Pergolas from polycarbonate: advantages and phased production

There is nothing better than to spend warm summer evenings with your family or friends on your own country site. In a beautiful and cozy gazebo, you can fully enjoy nature, fresh air in any weather. But the gazebo for summer cottage is not only a cozy and comfortable place for hanging out in the fresh air. It is able to become a real decoration of the local area and harmoniously fit into its landscape design.

Today there are many building materials for the manufacture of arbors, but polycarbonate is very popular. Designs from it are durable, are durable and have an attractive appearance.

Despite its external lightness, airiness and transparency,The garden gazebo made of polycarbonate is a fairly solid and reliable construction, which has several advantages. Its main features are due to the characteristics of polycarbonate.

• Fireproof. Polycarbonate refers to flame-retardant substances. Even if there is a fire, the material does not emit toxic substances into the air. The temperature at which polycarbonate begins to melt is one hundred twenty-five degrees Celsius, so you can not worry about the melting of the structure, even during a period of strong summer heat.
• High thermal insulation. The porous structure of the material ensures the preservation of heat inside the structure due to the air gap. Therefore, arbors of polycarbonate, in which there is a heating system, can be used at any time of the year.
• Increased material flexibility and its lightness makes it possible to make arbors of various shapes and constructions from it.
• Long service life. Arbors from polycarbonate will last for a long time and for 10 years they will definitely not require repair.

• High strength. The arbor is not deformed and will not collapse even under a thick layer of snow in the winter.
• Moisture and water resistant.
• Opacity. The material transmits only light and prevents the penetration of ultraviolet rays into the structure.
• Ease of installation. For installation of the arbor is not required foundation. In addition, the design is mobile. It can be moved to any part of the site.
• Stability to low temperature conditions. The design will not lose integrity even in the period of severe frosts.
• Security. The material retains its integrity even with strong gusts of wind, guaranteeing safety during operation.
• Resistant to rotting and mildew.

Despite the many advantages of the material, he has several disadvantages:

• the material is destroyed over time if it is constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation, therefore, it is better to install the structure in the shady part of the site;
• Polycarbonate has low abrasiveness and is prone to scratching; therefore, special care should be taken during the work.

First you need to decide on the design, dimensions and functional load of the structure. It may be different.

• According to the type of construction open and closed.The first is perfect for relaxing in warm weather in the fresh air. If it is planned to use a gazebo in any weather, it is better to design a closed building that will become a reliable shelter from wind and rain.
• By way of mounting stationary and mobile. The stationary version is installed on a solid foundation, so it cannot be transferred. Portable models are suitable for those who often like to change something on the site, since it will not be difficult to move it.

• The complexity of the simple, light awnings and complex buildings. It is fast and easy to build a conventional shed without requiring any special material costs. Complicated buildings require more time and money, but at the same time they are not only more reliable and durable, but also serve as an excellent addition to the overall design of the site.
• According to the level of internal equipment can be with the presence of barbecue and without it. A simple gazebo is suitable for family tea drinking, as well as dinners with family. If you are going to receive guests here, it is better to choose a gazebo with barbecue facilities.

• According to the level of functional load, they are divided into models with additional functions and decorative.
• The shape of the building are round, rectangular or square shape, in the form of an oval and polygonal, or as a barrel.

The construction of a gazebo begins with the drafting of the project. It is the creation of the right project is the guarantee that your building will be durable, beautiful and comfortable. Already at the design stage, it is necessary to think through everything to the smallest detail, so it is worthwhile to realize all your ideas on paper.

Of course, the first thing to be decided at the initial design stage is the dimensions of the future design. The drawing should be carried out with observance of all proportions, taking into account the standard sizes of a sheet of polycarbonate. Thus, the honeycomb material has a width of 210 cm and a length of 600 cm, and a sheet of monolithic polycarbonate has a width of 205 cm and a length of 305 cm.

Design work takes place in four main stages.

• Determination of the place where the building will be located.

To do this, pay attention to:

1. the presence of irregularities on the proposed installation site;
2. lack of drafts;
3. presence of bushes, trees, branches in this area or not far from it.

• Cleaning and leveling area under the gazebo.
• The choice of design in terms of weight, simplicity, size and shape.
• Creating a drawing.

In summer suburban areas, simple gazebos with a canopy of metal profiles and pipes are most often built. If year-round use of an arbor is supposed, then the design will be more complex.

The material for the manufacture of the basis of polycarbonate gazebos can be wood, metal or stone. There are options with other types of materials, but these three are the most commonly used.

Each of them has both a number of advantages and certain disadvantages.

• Wooden frames are made of timber. It is quite affordable and not expensive material. Its undeniable advantage is environmental friendliness, naturalness. In addition, wood has a beautiful natural structure. The shortcomings of this design include fragility, instability to weather conditions and the complexity of care.
• The metal base is a frame made of a profile or corner.Such arbors are very durable, reliable, have a long service life. But they also have their drawbacks: high cost, assembly complexity, requiring the use of welding.
• Stone frames are made of natural stone, brick, concrete. Stone foundations will last a very long time, in addition, they are distinguished by naturalness and aesthetic appeal. At the same time, they are quite heavy, their construction will require a lot of time, and replacement will create a lot of difficulties.

It is best to choose a flat, dry surface. Ideally, if it is located somewhat on a hill, so that moisture from precipitation does not collect in the area of ​​construction. Choose a place in the shade, with no drafts. It will be convenient if the building is located as close as possible to the house. If there is a reservoir, then it is good to put a gazebo near it, it will give extra freshness and coolness during the summer heat.

Having decided on the material of the base and the place for the construction, you can proceed to the phased construction.

The foundation is represented by three types.

• Ribbon. To create such a base, you need to dig a trench, build a formwork with a layer of reinforcement and pour concrete solution. This is the most common and durable type of foundation, which is suitable for heavy-weight buildings.
• Columnar. This foundation is able to withstand lightweight construction. It is built by dropping pillars, which are interconnected by beams.
• Monolithic. This option is a solid plate. Its base consists of a metal frame, filled with concrete.

Installation of a simple, easy arbor is possible without the base. This option is installed directly on the ground. But for more complex, thorough gazebos need a foundation, especially in the case when the ground is fragile.

It is constructed in the following sequence:

• the markup is transferred to the plot from the design drawing;
• digging up to 700 millimeters in the planned places;
• a fifty-millimeter layer of rubble and sand is poured at the bottom of the pits;
• concrete is prepared;
• the supports processed by a corrosion-resistant coating are established in the prepared pits;
• in order to provide waterproofing to the base, it is possible to additionally part of the pillars in the ground, wrap with roofing felt;
• the installation of all racks should be carried out at a verified level;
• after the supports are poured with concrete, it is necessary to provide them with a temporary stop so that they do not move until the mortar sets;

The foundation is poured and dried, you can begin to build a frame.

The manufacture and assembly of the frame is a very crucial stage in the construction of the arbor. The slightest shortage of the frame can create a problem of further assembly, the sheets of material will be fixed incorrectly, which may entail rapid destruction of the building.

The base can be made of metal, stone or wood.

Depending on the material of the base manufacturing, the method of its assembly varies:

• to create a frame part of wood will need screws, nails;
• frame base of the metal is connected with nuts, bolts and welding;
• stone constructions will require cement mortar.

An important stage of construction is the assembly of the floor frame:

• it is necessary to install logs from a bar clearly on a horizontal level;
• further installation of additional supports for the roof;
• the flooring is made of edged board, treated with anti-corrosion agent;
• floor boards are fastened with screws.

When the floor and frame walls are ready, you can begin the installation of polycarbonate roofs.

It is possible to proceed to the stage of roof installation only in cases of firm fixation of the frame. Working with polycarbonate is pretty easy. The material can be easily cut with a hacksaw, saw or jigsaw, if there is a circular saw, then to speed up the process, you can use it by putting a disk for cutting aluminum.

Sheds - this is the easiest and easiest version of the roof on the gazebo. When choosing a complex and intricate design, it is necessary to prepare a more complex frame and add additional metal racks to the upper frame.

In addition, the complicated structure requires additional rigidity, which can be added using intermediate beams. Therefore, the design should be chosen on the basis of its own capabilities and skills.

The roof is made of cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 6 or 8 millimeters. Depending on the level of dampness of the room where the material was saved, condensate may collect in its cells, from which it is necessary to get rid of by blowing. For processing the ends after cutting, a sealant, profile or tape made of aluminum is used.

When installing the roof, stepping on cover sheets is prohibited., as it may lead to cracking. For ease of installation used staircase. In the sheets in advance it is necessary to drill holes if they are mounted on a frame made of metal. Sheets are fastened using a profile pipe, rubber washers, screws, and silicone sealants to protect the sheet from destruction, and the inside part of the pergola from leaking.

Only after the roof is ready, you can begin installing the material on the walls of the gazebo and windows with your own hands. The principle of attaching sheets to walls is identical to the principle of fastening on the roof, it is only important to ensure that the stiffeners are in the vertical direction in order to avoid water concentration.

How to make installation of arbors from polycarbonate, see the following video.

When the design is fully ready, it is time for internal and external design and arrangement of a comfortable place to rest. The stage of interior decoration includes the installation of tables, benches, bar counters, extension of the fireplace made of stone. The possibilities of interior decoration are almost endless and allow you to realize all the ideas and wishes.

The main thing is the choice of the right materials for the interior. They must fully comply with the conditions in which they will be used. It should be remembered that the summerhouse is a street building, therefore there can be a temperature difference and an increase in humidity, and, accordingly, the furniture and decor should be made of materials resistant to similar tests.Glazing should be reliable.

In addition, choosing furniture, pay attention to its convenience and color. Arbor - a zone of relaxation and comfort, so you should think through every detail. It is better to choose chairs and benches with backs, you can also think about removable soft cushions on the seats. It is very convenient to relax in nature, sitting in a rocking chair, while it will become a special decorative element in the interior of the gazebo.

Various shelves can be attached to the walls for storing dishes and small items, as well as decorative items such as vases, clocks, which can carry a functional load in addition to decorative items.

Particular attention should be paid to the installation of brazier or barbecue. Its presence is not necessary, but if a decision is made to install it, then first of all it is necessary to remember about security.

As for exterior works, they consist in organizing not only the external part of the building, but also the territory around it.But still, first of all, you need to do the decoration and decoration of the facade. If the arbor is open, then the supports are covered with paint and varnish products and decorated to your taste.

This is followed by the installation of external lighting in the form of flashlights., the construction of paths leading from the gazebo to other buildings on the site. It is possible to decorate the arbor with the help of climbing and lanyard plants, and flower beds can be broken nearby. Many organize artificial garden fountains near the gazebo, which become not only an additional decoration of the backyard area, but also provide pleasant freshness in hot weather.

As for the care of polycarbonate, it is quite simple. The main thing is to avoid contact of the material with abrasive substances. Also for washing should not use chlorine-containing substances, salt or alkaline compounds. All this can lead to the destruction of external UV protection. To wash the gazebo just enough soapy water.

A polycarbonate gazebo in the yard of a private house is the perfect solution for thosewho wants to have a comfortable and cozy place on their site for quiet family parties or even lavish feasts with friends. In this case, the construction of such a structure does not require much time, the availability of special skills and large financial costs. Comfortably relax in nature will be at any time and in any weather. High-quality construction will protect from heat, rain, wind and even snow, and will delight the owners for years.