Removing & replacing your Onduline roof
Expert advice from Onduline
Removing & Replacing your roof
As with all roofing materials at the end of their service life they will require removal and replacement. This data sheet explains how Onduline bitumen corrugated sheet roofing materials can be safely removed from your roof and disposed of.
Can I use the existing roof structure to fix new Onduline sheets to?

Checking the quality of your roof
Yes as the roof structure is by its nature set out ready to accept new replacement Onduline sheets, just check the roof structure for any deterioration and make good as required then fix new Onduline roofing in accordance with the fixing instructions.
Also consider any repairs or roofing improvements to the supporting structure such as providing a decked roof on the existing purlins. You might also look at changing your existing Onduline roofing type or colour and incorporate additional insulation; our technical sales department will be pleased to assist you with your project.
How do I strip the roof of the existing Onduline roof covering?

Safety first
Firstly remember working at heights is a hazardous operation; so it’s imperative you devise a plan to remove sheet materials from the roof, always work from a secure ladder and working platforms fitted with guard rails and kick boards in conformity to Health and Safety guide 33 (Working at Heights).
What must I consider when planning the removal of the existing deteriorated roof?

Design consideration
Never assume a roof will accept your weight, so always work from suitable platforms, establishing a safe method of roof access allowing you to safely lift and remove the sheets from the roof. This can often requires harnesses and fall-arrest lanyards to be worn.
You must establish an effective means of keeping people and work colleagues from the below the area you are working, this might also require areas to be secured by safety netting below the working area. Organise a safe method of removing the old sheets from the roof to a storage area; or disposal skip.
Avoid storing materials on the roof; or on scaffolding platforms, waste materials must never be thrown from the roof, they should be removed by hoists; or similar approved methods.
Are Onduline roof materials safe to handle?

Free from hazardous substances
Yes, Onduline contains no asbestos and presents no known health risk in handling, fixing or in service. However, removing roofing products can be a dirty process so be sure to wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, eye protection and safety equipment.
Do Onduline sheets present an Eco toxicity risk in handling?

50% Recycled Materials
No, evidence is found of adverse eco toxicity. Low ecological toxicity is therefore estimated. There is no known adverse effect to the environment because of its usage or application. Onduline is a classified a green product as it is manufactured using 50% recycled materials in the production of the sheets.
How do I safely dispose of Old Onduline sheets when removed from roof?

How do I safely dispose of Old Onduline sheets when removed from roof?
Onduline material waste must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations; it is classified as non-dangerous waste and may be disposed of in landfills as it decomposes to form a stable inert waste material.
Waste Code (European classification): 17 03 02 (bituminous mixtures other than those mentioned in 17 03 01). Classification 17 03 02 : inert waste (and non-dangerous) 17 : building wastes 03 02 : bitumen blends
Disposal of Packaging Material: Packing materials such as paper and PE should be given to licensed authorised institutions for recycling, in accordance with laws and regulations

How do I prepare redundant Onduline sheets for landfill disposal?
If the sheets are being disposed of at local refuse recycling centres consideration should be given to their efficient handling. We therefore recommend sheets are cut nominally into 500 mm strips to ease handling and ensure they do not cause problems with refuse compaction machinery.
When removing nails from Onduline sheets use a board laid across the adjoining sheet corrugations, this forms a stable leverage point when removing fixings with a claw hammer or crow bar.
Can Onduline sheet waste be disposed of by incineration?

Harmful pollutants
No, as the incineration of bitumen waste materials have the potential to release of harmful atmospheric pollutants into the environment, the toxicity of the airborne pollutant being dependant on the effectiveness of the incineration plant. Therefore, we do not recommended incineration as a viable means of disposal of bitumen waste in respect of European environmental standards (Unless specialist incineration plant is used approved for bitumen waste).

Onduline Ecological Manufacture and Waste Disposal Summary
Onduline is manufactured from 50% recycled cellulose fibre material, it is produced in modern environmentally efficient manufacturing plants which utilise industry leading technology to both recycle production energy and eliminate both airborne and water pollution.
Onduline contains no asbestos and presents no known health risk in handling, fixing or in service. It forms inert waste which can be safely disposed of in landfill and will decompose naturally to its constituent elements without presenting any known hazardous contamination risk.
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