Glazing Bars: Contents & Installation Advice for Your DIY Roofing Project

If you're embarking on a DIY roofing project and considering a polycarbonate roof, glazing bars are an essential component for joining your roofing sheets seamlessly. They offer a cost-effective and straightforward solution, ensuring your roofing system is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. In this blog, we'll dive into the details of glazing bar contents and provide comprehensive installation advice. We will also cover the popular options: Exitex glazing bars and Sunwood glazing bars.

Glazing Bar Contents

Glazing bars are integral to connecting your polycarbonate roof panels. We offer two premium ranges: Sunwood and Exitex.

Sunwood Glazing Bars

Sunwood glazing bars are known for their quality and ease of installation. Here's what you can expect in a Sunwood glazing bar set:

• 1 x Aluminium Base
• 2 x Rubber Gaskets joined together (These need to be split in half before installation)
• 1 x Plastic Snap Down Cap
• 1 x End Cap

The rubber gaskets in the Sunwood set come joined together in rolls or lengths, requiring separation before use.

Exitex Glazing Bars

Exitex glazing bars are another excellent choice, designed for ease with pre-attached gaskets. The contents include:

• 1 x Aluminium Base
• 2 x Rubber Gaskets
• 1 x Plastic Snap Down Cap
• 1 x End Cap

The pre-attached gaskets simplify the installation process, making Exitex glazing bars a preferred choice for many DIY enthusiasts.

Basic Installation Advice

Framework Preparation

Before installing your glazing bars, ensure you have an adequate framework. The minimum width of your rafters should be 50mm to match the width of the glazing bars.

Roof Pitch

For optimal water runoff, maintain a minimum roof pitch of 10°, which translates to a fall of 175mm for every 1m. Pitches less than this can lead to water pooling and reduced effectiveness.

Sheet Width Calculation

When calculating the width of your polycarbonate sheets, allow for an additional 15mm on each side for the glazing bars. This ensures a proper fit and secure installation.

Support Structure

Glazing bars are not designed to support the weight of the roofing sheets on their own. Ensure they are supported by a solid rafter structure, such as timber.

Drilling and Screwing

Drill in the center of the glazing bars between the toothed legs. Secure with screws at intervals no greater than 400mm, and approximately 75mm from each end.

Gasket and Cap Installation

Ensure the rubber gaskets are fitted and pressed into place on both sides of the glazing bar. Once the sheets are positioned, firmly push the PVC Snap Down Top Cap into place from one side to the other to create a weather-tight seal.

Additional Sealing

For added protection, apply a small line of silicone along the sides of the glazing bars.

Removing Glazing Bars

To remove glazing bars, you can slide the PVC top caps off with pressure, although this may also displace the sheets. Alternatively, use a glazing bar capping removal tool, which can be easily sourced from external suppliers.

Other Accessories You May Need

For a complete installation of your polycarbonate roofing system, consider the following accessories:

• F Sections
• Sheet Closures
• Fixing Buttons
• Lead Flashing

These accessories will ensure your roofing project is secure, weather-proof, and professionally finished.

Conclusion

Whether you choose Exitex glazing bars or Sunwood glazing bars, following the correct installation advice is crucial for a successful DIY roofing project. With proper preparation and the right materials, you can achieve a durable and visually appealing polycarbonate roof. Happy roofing!