General Information About Site Storage

• Storage time should be minimized by installing cladding panels as soon as possible after delivery. Good planning will ensure that panels are used on a first-in first-out basis.
• If cladding must be stored for an extended period, the most desirable storage place is under-roof in a cool, dry, well ventilated area
• When storing outdoors is unavoidable, the following is recommended:

1. Use good covers, loosely shrouded over stacks and firmly anchored to prevent wind blow off, but plastic covers should not be used for storage
2. Tilt bundles for drainage
3. Ventilate bundles but do not allow entry of wind-driven rain
4. Block bundles off the ground for effective drainage and ventilation
5. Block long panels to prevent sagging
6. Store out of direct sunlight if possible
7. Store away from chemically aggressive substances (e.g. salt, cement, fertilizer), away from material that could contaminate the surface (e.g. diesel oil, paint, grease) and away from site traffic.

• Shipments of bundled cladding panels should be inspected upon delivery.
• Moisture can cause wet storage staining of pre finished material and usually occurs in one of three ways:

1. Condensation from high humidity and/or temperature cycling;
2. Wet shipping conditions; or
3. Wind-driven rain penetration (outdoor storage).
4. 
   

The usual progression is from visible water staining to unsightly white staining (dark grey to dull black on aluminum-zinc alloy coated material) to red rust. On material where wet storage staining has occurred, it should be noted that a nominal amount of white staining is not detrimental to the functioning of the product and is usually considered acceptable.