The history of ondulin began in 1944. Then the Frenchman Gaston Gromier created a company for the production of bitumen sheets. But then no one could have imagined that this building material would become so popular.
Ondulin, of course, is a more modern type of bitumen sheets. It is made using advanced technology. Cellulose fibers under the action of high temperature are saturated with bitumen, rubber and mineral pigments. When cutting plates, you can use a conventional hacksaw for wood, which also distinguishes ondulin. Installation is very simple.
Sheets have a wave-like shape, similar to that which distinguishes slate. However, if we compare ondulin with slate, the fact that it is much lighter speaks in favor of the first. A standard sheet measuring 2 by 0.96 m has a weight of only 6.5 kilograms. This is of great importance when it comes to roofing.
Ondulin, the installation instructions for which are usually attached to the kit, is a material, as mentioned earlier, that is quite easy to install. However, like any otherroofing material, it requires the implementation of some simple rules during installation work.
Basic installation requirements:
- Due care must be taken when working with any roofing materials, and ondulin is no exception. Installation is preferably carried out in soft shoes. When moving along the roof, step only on the crest of the wave of sheets. You can’t step into the deflection.
- Work can be carried out at an air temperature of at least +5 and no more than +30 degrees.
- At least 20 nails must be used to fasten one sheet. Otherwise, they may be torn off by gusts of wind.
Ondulin, the installation of which can also be done on the old roofing material, also requires careful vertical and horizontal alignment. The crate must be made in this regard very high quality. To align the beams and keep them parallel, it is best to use a simple wooden block of a certain length.
Installation of a roof made of ondulin is also possible on a continuous crate. When cutting sheets, it is best to mark with a simple pencil and ruler. You can also use a piece of plate of a certain length.
How to lay sheets well
Start installation from below, from the eaves. The sheets are overlapped. Between rows, it should be at least 30 centimeters. The wavy shape that distinguishes ondulin will help determine the width of the overlap between the two plates. Installation is carried out so that one platewent to the second for two waves. Fastening is done with nails or screws.
In addition to the sheets themselves, a ridge element is supplied. Plates are attached to the ridge by driving nails into each wave. A ridge element is superimposed on top and also nailed. Pipe aprons, which are also included, must be carefully fixed, and the seams treated with sealant.
Lightness, durability, attractive, stylish appearance and other remarkable qualities of ondulin made this product one of the most popular roofing materials on the market.
