Project Storage and Handling
Store the panels in a clean, level, protected, and sufficiently compacted area. Provide ventilation if the bundles are exposed to highly humid environments or areas directly impacted with moisture; further, elevate one end of the bundle to ensure adequate runoff if outside. Slit the stretch wrap at 5’-0” intervals along each side at the bottom of the bundles to allow for evaporation of any moisture within the bundles. Do not stack more than two bundles high. Stack material to prevent twisting, bending, abrasion, scratching, and denting. Protection must extend to open bundles as well. If left overnight, open bundles must be temporarily tarped and tied down. Use proper care in moving the insulated panels. Handle panels in a fashion that will not bend, dent, scratch, and/or otherwise damage the product. Improper handling of the panels can be hazardous to the workers and can cause damage to the panels and adjacent materials. It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure a safe and secure method of lifting and setting panels. Always lift panels when separating from a bundle and avoid dragging. Lift panels from the bottom face only. Do not lift the panels by the edge of the top metal face; this may cause the metal face to delaminate from the foam core. When turning or tilting the panels, place a cushioning material under the panel edge to prevent crushing or other damage. Roll the panel on the male leg only.
(Consult Falk Panel Installation Guide for additional information.)
Strippable/Protective Films
Panels and trim are delivered with strippable film. This film is utilized to provide protection of the metal surfaces during manufacture, shipment, and installation. Remove any and all strippable films either prior to or directly following installation. Take deliberate measures to avoid exposure of the film to direct and indirect sunlight for more than 24 hours as this will make the film difficult to remove.
Long Term Storage
Long-term outside storage of Insulated Metal Panels is not encouraged and/or recommended longer than 60 days after manufacturing. Storage without precautions, such as UV protective tarps, and vented protective film positively slopped bundles, as noted above, may also lead to possible staining of metals in an oxygen-deprived environment while impacting your warranty.
Warranty Implications
In the event insulated wall or roof panels are stored outside for extended periods without precautions, all guarantees associated with thermal performance and coating guarantees may be nullified. Please contact Falk Customer Service to discuss your particular needs.
Summary
It is recommended that panel bundles be stored under a roof whenever possible. If panel bundles are stored outside, the following list of requirements should be adhered to, at your own risk:
- The storage area should be reasonably level and should be located to minimize the handling of bundles during the construction process.
- When storing on bare ground, place a plastic/poly ground cover under the bundles to minimize condensation on the panels.
- Store bundles at least 12 inches above ground level to allow air circulation beneath the bundle, and to prevent rising water from entering the bundle.
- Elevate one end of the bundle slightly to permit runoff of moisture from the top of the bundle or from between nested panels. Water-resistant paper will not provide long-term resistance to moisture penetration from puddled water on top of the bundle. A waterproof cover should be placed over the bundles, with allowance for air circulation under the cover.
- Inspect stored bundles daily and repair any tears or punctures in the water-resistant wrapping with compatible waterproof tape.
- Re-cover opened bundles at the end of each day to prevent the entry of moisture.
- Storage stains are white or black corrosion products formed while the hot dip galvanized or GALVALUME® Coated Sheet Steel is in a coil form or a tight stack.
- Long-term exposure to water or moisture in an oxygen-deprived environment can cause storage stains.
- The most common sources of storage stains are when the steel is in a coil or a bundle of panels. Any time a portion of the steel is exposed to moisture and deprived of oxygen; a storage stain can occur.
- Storage stains should be prevented because they are very difficult to remove without affecting the appearance and/or the performance of the products.
- Passivation treatments (chemical treatments) can be used to resist storage stains. However, the chemical treatment should not be used on the galvanized products that would be subsequently painted.
- Oils may be applied to prevent water from reaching the metal surface, thus retarding the appearance of storage stains.
- To prevent stains while the steel is in a coil, several steps can be taken, including using a climate-controlled storage area, wrapping in VPI paper, employing First-In and first-out inventory control, and using edge sealers.
- To prevent storage stain in a bundle of stacked panels, take the following steps: store under a roof, if possible, keep the bundle at least 1 ft. off the ground, slope the bundle, place a plastic sheet under it, ensure air circulation around the bundle, inspect it daily for rips or tears, cover and re-cover partially used bundles, and use a conveniently located, level storage area.
For comprehensive details on storage and handling, view our downloadable document here:
Storage & Handling
