Chosen to install bitumen roof sheets but unsure how? In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before and during installing bitumen roofing.
Exceptionally affordable and easy to install, these sheets are the go-to budget option in the roofing sheets world.
Bitumen roof sheets are one of the most versatile lightweight roofing materials available today, with a huge range of uses from shed roofs, garages, log shelters and more. Not only are they easy to install, but Corrapol® corrugated bitumen is the most cost-effective solution for covering outdoor structures.
What’s more, you don’t have to be an experienced installer to fit these sheets.
Available in four popular colours, black, green, brown and red, these corrugated roofing sheets are perfect for big and small projects.
To maximise the lifespan of your roof it is critical to use Rock N Lock® Flashings which reduce wind uplift risks and protect the critical edges of a roof from weather.
Key Details for installing Bitumen Roof Sheets
| Corrapol® Bitumen Installation | |
| Fully Boarded roof suggested pitch | 5° or greater |
| Purlin roof suggested pitch | 10° or greater |
| Sheet Width | 950mm |
| Sheet Coverage Width | 855mm (one overlap) 760mm (two overlaps) |
| Length overlap | 180 - 320mm (pitch dependent) |
| Essential products for installing corrugated bitumen | Corrapol Bitumen Roof Sheets Eaves Fillers Screw Cap Fixings Rock N Lock® Flashings |
How to install bitumen roofing
- Safety first – always take the necessary safety precautions
- Start with a gable Rock N Lock® flashing if open sided or a wall Rock N Lock Flashing if against a side wall
- Cut a mitre on the end of the Rock N Lock® flashing to suit your roof pitch
- Trim the Rock N Lock to length with a metal-compatible blade. Allow a max 70mm overhang over the eaves/gutter
- Rock N Lock Flashing should be fixed approx. every 250mm on the top or side. Select a suitable 5mm metal drill bit and pre-drill fixing holes along the length
- Start on the roof edge opposite the prevailing wind direction. If unsure, start on the least exposed edge.
- Lay out and pin the corrugated eaves fillers down approx. 145mm from the edge. Corrapol® corrugated eaves fillers should be used every purlin or fixing row
- Start at the bottom of the roof and place the first Corrapol® Bitumen Sheet
- Rock N Lock® the flashing on – simple!
- Screw the corrugated flashing on using stainless steel Screw Fixings
- Then, secure the first bitumen sheet using flexi cap screw fixings
- Always fix sheets through the corrugation peaks, never the troughs as this will cause leaks
- Use corrugated fixings on every corrugation top and bottom. For intermediate fixing rows fix screws every second corrugation
- Continue fixing the first row of sheets... Overlapping against the prevailing wind direction
- Start every second row with a half sheet. Simply follow our video guide for cutting bitumen roof sheets to size.
- Corrugated bitumen is easy to cut with a hand or circular saw. Alternatively, you can increase the overlap to avoid cutting sheets to size
- Once the sheets are all fixed down, Rock N Lock® a flashing on the opposite roof edge
- If it’s a lean-to roof, fit a Top Wall Flashing to complete
- For a Pent or Free-standing Roof use our Pent Roof Flashing to create a neat finish
- For an Apex roof use our Super Ridge and End Caps to ensure a watertight corrugated ridge
- Order today for rapid direct delivery to get your project started!
Refer to our Installation Guide for full fitting instructions for the Corrapol®-BT Corrugated bitumen sheet system.
Tools required to install bitumen roofing
- Appropriate Safety gear
- Drill
- Chop Saw (with aluminium-compatible blade)
- Tape Measure
- Pencil or marker pen
- Hand saw & spray lubricant (if cutting sheets)
Common Bitumen Roof Sheet Installation Questions
What are the best types of bitumen roof sheets?
When purchasing corrugated roof sheets made from bitumen it is worth knowing that there are different brands and qualities which offer varying lifespans. Always buy from a well-known brand like Corrapol® from Clear Amber
The best type of bitumen roof sheets are the Awnapol® sheets which are a thicker and stronger version of the DIY grade Corrapol®-BT sheets.
Why are Rock N Lock flashings important when installing corrugated sheets?
Using Rock N Lock® flashing is essential for ensuring your corrugated sheets will last the test of time for three reasons:
- Protect side fixings from the weather
- Reduce the risk of wind uplift
- Create a smart roof finish
What are the best types of corrugated fixings?
There are two types of corrugated fixings which are nails or flexi cap screw fixings, with the Corrapol® screw fixings being the strongest. The reason screw corrugated fixings are the better choice is they provide a securer fix that ensures greater roof longevity.
How to cut bitumen roofing?
Cutting bitumen roofing is easy to do, for any skill level of installer, using the correct method and a hand saw or circular saw. Watch our how to cut bitumen roof sheets video to learn the best method.
Can you get bitumen roofing sheets 3m long?
We manufacture our bitumen roof range in 2m long only as unfortunately due to the way this material of sheets is produced you cannot get 3m long bitumen sheets.
Alternatively, if you want 3m corrugated sheets then select the Corramet® roofing sheets.
What is the best alternative to bitumen corrugated sheets?
Bitumen sheets are a great option for the majority of applications but if you are looking for a more robust alternative choose the Corramet® Corrugated Sheets. They are available at longer lengths, come with fixings included and provide extra rigidity.
Need Help with your Bitumen Roof Sheets Project?
Please contact us if you have any further questions regarding our corrugated sheets range. Our Live Chat Teams are always happy to discuss any questions with you. Alternatively, you can contact us where our Teams will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your projects.
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