Translucent sheet roofing – surface deterioration or crazing
Listed under: Roof, cladding, roof cladding, translucent sheets
Cause
UV light
Repair
- older types of translucent sheet roofing often became yellowed and more brittle over time due to long-term UV exposure. This cannot be corrected – if the appearance is unacceptable, then the roofing should be replaced
- new products today are designed to be much more resistant to UV light and are commonly available with a 10 or 15-year light transmission warranty
- there is a wide range of products on the New Zealand market. The traditional translucent profiled sheet roofing, typically with a corrugated profile, is available. Flat acrylic sheets that look like glass, but weigh a lot less than glass, are also available. Both of these are produced as a clear material (which allows the greatest transmission of light and heat) as well as grey or bronze tints that reduce the light and heat passing through
- the roofing comes with aluminium extruded accessories (rails, end caps, span bars etc.) and flashings folded from aluminium or galvanised steel
- because translucent sheet roofing is only used over open areas of houses (decks, verandahs, entrances, covered walkways, carports) it does not have the same weathertight requirements as ordinary roofing
- most translucent sheet roofing is not designed to support foot traffic and should not be walked on
- the roofing usually requires a roof pitch no less than 3° and no more than 30°
- some manufacturers say their sheeting will expand/contract up to 5 mm per metre on temperature changes. Installation instructions address this. Tapes are provided for under the sheeting to reduce creaking sounds
- follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer
- clean translucent roofing with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. This may not be sufficient for lichen – follow the manufacturer’s recommendation
Cause
Build-up of dirt
Repair
- clean sheets with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive or alkaline cleaners. If lichen is a problem, follow the roofing manufacturer’s advice or use a proprietary cleaner for removing moss, mould and lichen
- if the appearance of the cleaned material is not acceptable, replace sheets as indicated in the first repair
Cause
The material is at the end of its serviceable life
Repair
- see first repair