On the construction site

Taking care

To prevent damage to your work, please transport, unload, store and install SAB-profiel products carefully. For profiles see this download. For panels it is stacked on every package.

Extended packaging information accompany the products that are shipped to the construction site, so that the relevant information is always present on site. It is in everyone’s interest to point out this information to your people. SAB-profiel accepts no liability for damage resulting from not following the indicated guidelines and/ or injudicious use of the products.

All products are delivered carriage paid ex works in packs. In wooden crates, on wooden pallets or wrapped in film. If the packs are handled correctly, the packaging offers sufficient protection during loading, transport and unloading. Our products, especially if uncoated, must be transported in closed vehicles to prevent the surface being affected by exposure to moisture.

Unloading

The packs must be unloaded using suitable lifting gear. Always use hoisting belts because ropes and chains invariably cause damage. Packs up to 6 metres in length can be unloaded using a forklift; be careful not to damage the underside of profiles. For packs longer than 6 metres use a hoist with enough belt to balance the load. If necessary, put temporary protection along the edges to prevent damage on site.

Storage

Packs should be stored clear of the ground and with a fall. Protect packs (of panels and profiles) against direct sunlight, cold, rain and contamination, for instance with tarpaulins and/or sheltered storage. Particularly in extreme heat (> 25 °C), covering is important in connection with limiting the effect of thermal stress. Also at temperatures below 0 °C, take into account processing of the panels in connection with the risk of ‘foam cracks’. Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation to prevent the formation of condensation. Water trapped between cladding or elements can lead extremely quickly to corrosion (‘white rust’), especially with galvanised, uncoated products (see more about this under the downloads on this page).

PLEASE NOTE: With perforated profiles it is even more important that our products are transported and stored dry. If water remains in the perforation due to rain or condensation, corrosion will occur. Especially with thicker material, the zinc layer is not sufficient for sufficient cathodic protection. The corrosion is often superficial, easy to clean and the process will stop after installation. However, this often raises questions for clients. For more information read: Recommendations for the storage of perforated coil or sheets EN.

Never stack packs of sandwich panels more than two high to prevent indentation. On arrival at the building site or warehouse, the delivered products must be checked for completeness and transport damage. Errors, omissions and damage should be reported as soon as possible, but at least within eight days of delivery, to SAB-profiel. Claims concerning the above points will only be dealt with if the packs are unopened.

Unpacking

Position structural inner linings, wall cladding and wall panels preferably as close as possible to where they will be installed, and in the correct pack order. From there, the cladding or sandwich panels can, dependent on length and weight, be installed one by one by hand or using a crane. A crane should place packs of roof cladding and roof panels on the roof in such a way that the support construction is not overloaded.

All products should be lifted from the pack on the long side. The products should not be slid when being removed from the pack. If, despite every effort to avoid them, scratches occur during installation, you can touch them up using a suitable touch-up paint. However, because this does not always give an optimal result, it is often better to leave small surface damage untreated or to treat it with a transparent lacquer.

The protective film that covers various products should be removed within four weeks of delivery or in any case immediately after installation.

Sandwich elements must not be grasped in the grooved side of the panel. The elements must be carried ‘upright’ to reduce permanent deformation. The use of hoisting equipment with vacuum suction cups is recommended. Long thin panels are especially susceptible to unintended buckling when being handled. 

Change before installation

Nibbling shears should be used for reducing the length and bevelling of profile cladding, while a jigsaw or a circular saw with a suitable blade should be used for sandwich panels. You should always ensure that swarf resulting from drilling or sawing cannot burn into the coating. It is better to avoid drilling and sawing in wet conditions. Panels in which openings are made prior to installation should always be locally reinforced. 

Devices to assemble

The use of cranes and vacuum lifting devices is recommended when assembling sandwich panels, profiles roof and waal cladding. There are several suppliers who have such equipment for hire and for sale. Contact our sales department for further information or check the website www.viavac.com.