Last Updated on: 2nd December 2025, 01:55 pm
When you’re building a shed, carport, greenhouse, or small shelter, you want a roof that’s light, simple to install, and reliable through changing seasons. Two names come up again and again at hardware stores and online: Tuftex and Onduline.
They look similar at first glance – both come in corrugated sheets and both target the same DIY crowd. But under the surface, they’re made from completely different materials, behave differently in heat and cold, and even sound different when rain hits them.
Let’s compare the two properly so you know which one fits your project best.
What They’re Made Of
| Product | Material | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tuftex PolyCarb | Polycarbonate plastic | Clear or translucent panels used for greenhouses, patio covers, and light-transmitting roofs. |
| Onduline Roofing Sheet | Bitumen-saturated cellulose fiber | Opaque sheets made from compressed organic fibers soaked in asphalt and coated with mineral granules. |
Tuftex behaves like a rigid plastic, while Onduline feels more like a flexible asphalt board.
Both resist rot and corrosion, but they age and perform very differently.
Weight and Handling
| Product | Weight (per 6 ft sheet) | Handling | Cutting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuftex PolyCarb | ~4–5 lbs | Rigid and springy | Fine-tooth saw or shears |
| Onduline | ~9–10 lbs | Softer, bendable | Utility knife or handsaw |
Tuftex panels are stiffer and hold their shape, ideal if you want crisp lines. Onduline is heavier and easier to trim, which helps on uneven framing or rustic sheds.
In short:
- Tuftex feels more precise.
- Onduline is more forgiving.
Light Transmission and Appearance
- Tuftex panels let 35–90% of light through, depending on color (clear, smoke, or white). Perfect for greenhouses, patio covers, or lean-to roofs.
- Onduline is fully opaque. Its matte finish, available in red, brown, green, or black, resembles a scaled-down clay tile roof.
If your project benefits from daylight, go Tuftex. If you prefer shade and privacy, Onduline is the better match.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Tuftex
- Excellent impact resistance – hail, branches, and falling debris rarely crack it.
- UV-protected surface resists yellowing for 10–15 years.
- Performs best on steeper slopes (4/12 or more) for proper drainage.
- Immune to rot, mold, and corrosion.
Onduline
- Handles heat and sunlight well; color fades slowly and predictably.
- Asphalt fibers provide quiet performance in rain and some insulation.
- Can stiffen in freezing weather, so cutting is easier when warm.
- Slight risk of moss or mildew growth in shaded areas, purely cosmetic.
Summary:
- Tuftex handles impact and transparency better.
- Onduline handles heat, noise, and temperature swings better.
Installation Differences
Both install with basic tools, but they require different fasteners.
Tuftex:
- Use neoprene washer screws through the crest of corrugations.
- Drill 3 mm oversized holes for expansion.
- Overlap one corrugation side-to-side, 6″ end-to-end.
Onduline:
- Use colored roofing nails or screws with plastic caps through corrugation peaks.
- Overlap two corrugations side-to-side, 6″ end-to-end.
- Don’t install directly after leaving sheets in the sun, warm bitumen softens slightly.
Tuftex expands more with heat; the oversized holes are essential. Onduline barely moves once nailed down but prefers mild temperatures during installation.
Fire and Environmental Ratings
| Feature | Tuftex | Onduline |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Rating | Class B or C (depending on model) | Class C (some European versions B) |
| Eco Aspect | Fully recyclable plastic | Made from recycled cellulose fibers |
| Best For | Areas with moderate fire codes | Areas prioritizing natural materials |
Check your local building code before choosing Onduline, it might not qualify where Class A or B fire ratings are required.
Lifespan, Warranty, and Maintenance
| Product | Typical Lifespan | Warranty | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuftex | 10–15 years | 10-year limited (UV & breakage) | Occasional rinse with soap and water |
| Onduline | 15–20 years | 10–15-year limited (waterproofing) | Remove moss, repaint if needed |
Both age gracefully if installed correctly. In reality, they often perform similarly for 12–15 years before showing wear.
Cost Comparison
| Product | Typical Cost (USD / sq. ft.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Tuftex PolyCarb | $2.50–$3.50 | Home Depot, Lowe’s, hardware chains |
| Onduline Roofing Sheet | $1.50–$2.25 | Regional suppliers, farm stores, DIY outlets |
Tuftex costs more because of its polycarbonate core and UV layer. Onduline wins on upfront cost and color variety.
Strengths at a Glance
| If you want… | Choose… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Natural light or greenhouse use | Tuftex | Up to 90% light transmission |
| Quiet roof and traditional color | Onduline | Absorbs sound and heat |
| Mold resistance and minimal cleaning | Tuftex | Nonporous surface rinses clean |
| Lower price and simple installation | Onduline | Easy to cut, install, and replace |
| Modern clear finish | Tuftex | Architectural look for carports and patios |
Conclusion
Tuftex and Onduline are both excellent for light structures, but they serve different goals:
- Tuftex is for projects where you want light, clarity, and modern lines – greenhouses, pergolas, and covered patios.
- Onduline is for quiet, shaded, traditional roofs on sheds, workshops, and animal shelters.
Both last roughly a decade or more with minimal care. Choose based on how you use the space, not just price.
In roofing, form always follows function, and these two materials prove it beautifully.
