How to glue cellular polycarbonate together. Monolithic polycarbonate - gluing and its properties. Features of hot curing adhesive

When using solvent-based formulations, there are slight disturbances in the transparency parameters and a slight increase in fragility at the junction. To minimize such manifestations, it is recommended to use compounds from the category of step polymerization for gluing.

Types of adhesives

Adhesives characterized by a high-step type of polymerization are based on polyurethane monomers and reduce the appearance of brittleness. There are other types of adhesives that are used in the process of working with polycarbonate and in terms of composition, as well as components related to acrylic, polyurethane, foam and silicone adhesives.

Recently, hot-curing adhesive and ethylene vinyl acetate adhesive are gaining popularity..

Features of use

Compositions for gluing polycarbonate can be two-component and one-component. The second version of the glue is easier to use and is used to obtain simple joints.

Besides, the use of a single-component composition is allowed for gluing polycarbonate with other types of plastics, as well as metal and rubber. The resulting connection has strength, fast connection, resistance to temperature changes and is not affected by atmospheric manifestations and solvents.

Two-component adhesive type quite difficult to use and is used in the process of creating complex products and structures. Both compositions are environmentally friendly and have a high degree of transparency. The resulting seams are very strong and resistant to atmospheric phenomena.

Characteristics and purpose

Silicone adhesive is characterized by a lack of transparency and has white, black or gray shades..

Such adhesives are used to make loaded structures that require high impact strength and weather resistance, which is typical for aquariums, as well as for arranging polycarbonate sheets for frames, lamps and sealing glass for cars. The adhesion of sheet cellular polycarbonate is characterized by a high degree of reliability.

How to glue polycarbonate with your own hands

The surfaces to be bonded must be thoroughly degreased with isopropyl alcohol. The application of the adhesive composition is carried out by means of a filling tube, applicator or a special syringe.

For gluing polycarbonate sheets with hot-curing glue or ethylene vinyl acetate glue, a special glue gun is used.

The main mistakes at work

A fairly frequent violation of the gluing technique is insufficient cleaning and poor-quality degreasing of the surfaces to be glued.

In order to choose the right adhesive composition, one should take into account a number of important factors that have a significant impact on the results of gluing polycarbonate.

It is necessary to pay attention to the competent combination of materials involved in the gluing process, as well as resistance to negative manifestations and weathering.

Special requirements are placed on the elasticity of the joints obtained in the process of gluing and their resistance to various chemicals. Poor quality or low quality joints are obtained when solvent-based adhesives are used. That is why it is necessary to carry out tests on limited areas of polycarbonate. In addition, you need to pay attention to the expiration date of the glue.

Price

The cost of adhesives used for gluing polycarbonates is more than affordable. Prices for the most popular and sought-after adhesives for hard plastics start at 150 rubles.

Summing up

The most commonly used type of silicone adhesive. The composition of such a nominal agent does not violate the appearance of the glued products, and the resulting gluing has the necessary strength. The only drawback is the requirement to pre-prime the cleaned and degreased polycarbonate surfaces to be bonded.

The quality of the resulting seam directly depends on the competent choice of glue and the correct gluing procedure.

Canopy roofs, canopies, greenhouses and other polycarbonate structures can have a complex look that requires several parts to be connected. If you need to connect two polycarbonate sheets, it is better to use special profiles, and gluing is suitable for attaching small elements. How to choose the right glue for monolithic polycarbonate, what characteristics to consider to achieve a good result and what to look for when buying?

appointment;
principle of action;
composition;
complexity of the process of use;
degree of transparency;
hardening time;
viscosity.

For the right choice, it is necessary to take into account many parameters in order to ensure the reliability of the connection, to give the product an impeccable appearance.

Modern types of glue of domestic and foreign production, presented on the Russian market, have a different basis. Substances widely used:

polyurethane;
acrylate, methyl methacrylate, cyanoacrylate;
Si is acetic acid;
ethylene vinyl acetate;
polyamide.

The chemical composition largely determines the properties of the adhesive, its purpose, application features.

Two-component adhesive requires bonding

For simple structures that do not experience significant mechanical loads and strong atmospheric influences during operation, an easy-to-use single-component adhesive is suitable; for complex cases, you have to choose a two-component composition.

Hot melt adhesives require melting prior to use, some varieties require special surface treatment prior to bonding. However, there are compositions that experts strongly do not recommend using for polycarbonate.

What adhesives should not be used

Glue based on solvents and alkalis is very active; when gluing plastic, it partially destroys its structure. The consequences of the application are darkening of the material, cracks, bubbles, which may appear some time after gluing. Some adhesives contain solvents, so their use can be harmful to the molded plastic, causing it to crack during use.

Alkaline formulations must not be used.

A home-made composition from a mixture of solvent and polycarbonate will hold the surfaces together, but a rough seam may not withstand mechanical loads. For widespread use, glue with dichloroethane solvent is prohibited - this substance is extremely harmful to human health, has carcinogenic properties, this composition is used exclusively for industrial purposes.

Construction of unloaded lightweight structures

Bonding of light construction parts - interior decoration elements, stands for displaying goods in shopping centers, which are not subject to special requirements during operation, is usually carried out with a one-component adhesive. For this, either thermal guns with special adhesive rods, or ready-made compositions with various bases are used.

Joining parts with hot curing glue

For quick connection of sheets of monolithic polycarbonate, it is convenient to use a thermal gun with glue sticks. The process is reduced to the melting of the rods and the dosed application of hot liquid glue. Such glue reliably attaches monolithic polycarbonate to metal, rubber, glass and other materials.

Pistols have a wide price range - Chinese models are the most affordable, devices of famous brands are much more expensive, they are of high quality. So, for example, the BOSCH GKP 200 CE pistol has two heating elements, electronic temperature stabilization, and high performance. Professional modern models are equipped with an adhesive sprayer, which allows you to quickly and economically glue large surfaces of materials.

Consumables for the operation of a thermal gun are special rods purchased for a specific model. For household pistols, rods with a diameter of 7 and 11 mm are made; for industrial purposes, thicker rods are used - up to 43 mm. Complete with a gun, short rods are sold, 5 cm long, you can separately purchase rods designed for longer use - 20 cm long or more.

Ethylene vinyl acetate rods are more commonly used, referred to as EVA, the material is translucent, elastic, non-hygroscopic. Manufacturers produce rods painted in various colors and unpainted - matte and translucent. All compositions adhere well to almost any materials during their preliminary cleaning and degreasing, good results are also obtained for cast polycarbonate.

The best reliability of the seam is given by polyamide, its designation is PA, such an adhesive for monolithic polycarbonate is characterized by greater rigidity, strength and melting point than ethylene vinyl acetate.

Polyamide is used only in pistols that have a "hot setting" - its melting point is 150 ° C, almost twice that of ethylene vinyl acetate. The disadvantage of polyamide is a gradual decrease in strength in high humidity conditions.

Working with cold curing adhesive

Small structures can be glued without special tools with glue that does not require warming up before use. Modern one-component compositions are able to provide the strength of the seams to various influences, while maintaining the elegant appearance of the product. According to experts, the most popular and high-quality products are the products of German companies Weiss (COSMO series) and RöhmGmbH (ACRIFIX series).

Cosmofen products have gained popularity due to traditional German quality. A wide range of models allows you to choose an adhesive for monolithic polycarbonate with the desired parameters - white or transparent composition, instant and long-term curing, with varying degrees of viscosity. All types of products have common properties:

provide high reliability of the seam;
withstand a wide temperature range;
do not pass moisture;
maintain quality under ultraviolet radiation.

A very popular one-component composition based on methyl methacrylate ACRIFIX 192, which does not contain solvent. This adhesive does not contain dichloroethane, provides high performance. ACRIFIX 116,117,118 also does not contain dichloroethane, but is solvent based. The adhesion strength of such a composition is less than that of a polymerizing one; for the properties of polycarbonate, its use can have negative consequences.

How to glue polycarbonate with other materials and polycarbonate

If it is necessary to bond flat surfaces of polycarbonate to other materials, it is recommended to use double-sided adhesive tape. Type 4830, manufactured by 3M, gives excellent adhesion due to the acrylic foam adhesive. Careful cleaning of materials and degreasing of surfaces before gluing the tape is necessary.

The question of how to glue polycarbonate with polycarbonate is not separate for small products made of monolithic plastic - you can use one-component glue. The best result when working with a thermal gun is given by polyamide-based glue, a guarantee of a reliable connection and an impeccable type of gluing with cold curing compositions is the reputation of world-famous manufacturing companies.

Bonding structures with high operational load

For gluing structural parts that require high strength during operation, silicone glue or a composition with a polyurethane base is most often used. To use a two-component polyurethane adhesive, special equipment is required - a gun with replaceable cartridges. Such an adhesive for monolithic polycarbonate is worth buying in cases where it is necessary to ensure not only resistance to stress, but also the optical transparency of the seams.

Silicone adhesive is very effective, firmly holds the joints of sheets and parts made of monolithic polycarbonate, even under significant loads. The sales leader in the segment of formulations on silicone is Q3-7098 glue from DowCorning Ltd (England), good results are obtained by the Chinese product Silliconemastic. Bonding does not require a preliminary primer, the lack of glue is poor light transmission.

Among the transparent compositions, the most popular are:

one-component polyurethane adhesive KOSMOPUR K1;
two-component adhesives ACRIFIX 190 and COSMOPLAST 460;
compositions HE 17017, HE 1908 of the Chinese manufacturer EngineeringChemicalLtd.

Effective adhesive compositions provide transparency of the connecting seams, chemical and impact resistance, excellent adhesion.

There are adhesives that are especially reliable under significant loads and are very difficult to use. For example, ACRIFIX 5R 0194 glue is a five-component, polymeric viscous adhesive based on methyl methacrylate. In this way, thick sheets of polycarbonate can be glued together, the seams are transparent and almost invisible.

The connecting profile is more reliable than glue

For gluing large-scale structures, special tools are also required, with the help of which the connection can be made qualitatively - thoroughly, beautifully, economically. If you are not confident in your ability to do the work correctly and do not want to be at a loss with the choice of materials, entrust your problems to professionals who know which glue for polycarbonate to buy, taking into account the tasks and features of the building.

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 play 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.

What you need to know about glue for polycarbonate

For bonding surfaces of polycarbonate material, a one-component or two-component adhesive composition can be used. A single component adhesive can be used to bond simple products where there is no undue stress.

Examples of single-component adhesives include the following materials:

Cosmofen;
Acrifix 192;
silicone mastic;
Vitralit 5634.

An important note when using a one-component adhesive is the possibility of gluing different materials.

Rubber, metal, plastic can be successfully attached to polycarbonate. In this case, the connection turns out to be quite stable with respect to temperature changes, the effects of precipitation and other external manifestations.

Two-component adhesive compositions, as a rule, are used to connect parts in three-dimensional critical structures. Often a high degree of reliability and strength of the connection is required. The most well-known compositions among two-component adhesive compositions are presented below:

Altuglas;
Acrifix 190 or 200.

Among the possible varieties of two-component adhesive compositions, the following possible options are distinguished:

acrylic foam formulations;
hot curing adhesives;
ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives;
polyurethane.

Before giving preference to one or another composition, you should carefully study the properties of the adhesive and the behavior of the surface after completion of work. For example, a conventional sealant, which is, in fact, a silicone adhesive, has sufficient elasticity. This adhesive will ensure that structures successfully resist fluctuations under temperature effects.

The use of polyurethane adhesive must be justified. This kind of glue has such advantages as good transparency, high strength. However, its application is quite complex and responsible. This may be a justified step if high strength requirements are imposed on the structure under construction, and its optical functionality will also be in demand.

Polyurethane glue is well joined simultaneously with polycarbonate on the one hand, and with metal (aluminum, various alloys), wood, plastic on the other hand. This type of glue is resistant to UV rays.

If it is necessary to bond small parts, where the strength of the connection does not play a decisive role, hot-curing glue is successfully used, as well as an ethylene vinyl acetate composition. To apply such a composition, a special thermal gun is used.

Despite the fact that almost all adhesive compositions used have the ability to bond various materials in combination, however, this should be clarified for each specific case.

Important notes for work

Starting to glue the surfaces of the structure, you should conscientiously perform some operations that will become decisive for the surfaces to be glued from the standpoint of durability and strength.

At the initial stage, the polycarbonate surface is treated with isopropyl alcohol in order to clean and degrease the surface. After that, the glue is applied to the surface to be glued using a special gun. Instead of a gun, you can use a syringe or a homemade tube with a nozzle.

When choosing an adhesive, attention should be paid to the presence of any solvent in its composition.

In this case, even careful surface treatment and careful application of glue cannot guarantee the strength of the connection. In addition to leaving marks on the bonded material, the strength of the structure will be compromised. The adhesive composition may be destroyed under the influence of temperature or due to other external factors.

As a conclusion

When choosing an adhesive to complete the installation of a structure, an unexpected question arises about the cost of the adhesive. And often the choice is made not according to the properties of a certain composition, but taking into account the affordable price of the glue. Under no circumstances should this be done. An attempt to save a few hundred rubles during the construction of a structure may result in the need for its early maintenance, and, possibly, a later restructuring.

Prices for various adhesive compositions, as a rule, do not exceed 1 thousand rubles:

silicone-based glue for a standard tube of 310 g will not cost more than 900 rubles;
hot-curing glue fits into the amount of 500 rubles (excluding the cost of a special gun).
a two-component composition can cost no more than 300 rubles.

As you can see, such costs cannot become critical for choosing a cheaper substitute. The high strength and reliability of the finished structure should still be decisive for the real owner. Unfortunately, prices have been growing rapidly lately, so it is better to find out the latest information about prices at retail outlets.

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 there is a large snow load in your area or constant monitoring of the greenhouse is not possible, then preparing for the winter period is a mandatory measure.

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.

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