Text (17 of 20) in CHEMCLAD: Product Description

Handling, Installation and Cleaning

5-17

Handling and Storage

Upon delivery, check materials for shipping and handling damage. If there is damage, notify GRAHAM FRP Composites and the freight company immediately. Indicate the damage on the shipping documents.

Protect FRP materials from scratches, gouges, abrasion, or impact. Use spreader bars when lifting. Do not use wire slings unless material is protected.

Prior to installation, keep panels dry and covered. Stack panels off the ground with one end elevated to permit draining of incidental water. Moisture between stacked panels can permanently stain the material.

Cutting

CHEMCLAD® panels may be cut with power or hand saws, using fine-tooth blades or abrasive discs. Saw operators should wear dust-filter masks and safety glasses. Panels should be firmly damped to a cutting table, close to the saw line, without materially disturbing the profile, for best results.

Installation

Begin installation at the end of the building opposite the prevailing wind. Install flashing that goes under panels first.

Lay out panels and drill holes for fasteners. Holes should be no less than 1-1½ inches from the edge of the panel. Pre-drilled fastener holes should just clear the screw threads. Use sharp high speed carbide tipped drill bits under moderate pressure.

Mark and drill pilot holes for side lap fasteners in overlapped pieces. For details refer to section on Side Lap Fastener Installation.

For roofing installations, apply a continuous bead of sealant tape between panel side and end laps. Fasten panels (textured side to exterior) to supports using specified fasteners with sealing washers. See Fastener and Sealant Guide for location and spacing. Install side lap fasteners.

Install remaining flashing with grommet fasteners. Insert closure strips and secure them with fasteners or adhesive caulking (where there are no fasteners).

Apply sealant tape or caulking to specified areas. Areas must be dry and clean.

Special Conditions

When covering corners, valleys and uneven surfaces, avoid interference and extreme bending. For cutting, use abrasive tools or fine toothed saws. CHEMCLAD® panels cannot be reshaped by external force (hammering or extreme bending).

Cleaning and Repair

For cleaning FRP materials, use non-abrasive soap and water. If stronger materials are needed, you can use most common solvents to clean spills or stains. Please note: solvents should be used sparingly and only if absolutely necessary. Minor damage to FRP materials can be patched and repaired easily. Contact GRAHAM FRP Composites for instructions.