Storage and Handling

• Panels must be stored flat on pallets
• If sheets are to be removed from pallets, these must be stored flat on bearers spaced no more than 300mm
• For fibre cement panels with a coating, ensure the protective foam is in place between sheets when being stored
• Pallets must be stored inside in dry conditions with covers retained on the pallets to protect from weather and any other works being carried out
• Pallets must be stacked no more than 2 high
• Pallets must be stored in a way that allows ventilation to prevent condensation build-up
• It is recommended that panels are only delivered when site is ready for imminent installation to protect against weather and other trades causing damage
• Goods must not be stored in any way that gives way to standing water on the goods or packaging

• Panels must be lifted off a pallet/stack rather than being dragged
• Panels must be lifted by 2 people
• Panels must be carried in a vertical plane rather than horizontally
• When unloading from a delivery vehicle, pallets must be unloaded in whole rather than breaking down and removing individual sheets off the vehicle
• Unloading of pallets must be done using a suitable forklift, if a crane is to be used, ensure the wide straps are used (with appropriate protection) to spread the weight and that straps are placed to prevent slipping of the pallet/goods,
• Do not remove strapping etc until pallet has been unloaded from delivery vehicle
• Aluminium panels with protective film must have the film removed within 30 days of installation. The temporary protective film only has a life expectancy of 6 months and should be removed within this time, failure to remove may cause glue to cause issues with the paint surface

• Panels must be transported under waterproof covers on level pallets
• Panel must be securely strapped to pallets to prevent movement in transportation
• Ensure that straps for load to vehicle are not excessively tight causing damage to sheets – use of strapping corners must be used to distribute the forces

• Panels should be fabricated and installed as directional unless consent has been given by the client/architect on the project, panel direction is as follows: 
  • Ceramapanel – “grain” and texture runs the length of the panel 
  • Vitrabond and VitraDual – direction is indicated by the arrows on the protective film 
• When fabricating and installing panels, it is recommended that these are mixed from the multiple pallets delivered (where multiple pallets have been delivered) rather than working pallet by pallet
• For Ceramapanel Natural+ range and EvverLap – cut edges require sealing for longevity of the product. This is not required for ProcellaPro, Ceramapanel Natural range of colours/finishes or Vitrabond / VitraDual panels.

For more additional information on the fabrication of our panels, click here to view the fabrication guidance page.