Paul Duffy, Managing Director of Onduline UK, Ireland & Scandinavia Onduline provides the low down on the latest roofer friendly solutions.
Choosing the right roofing material is a crucial decision for the success and longevity of any job. For professional builders, ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal and cost-efficiency are common considerations when making a roofing decision.
With a reputation for such qualities within its product range, Onduline continues to be a trusted partner for builders, providing innovative solutions that cater to the needs of a diverse range of buildings.
Heritage
Onduline is a global manufacturer and market leader of bitumen roofing solutions. With a commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, the company has expanded its presence to over 100 countries, supported by eight manufacturing plants and a dedicated team of more than 1,200 employees.
Although the mainstay of the company’s success for many years has been providing roofing products to the leisure and agricultural sectors for timber buildings, it has also utilised its bitumen roofing expertise to develop, test and launch an extensive range of solutions to the professional market via a network of builder’s merchants and timber frame manufacturers.
Significant launches include the introduction of the bitumen corrugated roofing sheet 80 years ago. These sheets transformed the roofing industry by providing a lightweight yet durable and cost–effective alternative to traditional roofing materials. This solution combined durability, flexibility, ease of installation, and longevity, offering a lightweight yet robust material that resists weathering and corrosion. The bitumen sheets’ adaptability to various building designs and climates enhanced their appeal, providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional roofing materials.
Meeting the needs of builders
From this, Onduline now has a suite of products tailored for professional builders, addressing various roofing and construction needs with an emphasis on durability, ease of installation, and weather resistance.
This includes ONDULAIR Dry Ridge Kits for ventilation and a watertight seal for pitched roofs and ONDUTISS AIR BBA accredited permeable membranes through to ONDUCLAIR polycarbonate transparent sheets and the popular AA fire–rated BARDOLINE roof shingles suitable for all roofs.
Innovation
However, it’s Onduline’s most recent product development, the ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roof system, that has added a new dimension to its product offering.
The system addresses common challenges builders can face with low-pitched roofs, which are often applied to extensions. Unlike steep-pitched roofs, where water runs off quickly, low-pitched roofs can experience water pooling, leading to leaks and potential damage. Moreover, the limited selection of tiles suitable for low-pitched roofs can be problematic for builders and homeowners looking for a particular aesthetic.
With this in mind, the choice of roof pitch on a home extension becomes crucial. While flat roofs are popular for their space-saving and modern look, pitched roofs, especially those that match the main property, enhance the visual harmony of the entire structure. Low-pitched roofs offer the benefit of using matching tiles, ensuring a seamless blend with the existing property.
This is where sub-roof systems like ISOLINE LOW LINE can change the dynamics of traditional roof structures. Instead of relying solely on tiles for waterproofing, the sub-roof becomes the main waterproofing layer, allowing the tiles to serve as a secondary defence against water ingress. This innovation offers builders the flexibility to select new tiles for improved aesthetics and functionality or to use existing tiles, thereby reducing costs and saving time on projects.
Additionally, one significant advantage of sub-roof systems is their ability to accommodate heritage sites and older properties. By allowing the use of existing or reclaimed tiles, sub-roofs maintain the original look and feel of the property while providing an additional layer of protection against water ingress.
ISOLINE LOW LINE is the only sub-roof system in the UK to be BRE tested and BBA accredited to as low as 10-degree pitch. Made from approximately 50% recycled material and specifically designed for use on low pitch roofs, this lightweight bituminous underlay sheeting is fitted under roof tiles, thus being shielded from elements such as wind and rain, making it an exceptional long-lasting waterproofing solution.
For more information on Onduline visit www.onduline.co.uk
