Rafter Spacing, Blocking Placement for Proper Load Support of Polycarbonate
Chart for Cap & Trim. Our Base & Cap has different spacing requirements.
- Blocking is framing member that fits between rafters or studs.
( Purlins sit on top of rafters, run perpendicular & require Base & Cap. )
 
See Structural Load page for further explanation of snow and wind load. Also see Lexan Tech Data.
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See Poly Position & Attach for mid-sheet attachment of roof & wall sheets. - 25mm ok for 80-100 lb. load
Sheet Thickness
Rafter Spacing
35 lb. load
45 lb. load
60 lb. load
6mm
24-1/8"
every 8 ft.
every 6 ft.
every 4 ft.
6mm
48-1/4"
every 2 ft.
every 1.5 ft.
do not use
8mm
24-1/8"
not needed
every 8 ft.
every 6 ft.
8mm
48-1/4"
every 2.5 ft.
every 2 ft.
do not use
10mm
24-1/8"
not needed
every 10 ft.
every 8 ft.
10mm
48-1/4"
every 3 ft.
every 2.5 ft.
every 2 ft.
16mm
24-1/8"
not needed
not needed
not needed
16mm
48-1/4"
every 4 ft.
every 3 ft.
every 2.5 ft.
Mfg. specs for selecting sheet thickness, rafter spacing & blocking placement support load on roof or wall.
-Load in lbs./sq. ft. Roof slope over 7/12 snow slides off. Spacing may be relaxed. No specs available.
 
Bldg. dept. has snow & wind load for your area. Supporting load is factor of frame strength and poly. sheet rigidity. Follow chart and poly. will support load. For frame member size see Spans for Rafters. Get bldg. dept. approval.
 
To allow for movement of condensation past blocking, set blocking 3/8" back from outer surface of frame, see Blocking. When using 48-1/4" on-center rafter spacing, a neoprene spacer is placed at center of blocking. This eliminates bowing of sheet, see Spacer Install.
 
Note: The sheet must be supported on all 4 edges with a minimum of 1/2" of sheet bearing on the frame. When using sheets that have been cut along the width, and no longer have a rib at the edge, position so first rib is supported by a minimum of 1/2" of frame.
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Framing Guide & Install Manual Crucial read for successful install.----Reload Sundance Supply Site
 
Using rafter framing & desire minimal shadow, low profile design? See "Let In" Purlin Design.