With C Channel do you face inwards [ or outwards ] also do you need to make up your own rollers or can you buy ones that will work off the shelf, advice sort thank you in advance
Don't know how big your roof will be, but for my modest 2.4 x 2.3 roll off section with polycarbonate roofing, I used the quasi C channel and rollers that guide garage doors up and down.
The channel is curved on one edge for the nylon rollers to run and flat on the other edge to act as a captive stop for them. I used three rollers each side and it works well, also added some internal backup bungee tie downs against extreme winds. Works well.
Whether the rollers face in or out is simply a construction preference, mine face out to give a slightly wider track and easier to install.
I'd suggest making your own rollers, biggest reason being you can use a soft material for the wheels. The use of a soft contact surface will make the opening and closing at night a lot quieter for the neighbours...
It will need to be replace a little more than a hard contact surface, something like skateboard wheels would be good start.
I have 2 observatories with purlin C channel. I would not recommend it as the axles of the wheels need to be longish to have the wheel fit inside the C channel. The C channels need to be very accurately installed and parallel otherwise the wheels scrap the inside of the C purlin and bind and bend the wheel and the axle.
Sliding gate tracks and wheels are sold at Bunnings.
That will be my next design. I also intend to make the roll off roof structure out of aluminium and aluminium roof sheets to make it light.
Lock down latches will lock down the roof when closed so it doesn't blow off.
A word of caution re using "soft" rollers. Even skate wheels have been known to develop "flat spots" after sitting for some time as a result of the static load. I would recommend plain old roller bearings with 2RS seals - readily available and cost effective.
A word of caution re using "soft" rollers. Even skate wheels have been known to develop "flat spots" after sitting for some time as a result of the static load. I would recommend plain old roller bearings with 2RS seals - readily available and cost effective.
