Wonderglas GC

Overview

Australia's most experienced and largest manufacturer of fibreglass roofing introduced "Wonderglas GC" gel coated sheeting to Australia in 1994, adapting the process originally developed by BP chemicals in the United States, to expressly combat Australia's very harsh environment.

For more information on Ampelite’s Gel Coat technology, click here.

Strength And Flexibility

Over the life of the sheet "Wonderglas GC" retains it's strength and flexibility, it does not lose it's tensile strength or become brittle as happens with film surface coated and polycarbonate materials.  Generally speaking, film coated fibreglass reinforced polyester sheeting has a history of failure under Australian conditions.  While it has been a means of delivering natural light, the short comings of erosion, combined with loss of light transmission, discolouration and water penetration, have called for a decided improvement.  Wonderglas GC, with a UV resistant Gel Coat of 100 microns in thickness, replacing surface film of just 20 microns, has provided this improvement.

Since then Wonderglas GC has been proven in many thousands of installations throughout Australia and New Zealand, and in many Asian regions.  Ampelite's policy of continual product improvement, as new technology and materials are available, ensures product leadership.  The highly UV resistant resins used in the manufacture of Wonderglas GC provide the ultimate in protection - ahead of even the latest surface film technology.  The 100 micron thick gel coat is integral with the sheet (chemically cross bonded), and no delamination is possible.  The gel coated sheet surface becomes an almost impenetrable barrier that reduces surface erosion and loss of light transmission to negligible proportions.  The proven performance of Wonderglas GC remains unsurpassed and puts this Australian made product at the cutting edge of world resin technology.

Chemical Resistance

In addition to exceptional performance, even under adverse conditions, Wonderglas GC has a very high resistance to a range of common chemicals.  So much so, that entire industrial plants are clad with gel coated woven mat reinforced fibreglass ("Webglas GC" also an Ampelite product) to eliminate corrosion.

Special Purpose Variations

The benefits of Ampelite's "Cool-lite" Heat Reduction sheeting, or "SR76" Fire Retardant sheeting can be incorporated into Wonderglas GC.  Many installations utilise these options, sometimes combining them.

Available Profiles

All current profiles (see link below) such as Corrugated, Trimdek, Speed-dek, etc. plus most superseded profiles are available.  Click here to view profiles.

Quality

Australian made Wonderglas GC premium grade glass reinforced polyester sheeting is manufactured in strict accordance with AS/NZS 4256.3:1994. Standards Licence No.986.

Ampelite is a quality Endorsed Company complying with AS/NZS ISO 9001:1994, Licence QEC 4787.

Hail Resistance

Ampelite warrant series 2400 (and upwards) Wonderglas GC premium grade gel coated industrial fibreglass sheeting against damage from hailstones up to 20mm in diameter accompanied by winds up to 100 km/hr for 10 years.

Superior Features of Wonderglas GC

Light transmission is maintained.  Loss of light transmission after 10 years is just 10% compared to a loss of 30% for standard 20 micron surface film protected fibreglass sheeting.  Wonderglas GC has a highly UV resistant gel coat of 100 microns.

Very high resistance to yellowing and discolouration.  Over 10 years changes are negligible and are covered by warranty.  Only minor changes may occur in later years.

Surface erosion (fibre show) is eliminated.  It is covered by warranty for 25 years.

Low surface erosion.  This also improves weathering properties.  The 100 micron gel coated surface provides an impenetrable barrier and the sheet is warranted against water penetration for 25 years.  Inbuilt UV protection eliminates 99% of harmful UV rays.

Durability and Cost Effectiveness

Fibreglass sheeting has progressively overcome UV attack with the development of UV Stable Resins, and has retarded weathering by the application of surface films.  However, surface films, are just 20 microns thick, and only prolong weathering and do not defeat it.  The newer surface films have no history in actual use, and must rely on "Weathermeter" testing to predict likely deterioration over a long period of years.

The introduction of Wonderglas GC in 1994 has proven to be a very significant advance in fibreglass sheeting.  Wonderglas GC has a highly UV resistant gel coat 100 microns thick chemically cross bonded to the UV resistant base resin.  The gel coat is 5 times the thickness of surface film, it is integral with the sheet and cannot delaminate.  Premium grade Wonderglas GC permanently withstands weathering, retards fading, maintains excellent light transmission and has a higher resistance to a range of common chemicals than standard fibreglass sheeting.  Actual usage has proved that gel coated Wonderglas GC is eminently suitable for long term industrial and commercial use.

In determining the cost effectiveness of Wonderglas GC over a term of 25 years, or the life of the building, consideration must be given to the benefits.  These include lower maintenance or replacement costs, the continuing benefit of excellent natural lighting with only minor deterioration over the products lifetime.  Also, lack of brittleness and high resistance to hailstones over many years.  Finally, the sound weatherproofing of the building and its better appearance long after other materials have failed.

It is estimated that commonly used surface film protected fibreglass sheeting can actually cost up to 300% more based on replacement of product at useful life intervals, at present day cost per square meter.  Testing undertaken by CRC (an independant government body) in Report No. CRC-P-TR-030 came to the conclusions that: "Gel coat was the most resistant coating.  A correctly formulated gel coat being more effective than the use of weather resistant thermoplastic surface films."

Wonderglas GC has also been tested at Allunga QLD, through the Allunga Exposure Laboratory.  Allunga is an independent laboratory that specialises in natural weather testing, and is well known in Australia and overseas.  All methods of testing are performed to strict Australian Standards.  The Altrac system (in which the sample tracks the sun), is generally accepted to have a 5:1 weathering value.  The Wonderglas GC result was a light loss of 22% over a period equivalent to 20 years exposure.  The test product still displays a very smooth, glossy surface with no fibreshow at all.

The Wonderglas GC technology was developed in the United States through BP Chemicals, and has been in the American market for in excess of 25 years and widely used throughout Australia since 1994.

Spanning Capacity

The above spans are recommended for wind loads up to 1 kPa.

For information regarding recommended spans in high wind and cyclonic regions please contact your local Ampelite office.

Sheeting Grades

Important: Heavier grades give the specifier the option to use Ampelite sheeting in cyclonic zones, or match the span of the nominated steel roofing material (see 'Spanning Capacity' above).

Light and Heat Transmission

For Light and Heat transmission of other series (grades), please contact your local Ampelite office. Other colours can be produced to order for viable quantities.

Expansion Data

Physical Properties

Installation

The following installation procedures are recommended by the product manufacturers — Ampelite Australia Pty Ltd.

These recommendations closely follow the Australian Standard: Design and installation of Sheet Roof and Wall Cladding, Part 3: Plastic. AS 1562.3-2006

Where wire safety mesh is incorporated under the fibreglass sheeting and over a purlin, a protective purlin strip must be installed to prevent fracturing. Ampelite manufacture a 65 mm wide self adhesive fibreglass strip which, when viewed from below is not visible.

In roofing applications, fixings shall be fitted through the crest of any profile. Oversize screw holes from 10 mm up to 15 mm must be drilled at all points of fixing. Only 32 mm 'Weatherlok' seals should be used. These seals are large enough to cover the oversize hole and are sufficiently flexible to contour to any corrugation (or rib) when medium pressure is applied. Medium pressure means that the 'Weatherlok' seal is contoured to the shape of the corrugation (or rib), but rib or corrugation must retain its shape without any sign of buckling.

Contractors must make sure that the fixing is located in the centre of the oversize hole, or the benefit of the larger hole is lost. To ensure accuracy, Ampelite recommends the following:

1. Fasten fibreglass sheeting in the same manner as metal.

2. When Job is completed, remove fasteners on fibreglass section.

3. Using the existing screw hole as a guide, drill an oversize hole, swap neoprene washer (used in step 1) with 'Weatherlok' seal and reinstall the fastener.

• Alternatively, Ampelite recommends the use of Fibreglass Teks or Clearfix industrial fasteners which drill an oversize hole as they fix.

Ampelite design and recommend the fibreglass sheets to be installed on top of metal roofing on both sides. The sheet rib can still go over and under when fibreglass sheets are installed side by side.

Where fibreglass sheets are end lapped including those with dissimilar materials, two lines of Lapseal Tape or a flexible sealant shall be placed across the full width of sheet. Each strip is placed approximately 150 mm apart with one line located 25 mm from the end of the fibreglass sheet. Ampelite recommends the use of 25 mm Lapseal Tape as silicone sealants can harden and cure due to exposure to daylight. The over-lapping sheets then become locked together as one sheet, effectively stopping movement between the sheets, and possibly causing buckling. With decking profiles install Lapseal Tape in the tray only or use a flexible sealant.

Fibreglass sheeting is not easily reshaped after manufacture, and will require special weather seals to be provided at all flashing and capping points. Typically, a foam closure strip matching the profile of the fibreglass sheet should be bonded to the pans or valleys with a flexible weatherproof sealant. Ideally it should be fitted at least 100 mm behind the turn down of the flashing.

Ampelite fibreglass sheeting (with the exception of Webglas GC) is a non-trafficable material. Sheets should be handled with care to avoid damage to the surface coating which is either Melinex film or Gel Coat according to the grade. Guarantees will not apply to sheeting that has been damaged in handling, or mechanical damage due to foot traffic.

Furthermore, unless the above instructions are strictly adhered to, Ampelite Australia Pty Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for consequent leakage problems, caused by sheets buckling or "ocean waving".

Further information can be obtained from an Ampelite office in your area.

Safety Data

Products: Industrial and Premium grade Industrial Fibreglass Sheeting. Manufactured to AS 4256.3-2006.

There are no ill effects from handling Ampelite Fibreglass sheets as a finished product.

Some exposure to air-borne particles occurs on drilling, cutting and trimming of the material. Although there are no known cases of harmful effect, even after long term exposure, it is recommended to take certain precautionary steps.

Effects of exposure to dust particles

Eye (contact) Can cause irritation. Appropriate eye protection should be worn. If irritation occurs due to exposure to dust particles, wash eyes with running water using an eye bath or wash bottle. If irritation persists seek medical attention.

Skin (contact) Can cause irritation. Shower thoroughly using soap and a cloth or sponge.

Inhalation (breathing) Dust masks are recommended although particles are not respirable.

Ingestion (swallowing) Non-toxic. Extensive studies have revealed no serious effects.

Emergency Fire Fighting Action

In the case of an indoor fire relating to stored Fibreglass Sheets the following action is necessary.

1. Use a self contained breathing apparatus.

2. Fire may be controlled by use of sand, carbon dioxide, dry powder or foam extinguishers.

3. Water can be used to prevent fire from spreading to other goods or buildings.

Ampelite Fibreglass

Use: Generally as a translucent, light transmitting, panel in roofs or walls of buildings. May find use in specialty applications due to resistance to corrosion. Can also comply with Building Code requirements when using Fire Retardant resins.

Physical Description: Ampelite roof sheeting is the product of the halogenated polymerization of polyester resin by the addition of a suitable catalyst. The resin is supported by a matrix of chopped glass reinforcement. The sheeting is glass like in appearance and is odourless.

Ingredients: Polyester resin is an unsaturated thermosetting resin resulting from the esterification of suitable poly vasis acids and polyhydric alcohols dissolved in selected vinyl monomers. The catalyst system uses an addition of cumene hydro peroxide solution. The reinforcing is translucent sheet roving manufactured from E Type glass. The polymerization results in an inert resinous material.

Fire: Fire Retardant Sheeting has been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1530.3-1999. It will support combustion and sheeting will only burn when flame assisted. All normal extinguishing media may be used. Thermal decomposition products include carbon monoxide, styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrid smoke and hydrogen chloride and bromide.

For further information contact your local Ampelite Office.

Warranty

Wonderglas GC features a limited 25 year warranty. For full warranty details, please contact your nearest Ampelite office.

Downloads

Installation Instructions

Project Photos

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