Technical Specifications

1212 Enterprise Drive, De Pere, WI 54115 | P: 888.602.4441 Multiwall Polycarbonate Technical Overview (Updated 9/3/13)
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caustic soda, chlorobenzilate, chloroform, mcresol, cyclohexanone, cyclohexenc, dimethyl formamide, dioxathe,
ethylamine, ethyl ether, 2-ethylene, hlorohydrin,gasoline, methyl methacrylate, nitrobenzene, benzoate ethylalcohal,
phenol, phosphorus trichloride, prionic acid,styrene, 1.1,2,2,-tetrachloro ethane, tetrahydrofuran, tolene, 10%
trichloroacetic acid, xylene, ammoniahydroxide, ketone, methylethylketone, dichloromethane,polyyinyl
chloride,potassiumhydrxide, sodiumhydroxide andnitric acid.
Installation:
Multiwall polycarbonate can be installed on a variety of structures and applications. In many ways it can be treated like
other similar building materials. In a roofing application it is important to make sure conditions where different building
materials meet are properly flashed to prevent leaks. Many off-the-shelf roofing and flashing materials are appropriate
for this. Connecting multiwall sheets can be done with several polycarbonate or aluminum systems.
Thermal Expansion:
Due to the thermal expansion of polycarbonate it is important to allow for movement. The coefficient of thermal
expansion of polycarbonate is 1/°F 4.00 E-05. Example: A 10’-0” length will expand ~½” over a 100°F change. It is
important to allow room for movement at sheet edges and when fastening sheets. This expansion may also cause noise
as the panel expands and contracts. This is especially true for bronze or dark colors as they heat up at faster rate than
clear.
Sawing:
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets can easily be cut with fine-toothed band saws or circular saws with fine tooth blades at
least 10 teeth per inch. While cutting, the sheets should be clamped to avoid vibration. When making pointed turns in
the direction of the cut, drill a hole where the two cuts are to intersect, and then cut through the hole. Clean the
powder or debris off of sheet prior to installation.
Drilling and Screwing:
Because of thermal expansion, allowance must be made for thermal movement when fastening sheets. Pre-drill fixing
holes to allow for expansion and contraction by at least 5/64” larger than screw. Screws with a ¾” neoprene bonded
washer are recommended. Sheets can be drilled by using any kind of metal drill bit. Sheets should be drilled at a low
speed, while supporting the sheet underneath to avoid vibration. The panel thickness and structure material will
determine the type of screw used. The pattern and frequency of screw attachment is depend ent on loading
requirements. For general installation screws should be placed at every support and 12” to 18” on-center.
Recommended Screws and Washers:
Screw
Length
Tip/Head
Material
Thickness
Structure
Washer
#10
2"
Sharp Tip
6-16mm
Wood
.75"
#10
2.5"
Sharp Tip
25mm
Wood
.75"
#12
2"
Pan head
6-16mm
Treated Wood
.75"
#12
2.5"
Pan Head
25mm
Treated Wood
.75"
#12
1.5"
Self-Drill
6-16mm
Steel
.75"
#12
2"
Self-Drill
25mm
Steel
.75"
#12
1.5"
Self-Drill
6-16mm
Aluminum
.75"
#12
2"
Self-Drill
25mm
Aluminum
.75"