How to Fill Polycarbonate Panels With Sound Construction Adhesive to Absorb Vibrations

Polycarbonate panels come in a variety of textures and forms, including transparent sheets for greenhouses.

Polycarbonate panels are prefabricated sheets of thick, sturdy plastic that are used in the construction of sheds, greenhouses and to form the walls, flooring and roofs of other structures. These lightweight building materials can be cut to size and screwed or nailed in place. However, they do not block sound or vibrations. A sound construction adhesive or glue must be used to make a seal between individual polycarbonate panels to help make the wall or structure soundproof.

Things You’ll Need

• Standard size quart caulking gun
• Large 10 mm caulking tip
• Construction adhesive
• Work gloves
• Facemask

Instructions

1 – Measure the area between the polycarbonate panels that will require constructive adhesive sealing. A standard size caulking tube should seal a perimeter of approximately 15 to 20 feet. You may require more if you have large gaps between each panel. Choose an adhesive compound that is made for plastic and will properly adhere to the polycarbonate panels. Ask a construction professional if you are unsure.

2 – Install the caulking tube into the caulking gun and cut off the tip. Attach a large 10 mm tip to the caulking gun. Compress the gun slowly so that a bead of caulk forms at the tip. Begin at the top corner of the first panel. Touch the adhesive bead to the wall so it fills the gap between the two polycarbonate panels.  

3 – Press the caulking gun trigger to push out an even flow of adhesive. Slide the caulking gun in a smooth downwards motion at the same time to fill the gap. Continue filling in the space between the polycarbonate panels until you reach the bottom. Stop compressing the trigger and lift the caulking gun away from the wall.  

4 – Press the trigger again to form a bead of adhesive at the tip and place the caulking gun at the top of the next seam between the polycarbonate panels. Continue filling in the gaps with the constructive adhesive from the top to the bottom. Repeat with all the seams between the panels. Refill the caulking gun with adhesive tubes as needed.

Tips & Warnings

Caulking adhesive is thick textured and fast drying. This can make it difficult to clean up if it falls on the ground or other objects; use drop cloths to avoid accidents.

Clean up dropped adhesive before it dries with warm water and a cloth.

Construction adhesive is available in a variety of colors. Choose a neutral color or one that matches your polycarbonate panels for a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

Construction adhesive contains chemicals that may irritate your skin if it touches it. It can also be difficult to remove from skin; wear construction or latex gloves while applying the adhesive to the panels.

Construction adhesive may also have a strong odor and release chemical fumes that may cause throat and lung irritation or trigger asthma attacks in some people. Wear a safety mask and keep the room well ventilated while working.

Children and individuals with asthma and other allergy-related disorders should not use construction adhesive.