Self Supporting Glazing Bars are so called because they are able to support both themselves and the weight of the glazing material used on a roof. This means that they only generally need to be fixed at the top and bottom ends and not along their length which is the case for Rafter Bars. Self Supporting bars are taller than rafter supported bars, the vertical walls giving strength to the bar. Self Supporting bars are often used in conservatories, canopies, carports, walkways and other glazing applications. When using self support glazing bars you must check the bar snow loading table which shows the spanning capabilities of the bars, to ensure you place them at a safe distance apart. There are different maximum centres based on the projection of your roof and the glazing material you are using.
What Types of Self Support Bars are there?
Most Self Support bars are made from aluminium as it is strong enough to hold the roof but lightweight so installation can be quick and easy. Self support bars are normally in two types, Main Bar and End Bar.
The main bar, otherwise known as an intermediate bar, is used to glaze the polycarbonate or glass units in the middle of the roof. The glazing sheet is laid onto the gasket on either side of the aluminium upstand and the cap is pushed down until it clicks into the place relevant to the particular thickness of the sheet.
The End bar fits onto the left and right edges of the roof with the last sheet of polycarbonate or glass sitting on one side of the aluminium base. On the other side of the base a purpose built edge trim slides into a groove on the aluminium base. When the cap is snapped down the edge trim closes off the edge of the roof leaving a tidy, professional finish.
What colour or size options are there?
Both Main and End Self Support Bars can be bought in White, Brown, Anthracite Grey, Black, Rosewood or Light Oak colours. The bars can accommodate 16mm, 25mm, 32mm and 35mm multiwall polycarbonate sheeting or equivalent sized sealed glass units (4mm x 2). Bars come in a wide range of lengths and if necessary, these can be cut down easily onsite using a chop saw.
Are there other parts in the system to complete the roof?
Within the same range and available in the full range of colours are an Eaves Beam and a Wall Plate.
The Eaves Beam has been specially designed to work with the Main and End Bars and can accommodate roof pitches between 5 – 25 degrees. End caps are provided for each end and an Eaves Filler provides a barrier to prevent wind coming in between the polycarbonate sheet and the bottom of the roof. The eaves beam is for the the lower end of the roof, generally with a gutter attached. Thre are clever clip on gutter brackets with this system that allow for easy fitting of a square line gutter.
The Wall plate also allows for roof pitches between 5 – 25 degrees and provides a watertight finish against the wall of the property using a clip down top cap and integral flashing. The wall plate also contains a UPVC underclad.
To cover the bottom end of the sheets, The Glazing Shop has a full range of Aluminium F Sections or PVC sheet end closures in a range of colours and sizes.
If you are at all unsure of what you need to complete your roof please call us on 01536 446395.