Instructions / Assembly

Installation Overview
Before You Begin
Snow, wind and weather loads should be considered when determining the slope degree of your
structure (Min. 2" in 12"). Before installation, check local building codes for relevant specifications and
recommendations. Follow local codes at all times.
TRANSPORTATION, HANDLING AND STORAGE: Do Not transport, leave or store panels in direct
sun before or during installation. For outdoor storage, cover securely with a white opaque poly-
ethylene sheet to avoid solar heat gain between the panels. The sun’s light is magnified when passing
through uncovered sheets increasing the temperature of the sheets which leads to degradation and
distortion. Penetration of water between the sheets in storage will intensify this heat gain. Therefore, it is
recommended to store the panels indoors. Panels will withstand heat when properly installed and venti-
lated. Store the panels against a wall so that the flutes run vertically, or stacked evenly on a horizontal flat
surface with longer lengths on the bottom. Do not stack other items on top of panels. If panels are not
stacked directly on floor, be sure to support evenly.
FLEXIBLE ENOUGH FOR CURVED STRUCTURES: SUNLITE panels may be used in curved applications, as long as the radius of the curve is not less than 20 feet.
BE SURE TO CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Installation details for proper construction
INSTALLATION NOTES
Install panels with the label side facing toward the sky.
To Cut Panels: For cuts perpendicular to the flutes, use a circular saw with a minimum of 10
teeth per inch. Support the sheet to avoid vibration and cut at a slow speed. Remove saw dust
from within the flutes by blowing compressed air into the flutes. For cuts parallel to the flutes, use
a utility knife and straight edge.
Pitch: This is the amount of height in inches the rafter rises over a 12" run. Minimum slope is 2" in
12". Never install panels on flat roofs.
Purlins/Cross Supports: Cross supports (purlins) must be no more than 30" apart for SUNLITE.
EdgeSeal Tape: Use to cover the fluted edges of SUNLITE panels to seal out debris. NOTE:
AntiDUSTape® comes in both non-vented (for top edge of panels) and vented (for bottom edge of
panels) to allow drainage.
2 Piece Base and Cap Connector: Used to connect 2 panels installed as roof surfaces (see detail A).
“U” Channel: Covers the AntiDUSTape® on the fluted edges of the panel. Can be used on the
non-fluted edges for a clean appearance (see detail C).
“H” Channel: Used to connect 2 panels mounted vertically for walls, fences, partitions, etc. (see detail D).
Sealants: For SUNLITE sheets, it is recommended you use a 100% silicone sealant, or any sili-
cone sealant/adhesive that is recommended for polycarbonate material.
Ventilation: Ventilation is recommended to avoid condensation and heat build up in an enclosed
structure.
Fasteners: Use Palram fasteners with special EPDM washers only.
Predrill all fastener holes with a 3/16" drill bit to accommodate for the
thermal movement of the panel. Longer length sheets should have
holes overdrilled. Failure to accommodate thermal movement will
cause buckling of the sheet. Attach fasteners every 12" in the vertical
direction. In high wind areas, fasten every 8". Use 2" fasteners for all
roof applications. DO NOT overtighten fasteners causing the rubber
washer to compress.
TIP: Tighten all fasteners until they are “snug”. If the gray
EPDM washer becomes deformed, the fastener is too tight!
Care And Maintenance: Avoid contact with chemicals,
paints, adhesives or other synthetic materials that are
incompatible with polycarbonate. Never use glass cleaners with ammonia, or ammonia based
products. Clean with lukewarm soapy solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive
brushes as these will mark the surface.
Inasmuch as Palram Americas has no control over the use (and/or installation method) to which others may put this material, it does not guarantee that the same results as those described herein will be obtained. Each user of the material should make their own test to determine the
suitability of the material for their own particular use. In the event of a warranty claim for product failure, Palram Americas reserves the right to inspect any or all of the sheets involved and the installation site itself while the sheets are still in their original position and have not been
removed or moved or altered in any way.
© 2022 Palram Americas
SAFETY:
Never walk on sheets.
Use a board placed across at least
three rafters to spread the load
D
C
B
Typical Canopy Framing Detail
A
Rafter
Purlin
U Channel
Post
2 Piece Base &
Cap Connector
30" o.c.
Maximum Spacing
for Sunlite Panels
Connecting Panels on Wall
(see detail drawing)
A
Connecting Panels on Roof
2 Piece Base & Cap Connector
used for connecting 2 panels
on sloped (roof) surface
Rafter
2" Fastener
with ¾" washer,
fastened every
12" along
vertical support
B
Fastening Panels
U Channel
Edge Seal Tape
use vented tape (shown) for bottom
fluted edge and non vented tape
for top fluted edge.
Fluted
Panel Edge
Wall Stud
or Rafter
C
Finishing
Edges
D
Horizontal Blocking
between Wall Studs
H Channel
used for connecting
2 panels on vertical
surface
Connecting Panels on Wall
U Channel
2" Fastener
with ¾" Washer
Firmly press Cap into
Base to create a
watertight seal.
2" Fastener
with ¾" washer,
fastened every
12" along
vertical support
Sunlite Panel
Use 2" Fastener with ¾" washer,
fastened every 12" along
vertical support. Orange lines
indicate fastening positions
NOTE: Offset the Fastener
to compensate for the
U Channel.
Protite 2" fastener
with 3/4" EPDM washer.