Overview

Ampelite introduced Wonderglas GC gel-coated sheeting to New Zealand in 1995 expressly to combat our very harsh environment. Its highly UV-resistant gel coat provides Wonderglas GC with the ultimate impenetrable barrier, reducing surface erosion and loss of light transmission to negligible proportions. In September 2014, Ampelite changed the name of its Wonderglas GC product to ‘Wonderglas S-996’. Silmar S-996 was specifically designed as a clear gel coat for roofing. Because the Silmar S-996 gel coat had become synonymous with the Wonderglas brand, it was only natural that both brands should be locked together so that our customers could be guaranteed quality; however, the composition of our Wonderglas gel coat has not changed since we started supplying it in 1995, and Wonderglas S-996 continues to be a preferred solution for commercial buildings throughout the country. It is recommended for commercial and retail applications where excellent long-term light transmission is required.

History of Fibreglass in New Zealand

Fiberglass has been used in New Zealand for over 50 years as a cost-effective sky-lighting material. Unfortunately, fiberglass has often been overlooked in many applications due to perceptions of poor translucency, high levels of yellowing, and poor aesthetics associated with surface erosion (known as “fiber show”). In New Zealand, fiberglass sheeting has traditionally been protected by surface films. These films are layered on to the sheet during manufacture, and are designed to be “self sacrificial”. Unfortunately, most surface films have poor weather ability, and have been known to delaminate in as little as 3 years! More recent surface films containing high-level UV stabilizers have improved performance and weather ability; however testing has shown their life-span to be limited.

What is a Gel Coat?

Gel coats have been used in many applications ranging from truck bodies, to swimming pools, to yachts. Ampelite is now able to apply this superior method of fibreglass protection to a range of fibreglass roofing and cladding materials.

Wonderglas S-996

Because the composition of our gel coat and its basic manufacturing process have not changed since Wonderglas S-996’s introduction into New Zealand in 1995 (as Wonderglas GC), it is the oldest - and most dependable - gel-coated roofing sheet on the market.

The proven performance of Wonderglas S-996 includes:

• eliminating surface erosion (fibre show)
• superior resistance to yellowing and hazing
• minimal loss of light transmission over life
• 99% protection from UV rays
• being more cost-effective than other products over the building’s lifetime

Wonderglas S996 now uses Ampelite’s Proprietary SL Group 3 “Bromine Free” Fire Retardant Resin System

Wonderglas S996 manufactured in New Zealand after the 15 October 2020 will now use Ampelite’s proprietary Group 3 Bromine Free’ fire retardant resin system that is currently used to manufacture our SL sheeting products.

Surface Finish Properties have been tested to ISO 5660 and achieved a group number 3 performance in accordance with NZBC Verification Method C/VM2 Appendix

Testing and Evaluation

Wonderglas GC (now Wonderglas S-996) has been tested at the Allunga Exposure Laboratory in Allunga QLD, a world-renowned testing facility. All methods of testing are performed to strict standards. The Altrac system (in which the sample tracks the sun) is generally accepted to have a 5 to 1 weathering value. The Wonderglas GC (now Wonderglas S-996) result was a light loss of 22% over a period equivalent to 20 years of exposure. The test samples still displayed a very smooth, glossy surface with no fibre showing at all.

The CRC (Cooperative Research Centres Program) of Australia is a Government Program whose participants include:

• Australia Nuclear Science & Technology Org
• CSIRO Building, Construction & Engineering
• Monash University - Materials Engineering
• RMIT University - Polymer Technology Centre

The CRC study “Weathering of Glass-Reinforced Roof Sheeting Materials” examined resin types, glass size and content, and coatings of fibreglass sheeting commercially available in Australia. The results, published in August 2000, found the following: “The standard orthophthalic resin with the BP gel coat was the most weather-resistant system to use. The BP gel coat was the most durable of all the coatings trialled and showed superior weather ability compared to those coatings currently being used in industry”.

Available Colours; Light and Heat Transmission

Wonderglas S-996 is available in Clear, Opal and Grey. For information on other colours, please contact your local Ampelite office.

For light and heat transmission of Series 2400, 3050, 3660, 4270, 4880, please contact your local Ampelite office.

Available Profiles & Spanning Capacity

All current profiles such as Corrugated, 5 rib, LT7, BB900, etc. plus most superseded profiles are available.
Please download our list of popular profiles.

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

Accessories

Ampelite has a large range of accessories available to help make the installation of Wonderglas S-996 fast and professional. These accessories include a range of self-drilling screws which oversize the fastener holes as they pass through the sheet, and self-adhesive tapes and profiled form filler strips for vermin protection.
Please download our Accessories and Fixings page.

Correct Installation is Important

Ampelite sheeting shall be installed in accordance with Ampelite fixing instructions and with AS/NZS 1562.3:1996, Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding, Part 3: Plastic, the requirements of the NZ Building Code and the NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers’ Association Code of Practice. For full installation details, please download a copy of our installation guide.

Please note these additional important requirements:

• Ampelite translucent sheeting matching positive fixed profiles shall be installed using the fastening length applicable to the main cladding, together with a metal profile washer and EDPM seal. This combination gives a secure and weather-tight finish. The fixing screws should not be over-tightened to the extent that the sheet buckles, allowing water penetration at the seal or sheet overlap.
• Fixing should be made at every crest at both ends of the sheet and at every second crest at intermediate purlins.
• Where Ampelite fibreglass sheeting is in contact with safety mesh, an Ampelite purlin protection strip must be installed over the safety mesh to avoid fracturing of the underside of the sheet.
• Where end lapping of the sheet is required, a minimum of 300 mm overlap is essential. Ampelite recommends the use of 25 mm Lap Seal Tape at the top and bottom edges of the purlin. This ensures the strips are concealed. For Decking profiles, two continuous beads of a clear non-hardening sealer (i.e. silicone), must be applied across the full width of the decking within the overlap.
• IMPORTANT: Ampelite sheeting should be installed by pre-drilling oversized holes to allow for expansion and contraction. The basic calculation is 0.75 mm per lin. /m, plus shank diameter of screw. Do not over-tighten screws. EXAMPLE: 10 m sheet - 10 (m) x 0.75 (mm) + 4 mm (fastener) = 11.5 mm pre-drilled hole.
• CLIP FIXED DECKING: Ampelite sheeting matching clip-fixed deck profiles shall be installed in conjunction with the main cladding and should be side lapped with overlaps on both sides (Ampelite sheets have two female laps). Fixing of sheets should be carried out in the same manner and practice as those stated for positive fixed profile roofing.
• WALL CLADDING: Pan fixing is required at each girt, and the use of Ampelite grey dome 22 mm weather seals ensures a weather tight seal. Over-tightening or flattening the weather seal must be avoided. Fixing shall occur in every pan at both ends of the sheeting and in every other pan at intermediate girts.
• CYCLONE ZONE INSTALLATION: Installation in cyclone-prone areas follows the recommendations and code for normal fixing, but further specific requirements must be met. Please contact your local Ampelite office for the latest information.

Handling, Storage, and Disposal

Wonderglas S-996 Industrial Fibreglass Sheeting is a non-trafficable roofing material. The sheeting should always be stored in a dry and fire-safe area and handled with care to avoid damage to the surface coating as warranties will not apply to sheeting that has been damaged in handling or to mechanical damage as a result of foot traffic.
Fibreglass sheeting is not recyclable and should be disposed of in a landfill. Do not incinerate fibreglass off-cuts as burning produces acrid smoke and noxious, toxic fumes.

Safety Data

There are no ill effects from handling Ampelite fibreglass sheets as a finished product. Some exposure to airborne particles occurs on drilling, cutting, and trimming of the material. Although there are no known cases of harmful effects, even after long-term exposure, it is recommended to take certain precautionary steps.

• 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: Dust masks are recommended although particles are not respirable.
• Ingestion: Non-toxic. Extensive studies have revealed no serious effects.