The following image shows the dimensions of the heavy duty self supported glazing bars. It also shows the glazing deductions needed for your sheets for intermediate and end bars. Please note that the height shown at 93mm relates to the bar glazing 25mm polycarbonate. This will be higher or lower with other sheet thicknesses. As shown, the adapter for the end bar adjusts to  accomodate the different sheet thicknesses. 

Glazing bar centres

You need to consider the structural strength needed in your self supporting glazing bars whether you are building a Self-support roof for a canopy, conservatory or car port. This is because you cannot rely upon wooden rafters to provide support. It is important that the centres of your self supporting glazing bars are within the guidelines given for that roof system.

The following chart shows the centres for The Glazing Shop Self Support Glazing bars over a range of projections. This shows the recommended spans for conservatory roofs. As you can see recommended centres are different if you are using these bars for glazing a polycarbonate roof or if you are using glass. 

You simply choose either polycarbonate or glass as shown on the chart and follow the graph to see how wide apart your self support glazing bars centres can be. For example, if you are making a polycarbonate roof with a 4m projection, the maximum space between your bars is 500mm. Alternatively If you want just a 3m projection your centres can be as wide as 1000mm provided your polycarbonate is thick enough (please see below).

For glass you follow the same principles and as you can see you could not have a 4m projection in glass . The maximum projection would be around 3.3m at 500mm centres as glass is heavier and deflects more. For a glass roofed canopy (or other open structure) we would recommend keeping the centres of your self support glazing bars at around 500mm even for smaller projections. If in doubt check with your glass supplier.

Maximum recommended sheet widths based on Multiwall Polycarbonate sheet thickness

The following are our conservatory roof guidelines for maximum centres based upon each polycarbonate sheet thicknesses. The centres of the self support glazing bars in the above chart may in some cases be bigger than those given for the sheet thickness. You must not exceed either the centres recommended for the bars, or those for the thickness of the sheets, always go to the smaller of the two. For example: As you can see here you could glaze your 3m projection roof with 25mm and upwards of polycarbonate but 16mm would be restricted to 900mm centres. For a canopy we would recommend keeping the sheets no more than 900mm for all thicknesses.

As well as your self supporting glazing bars we have all of the other components needed to build your self supporting roof. This includes wall plates, eaves beams and a full range of accessories including wall bar adapters and sheet closures. We also have gutter brackets that fit onto the eaves beam for this system without the need for screws.

If you roof is polycarbonate, we supply all thicknesses of multiwall polycarbonate at highly competitive prices. We cut it to size for you at no extra cost so you only pay for what you use.

Why Choose Self-Support Glazing Bars from the Glazing Shop?

Sleek Design with a range of colours: The whole system is available in a wide range of colours from traditional white and brown to contemporary Anthracite Grey and Black. We also offer Rosewood and Light Oak options. These allow you to achieve the finish you desire whether modern or more traditional.

Range of sizes: The main self supporting bars and the end bars both come in a range of sizes to minimise waste and keep your costs down.

Excellent Durability: With strong, high-quality aluminium at their core, from the glazing bars to the purpose made wall plates and eaves beams. The roof parts have PVC cladding with built in gaskets to look great and withstand the elements. Giving you a trouble free roof for years to come.

Easy Installation: Designed for hassle-free assembly, our glazing bars allow for quick and straightforward installation. Very popular with DIYers and professionals alike, saving you time and reducing fitting costs.

Very versatile: Perfect for both residential and commercial projects, our self-supporting glazing bars are ideal for conservatories, verandas, canopies & car ports and many other applications. Our self support roof glazing bars are equally suited to multiwall polycarbonate and glass units.

Service you can trust: We are a family business with many years of experience with our range of products and are happy to talk to our customers to help them make the right choices for their project. We try really hard to offer great service. Don't just take our word for it - Our Trustscore is 'Excellent'

Fitting instructions

Please see our Self support assembly instructions.

At the Glazing shop we aim to provide all the information you need to make informed decisions about your self supporting glazing bars. If you have any questions please call us on 01536 446395 and we will be very happy to help.

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