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Hello
https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-3-6m-opal-corrugated-polycarbonate-roofing_p1015525
Would this panel be OK if I placed it in the back corner of the patio? This is the worst section for rain coming in. The height from floor to soffit is 2.67M. Would it need to be secured to the timber screen with screws and if so, what type is recommended?
If this idea is OK, are these panels all preset sizes? If so, I would have to choose 2400mm.
Hi @LorenClayton,
Although this is not it's typical use, as long as it is supported, you could use polycarbonate roofing as a wall material to prevent rain coming in sideways. You would need to ensure it is well supported, though, with screws at the top and bottom of the sheet and every 600mm or so in between.
Does this beam line up with the frame below?
If so, that would be ideal. If not, we would need to find a way to attach the roofing sheet at the top of the opening, which means adding some timber framing.
You can use these Titan 12G x 50mm Class 3 Galvanised Polydome Roof Screws to fix the polycarbonate sheets to the timber. As mentioned, I'd be aiming to have a line of screws every 600mm along the full height of the sheet.
At that height, your best option would be to use 3.0m Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets and cut them to the desired height with some aviation snips.
Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
Thank you Jacob. No, they're not aligned (trick of perspective - see photo).
I think the link I provided wasn't the right choice.
Maybe it should be 3M of this one cut in thirds (to fit in my small car). I'd then need to attach the 3 pieces together.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-10mm-x-3-0m-clear-sunlite-twinwall-polycarbonate-roofing_p1010590
It's the top section that will be tricky as there's nothing there to attach to. And it's the most important section as this is where all the rain comes in.
Perhaps the only solution is to reinforce the existing clear tarp with some extra pieces, as there seems to be nowhere for the polycarbonate to attach to at the top where it's needed. The clear tarp is attached with shade cloth timber studs.
Thank you.
Hi @LorenClayton,
Essentially, you need to create a solid edge for fixing the polycarbonate sheets. The soffit in that area isn’t structural, so you can’t rely on it to hold the sheets securely. What you want to do is attach something like a 42x42mm timber up into the structural timbers behind the soffit. These timbers usually run along the edge, often spaced every 450–600 millimetres. Once you’ve located the timber behind the soffit, you can screw the timber into it, creating a strong fixing point for the polycarbonate.
Even a few well-placed brackets could work if that’s easier, but the key is to find solid material behind the soffit that lines up with where you want the sheet to sit. That way, the top section of the panel will have a proper support edge, which is especially important since that’s where all the rain comes in.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
