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Design Consideration for Sun-Lite FRP Roofing
SPACE® Sun-Lite FRP sheets must be correctly specified and installed to achieve optimal performance. Review these design guidelines before commencing any roofing or cladding project.
1. Slope & Roof Pitch
- Minimum recommended slope: 10% (approx. 6°) — ridge to gutter or ridge to purlin method
- Installation from ridge capping downwards is strongly recommended for weather-tight sealing
- For low-pitch roofs (<10%), additional sealant and flashing must be used at all overlaps and penetrations
- Adequate slope ensures water runoff and minimises pooling at laps
2. Wind Load & Structural Spacing
- Purlin spacing must comply with MS 1183 (Malaysia Standard for design wind loads) or local building codes
- Structural frame must be designed to withstand wind suction loads specific to the building site location
- Maximum purlin spacing is typically 1,200mm — confirm with structural engineer based on wind zone
- End spans may require closer spacing for wind zone areas
3. Thermal Expansion
- FRP sheets expand and contract with temperature changes — allow 3mm per metre movement at fixings
- Use oversized holes (minimum 2mm larger than fastener shank) for thermal movement
- Do not over-tighten fasteners — secure sheets firmly but allow movement
- Recommended fastening at every second or third corrugation on side laps
4. Fastener Selection
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners (stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised) compatible with FRP sheets
- Fasteners must have a minimum 50mm thread engagement into structural purlins
- Sealing washers (EPDM or similar) are required under fastener heads to prevent water ingress
- Recommended spacing: end spans 300mm, internal spans 450–600mm
5. Sealing & Flashing
- Use silicone sealant (neutral cure recommended) at all overlaps, end laps, and penetrations for roofs below 10% slope
- Apply sealant to the upper sheet side laps before fastening the overlapping sheet
- Install butyl tape or rubber gasket at all fastener locations
- Use pre-formed ridge flashings, gable ends, and counter flashings from the Sun-Lite range
6. Daylighting Design
- Recommended daylighting coverage: minimum 10% of total roof area for adequate natural light
- For uniform light diffusion, space Sun-Lite sheets evenly across the roof — avoid clustering
- Clear / light opal colours provide highest light transmission
- Consider north-south orientation to minimise direct solar glare in working areas
7. Handling & Storage
- Store sheets under cover, elevated off the ground on a flat surface
- Allow air circulation to prevent heat build-up and moisture accumulation
- Handle sheets with clean gloves to avoid surface contamination
- Do not walk directly on unsupported sheets — use crawl boards spread across purlins
8. Compatible Cladding Systems
- Sun-Lite can be installed adjacent to metal cladding using matching FRP flashings and trim
- Do not use dissimilar metals (e.g., copper, uncoated steel) in direct contact with FRP sheets
- For mixed roofing (metal + FRP), use a minimum 150mm overlap at side laps
- Pre-drill all holes before fastening to prevent cracking or delamination
Quick Reference — Sun-Lite Installation Summary
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Roof Slope | 10% (approx. 6°) | Ridge-to-gutter installation preferred |
| Purlin Spacing (max) | 1,200mm | Subject to wind zone — check with engineer |
| End Lap | 150mm minimum | 200mm recommended for low-pitch roofs |
| Side Lap | 1.5 corrugations minimum | Full corrugation recommended |
| Thermal Movement Allowance | 3mm per metre | Oversize holes for fasteners |
| Daylighting Coverage | Min 10% of roof area | Uniform distribution for best results |
| Fastener Pitch (end) | 300mm | Every corrugation at end spans |
| Fastener Pitch (internal) | 450–600mm | Every 2nd–3rd corrugation |
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