as a roofing material, and use polycarbonate for glazing the facade side of the structure

These points are also taken into account during the planning process for constructing a terrace.

If a transparent canopy does not meet your preferences, choose metal tiles as the roofing material, and use polycarbonate to glaze the façade side of the structure. These points are also taken into account during the planning process for building a terrace.

When calculating the parameters of the veranda, remember that this room should not be cramped. The optimal area for a picnic or feast is from 12 square meters. m.

When creating a large multi-functional terrace, consider a two-story option. In the upper part you will get a comfortable solarium, and in the lower part there is a shady canopy. To fence the site on the second level, monolithic polycarbonate is used, which is attached to the metal frame of the railing. Outwardly, such a veranda looks weightless, but at the same time it is reliable and durable.

Interesting are the terraces, whose roof and walls are united by arched modules. With their help, multifunctional sliding structures are created, where the glazing area is controlled by the movement of the hand. At the same time, such models look beautiful thanks to their smooth and graceful lines.

The most labor-intensive process when installing such a structure is installing guides that move the sections. If you approach the issue creatively, then instead of expensive components you can use furniture wheels and a classic aluminum profile. The frame will be bent to the required radius at any metalworking plant.

If your budget allows, you can buy a ready-made arched structure. Assembling it according to factory drawings will not be difficult.

Price

Anyone who is purchasing polycarbonate intended for glazing is primarily interested in its cost. But this is exactly the case when it’s not worth saving, since pricing depends on the quality of the material. No, this does not mean that inexpensive polycarbonate is of poor quality: it is produced for different purposes and if, for example, as a partition, it will serve for quite a long time, then as a canopy, it will not last long, since it will be subjected to very strong loads, for which he is not fit.

In addition, the cost depends on the thickness of the material. For example, a 2 mm sheet of monolithic polycarbonate measuring 2.05×3.05 will cost 4,200 - 4,300 rubles, and the same size, but 12 mm thick - 29 - 30 thousand rubles. The cost of honeycomb material also varies: 4 mm sheets 2.10 m x 6 m cost about 1800 rubles, and 16 mm panels of the same size cost 6.8 - 7.0 thousand rubles.

Assembly

So, let’s finally deal with polycarbonate windows with our own hands:

• Sealant is carefully applied to the frame using a construction gun;
• Then a cut-out sheet of polycarbonate is attached;
• If you can, carefully remove excess sealant;
• And on top - secure the position with glazing beads.

And you can now easily carry out installation on anchor plates.

So, the polycarbonate window is ready with your own hands!

How do English windows with vertical rise work?

One of the most attractive features of this type of glazing is that the sash is broken down into relatively small rectangular sections. Windows with this type of paneling have a strict, classic look, which corresponds to their name.

The design of a classic English window includes an external frame and two internal sashes. To open the window, you need to move one of the sashes in the vertical direction, and then secure it with special latches. As a rule, the lower part of the window is made movable, while the upper part does not open.

Movement is carried out through special grooves in the frame and corresponding guides in the moving part. Guides can be made either in the form of rollers or operate on the sliding principle.

To make opening easier, the blocks are equipped with special counterweights that compensate for part of the load when lifting the sash. The counterweights are located in the voids between the opening and the outer part of the frame, which makes them invisible to others and ensures a smooth ride.

Types of verandas

There are built-in terraces (they have a common foundation with the house) and attached terraces (located on a separate foundation), as well as open and closed types. Whatever type you prefer, the costs and efforts to build the premises will be insignificant, because the construction of polycarbonate verandas is based on a frame system. It simplifies the installation of plastic and reduces the time for marking and assembly.

If you are planning to build a lightweight canopy, opt for monolithic polycarbonate (MP). This high-strength material is characterized by resistance to impacts, precipitation and wind.

When constructing the frame of an open terrace, a metal profile is used. Polycarbonate sheets are used to glaze the side ends; fabric roller shutters are installed on the façade to protect against adverse weather conditions.

Preparatory process

There are two types of terraces: straight and arched.

Straight - the roof is supported by columns, pillars, walls. The roof is a system of slings with beams with a cross-section of 50×100 mm, lathed for the subsequent installation of panels.

Arched - semicircular or oval. The supporting structure is made of a metal profile and requires additional supports and jumpers.

You have to choose the type of terrace before starting the design - the type of materials used in construction depends on this.

Prepare materials and tools in advance:

• polycarbonate sheets;
• bars;
• boards;
• metal profiles, other connecting elements;
• mastic;
• scotch;
• building level;
• hammer;
• axe;
• saw;
• screwdriver;
• screws, self-tapping screws, nails.

Proper care

Verandas and terraces with frameless glazing do not cause any difficulties in care and maintenance. It is recommended to treat them with silicone spray once a year.

To prevent defects and scratches from appearing on the glass, they should not be wiped with newspapers. Although this method can be quite effective in cleaning, over time it will inevitably lead to damage to the surface.

Frameless glazing is gaining increasing popularity all over the world. It is used in apartments, private and country houses, cottages and summer cottages. Why are consumers increasingly using this technology?

First of all, the protective function of this system is noted. In areas with an unfavorable climate, where there is frequent precipitation and strong winds, frameless glazing can become an indispensable assistant. It protects the room from the penetration of dust and dirt, humidity and exposure to various weather conditions. In rooms bordering the veranda, condensation and mold are often observed. With frameless glazing, this problem is easily solved.

In addition, the appearance of the veranda or terrace becomes more stylish and modern. The space visually expands, and the joints between the glasses are completely invisible, which creates the effect of a glass wall.

The latest technologies and modern high-quality materials used in the work process guarantee strength, reliability of the design and long service life. Glass withstands external influences, it is difficult to damage or break, and the closing mechanism helps to protect the structure from break-ins.

When glass breaks, it crumbles into cubes that cannot be cut and has no sharp edges or splinters. This guarantees safety for the consumer even in the event of emergency situations.

It is impossible not to note the aesthetic function of frameless glazing. The room becomes bright, looks modern and original. The undoubted advantage is that the technology can be used in most rooms with glass. The main thing is to follow the technology when installing the structure and take into account all the features of this method.

For tips on how to choose frameless glazing, see the following video.