How to glue polycarbonate on a greenhouse. How to glue polycarbonate on a greenhouse

Polycarbonate is a unique building and finishing material with high light penetrating ability.

These lightweight panels can withstand strong wind and snow loads, so they are indispensable in the construction of greenhouses, canopies, canopies, fences and other structures.

Another advantage of cellular and sheet polycarbonate is the ease of processing and ease of installation. However, in the manufacture of canopies of complex shapes and other elements, it is often necessary to connect several polycarbonate parts.

The simplest solution in this case will be the use of special connecting profiles, however, for more reliable fastening of sheets, it is better to use gluing technology.

We will talk about the choice of glue for polycarbonate and the rules for its use in this review.

Glue for cellular and monolithic polycarbonate - an overview of the best options

When gluing polycarbonate sheets, it is important not only to achieve the strength and elasticity of the adhesive seam, but also to maintain the transparency of the material. Solvent-based adhesives are not suitable in this respect.

The aggressive effect of such compounds will reduce the transparency at the junction and make it more fragile.

The optimal solution in this case will be compositions based on polyurethane, which have viscoelastic properties.

If high bond strength is required, as well as maintaining impact, chemical resistance and high transparency of the material, polycarbonate manufacturers recommend using professional polyurethane adhesives from Engineering Chemical Ltd- NOT 17017 or NOT 1908.

It is an ideal two-component transparent adhesive for bonding monolithic and cellular polycarbonate sheets, which guarantees a perfect result. The only drawback of such glue is the high price, and it is very problematic to find it on free sale in our country.

A good alternative would be the more affordable COSMOPLAST MS 460 from WEISS- one-component adhesive-sealant based on a special MS-polymer.

The adhesive has a good bonding strength, provides a strong and at the same time elastic connection after curing. The composition is resistant to UV rays and adverse weather conditions.

COSMOFEN PMMA is an easy-to-use one-component adhesive based on methyl methacrylate. Its main purpose is to bond products made of acrylic and plexiglass, but it is also suitable for working with polycarbonate.

Another worthy option is ACRIFIX 190 (acryfix 190)- modern two-component reaction adhesive based on polyurethane. Effective after mixing the components A and B included in the kit in equal proportions. The finished adhesive is viscoelastic and transparent.
If maintaining the ideal transparency of the glue line is not important, then you can use silicone adhesive for honeycomb polycarbonate Q3-7098 British company Dow Corning Ltd.

How to glue polycarbonate correctly

Consider the process of gluing polycarbonate sheets together using COSMOFEN PMMA glue as an example.

All work is carried out in several successive stages:

Surface preparation. Before starting work, the surfaces to be glued should be cleaned of grease, dirt, dust, moisture and other contaminants. Cleaning is recommended with lint-free wipes and special cleaner COSMOFEN 20. Isopropyl alcohol is also suitable for cleaning and degreasing.
Applying glue. COSMOFEN PMMA is recommended to be applied with a snake on one of the surfaces to be glued directly from the tube.
Sheet bonding. Immediately after application, cellular polycarbonate should be glued together (maximum open exposure time - 60 seconds). The elements to be glued, if necessary, can be additionally fixed with a load. The glue line can be stressed after 16 hours.

A common question is how to repair cracks and punctures in cellular polycarbonate?

To do this, you can use a transparent silicone sealant.

At the same time, before starting work, water and dust are removed from the polycarbonate cavities (blowing out with a compressor), the edges are processed so that there are no scuffs and burrs, after which silicone sealant is carefully introduced into each hole using a mounting gun.

A special sealing tape can also be used to seal small damage.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

How to remove excess glue from polycarbonate?

Removal of acrylic or polyurethane adhesive from the surface of polycarbonate can be carried out by rolling the adhesive film immediately after smudges are detected.

Repairing a polycarbonate greenhouse is an important and necessary measure that will reduce the risk of destruction of the building and save the budget. You can do such work yourself, for this you only need to perform a certain technology.

Scheduled repairs

Repair will be completely ineffective if you do not carry out prevention. If you properly care for the structure, you can significantly increase its service life and avoid many troubles.

Scheduled repairs to the greenhouse must be made in order to avoid serious damage in the future.

Preventive measures consist of:

washing;
inspection;
checking the strength of the frame;
broaches of self-tapping screws;
protective coating upgrades.

the washing up

Prevention must necessarily include washing - this way you will clean the structure from dirt, and also defects that need to be eliminated in the early stages are better visible on a clean surface.

Washing of the structure is carried out both outside and inside. This can be done with a hose, running a medium pressure of water. If there is serious dirt, you need to take a sponge or a special cloth, but you can not use concentrated detergents. During cleaning, the polymer, joints, frames and other elements are washed. After the cleaning is completed, ventilate the greenhouse.

Dirt on the surface of the greenhouse can hide a number of defects, so it is worth washing it.

Strength test

The frame should be periodically checked for strength, you can hang on it, tap the details and so on. In addition, it is required to check it for the level and equality of parts. This way, you will be able to detect defects in time, which in the future can lead to a breakdown of the structure. If the frame is too movable and poorly fixed, it is necessary to tighten the fasteners with the foundation more firmly.

Tightening screws

Even with proper strengthening of the screws, after a while they still begin to weaken, as a result of which the structure becomes shaky and unstable to external factors, such as strong winds. To avoid this situation, periodically tighten the parts with a screwdriver. Tightening should be such that the polymer sits firmly in position and the area under the washer does not sag.

Self-tapping screws must be screwed into polycarbonate exactly along the grooves, otherwise cracks will appear on the material

Cover restoration

Where work is being carried out, temporarily remove the polymer. If this is not possible, you can simply cover with a film. Damaged areas must be cleaned with sandpaper or a grinding tool.

If the frame is made of metal, it is treated with an anti-corrosion agent. If wooden, you need to replace the rotten elements and treat the structure with an antiseptic. In both cases, the parts must dry.

Then apply a protective coating. If metal - special enamel, if wood - latex-based impregnation or enamel for outdoor use. The coating should dry again and after that you can reattach the polycarbonate or replace it with new sheets.

Damaged areas on polycarbonate should be cleaned with sandpaper and covered with a film

Try to take precautions in time to avoid breakdowns and additional costs. The best period for planned measures is autumn-spring, when the temperature is not yet low, there is no precipitation, and there are still no plants in the greenhouse itself.

Preparing for winter

If your area has a large snow load or constant monitoring of the greenhouse is not possible, then preparing for the winter period is a must.

To strengthen the building, they put T-shaped racks, as a rule, from wooden beams. If the dimensions are standard, three supports will be enough - along the edges and in the middle of the building. If the structure is longer, install 4-5 or more supports.

Don't drive the supports too tight to the resin - if the soil rises, they can warp the pavement.

Video "Greenhouse repair after winter"

From this video you will learn how to repair a polycarbonate greenhouse after winter.

Overhaul

When a building has been in service for a long time or it has been significantly damaged, major repairs are required. It can consist of different elements, which we will discuss below. You can also do it by hand.

Complete replacement of polycarbonate

The first is held in the warm season.

Profile cutting is best done with a circular or band saw with fine teeth.

It provides for the complete dismantling of polycarbonate sheets and the fastening of new ones using standard technology. All holes will need to be sealed with sealant to prevent moisture ingress and rust formation.

In the presence of critical damage to the greenhouse, polycarbonate sheets should be completely replaced

Remember that when choosing a new material, it is important to pay attention to its color and thickness. Try to pick up a sheet with the maximum thickness, in general it is recommended to lay several layers. Also the best option is a polymer with an inner layer, such a material will reduce the need to replace the polymer in the future.

When choosing a color, think about the plants for which the greenhouse is intended. If you will be growing mostly vegetables and fruits, then the recommended option for you is a transparent polymer, not a colored one.

Frame repair

Repair as quickly as possible if defects are found, so as not to aggravate the breakdown. You can fix old parts, or better buy new parts if the structure is severely deformed.

Breakage of the frame of the greenhouse can cause the collapse of part or even the entire structure

Bent parts must be removed, leveled with a vise and installed in their original place. After that, it is recommended to perform painting, since during deformations the coating on the elements cracks and peels off. Also, replacement is necessary if the part is corroded. In this case, it is better to put additional stiffeners. If you replace wooden supports, you can strengthen it with an additional bar, and after completion it is mandatory to cover it with an antiseptic substance.

Pay attention to the wooden frame: in winter or during prolonged rainfall, such a structure can soften and collapse.

Fundamental works

Cracks in the foundation and violation of the strength of the structure must be eliminated before the winter period. If water gets into the chips, it will freeze, expansion will occur, which can lead to the destruction of the foundation.

Found cracks in the foundation of the greenhouse should be repaired before the onset of winter, otherwise water will get into them, freeze and expand, due to which the foundation may collapse

Foundation repair can be done in two main ways:

sealing cracks with concrete mortar;
epoxy resin coating.

To repair a defect with mortar, follow these steps:

Restoration with epoxy resin is carried out according to the following algorithm:

crack preparation according to the technology described above;
applying resin using special nozzles that are glued every 30-35 cm;
mixing resin with hardener, performed on a smooth surface;
applying resin to the bottom of the nozzle;
gluing the nozzle and waiting for complete hardening;
the nozzle is closed with a cap;
covering the entire surface of the crack with a prepared mixture;
the resin is squeezed out directly into the recess, the layer on the surface should be 3–4 mm;
drying out;
cutting nozzles and cleaning the surface.

Extensive foundation damage

If the foundation is significantly damaged, the first thing recommended for repair is to disconnect or simply loosen the structural fasteners. If the frame is disconnected, place it on wooden supports while repairing. Remove any parts that cannot be recovered. Clean the remaining parts with a metal brush.

In case of significant damage to the foundation, the destroyed segments should be replaced.

Next, you need to make formwork from boards around the perimeter of the foundation with an indent of 5–10 cm. After the solution is poured, when preparing it, take into account how massive the structure is. Work quickly so that the concrete does not have time to set before it covers all the required surface. The formwork with poured concrete is covered with a film.

Concrete must dry for at least 21 days, but the formwork can be removed and the structure installed earlier - after 3-4 days.

So, a greenhouse is a structure that can be damaged under the influence of negative factors. It is important to make repairs in a timely manner in order to minimize the risk of destruction of the building. You can do these works yourself, following some recommendations.

Remember safety precautions: always work with gloves, keep children away from the construction site, and also be vigilant when working with tools.

As you know, a single polycarbonate monolith is not always used as a whole. Sometimes it is necessary to divide it into parts or, conversely, combine its parts. Below you will learn how and with what to glue polycarbonate and what glue to choose for cellular polycarbonate.

The quality of the product will depend on the selected adhesive.

There are no polymerization adhesives for cellular polycarbonate. When gluing it, an adhesive varnish or solvent-based adhesive is used. It is known that in a transparent material its optical properties are especially important, so the adhesives used should not spoil this, the violation should be minimized. When using adhesives based on solvents, slight disturbances in transparency and an increase in the fragility of the joint should be taken into account. To avoid these effects, it is recommended to use a solvent-free step polymer product. The visco-elastic properties of these adhesives correspond to the properties of cellular polycarbonate and will avoid embrittlement of the joints. As a side note, step polymerization products are based on polyurethane monomer. This type of adhesive is environmentally friendly and highly transparent. The resulting seams are characterized by high resistance to atmospheric changes and strength.

Adhesive varnishes are used in cases where high resistance to atmospheric precipitation and chemical reagents is not required, it is not difficult to glue polycarbonate with varnishes.

Types of glue for polycarbonate

Glue for polycarbonate can be two-component and one-component. Easier to use one-component. It is recommended to use it in the manufacture of simple products. It is also used when gluing polycarbonate with various types of plastic, metal, rubber. This product has the following advantages: strong bonding, fast connection, resistance to temperature extremes, resistance to moisture and precipitation, no solvents in the composition.

Two-component adhesive is difficult to use. It is used in complex products and designs.

According to the composition of the components, there are other types of glue for polycarbonate: acrylic, polyurethane, foam, silicone, hot-curing glue, ethylene vinyl acetate.

The most used silicone, as it does not spoil the appearance of the product, is very durable, resistant to weather changes. No additional primer is required prior to application.

If the surface is dirty, it is recommended to degrease it. To do this, use isopropyl alcohol. The next step in gluing cellular polycarbonate is to apply glue to the surfaces to be glued using a filling tube, syringe or a plastic bottle with an applicator. The disadvantage of silicone adhesive is the lack of a transparent product. These adhesives are available in white, black or shades of grey. This type of adhesive is used in loaded structures that must have high impact strength, resistance to atmospheric influences, namely for the construction of aquariums, gluing sheets to a frame or to a sheet in the dome of a skylight, sealing car windows, etc. The adhesion of cellular polycarbonate is excellent. For its application, it is convenient to use special pouring tubes with a capacity of up to 300 cm³.

Among the two-component, polyurethane is especially distinguished. It has great strength, high transparency, difficult to use. It is applied with a pneumatic or mechanical gun.

It is often necessary to make thicker polycarbonate sheets from thin ones, fix the plates together or supplement the fixation from the fasteners. In such cases, glue for polycarbonate is used. We will talk about its main characteristics in this article.

Types of adhesives and their features

Before choosing an adhesive for polycarbonate, you need to understand whether it should be one-component or two-component, as well as determine the purpose and characteristics.

If you need to glue simple elements, it is better to use an easy-to-use one-component adhesive. They can stick polycarbonate to plastic, metal, rubber, etc. Bonding is fast and permanent. Moisture and temperature changes will not interfere with the strength of such a connection. It does not contain solvents.

If it is necessary to glue more complex structures, the use of a two-component adhesive is recommended. The degree of strength of such a composition and the reliability of the connection are at the highest level.

Regarding the components on the basis of which the composition is produced, glue is distinguished:

polyurethane;
silicone;
ethylene vinyl acetate;
hot curing;
acrylic foam.

Silicone glue should be used when creating complex and dimensional structures. It is highly durable, tolerates temperature extremes well and does not affect the appearance of the product. But before applying it, the surface must be degreased with isopropyl alcohol or primed. For application, you can use a filling tube, a syringe or a plastic bottle with an applicator. Often, silicone adhesive is called ordinary sealant. The disadvantage of silicone glue is that it is not produced in a transparent form (only white, gray and black colors are available).

When gluing small items for which high strength is not a top priority, hot-curing adhesive or ethylene vinyl acetate (has high molecular weight polymer compounds, is elastic and waterproof) adhesive can be used. They are applied with special thermal guns. Cellular polycarbonate can be glued with a sealing compound.

Polyurethane adhesive gives a higher bond strength. They can perfectly stick polycarbonate to aluminum, plastic or wood. For application, a pneumatic or mechanical gun is used, that is, this type of glue can be called difficult to use. Polyurethane adhesive has high transparency.

Using hot curing adhesive

On a note: The use of a heat gun with special glue sticks is an excellent option for quickly gluing cast polycarbonate sheets.

The rods are melted and dosed applied. So, cast sheets are perfectly attached to rubber, glass, metal and other materials. You can buy a gun of any most suitable value. There are many of them on the market. Chinese products are the cheapest. More common brands are more expensive, with high quality.

Modern models have glue sprayers, with which you can glue large surfaces quickly and without great expense.

When using a thermal gun, consumables are special rods that must be selected relative to the model.

Household pistols require rods with a diameter of 7 and 11 mm. In industry, rods of greater thickness are used, up to 43 mm.

Typically, the gun is sold complete with rods of short length (5 cm). Longer rods (20 cm or more) are sold separately.

In most cases, ethylene vinyl acetate rods are used. They are made from a translucent, elastic and non-hygroscopic material and are referred to as EVA.

In addition to translucent rods, matte and multi-colored ones are produced.

Almost all materials can be glued with this composition, but they must first be cleaned and degreased.

The most reliable seam is obtained when using polyamide, it is designated PA. It is even stiffer, stronger and melts better than ethylene vinyl acetate. This material can only be used for "hot" guns. It melts at a temperature of 150 degrees, while the melting point of ethylene vinyl acetate is almost half that. However, with high humidity, polyamide reduces the adhesion strength over time.

Cold curing adhesive

Small structures can be glued without the use of special tools with compounds that do not need to be preheated.

From modern one-component compositions, a seam that is durable to various influences is obtained. The appearance of the product does not deteriorate.

In terms of popularity and quality, experts distinguish single-component formulations of German production. The most famous are Weiss (COSMO series) and RohmGmbH (ACRIFIX series). German Cosmofen products are also quite common.

Due to the presence of a large number of models, it is possible to choose a composition with the necessary parameters regarding transparency, curing speed and degree of viscosity.

All types of such compounds have the following properties:

ensuring high reliability of the seam;
maintaining temperatures with a wide interval;
moisture resistance;
preservation of qualities under ultraviolet rays.

Quite popular is the one-component composition Acrifix 192, in which there is no solvent. This composition has excellent characteristics regarding its operation.

Acrifix 116,117,118 does not contain dichloroethane, as does Acrifix 192. However, it is solvent-based. It adheres slightly worse than the polymerizing compound, and may adversely affect the surface of the polycarbonate.

What components are present in adhesives for polymers?

Different compositions for gluing polycarbonate differ in the following characteristics:

How easy is it to use.
The degree of viscosity.
Bonding speed and strength.
Transparency.
Withstanding temperature fluctuations.
Waterproof.
Resistance to physical influences.

Glue that can only be used for polycarbonate is not produced. For this purpose, building glue for plastic and other polymers is used. When choosing a more suitable composition, you need to make sure that it has a durable effect and that there is no risk of damage to the appearance of the structure.

For polycarbonate, one-component and multi-component adhesives are used with a base of polyamide silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane.

Some adhesives used for other materials may not be suitable for monolithic or layered polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is resistant to mechanical stress and temperature extremes, however, certain chemical elements can adversely affect it.

Do not use compounds with alkalis and solvents for gluing polycarbonate.

What is not suitable for fixing polycarbonate?

As noted earlier, compositions based on alkali and solvents should not be taken for polycarbonate. Due to their high activity, they are able to destroy the structure of the material. After such gluing, the material may darken, and bubbles and cracks may also appear on it after a while.

Molded plastic cannot be glued with solvent-based compounds, they contribute to its cracking.

Self-made from a mixture of polycarbonate and a solvent, the compositions are able to hold the surface together, while forming a rough seam that can stick out under the influence of strong mechanical loads.

Not allowed for widespread use and the composition containing the solvent dichloroethane. This substance is very harmful to human health, as it has carcinogenic properties. This adhesive may only be used for industrial purposes.

How to glue polycarbonate to polycarbonate and other materials?

To fix flat polycarbonate on other materials, you should use double-sided adhesive tape. 3M manufactures Type 4830, which has excellent adhesion due to the presence of acrylic adhesive.

Before using the tape, the surface to be bonded must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased.

To glue polycarbonate to polycarbonate, in the case of small structures and cast material, one-component adhesive can be used. The best hot-curing adhesive in this case can be called a composition based on polyamide. And as for the compositions of cold curing, the guarantee of their reliability lies in the worldwide fame of the manufacturing companies.

What if the design implies a large load during operation?

If the design requires high strength during operation, it is better to use silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

To use a two-component polyurethane adhesive, you will need a gun and replacement cartridges. The seam will be optically transparent, and the bonding will be strong.

Silicone adhesive is also very effective, holding molded polycarbonate sheets well even under heavy loads. The Q3-7098 silicone adhesive from the English company DowCorningLtd is leading the market. Good results are also available from the Chinese Silliconemastic glue (no need to pre-prime the surface, but the glue does not transmit light well).

Known transparent adhesives include:

one-component adhesive Kosmopur K1 based on polyurethane;
two-component formulations Acrifix 190 and Cosmoplast 460;
Chinese adhesives HE 17017, HE 1908 from Engineering Chemical Ltd.

Compositions of several components are also used. This is Acrifix 5R 0194. It contains 5 components, methyl methacrylate is the base. Even when gluing thick sheets of material with it, the seams will hardly be noticeable.

Before gluing a polycarbonate structure, it is necessary to perform preparatory procedures that will significantly affect the strength and durability of the result:

First of all, it will be necessary to treat the material with isopropyl alcohol to make its surface clean and free of grease.
Then, using a suitable device (gun, syringe, tube with a nozzle), glue is applied.
If the adhesive contains a solvent, then no amount of degreasing can guarantee a strong connection. This element should not be in the glue.

Conclusion

When choosing how to glue polycarbonate, you should not save on the composition. A few hundred rubles saved may not work in your favor.

Usually the cost of glue is approximately the following:

A standard tube of silicone glue (310 grams) - about 900 rubles.
The composition of hot hardening - 500 rubles (excluding the cost of the gun).
Two-component composition - about 300 rubles.

Thus, the cost of high-quality glue can not be called critical. After all, when using them, you get a solid and reliable design.

How to glue polycarbonate on a greenhouse. How to glue polycarbonate on a greenhouse

Glue for cellular and monolithic polycarbonate - an overview of the best options

How to glue polycarbonate correctly

A common question is how to repair cracks and punctures in cellular polycarbonate?