Transparent roof for canopy

The transparent canopy roof is a great alternative to the classic solid roof that does not let in the sun's rays. With its help, you can easily solve the problem of lack of light, bring originality to the architecture of the structure. The materials and care of the roofing should be considered in more detail, because the roof made of sheets of transparent slate and plastic will be noticeably different from polycarbonate.

A roof made of transparent material, which allows you to get natural light over a large area, is also distinguished by design features. Its architecture can be either simple, single or gable, or more complex, featuring an increased number of modules. The choice of roofing also depends on many factors. For example, on the degree of transparency and texture of the material, the seasonality of the design.

Among the features that such a roof for a canopy possesses, a visual increase in free space can be distinguished. It is in demand in the commercial sphere: in cafes, restaurants, swimming pools, as well as in other open objects. In residential construction, such architectural elements are most often found in the design of winter gardens, summer verandas, terraces, parking spaces for cars.

The distinctive features of materials with high transparency include their protective coating. It helps to reflect harmful UV radiation, but this ability decreases significantly over time.

There are also features in the installation. You cannot walk on the surface of this roofing material - polymer materials are absolutely not suitable for this. That is why laying is usually carried out from the scaffold structure. This is not very convenient, but it allows you to protect transparent plastic from cracking. The joints of light-transmitting materials are carefully sealed, like any other mounting area.

Translucent materials to create an original canopy structure must meet a number of requirements. This includes injury prevention and the ability to withstand heavy loads. A roof that is permanently installed on a canopy must be adapted to rainfall and other operational factors.

Therefore, from the very beginning, it is better to choose a type of material that will exactly meet the stated requirements.

• Acrylic glass. This plastic is also known as plexiglass and plexiglass. It is durable, bends well. It can be used to make a radial roof. In addition, this material is lightweight and has good transparency (its light transmittance reaches 90%). And also the material is devoid of all the disadvantages of classic glass - fragility, massiveness, easily tolerates long-term operation in the open air.

• Polycarbonate. Transparent sheets of a monolithic subspecies of this material are considered vandal-proof, and honeycomb sheets are designed to create lightweight structures. They do not provide complete transparency, but they provide privacy and protection from overheating. Especially interesting in the case of creating a canopy corrugated polycarbonate in the form of sheets of slate or roofing profile. It can be colored and completely transparent, with different heights and shapes of protrusions, it is characterized by increased rigidity and good bearing capacity.

• Transparent slate. It is made of PVC, vinyl, similar in shape and size to Euroslate. A good option for a canopy, in which there will be not a continuous transparent coating, but only separate inserts. This design solution looks stylish, avoids significant heating of surfaces during operation, which is especially important if a safe play area or parking lot is being set up.

• Triplex. A special type of protective glass made of ordinary (silicate) material or monolithic polycarbonate. It consists of 3 layers at once, providing high structural strength. With such a coating, the canopy will even withstand the fall of a heavy object onto it without visible damage. But triplex roads, much heavier than other materials, belongs to the category of special coatings.

• Reinforced polyester. Depending on the thickness, it can be rolled and sheet, it is a kind of fiberglass on a polyester basis. It is environmentally friendly, easy to install, and available for use. Such a covering is easy to install on almost any shed, whether it is a straight structure or a complex complex with a pitched roof (for example, an arch).

These are the main materials that are commonly considered as coatings. Comparing them with each other, it is worth noting the affordable price of cellular polycarbonate and reinforced polyester - according to these indicators, the materials are far ahead of many analogues.

When choosing a transparent roof covering for a canopy, you have to be especially careful about its cleanliness.

Among the measures taken on a regular basis by the owners of such structures, several points can be distinguished.

• Mechanical cleaning. This includes: removing dry leaves, branches and other debris, cleaning the surface from dirt that does not require the use of moisture, using special brooms or mops. In winter, if independent snow removal is impossible due to the architectural features of the canopy, this mission will also have to be undertaken.
• Wet cleaning. It is carried out at least once every 6 months. Includes water supply under pressure from a special hose or washing by hand from scaffolding or ladder. This removes traces of bird and animal droppings, dust and other contaminants. If necessary, you can use compatible detergents.
• Seasonal care. It is held in the spring after the snow cover melts. In the process, dirt is removed from the inside and outside. Better to use special wipers and mops on the telescopic handle. The foam pads are gentle but effective. Only mild dishwashing detergents are suitable for cleaning most plastics.

See below for a transparent canopy roof.