When installing Axiome polycarbonate roofing sheets, both multiwall and twinwall, it can sometimes be beneficial to install an Anti-dust polycarbonate sheet tape on the sheet end, to seal them.
Axiome Multiwall and Twinwall Polycarbonate sheets are manufactured with a structure that runs down the length of the sheet. This means that at each end (the width of the sheet) the structure is open, showing the exposed flutes and looking similar to a honeycomb. The main benefit of installing a polycarbonate sheet tape is to seal off the open ends of the polycarbonate sheets and add an anti-dust barrier to help stop any physical debris, such as bugs and grime going into the inside of the flutes. Although the anti-dust tape does help, it is still essential to install an End Stop Bar or Drip Trim over the end of the sheets as they are the main way of sealing a Polcarybonat Sheet, on any type of installation.
Polycarbonate Sheet tape is known by a mixture of different names such as Anti Dust Tape, Filter Tape, Breather tape or aluminium foil tape so it can be confusing to understand where there are any differences between them and what to use when.
In essence, there are different variations of tapes and names because previously you would have needed to install multiple tapes on a roofing project, for example, breather Tape and Aluminium Foil Tape, to complete the job. When installing a Polycarbonate Roof, having to install multiple roofing sheet tapes is an unnecessary hassle and so nowadays most modern Polycarbonate Sheet Tapes are now designed to accomplish multiple rolls and be an all-in-one Anti Dust Tape. This removes the need to install multiple separate tapes, which can be quite fiddley!
So, do you need to install polycarbonate sheet tape? The installation of Anti Dust Tape is optional, but sometimes beneficial, on a roof installation, however, when done it is important that the correct installation steps are followed:
Tools Required to install Polycarbonate Sheet Tape:
- Lint-free Cloth
- Knife or Scissors
- Measuring Tape
How to Install Polycarbonate Sheet Tape - Steps:
1. Safety First – Always Wear the Correct PPE Equipment
2. Avoid applying tape in conditions below 5c as all adhesives suffer reduced initial bonding strength when it is cold. Also, polycarbonate sheet tape is best installed in dry conditions
3. Choose the best tape size to correctly match your Axiome Polycarbonate Sheets thickness. See the first FAQ below for details
4. At the edge of the sheet, peel back the protective film by approximately 50mm on both of the sheet
5. Before starting to stick the tape ensure the surface is clean and dry. Then stick the tape to the first edge, working across the sheet from one side to the other
6. Once you reach the end, extend the tape by an extra approx. 25mm over the edge of the polycarbonate sheet and then trim the tape off with scissors or a knife
7. Again, working across the sheet, carefully fold the tape over the front face of the Polycarbonate sheet and then stick it down onto the other side
8. At the corners, seal the tape around either side to create a neat finish
9. If required to join two pieces of tape in the middle of a panel then simply ensure there is a minimum overlap of 25mm between the two
10. To complete you then should install an End Stop Bar (or Drip Trim) over the tape with compatible sealant. View our How to Install Alukap-XR End Stop Bar Guide for full instructions on how this is best done
View our How to Install Alukap-XR Glazing Bars Guide to see the next steps when installing a roof with glazing bars.
Common Polycarbonate Sheet Anti Dust Tape questions:
What thickness polycarbonate sheets should you install Tape on?
We manufacture Anti Dust tape to suit 10mm, 16mm, 25mm and 35mm polycarbonate sheets. Below are the correct sizes of tape for each Axiome Polycarbonate Sheet Thickness:
25mm Alukap-XR Anti-Dust Tape = for 10mm Polycarbonate sheets
33mm Alukap-XR Anti-Dust Tape = for 16mm Polycarbonate sheets
43mm Alukap-XR Anti-Dust Tape = for 25mm Polycarbonate sheets
55mm Alukap-XR Anti-Dust Tape = for 35mm Polycarbonate sheets
When installing 4mm or 6mm Axiome twinwall polycarbonate sheets what tape do you use?
Due to the thin thickness of 4mm and 6mm Sheets, which in turn means less spanning capability and strength, we only recommended using 10mm or thicker sheets for roofing applications. This means we don’t manufacture a Polycarbonate Sheet tape option for the thinner 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate sheets. They are primarily used for greenhouse, cold frames and temporary glazing so in most cases don't require a tape in any case.
Does Polycarbonate Roofing sheet tape always need to be installed?
No! Installing Filter Tape/ Breather Tape/Anti Dust Tape is completely optional. Many installers prefer not to use the Polycarbonate Sheet Tape nowadays as by correctly sealing your Endstop Bar you should be able to get the perfect seal required. The tapes are merely an anti-dust barrier.
Please view our How to Install End Stop Bar Guide to learn how to correctly install End Stop bar onto Multiwall and Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheets.
Do you still need to install Alukap-XR End Stop Bar once you have installed Anti Dust Tape?
Yes! Installing Anti Dust Tape on the end of polycarbonate sheets doesn’t remove the need for installing an End Stop bar. In fact, installing an Alukap-XR End Stop Bar is more important to a roof lifespan than the tape and is an essential item to properly build a roof!
Does installing Polycarbonate sheet tape reduce condensation?
No, installing polycarbonate sheet tape doesn’t reduce the risk of condensation. In some cases, installing Polycarbonate Tape can exacerbate condensation possibilities if the Endstop Bar is not sealed correctly!
Do you need different tapes for different types of Glazing bars?
Polycarbonate Roofing Sheet Tape can be used for any type of glazing bar. This means you can use Anti-Dust Tape whether you are using Alukap-SS Self Supporting Glazing Bars, Alukap-XR Aluminium Rafter Glazing Bars or Snapa Budget Snap Fix Rafter Bars.
Is Anti Dust Tape required for Solid Polycarbonate Sheets?
No, the tape doesn't tend to be required for Axgard solid glazing sheets because they don’t have the same structured design as Multiwall sheets and therefore have no open flutes that need sealing. The solid design of Axgard means this is a benefit of using a solid glazing sheet over a multiwall or twinwall sheet.
GET IN TOUCH
View our Axiome Polycarbonate Roofing Sheet Range
Contact our team with an Axiome Polycarbonate project query or enquiry
Thank you for getting in touch Dinesh. Yes, for our Axiome 25mm Polycarbonate Sheets we would recommend using our Alukap-XR 43mm Anti Dust Tape. Our Product SKU for this this item is AG37. Our team will get in touch via email to confirm the details for you.
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