Handling & Storage
Handling
Every profiled sheet and flashing is carefully inspected before despatch and consignments are packed in edge-wrapped strapped bundles. It must be emphasised that these sheets and flashings are quality products and should be handled accordingly.
On arrival at the site, care should be taken in offloading the sheets - avoid unnecessary handling of the sheets, lifting (not dragging) them directly off the bundles.
When hoisting bundles and sheets into position, protect the edges and ensure that pressure across the sheets and flashings does not cause distortion.
Storage
Failure to observe simple, but essential precautions when storing and handling galvanised and colour-coated roofing and cladding sheets on site will lead to corroding and damage. Investigation shows that in almost every case damage is due to negligence prior to use. The most common cause is exposing stacked sheets to the weather for weeks, even months - often lying in long grass.
Precautions
The following precautions are essential to ensure that sheets do not deteriorate when stored on building or agricultural sites:
- Do not leave uncovered stacks lying in the open. Store under cover and away from open doorways.
- If stacks cannot be kept under cover, erect a simple scaffolding around them, cover with a waterproof sheet, tarpaulin or polythene, but leave space between cover and sheet for air to circulate. Store stacks off the ground and on a slope, so that should rain penetrate the covering, the water will drain away.
- Do not store sheets where people will walk across them.
Observing these precautions will save you trouble, time and money.
Effect of fire on Profiled sheets
External Fire Exposure
Sheeting is rated P.60 (ext. SEAA) to BS 476: Part 3: 1975
Spread of flame
All the finishes provide a Class 0 surface as defined in section E15 of the Building Regulations Act 1976.
Fire resistance
The sheeting provides no fire resistance as defined by BS 476: Part 8: 1972 and constitutes an unprotected area under Part E of the Building Regulations Act 1976.
^ Top