Do you have a building project in mind? According to a recent article by Composites Australia, Ampelite cleverly combines “amplify” and “light” properties to create a lightweight roofing system that transforms how buildings harness natural light.
Industrial grades–such as Ampelite translucent roofing–are more beneficial than artificial light, offering thermal insulation, energy efficiency, and a better way to experience natural light in the comfort of your own home (or office complex).
This article will delve into Ampelite fibreglass, why it is essential for residential homes and commercial projects (such as industrial buildings and sports stadiums), and why it is a superior roofing option for DIY builders and roofing contractors.
What is Ampelite Fibreglass?
Ampelite fibreglass roofing is manufactured using only the highest-quality raw materials as a quality general-purpose Glass-Reinforced Polyester sheet. So, why is Ampelite one of the top roofing manufacturers?
Ampelite is one of the most experienced manufacturers of different types of roofing products and the largest supplier of polycarbonate roofing. Supporting the Australian and New Zealand markets, Ampelite has warehouses in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, and China.
Ampelite polycarbonate roofing allows naturally diffused daylight into warehouses, DIY projects, or your home office. Ampelite Industrial Fibreglass GRP (Glass-Reinforced Polyester) is an excellent way to maximise natural light in your commercial or home office. Available in various profiles and proudly Australian-made, what are some of the properties of Ampelite fibreglass?
- Provides low thermal expansion and allows individual lengths up to 12.2m.
- All profiles, such as Corrugated, Trimdek (5-Rib), 700 Decking and superseded profiles, are available.
- Ampelite Warrant Series 2400 (and upwards) standard-grade industrial fibreglass sheeting against damage from hail up to 200 mm in diameter and winds up to 100 km/hr. Heavier grades also allow design freedom.
- Ampelite industrial and premium grade is manufactured to AS/NZS 4256.3:2006 and includes a 10-year warranty.
- It is available in current and superseded metal profiles in standard Ice-clear and Opal tints.
Australia’s harsh climate needs a product that blocks 99.9% of UV light, and all Ampelite products do this.
Ampelite Fibreglass: what are some things to keep in mind?
Fibreglass is usually delivered in packs, facilitating unloading and handling, but if forklifts are used, care must be taken to avoid damage; the use of a separate, sacrificial support sheet may be necessary. It is never a good idea to handle roof lights in windy weather conditions.
Before installation, rooflights should not be exposed to the weather. They should be stored indoors or covered from the weather on flat ground on 100 mm battens (free from nails and debris) and tied down (never weighted) to be secured against wind.
Maintenance involves cleaning and inspection every 12 – 18 months. If a roof light is found to be damaged, it must be replaced in accordance with the original specifications. The general condition of fibreglass roof lights and the security of the fixings and sealant should be checked periodically.
With drilling, holes for fixings must not be punched through fibreglass sheets, and hand or power drills are suitable. Holes should be drilled at a slow speed, 50 mm from the end of the sheet, and a metal bit should be used to support the sheet underneath the hole position.
Fibreglass sheets can be cut with a hand or shared power tools, such as hand saws with fine-tooth blades and metal cutting blades. Support the sheet close to the saw and cut at a shallow angle with soft strokes.
For installation, where wire safety mesh is incorporated under the fibreglass sheeting and over a purlin, a protective strip (PPS) must be installed to prevent fracturing.
What are some of the benefits of Ampelite Fibreglass?
Let’s look at some of the benefits of Ampelite fibreglass!
Ampelite is durable and weather-resistant
With Gel Coat Technology, Ampelite can handle ultraviolet degradation, resist water damage, and ensure long-lasting performance. Rain and ice will not corrode or rust it.
The Gel Coat technology also protects Ampelite’s industrial fibreglass roofing sheets against yellowing and surface erosion while maintaining transparency. Chemically cross-linked and cured, Gel Coat is thicker than other surface films, preventing layer splitting. Ampelite is also resistant to mould, bugs, lichens, and microorganisms.
Versatile uses
Ampelite fibreglass is a versatile range of roof light and vertical glazing sheets offering ideal daylighting solutions in a range of applications such as:
Construction industries. Ampelite fibreglass matches over 500 metal and fibre cement roofing profiles, is available in a range of thicknesses, and can be colour-tinted for dramatic effects. Fibreglass is excellent for construction applications such as stadia canopies, factories, warehouses, schools, retail stores, sports facilities, road, rail, airport terminals, and more.
Agricultural and horticulture. Ampelite fibreglass brings the right level of daylight to encourage healthier crops and livestock, providing a more productive working environment for farm workers. With light transmission and safety levels, Ampelite fibreglass is great for storage sheds and barns, livestock stables and sheds, equine centres, milking sheds, propagations sheds, plant houses, and more.
Lightweight material
When compared to conventional steel, Ampelite fibreglass is 80% lighter, so it is easier to install, carry, and contractors don’t need to spend a lot of time setting it up. Compared to aluminium roofing materials, Ampelite fibreglass is 30% lighter in weight.
Ampelite fibreglass is always in demand and is known for its low maintenance costs. Free from corrosion and rusting, preventative maintenance is often completely voided, and it is easier to wash than conventional roofing materials.
Ampelite is UV-resistant
Ampelite fibreglass has a Gel Coat designed to be durable, resistant to ultraviolet degradation, and maintain quality over time.
The Ampelite Gel Coating also prevents water damage from these roofing sheets during heavy rain. With properties such as high light transmission, low thermal expansion and spanning capabilities, these sheets are a wise investment for the longevity of your roofs.
Warranty-inclusive
When you purchase Ampelite fibreglass, you are entitled to warranty coverage. Ampelite Australia warrants industrial glass reinforced polyester sheeting over for:
- A period of 10 years (pro-rata cover) if the product will not allow water penetration through the actual sheet.
- A period of 3 years (pro-rata cover) if the product will not de-laminate or allow protrusion of reinforcing fibres through the sheet surface or if the product remains structurally sound and shatter-resistant under normal conditions. This includes the fracturing of sheets by hailstones up to 20mm in diameter accompanied by winds up to 100 km/hr.
For replacement or refinishing, during the applicable warranty period, Ampelite Australia will supply a replacement panel at the user’s cost upon verification and acceptance of a claim.
Some of the warranty conditions include Ampelite being installed correctly in accordance with the Design and Installation Sheet Roof and Wall Cladding Part 3: Plastic AS/NZS 1562-3, 2006 and Ampelite’s recommendations and specifications. For more information, speak to Amelite directly or your roofing contractor.
How is Fibreglass Sheeting Installed?
Let’s look at how to install fibreglass sheeting as product manufacturer Ampelite Australia recommends. These recommendations follow the Australian Standard: Design and Installation of Sheet Roof and Wall Cladding, Part 3: Plastic. AS1562.3:2006.
A protective purlin strip must be installed to prevent fracturing when a wire safety mesh is used under the fibreglass sheeting and over a purlin. In roofing applications, fixing is fitted through the crest of any profile, and oversize screw holes from 10 mm up to 15 mm must be drilled at all points of fixing.
Only 32 mm Weatherlok seals should be used. These are large enough to cover the oversized hole and flexible enough to contour to any corrugation (or rib) when applied with medium pressure.
Contractors need to make sure that the fixing is located in the centre of the oversized hole, or the benefit of the larger hole is lost. To ensure accuracy, Ampelite recommends to:
- Fasten fibreglass sheeting in the same way you would metal.
- Remove fasteners from the fibreglass section when the job is complete.
- Using the existing screw hole as a guide, drill an oversized hole, swap the neoprene washer with the Weatherlok seal and reinstall the fastener.
Where fibreglass sheets are end-lapped, including those with dissimilar materials, two lines of Lapseal Tape or a flexible sealant can be placed 150 mm apart across the full width of the sheet, with one line 25 mm from the end of the fibreglass sheet.
Ampelite is recommended to use a 25 mm lapseal tape, as silicone sealants can harden and cure due to exposure to daylight. These overlapping sheets can be locked together as one sheet, stopping movement and causing buckling.
Ampelite design recommends installing fibreglass sheets on top of metal roofing on both sides.
Fibreglass Sheet Profile Available
The profiles cover current and superseded roofing used in Australia and New Zealand, weighing 2400 to 4880 gsm.
Are you looking for a reputable supplier for fibreglass roofing sheets? Roofing Options supplies and delivers Ampelite Solasafe roofing to Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, Clyde, and Officer properties across Melbourne. Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive deals and updates, or browse our product catalogue!
Why Choose Roofing Options for Ampelite Fibreglass?
When looking for your ideal roofing supplier, you want to know that you’re getting the best quality materials and customer care! How does Roofing Options have your back for residential and commercial applications?
- Expertise. With years of experience, Roofing Options knows how to protect your roof and structure and provide effective fibreglass roping solutions!
- Quality guarantee. We offer premium quality fibreglass that passes stringent quality control.
- Exceptional customer service. Roofing options guide you into making the right decision for your home or commercial projects.
- Our location is convenient. With stores based in Cranbourne, Coburg, and Campbellfield, we supply and deliver roofing to Lalor, Thornbury, Broadmeadows, Reservoir and across Melbourne.
If you would like to learn more about different roofing types, read about 10 reasons to invest in Colorbond corrugated 0.4 steel roofing.
Ampelite Polycarbonate Roofing Supplies for Melbourne Properties
Whether you’re a contractor, builder, DIY enthusiast, or homeowner looking to upgrade your exterior, Roofing Options has everything you need to use Ampelite fibreglass in domestic or industrial builds.
Roofing Options is a leading supplier of Ampelite fibreglass roofing solutions in Melbourne, committed to delivering world-class products and customer-centric services at our Cranbourne, Coburg, and Campbellfield stores. For superior quality Ampelite Solasafe, Colorbond roofing, steel roof sheets, panels, custom made flashings, downpipes & accessories, and DIY kits, we only supply products from trusted brands and manufacturers.
Contact us today, view our product catalogue, or visit us in person!
