The modern construction market is full of various roofing for every taste and budget. To replace the usual slate came a lot of improved and more practical options, one of which is the ondulin (euro slate). Due to a number of positive qualities, the material has gained great popularity, so today it can often be seen on the roofs of buildings. Many homeowners have already managed to evaluate the quality of such a roof. But for those who are interested in technical characteristics, features and the life of ondulin, we will consider this material in more detail.
What it is?
Ondulin is a coating made of distilled bitumen in the form of a corrugated sheet. For its manufacture are used:
• cellulose fibers;
• bitumen;
• polymer resins;
• mineral components;
• environmentally friendly coloring substances.
Thermal resins, which are part of the material, make it very resistant to temperature fluctuations. Various mineral additives give the coating resistance to weathering, so the life of ondulin is much longer than with conventional slate.
Adding coloring pigments allows you to produce products of a wide variety of colors, which also do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Advantages
In addition to the above qualities, there are a number of positive properties that Ondulin is endowed with. Characteristics of the material attract a large number of consumers, which allows it to compete even with the most newfangled coatings. The positive features include the following:
• excellent noise insulation abilities;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to mold, fungi and microorganisms;
• light weight, allowing the use of a lightweight rafter system;
• lack of corrosion;
• ease of installation;
• variety of colors;
• long life of ondulin on the roof;
• affordable price.
Negative qualities
Any modern material, in addition to its positive properties, has its drawbacks. Roofing ondulin was no exception, so now we will consider its negative aspects.
• Fire hazard. Ondulin is considered a rather combustible material that quickly ignites at temperatures from 250 to 300 degrees. In terms of fire-resistant qualities, it can be compared with natural wood, which makes it impossible to use it on the roofs of children's institutions and other public buildings.
• Surface roughness. This quality does not allow snow to slide freely from the roof, which leads to its accumulation. For this reason, in a strong snowstorm, you should not be under the visor of such a roof, since at any moment a snow avalanche can collapse from it.
• Fragility. The polymer components that make up the sheet contribute to the softening of the material under the influence of the sun and increase its fragility at subzero temperatures. Such qualities make it necessary to lay the roof on a solid foundation or on a crate with a small pitch. In winter (at sub-zero temperatures) it is not recommended to perform work with the use of ondulin.
Specifications
When arranging a roof, it is very important to correctly calculate the right amount of roofing material. To do this, you need to know the parameters by which ondulin is made. The dimensions of the sheet are set by standards and are 2000 mm in length and 960 mm in width.
It should be borne in mind that the roofing elements are overlapped, so the useful area of the sheet will be slightly less (from 1.6 sq. M. To 1.3 sq. M.). Depending on the level of inclination of the roof, the size of the overlap is determined as follows:
• 30 centimeters (with a slope of 5-10 degrees);
• 20 centimeters (when the slope is 10-15 degrees);
• 17 centimeters (if the roof slope is more than 15 degrees).
Roofing ondulin, the characteristics of which depend on the manufacturer, can withstand a load of about 0.96 tons per 1 m². High-quality sheets are resistant to various chemical components, hygiene and absolute safety for the environment.
The thickness of this coating is only 3 mm, so you can cut the sheet to the desired size with any improvised tool. The weight of one element is 6.5 kilograms, which means that material can be transported even in a passenger car. Such opportunities prompt many to choose ondulin as a roof. The dimensions of the sheet and its small weight allow you to install the coating yourself, without involving assistants in the work.
Life time
The service life of ondulin directly depends on the manufacturer. Low-quality sheets very quickly lose color saturation, begin to delaminate and become covered with fungus and mold. For this reason, when choosing a slate, you should give preference only to well-known companies or products with certificates. Otherwise, you can buy a very cheap, but low-grade ondulin. The warranty service life of quality products may be 15 years or more. In fact, subject to installation technology, the material can last 20 to 50 years without repair.
Next, we consider how to properly lay this coating so that it lasts for many years without requiring replacement.
Lathing for ondulin
As mentioned earlier, ondulin is considered quite easy to work with material, the installation of which does not cause special difficulties. The most important thing here is to make the right crate, which will serve as a reliable frame for a soft roof. Therefore, before fixing ondulin, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements for the base on which it will be laid.
The step of the crossbeams of the frame depends on the level of the slope of the roof. If the slope is not more than 10 degrees, the roof is laid on a solid foundation. In this case, the euro slate can be put on the old coating or make the basis of sheets of plywood, boards or OSB-plates.
If the slope of the ramp is about 10-15 degrees, the crate is installed in increments of 45 cm, and if more than 15 degrees, then the transverse slats are placed at a distance of 60 cm.
Installation process
Now let's figure out how to fix ondulin.
1. You should immediately pay attention to the fact that the laying of a soft roof should be carried out at a temperature of not less than -5 and not more than +30 degrees.
2. The installation process of ondulin is in many ways similar to the laying of a conventional slate. Work begins at the edge of the ramp. The sheets are overlapped and fixed to the crate. For each roof element , exactly 20 nails should be used. Non-observance of this requirement may lead to the fact that as a result of a strong gust of wind, the integrity of the roof is violated.
3. In the corner joints of the roof it is not recommended to join 4 sheets.
4. As fasteners, special roofing nails should be used. They are distinguished by the presence of a rubber gasket, which prevents the penetration of moisture into the holes.
5. Since the material is small in thickness, it is not recommended to step on the indentations between the waves during its installation.
6. In places where the roof is connected to the chimney, a special covering apron is used. Seams are insulated with silicone sealant.
Material cost
The cost of the euro slate depends on the manufacturer and seller. Large trading companies sell soft roofs cheaper than small suppliers. Moreover, in company stores often arrange discounts both on the roof itself, and on additional elements.
On average, a buyer has to pay between 350 and 550 rubles per sheet.
To this amount is added the cost of such parts as:
• fasteners;
• skates to protect the joints;
• valleys connecting the internal corners of the structure;
• wind bars;
• cornice seals.
In this article, we examined the features, sizes, cost and life of an ondulin. Of course, it can not be called the cheapest roofing material, since today there are more budget options. However, due to its excellent performance, ease of installation and long service life, it outperforms many coatings.
We hope that you have received answers, if not to all, then to most of the questions related to ondulin. Easy roof repair!