Sunlite Installation Instructions
Chara Dagres
Suntuf Sunlite Twinwall can be installed onto supporting structures in two ways:1. On top of purlins. When your structure has purlins, fixing screws are placed through the Sunlite Joiners and screwed into the Purlins to hold it in place.
2. On Rafters only. Normally there are no purlins in these designs. H-Bar Joiners will sit on top of the rafters giving a clean appearance. For this to be possible the rafters must be set apart to exactly the same distance as the joins in the sheet, which requires careful planning if you are building a new structure. If your structure is already built and the rafters are the wrong distance apart, you can either put in purlins or cut the sheets down to fit to the rafter centres. See the image below where the aluminium joiners are hidden by the rafters.
If you are building the structure make sure that you allow for a good fall or gradient. This is the slope on the roof that helps. the rain to run off into the gutter. The MINIMUM recommended fall for Suntuf Sunlite is 5 degrees. This is important for a few reasons:
Hi
I am going to make a verandah with entire roof to be sun tug greca solar grey polycarbonate. I would like to know this is good or not. If not I love to receive the ideas or commences about this.
Hi Matt
Sunlite Twinwall is designed for rafter centres of 1m therefore eliminating the need for purlins unless you are in a high wind area. If using F sections on the 2 outside edges then the distance from the middle of the last internal rafter to the outside edge of outer rafter should be 995mm.
It is recommended that you have a minimum of 5 degrees in fall which is 88mm per m so you are a little under the minimum recommended.
Regards Judy
Hi Simon
Thanks for your enquiry. Some States do have Clear polycarbonate end caps. Email us at
sa...@polycarbonate.com.au with your details and we can confirm if available.
Regards Team PCR
Hi, im using the one piece H bar with rafters spaced 1m apart and the plan is to meet underneath the gutter. I have 17mm spacing between the top of the beam and under the gutter so it is hard for the F section tail up. Would it be ok to seal with the tape and run the sheet into the gap hitting the fascia and sealing above with silicone? So top end will have no capping
Thanks for the question. Generally, while technically possible it is NOT advised to join any twin or multiwall sheeting along the fall. In practice it is too hard to waterproof and keep the sheets looking clean. The only way that this maybe achieved is by altering the structure and adding a step. This would mean that each section of roof would fall onto the one below it and there was physical gap between panels.
The length of the panel can be up to 9m but joiner can be up to 7m or 6m only. So, some internal purlin requires two fastening. What is the minimum edge spacing for the joiner and how could we seal the joiner together to prevent water penetrate between two joiners? Gasket can be long as 25m but it could cover the side of panels but no the center of joiner.
Thanks for the great questions and comments! We are always happy when people take time to read the installation guides and consider what will work well for them. I can answer a few of your questions below:
QUALITY
Both of these products are quality. They have both been around for a long time and are covered by very good warranties. They simply use different methods for their recommended installations. There are pros and cons associated with each. Please feel free to give us a call if you to discuss these in more detail.
Normally, we would suggest a profiled sheet, or a solid sheet. While the guides will still recommend 5 degrees we know from experience that they are less problematic. Feel free to give us a call if you wish to discuss further.
The existing system has a poly-carbonate ridge capping which worked fine although I had to put a join in it. What do you recommend for ridge capping of the roof that has 16.4 degrees slope either side ?
Being a pedantic engineer it seems that, at the H-sections, the sheet will sit slightly higher than at the F-section due to the thickness of the rubber gasket. Is this correct ? It has some bearing on my next question.
Given that the sheets will attach to purlins spaced at 900mm I believe that the H-section aluminium is the only choice for joining the sheets since the 2-piece system is not as strong and would be difficult to close in the unsupported parts between purlins. Do you agree ?
You are correct the sheet will sit about 1-1.5mm proud due to H bar/gasket when compared to F section. If using the F section on the barge side, you can account for this by adjusting before screwing off.
Hi
I have a twin wall polycarbonate roof over an existing verandah that is well passed its prime and I would like to replace it with same, as in suntuff, the existing one has a run off bend about 300mm from end, can suntuff be rounded off to provide the same profile and does this need to be done professionally or can a very handy, very experienced diy possibly manage it?
Many thanks in anticipation.
Lucy
Due to restrictions in our gated community we are not allowed to roof our battened pergola. Is it possible to locate the polycarbonate roofing under the rafters. (Cutting them to size and using the u chanels to keep them in place between the rafters?) thanks
I have 9 sheets of 10mm twin wall poly sheets at 2meters long. I am using the H section one piece joiners. My question is can I do away with rafters and perlins over the 2 meter and screw the top and bottom ends of the H section only. The H section appears to be very strong and ridged.
Regards
Walter Zammit
Hi Walter
Thanks for your enquiry. Although the aluminium joiners are sturdy, you will still need either rafters at 1m centres OR purlins at maximum of 1200mm spacings. So for a 2m span you would need to add 1 mid purlin.
The F Section can be used against the wall if desired. Though it should NOT be fixed to the wall, as you will need to allow for some expansion and contraction of the sheeting. You will also note that pending your pitch it angle away from the wall. It can be used to create a drip edge that you can flash over.
For the valley, the end cap is used (as per a normal gutter end) all sheeting should be secure using H bars (joiners). You may need to cut the tip of the triangle and add a small section of H bar to make sure you get good hold down.
Hi Team PC,
I want to install on a pergola with the downside facing the house so will drain into existing gutter, in other words, sloping up from the house.
Do I just use the same end cap and lock cap as you would for a downward sloping pergola? Also, is this a bad idea for a west facing structure for wind purposes (in Adelaide which is classified as not a high wind area)?
Many thanks,
Matt
Hi Penny
Yes we can supply the breather tape. Email us on
sa...@polycarbonate.com.au
with your details of where you are and I can let you know where you can get it from.
Regards Team PCR
Hi! I want to replace an existing Twinwall pergola roof with Suntuf Sunlite. The pergola frame is 3.5 x 3.5m. Can the polycarbonate sheets be cut lengthwise, for example four 3.5m sheets cut to approx. 870mm wide to fit with the H Bars and give four even-width panels measuring 3.5m total width? Thanks!
I have installed the 10mm twinwall with rafters at 1000mm ctrs. Awesome product and looks and performs amazing. I am looking at wanting to install a cast iron fire place. Can I flue through the sheets?
Hi Mark
Technically no it is not as it is against the manufacturers install guide. The problem is if the sheets gets any moisture in it, could be through condensation, the water will not run out and then you can get mould inside the sheet which will look ugly. If you want to do it that is your call but just be aware of the possible problems.
Regards Team PCR
My question is a simple one I HOPE! I need to directly screw the twin wall panel onto aluminium purlins. Water proofing is not an issue as this is in internal ceiling application. What screws and method to use to insure that the screw head does not penetrate or leave a dent the panels?
Any advice or help available please?
Hi Marvin
Thanks for your enquiry. The aluminium for the Laserlite Multiwall system is available in Mill (raw aluminium), powdercoated Black or White or Anodized Aluminium. You would be able to see samples at the warehouse so let me know
what State you are in and I can let you know the address.
Regards Team PCR
Hi Steve
Thanks for your enquiry. Yes the sheeting can be installed on either timber or metal structures. Once you decide what product just have the rafters installed at the correct centres to suit the sheeting.
You will find this information on the product/installation instructions on the website. As with any celled sheet, minimum pitch of 5 degrees is important. If you have an L shaped area you will end up with a hip or a valley in the corner. The builder/installer will need to supply the suitable flashings for this.
Regards Team PCR
We are installing Sunlite Twinwall and the installation manual says to apply the breather tape at the top and sealing tape at the bottom, however the instructions on the sheets themselves (on the protective plastic that you peel off after installation) state the opposite: that the sealing tape is at the top of the sheet and the breather tape is at the bottom. I feel the latter makes more sense as it enables any moisture to make its way down the sheet and out, whereas the sealed lower end will not permit air or moisture to escape.
Can you please confirm what the right installation method should be?
Hi Joanna
Thanks for your enquiry. With all polycarbonate it is recommended you have a minimum fall of 5 degrees. This allows adequate water run off and helps with self cleaning of the sheet.
If you only have a 3 degree fall then the recommended sheet would be Ez Glaze which is a 3mm solid sheet. Link attached for your reference:
-glaze-glass-like-profiled-polycarbonate/
Email us sa...@polycarbonate.com.au if you would like a quote for supply.
Regards Team PCR