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Overview

Excludes 99% of harmful UV Rays

Polycarbonate sheeting is a product of the space age; an advanced plastic polymer with optical and physical properties that can't be matched by other materials.  It has high resistance to the weathering effects of UV rays and yellowing of sheets is minimized over the lifetime.  Impact strength is up to 150 times that of tempered glass and normal hail won't cause damage.

"Solasafe" is available in a range of colours over the various profiles.  In warmer climates the tinted sheets provide a reduction in transmitted heat as well as reduced glare.  Often tinted sheets are used to blend in with existing colour schemes or other roofing.

Peace of mind lifetime warranty

"Solasafe" polycarbonate sheeting is Warranted by Ampelite to give long service under normal usage.  Protection against excessive yellowing of the sheet (as detailed in the Warranty section below) is for lifetime from the date of purchase.  Damage from heavy hail up to 19mm in diameter in high winds is covered for five years.

Inbuilt UV protection

Today UV rays are stronger than ever due to the degree of ozone layer depletion.  "Solasafe" polycarbonate provides two way protection.  Integral surface treatment will prevent UV degradation of the sheet surface and help prolong its life under the tough Australian sun.  The sheeting also blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays so you can enjoy the sun without sunburn.

More about "Solasafe" polycarbonate

Excellent light transmission.  Clear sheets transmit some 90% of glorius daylight.  See the Light and Heat transmission table below for the percentages applicable to the various colour sheets.

In cool climates, clear sheeting allows good heat transmission while cutting out 99.9% of harmful UV rays.  If you live in a hot climate, we recommend using the opal, or tinted sheets, to help reduce heat.

Fire Safety.  Polycarbonate sheeting is rated as a self extinguishing building material.  Complies with AS 1530.3, 1989 and Amendment 1-1992 Early Fire Hazard Test.

Strong lightweight polycarbonate is easy to handle and fix.  Drilling doesn't cause sheet fracture.  See "Fixing Detail" for hole sizes to suit the "Ampelite" 10g screws and the use of correct weatherproof seals.

All roofing materials expand and contract to some degree and screw holes must be oversize to allow for this; follow the "Solasafe" fixing guide for best results.

Polycarbonate sheeting is weakened by many chemicals including paint, cover sheet and avoid paint spots.  Never use a sealant other than a co-polymer sealant which is specifically formulated to be compatible with polycarbonate; see also Spanning Capacity.  The close fitting of sheets reduces the chance of water drips from the side/end laps, so sealing is seldom needed.

"Solasafe" is stable at temperatures of -40°C to +110°C.  It does not distort or soften in heat but store under cover prior to installation.

Available Profiles

Planning

There are so many ways to use Ampelite "Solasafe" polycarbonate.  And, the cost is moderate, so it's good value too.  If you want plenty of light, lasting protection from the sun, and a great home feature, start by drawing up a simple plan.

Ampelite sheeting is lightweight and easy to handle and install.  Even projects such as an outdoor living area or carport can be a satisfying Do-It-Yourself job.

Before you order materials or commence to build you should check that your proposed work complies with local council by-laws.  Minimum recommended roof pitch is 5º.

The tables below give you the maximum span between battens or purlins for the various profiles.  Sheet lengths available are also shown, and the "Sheet coverage table" helps you calculate how many sheets to buy.

Spanning Capacity

The span between battens or supports should not exceed the above measurements

Sheet Coverage Table

Corrugated sheets should have 1.5 overlaps, 1 rib only on 5 Rib sheets and Greca.  Overlaps should face away from prevailing wind.

Sheet Lengths

In addition to these stock lengths a cut to size service is available through most outlets.

Light and Heat Transmission
 

Installation

Carefully follow all Ampelite fixing instructions in this section.  Because polycarbonate expands up to 16.2mm over 6 metres, we do not recommend using longer sheets although they are available at some outlets.

• "Solasafe" is fixed and flashed on similar principles to steel roofing.
  
  Note: Minimum recommended fall for corrugated and greca is 5°, this is approximately 88mm per metre of sheet length.  As an example: a 3.6 metre sheet requires a minimum fall of 300mm.
  
  With 5-Rib profile, 3° fall is sufficient - for  3.6 metres this is 180mm.  We strongly recommend using 5-Rib when the roof pitch is minimal.  If insufficient fall is allowed, sheets may leak at the side laps and sag.
   

• Before fixing sheets apply self adhesive foam anti-noise tape along the battens or purlins to minimise the noise generated by sheet movement.  Start by fixing the first sheet at the end farthest from the usual wind direction.  the side laps then face away from the wind.  If end laps are necessary, start laying at a bottom corner.  Polycarbonate has UV surface protection on one side only; it must be installed as directed on the label.
   

• Side Laps.  Corrugated profile is side lapped 1.5 corrugations.  Greca is lapped 1 rib, but depending on the degree of exposure and weather proofing required, this can be increased to two ribs.
   

• Screws, Weatherproof Seals and Sealant.  Roofing sheets are crest fixed, but walls can be valley fixed.  It is important to use only Ampelite grey domed seals, that are chemically compatible with Polycarbonate.  As an alternative, use "Clearfix" fasteners with seal and clearance cutter combined.  If sealing is required at side and end laps, or screw seals, use a co-polymer sealant especially formulated to be compatible with polycarbonate.  Incompatible sealants weaken the sheeting and voids Warranty.
  
  
   

• Drilling screw holes.  To allow for the expansion and contraction of sheets, holes must be drilled oversize.  Using 12g screws the holes are 11mm in diameter.  The "Clearfix" cutter and seal assembly creates the correct clearance as it drills.
   

• Spans, Overhang and End Laps.  Please refer to the Span tables above and do not exceed the measurements shown.  Overhang at the eave must not exceed 100mm and be less in high wind areas.  Total end lap at battens or purlins should not exceed 200mm as shown below.
  
  
   

• Cleaning.  Use only a soft brush and soapy water.  No abrasives.  We recommend cleaning twice a year and when bird soil etc.. are apparent.
   

• Condensation.  Under single skin roofs, and especially in cold weather, some condensation is generally un-avoidable.  Good ventilation will always help to minimize condensation.

Recommended Curves

Ampelite Accessories

End Closure Strips

Warranty

Solasafe features a lifetime warranty. For full warranty details, please contact your nearest Ampelite office.

Downloads

Installation Instructions

Polycarbonate Facts Sheet

Important Tips

Polyzips

Project Photos

Brochure

ISO 9001 2000        
AS/NZS 4256.3        
QEC 4787