Whether you are looking to create a sheltered sitting area in your garden or perhaps a cover for your hot tub, a garden gazebo is the perfect solution.
Generally, the gazebo would have a wooden frame and whether you are going to construct the wooden framework yourself or order a pre-made one, the gazebo roof is a very simple DIY job. Properly done the Gazebo roof will keep out the rain year-round, and the heavy sun’s rays in the summer!
Multi-wall polycarbonate from the Glazing shop is the sheet of choice for many reasons:
Light weight and easy to fit
Cut to the sizes you need so no messing about on site
Great value for money – why pay more for quality sheets
Range of colours – looks great
Will last for years and years
What thickness polycarbonate will I need?
10mm twin wall polycarbonate or 16mm triple wall poly are the best for this sort of Gazebo roof. The structure is open underneath so there is no point in spending extra on thermally insulating 25mm or 35mm. Depending on the centres of your wooden rafters the thinner sheets will be just great and be easier on the pocket! 10mm will cope with distances between supports of 700mm whereas with 16mm can go up to 900mm.
How do I fix the sheets on to my gazebo roof?
This is where you need your glazing bars. There are two choices of rafter supported glazing bars for 10mm & 16mm polycarbonate sheets. The best-selling PVC snap down glazing bars are easy to fit and kind on the pocket. You screw the aluminium base down onto your rafter, add in your sheets then snap the PVC cap down to the locking point.
Aluminium capped rafter bars will also do a great job and have a lovely low-profile finish with built in screw concealment. You do pay a price for this though and unless you are in a very high or coastal location and need the extra strong fixing then it may not be worth the extra spend.
You will generally start and end your lean to roof with a glazing bar, a Universal edge trim (PVC F section) is then clipped into the outside of the bar for a neat finish. Alternatively use an aluminium F Section instead of the bar and PVC trim. It needs to be aluminium for strength, do not try to use jut the PVC F section as it is not man enough for the job as it is just a trim with no strength.
How do I close off the open ends of the polycarbonate at the top and bottom of my roof?
PVC sheet closures are necessary and need to be pushed on top of the taped ends of the sheets to prevent moisture getting in.
What about Fixing buttons?
These handy fixings can be used to add extra security if you are using longer sheets. They are screwed into place and have built in gaskets for weathering. A Gazebo is an excellent shelter for your garden, giving you an inexpensive haven with a number of uses.