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FAQ's - Multiwall

How to clean the Multiwall sheets? We suggest simply using water or a mild soap with a soft cloth. Never use solvent-based cleaners. Avoid sponges or bristle brushes as this wills scratch and damage your sheet.

 

What sizes are available? 48” wide or 72” wide (4’ or 6’). All sheets come in 288” (24’) lengths and are cut to size for your project.

 

Do the sheets yellow or damage? NO! If installed correctly, you should not experience any yellowing or dun damage to your sheets. Sheets are to be installed with the branded label facing UP towards the sun as this is the UV protected side. Having the sheets installed incorrectly will cause them to become brittle and more susceptible to sun or weather damage.

 

Is there a front and back to the sheets? Yes! The branded label should be always facing up as this is the UV protected side.

 

Warranty: 10-year limited warranty (attach warranty) ** Fire rating: class 1? (Check on this)

 

Which way do I install the flutes? In order to keep the flutes free of moisture and debris, the flutes must be installed vertically to ensure proper drainage. Using the vent tape on the ends also prevents anything getting into the flutes and helps the moisture escape.

 

How do I cut the sheets? Using a circular saw with a plywood blade or a jigsaw is the best approach. A table saw can be used as well with a blade having 8-12 teeth per inch. Thinner gauges can be cut with a box cutter. Ensure you leave the plastic film on while cutting.

 

Can you cut to a specific design or shape? Yes! You can use a jigsaw to create any custom shapes or designs you need. You can also use the box knife for the thinner gauges as well.

 

What is the difference between transparent, translucent and opaque?

  • Transparent allows light to pass through undisturbed.
  • Translucent allows light to pass through but does not allow objects to be seen clearly.
  • Opaque does not allow any light to pass through.

 

What is the difference between the Clear, Bronze and Ice color:

Other than a colour preference, each color offers a different amount of light to pass through, offering more or less shade. Clear allows the most amount of light in with 80% transmission. Bronze is next with allowing 47% light in. Ice (Opal) is last, only allowing 32% of the light to pass through the sheet.

 

How to I chose a thickness: Depending on the use (refer to image)

 

What do the kits come with: Each kit comes with the following items in order to create your cover your structure.

  • Cut to size sheets.
  • Base profiles, cap profiles, and U profiles.
  • Wood screws.
  • Butyl tape. (Vent Tape)
  • L brackets. (End Caps)
  • Instruction manual.

 

Typical applications: Pergolas, awnings canopies, covered walkways, greenhouses, skylights, sunrooms, pool enclosures, office partitions, sneeze guards, decorative partitions, storage sheds, animal shelters (refer to image)

 

What are the benefits:

  • Easy to install.
  • 200 times stronger than glass but weights half the weight.
  • Excellent thermal properties to help keep under your structure cooler.
  • High impact resistance. Virtually unbreakable.
  • Allows daylight in while keeping UV out.
  • Multiple colors and sizing options.
  • Suitable for cold climates.

 

Condensation: Naturally occurs with the changes in Canadian temperatures. You can help to avoid this by ensuring the sheets are fully dry when doing your initial installation. It is also critical that the tape application is done correctly before installing the profiles to ensure a proper connection and reduce any water sneaking in.

 

Preparing your Polycarbonate Multiwall for installation:

  1. Remove the protective film 10cm from the edge on each side.
  2. Attach the ventilating edge tape to the lower edge and sealed edge tape to the upper edge.
  3. Use a metal saw to cut the aluminum edge profiles into pieces matching the width of sheets to which they will be attached.
  4. Drill drainage channels to allow for the flow of condensed water along the profiles used for the bottom section of the building's roof.
  5. Drill drainage channels to allow for the flow of condensed water along the profiles used for the bottom section of the building's roof.
  6. Drill drainage channels to allow for the flow of condensed water along the profiles used for the bottom section of the building's roof.
  7. Drill drainage channels to allow for the flow of condensed water along the profiles used for the bottom section of the building's roof.

 

Basic installation tips:

  1. Install the sheets with the flutes parallel to rain flow and with a slope of at least 10D. Sheet to be installed with the printed film upwards.
  2. Supporting beams must be at least 30mm wide to ensure good anchorage of sheets and fastening accessories.
  3. Complete all metalwork and painting before sheet installation.
  4. Use screws to attach the base connecting profiles to the roof beams. Make sure that screws do not bend, tear or exert excessive pressure on the profile.
  5. Place the sheet on the top of the base profile support edges, with the side covered by the printed protective film facing upwards.
  6. Slide the base under the sheet and attach it to the beam.
  7. Place the side spacer profile onto the roof beam and attach the cap to the base by hammering into place with a rubber mallet.
  8. Continue adding sequentially, a sheet (step 5), a base connecting profile (step 6) and a cap (step 7) until reaching the end of the building. After completing installation, remove all the printed protective film from the sheets.

 

GLOSSARY of Polycarbonate Multiwall Terms:

 

Sheet Length – Dimension parallel to the ribs (flutes) of the sheet

Sheet Width – Dimension perpendicular to the ribs (flutes) of the sheet

Deflection – Distance at the midpoint of the sheet area between a state of no load and after load is applied.

Purlins – Beams in a construction which support the sheets along their width (perpendicular to their ribs)

Rafters – Beams in a construction, which support the purlins and, in many cases, support directly the sheets along their sides (parallel to their ribs)

Distance between Rafters or sheets supported – The distance measured from the center of one rafter or the sheet support to the adjacent one

Distance between Purlins – The distance measured from the center of one purlin to the adjacent one.