Hi V,
Yes it is tough and strong.
You can bend it in half and it will not break.
Has a better shelf life than fiberglass. Long time in sun ok.......
It is polycarbonate
It also cancels out the bad sun's rays......
It is used for greenhouses
MotorCycle helmet face shield
Bullet proof glass applications. etc.....

Comes in a variety of color...Sheet or panel or waffle board look.
White is nice, and does help keep the sun from being too hot.

I used clear on my greenhouse.

I have used cell like panels for high end jobs....
Look on the internet for
Commercial Greenhouse Materials: Suntuf Corrugated Polycarbonate ...

Anyway it comes in many brands.........
john
"Victor De Long" wrote in message
...
So the "sheathing" for lack of a better term is polycarbonate? I haven't
used that before, but I'm about to undertake a similar project at my
place. Deck's already in place, but I want to cover the deck to minimize
the bird poop, and to block the direct sunlight that beats down on the
guest quarters I use for the library. So, easy to work with? How does it
age? I assume it blocks a fair bit of the sunlight? Sorry - nor sure
what questions to throw at you, but anything you can tell me about it
would be appreciated.

Thanks

v.


"jloomis" wrote in message
...
Yes, Yes and of course yes.
Actually this is an easy method of attachment and used for certain jobs.
Depending on "job cost" and what I call "temperature" of job.
If this were a Japanese style, only wood showing, expensive, time
consuming art piece, I would of course use "Hidden Fasteners" larger
beams, and fancy cuts and notches etc.

This is more of a low profile, middle class, covered patio.
I was actually not hired to oil or paint the construction, and half way
through the job the lady asked me if I would.........Darn I say to
myself.....
The brackets are already attached, and I did not paint them.......
We usually spray them darker depending on paint style.....or stain....
Anyway.....

Compare it to a piece of handmade furniture and one bought at Costco.....

Some jobs require more attention to detail.
The owner is quite happy with this method.

I would prefer to build one as "Art Work" and that would be wonderful.
Finding a client who can afford that.....hummmm
john

"Upscale" wrote in message
...

"jloomis" wrote in message
...
Tough little job.
Re-modeled an old patio complete from bottom up.
Using polycarbonate.....nice stuff....
Virtually unbreakable......

Looks pretty good, but I'm wondering about the metal brackets holding it
all
together. They stand out quite a bit. Is there any way to hide them or
perhaps paint them a redwood colour?