polycarbonate multiwall panel installation for greenhouses


MULTIWALL	FASTENERS	TAPE	QUOTES	INSTALLATION ?	SHIPPING COSTS	RIDGE CAPS	POLY CHANNEL	ALUMINUM CHANNEL

POLYCARBONATE MULTIWALL ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION GUIDE
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FASTENING

For proper point fastening, 1" neoprene bonded washers should be used with screws.

48 inch wide sheets: Should be fastened to supports at all four corners , and at points 6" in from the edges of each purlin support.

72 inch wide sheets: Should be fastened to supports at all four corners, and at points 6" in from the edges of each purlin support and in the center of the purlin supports.

THERMAL EXPANSION

Allow for thermal expansion during installation at a rate of 1/8" per 3 feet at 100 temperature differentials in both width and length of the sheet. Bronze panels will require an additional 30% space.

IMPACT RESISTANCE

Twinwall is one of the highest impact resistant materials available. From transport to installation, Twinwall will maintain its durability. Even when exposed to elevated temperatures over a long period of time, it will maintain its structural integrity. On-site, it will not crack or splinter, assuring you a high degree of safety.

INSTALLATION DIRECTION

Extruded ribs shall be installed in a vertical direction for drainage. Glazing sheets should be joined by Twinwall extruded polycarbonate profiles and be installed with their protective U.V. stabilized surface towards the exterior. Twinwall should not be used with PVC profiles, however, a variety of aluminum systems may be used. Consult with your local Distributor for approved systems.

The use of horizontal bars should be avoided. Instead, order Twinwall in the proper length
(up to 39 ft.)

For proper application of Twinwall in roofing conditions, a slope of at least 5 degrees is required.

U-TRIM INSTALLATION

Stiff fixing by means of adhesive or putty is to be avoided. Contact your distributor for recommended sealants.

Exposed top and bottom ends of a sheet must always be sealed by means of the proper polycarbonate "U" profiles or an adhesive aluminum tape to prevent dust and dirt penetrating inside the ribs.

EXAMPLES

BENDING RADII

Twinwall panels can be readily cold formed to many bending radii and can be fabricated on site to precise dimensions. It is important to avoid over tensing of the sheet, therefore, the minimum bending radius must be 150 times the thickness of the panel. Minimum Bending Radius = Ft./1

Sheet Thickness

4.5 mm

6 mm

8 mm

16 mm

Min. Bend Radius 2'-2" 2'-11" 3'-11" 7'-10"

LOAD RESISTANCE

This diagram is valid only when following conditions are followed:

Correct calculation of expansion in order to provide for the necessary allowance in the framing. The thermal expansion co efficient is 0.0000375 in/inF.

Where possible install the sheets with the ribs running vertically and following bending in bent applications.

Washers and sealing materials must be compatible with polycarbonate.

Recommended Loading Guidelines
for Selecting Sheet Thickness and Purlin Spacing
(Sheet Supported on the Four Sides)

PLEASE NOTE: The charts below are meant only to show approximate loads that the polycarbonate multiwall can expect to sustain under the given circumstances. The charts do not reflect the capability of your buildings super structure (i.e. framing, footings and general design) to withstand loading. To insure that your building is able to withstand the expected loads in your area, contact your local building inspectors or designer.

Max. Purlin Spacing (inches)
Deflection - 1"

Load Per
Gauge (lb/ft)

4' Width

15

30

45

60

8 mm, 5/16"

38"

28"

18"

-

10 mm, 3,8"

45"

34"

28"

12"

16 mm, 5/8"

75"

43"

36"

30"

Load Per
Gauge (lb/ft)

6' Width

15

30

45

60

8 mm, 5/16"

36"

26"

12"

-

10 mm, 3,8"

44"

33"

27"

24"

16 mm, 5/8"

60"

40"

36"

30"

Max. Purlin Spacing (inches)
Deflection - 3"

Load Per
Gauge (lb/ft)

4' Width

15

30

45

60

8 mm, 5/16"

80"

54"

46"

40"

10 mm, 3,8"

96"

69"

58"

54"

16 mm, 5/8"

120"

110"

104"

84"

Load Per
Gauge (lb/ft)

6' Width

15

30

45

60

8 mm, 5/16"

60"

44"

38"

34"

10 mm, 3,8"

80"

56"

44"

38"

16 mm, 5/8"

120"

78"

72"

62"

WIND STAGNATION PRESSURE AT STANDARD HEIGHT OF 33 FEET (10 058 MM)
Basic wind speed (mph)1 (x 1.61 for km/h)	70	80	90	100	110	120	130
Pressure (psf) (x 0.0479 for kN/m2)	12.6	16.4	20.8	25.6	31.0	36.9	43.3

COMPARATIVE WEIGHTS (lb/ft)
Thickness (mm.)	Twinwall Panels	Acrylic Sheet	Glass Single Glazing	PVC Sheet	Glass Double Glazing
6	0.266	1.45	3.02	1.72	6.15
8	0.350	1.93	4.10	2.29	8.19
10	0.410	2.92	5.12	2.87	10.24
16	0.555	3.87	8.20	-	-

CLEANING

Twinwall should be protected from abrasion by the installer. After installation, panels should be washed with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water using only a clean sponge or soft cloth, then rinsed with clean water. Fresh paint, grease, and smeared glazing compounds maybe removed before drying by rubbing lightly wit a good grade of naptha or isopropyl alcohol followed by a final wash with mild soap or detergent and final rinse.

Greenhouses Etcetera
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Benton City, WA 99320

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