Fixing Buttons: Essential Tips for Installation in Your DIY Roofing Project

When it comes to securing polycarbonate sheets in your roofing system, FIXING BUTTONS are an essential accessory, particularly for DIY roofing projects. These buttons provide additional fixing strength, ensuring that your polycarbonate roof can withstand harsh weather conditions like wind and snow. However, proper installation and understanding the role of FIXING BUTTONS are crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of your polycarbonate roofing system.

What's Inside the Fixing Buttons Pack?

Each pack of FIXING BUTTONS typically includes the following components:

• 10 Fixing Buttons: These buttons are the primary tool for securing your polycarbonate sheet.
• 10 Screw Hole Covers: These covers protect the screws from external elements and enhance the overall appearance of the installation.
• 10 Foam Compression Gaskets: These gaskets are vital in preventing water from entering through the screw holes, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of your polycarbonate roof.

These components work together to provide a secure and watertight roofing system. The foam compression gaskets, in particular, play a crucial role in preventing water ingress where the screws penetrate the polycarbonate sheet.

The Importance of Fixing Buttons in Your Roofing System

FIXING BUTTONS are designed to offer additional fixing strength, which is especially important in areas prone to high wind or heavy snow. These buttons also accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of polycarbonate sheets due to temperature changes. This flexibility is vital because polycarbonate sheets can expand and contract, and the FIXING BUTTONS allow for this movement without compromising the structural integrity of your roof.

For installations where polycarbonate sheets are glazed at centers greater than the manufacturer's recommendations, FIXING BUTTONS provide necessary support. In such cases, these buttons should be used to secure the wider sheets to intermediate rafters, purlins, or noggins, ensuring that your DIY roofing project remains sturdy and reliable.

Installation Advice for Fixing Buttons

Proper installation of FIXING BUTTONS is key to the success of your polycarbonate roof. Here are some essential tips:

1. Drill the Holes Correctly:

   • Use a sharp steel bit, not a wood bit, for drilling.
   • The holes should be drilled 2mm wider than the button shank to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.
   • Always drill between the ribs of the polycarbonate sheet where possible.
   • Pre-drill the sheet before installation to remove dirt, dust, and swarf from the flutes.

2. Inserting the Fixing Buttons:

   • Place the foam washer underneath the button head.
   • Insert the shank of the button into the prepared hole and secure it with the screw.
   • Avoid over-tightening the screw, as this can damage the sheet.
   • Push the cover cap into place. A small amount of silicone can be applied around the top of the screw before fixing the cap, but ensure the silicone is compatible with polycarbonate.

3. Spacing and Placement:

   • Fixing buttons should be placed at 300mm intervals and no closer than 50mm from any cut edge of the sheet.
   • Remember, FIXING BUTTONS should not replace glazing bars along cut edges, as this could result in leaks.

Important Considerations

While FIXING BUTTONS are a convenient and necessary accessory, they are not the most durable, long-term solution for securing polycarbonate glazing. The natural movement of polycarbonate sheets can eventually cause leaks around the fixing button and the drilled hole. For a more secure and long-lasting roofing system, it's advisable to use a suitable glazing bar system and adhere to the recommended sheet widths.

Additional Accessories for Your Polycarbonate Roof Installation

In addition to FIXING BUTTONS, you may need other accessories to complete your polycarbonate roofing project. Here are a few you should consider:

• F Sections: For creating clean edges and corners in your polycarbonate roof.
• Glazing Bars: Essential for securely fixing polycarbonate sheets, especially along the edges.
• Sheet Closures: To seal the ends of your polycarbonate sheets and prevent debris and water from entering.
• Lead Flashing: To create a watertight seal between your roof and adjacent walls or structures.

By using these accessories in conjunction with FIXING BUTTONS, you can ensure that your DIY roofing project is not only secure but also durable and weather-resistant.

Conclusion

FIXING BUTTONS play a critical role in securing polycarbonate sheets in roofing systems, particularly in DIY roofing projects. By understanding their contents, importance, and proper installation techniques, you can ensure that your polycarbonate roof remains strong, durable, and leak-free. Always consider the long-term performance of your roofing system and explore additional accessories to complement your installation for the best results.