Onduline roof design

Although Onduline has superior resistance to the build-up of condensation to many roofing products such as steel sheets. With any single thickness material there is a risk of condensation formation during the winter months. Generally air movement generated by the provision of high and low level ventilation will help in avoiding this problem.

It is worth noting that condensation is a particular problem on shallow pitched roofs below 15 degrees, which do not benefit from effective convection stack ventilation, particularly on cold and damp still nights with little exterior air movement.

feedback reveals that condensation complaints are often related to other fixing problems, such as insufficient support or fixings to the Onduline sheets. So it is advisable to check the Onduline fixing against the fixing instructions first.

These notes will hopefully allow you to identify the problem and provide a cost effective solution, should you require assistance please contact our technical department.

Condensation formation

Wind pressure

Vapour control

Condensation

Onduline sheets

Discoloured water droplets

Condensation water droplets falling from the Onduline sheet can cause damage to stored items in the roof space / building, although it should be noted no hazardous elements are contained in the droplets, which normally contain only traces of atmospheric pollutants and production residue which do not stain non porous surfaces such as vehicles and can be removed with proprietary cleaners such as diluted washing up liquid.

Mould growth

If the condensation / ventilation issues are not addressed mould spores which float in the air can establish and grow on the underside of the sheet, when allied to a constant temperature and poor ventilation provision.

Read more about mould, lichen and moss preventative measures.

Moisture Freeze and thaw risk to single layer roof coverings:

During periods of sub-zero temperatures the underside of the sheet will have a surface temperature below freezing point. Accordingly water vapour contacting the sheet will freeze, then as the sun warms the sheet in the morning it melts forming water droplets, which are often mistaken for leaking sheets, or condensation formation.

The risk of condensation formation is often at its highest on still cold nights with little exterior wind generated air movement and high atmospheric humidity levels. This risk is increased on buildings with new concrete floors, as moisture is released as the concrete cures which could explain that often condensation is reported for the first autumn and winter only.

Examples of condensation issues:

Restricted ventilation and high internal moisture levels associated with inadequate high and low level ventilation will often result in condensation related problems to the under-surface of the sheets. Condensation water droplets forming on new sheets can cause discoloured water droplets. Whilst timber tantalising agents to cause ‘white’ staining to the sheet underside.

Upgrading condensation control to existing roof construction:

Condensation can be avoided by good roof design and generally fixing the sheets in accordance with the fixing instructions. But this is little comfort for those confronted with the damaging effects of condensation, so we have detailed some simple solutions, they are for cold roof construction only with the underside of the Onduline sheets exposed.

Should you have an insulated ‘warm’ roof construction please contact our technical department for further details, as upgrades on insulated roofs require careful consideration of the provision of vapour control barriers.

Preparation

Before starting work check your roof against the product literature to ensure the roof has been fitted in accordance with the fixing instructions and is in good order. As reported condensation problems are often related simple to incorrect installation. Next check if any remedial work is required to the roof structure and clean gutters and roof sheets of leaves and debris and ensure no overlaying branches are making contact with the sheet surface.

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