Ampelite – Expanding Horizons

At a time when fibreglass technology was still in its infancy in Australia, two enterprising brothers started to make sheeting from their garage. This humble beginning marked the genesis of what would become Australia’s largest and most experienced fibreglass and polycarbonate roof sheet manufacturer and distributor, transforming how buildings harness natural light.

Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.

Ampelite, a name that cleverly combines “amplify” and “light,” was born in 1969 from the vision of two brothers in Melbourne, Australia. Ed and Henk Verhagen set out to develop a lightweight roofing system that could enhance natural light in both domestic and industrial buildings. At a time when fibreglass technology was still in its infancy in Australia, the enterprising duo started to make sheeting from their garage. This humble beginning marked the genesis of what would become Australia’s largest and most experienced fibreglass and polycarbonate roof sheet manufacturer and distributor, transforming how buildings harness natural light. Ampelite’s roofing system technology has also influenced Australian construction techniques and standards, offering lightweight and structurally sound solutions and changing how buildings are designed and constructed for load-bearing roofing capacity, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

The University of New South Wales scientifically proved the environmental advantages of Ampelite’s roofing systems over traditional materials in a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted in 2009 by the University of New South Wales. The study compared Ampelite’s ‘Wonderglas GC’ and ‘Webglas GC’ glass fibre-reinforced plastic roofing sheets against galvanised steel sheeting. The cradle-to-factory and cradle-to-grave analyses revealed that Ampelite’s products contain substantially lower embodied energy and environmental impact than galvanised steel, with the energy-intensive and emission-heavy steel extraction process tipping the scales. Specifically, the Wonderglass GC products showed remarkable environmental benefits, consuming on average 53 per cent less primary energy, emitting 63 per cent less greenhouse gases and having a 70 per cent lower overall environmental impact than galvanised steel sheeting. These findings position Ampelite’s products as sustainable building solutions in the roofing industry.

Ampelite’s fibreglass roofing: A designer’s dream, offering a lightweight system that enhances natural light and enables a wide scope of creative design possibilities.

Further, the production line at Ampelite’s Dandenong manufacturing facility is built for optimal resource utilisation, maintaining product quality and meeting specific project needs. The made-to-order system for sheet lengths across over 300 distinct profiles for residential, architectural and industrial markets eliminates excess material and minimises its environmental footprint.

The level of UV radiation a typical roof in Australia would be exposed to over a 20-year lifespan can be substantial. Australia receives about 4 to 6 kWh/m² per day of solar radiation, with UV radiation being a significant component. A roof in Australia over 20 years could be exposed to 29,200kWh/m² to 43,800kWh/m² of thermal stress. Trevor Panozza, Director of Ampelite, explains: “All our material inputs are formulated to withstand Australia’s extreme UV conditions. Our Gel Coat, the protective workhorse of our products, results from advanced material science specifically engineered to combat ultraviolet degradation and water damage while maintaining translucency. Unlike other surface films, Gel Coat is much thicker and chemically crosslinked and cured to the fibreglass sheet, preventing the layers from yellowing, splitting or weakening. Our formulations have been developed collaboratively with allnex, particularly our polyester resin-rich system, ensuring that our products can withstand the harsh Australian climate for decades.” The same formulation also provides strength and resilience in extreme weather conditions.

Architectural brilliance: This house features structural walls crafted from Ampelite’s fibreglass, illuminating the night with a soft, luminous glow while showcasing innovative design and strength.

The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards establish national technical requirements for designing, constructing and performing buildings, plumbing and drainage systems. Although technically voluntary, they are frequently incorporated into legislation, making compliance essential for builders and the industry. Ampelite adheres to no fewer than 37 Australian standards. Over 55 years in business, Ampelite has played a significant role in shaping these standards, ensuring high-quality and compliant products push the industry and materials science forward.

Ampelite has progressively expanded operations into all mainland Australian states, strategically positioning warehouses and offices to serve diverse markets. Growth has extended beyond national borders, with distribution now established in New Zealand, Thailand, China and Malaysia. This geographic expansion has solidified Ampelite’s position as the dominant manufacturer and distributor of fibreglass and polycarbonate roofing products throughout Australasia.

Legacy residential development continues to flourish in tandem with the rapid expansion of e-commerce and warehouse retailing. The surge in online and large-format retailers such as Bunnings has catalysed a significant ramp-up in construction to meet retailer demands, driving investment in large-scale fulfilment centres and automated facilities. These specialised centres, often spanning up to 160,000 square meters under roof, are reshaping the industrial property landscape. Ampelite’s expertise in both residential and industrial applications positions it to capitalise on the evolving construction landscape, meeting the diverse needs of traditional housing and modern logistics infrastructure.

The sawtooth roof, with its panels facing away from the equator, blocks the light and heat of direct sun exposure and provides uniform, natural light over a large area. Historically they were used in industrial and manufacturing buildings as the primary light source. KANE JARROD PHOTOGRAPHY
The cradle-to-factory and cradle-to-grave analyses revealed that Ampelite’s products contain substantially lower embodied energy and environmental impact than galvanised steel, with the energy-intensive and emission-heavy steel extraction process tipping the scales.

Ampelite offers an innovative range of skylight systems that cater to diverse domestic and industrial needs. The Dual Roof Anti-Condensation Skylight System, which adapts double glazing principles to Australia’s climate, provides a cost-effective alternative to complex skylights. For industrial use, the EEFAS (Energy Efficient Factory Assembled Skylight) complements insulated steel panels, delivering superior thermal performance and adhering to the Building Code of Australia requirements. 

The Thermal Skylight System balances natural light and insulation, conforming to building codes and integrating with various insulation types and roof configurations. These solutions demonstrate Ampelite’s commitment to energy-efficient, code-compliant natural lighting across building types.

In Australia, the law requires that licensed professionals perform roofing work over a specific value to comply with building codes and regulations, ensure the roof’s structural integrity and prevent future water damage or leaks. To that end, while specified by architects, the company’s distribution network is, therefore, through commercial plumbing hardware outlets.

Complementing the sustainability goals, Ampelite produces a range of domestic and industrial ventilators, ensuring efficient air circulation while reducing reliance on electricity.

For 55 years, Ampelite has remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, focusing on the ease of installation, energy efficiency, safety and environmental performance of fibreglass and polycarbonate sheeting, innovative installation systems and natural ventilation products.

AMPELITE’S GELCOATED (GC) FIBREGLASS SHEETING RANGE

Wonderglas GC: A premium fibreglass roofing sheet that offers UV protection and resistance to yellowing and surface erosion while maintaining translucency, designed to withstand harsh Australian climate conditions, suitable for various industrial and architectural applications.

Cool-lite GC: an energy-efficient roofing that reduces heat transfer, improves thermal comfort in buildings while providing durability and UV resistance

Webglas GC: A high-strength fibreglass roofing sheet engineered for enhanced load-bearing capacity and impact resistance for industrial and commercial applications requiring structural integrity.

FS Firecheck: A fire-resisting roofing and cladding product with flame spread and smoke development resistance, capable of resisting burning for over 30 minutes.