Installation and construction
How to store tile-effect roof sheets before installation
In brief
The key decision is to schedule delivery and storage so that the metal roofing sheets are not exposed to water, damage or prolonged moisture between sheets. Before installation, check that the ground is dry and stable, that packs are not placed directly on the ground, and that suitable support and the ability to inspect the material are in place. Pay attention to the risk of condensation when temperatures change, as well as access for unloading and the route for moving sheets to the roof.
Where should the storage area be prepared?
The location should be dry, stable and compliant with the manufacturer’s requirements. Packs should not be placed directly on the ground. Suitable support and the ability to inspect the condition of the material are required. It is worth choosing a location where the material will not be exposed to impacts, contamination with mortar or the movement of construction equipment.
Access for unloading is also important. Long sheets should not be moved repeatedly simply because the pack was placed in a random location. Plan the route for delivering the sheets to the roof and secure the working area. Material placed close to excavations or on uneven ground may lose stability despite correct packaging.
Why can a pack get wet without rain?
Temperature differences can cause moisture to condense between the sheets. Particular care must be taken when moving cold material into a warmer room. Moisture trapped between tightly stacked sheets dries differently from water on a finished roof. Therefore, inspection should not be limited to checking whether the outer film is intact.
Tightly wrapping a wet pack can hinder drying. It should not be assumed that additional film will always improve the situation. The method of protection and ventilation must be selected in accordance with the instructions. If there are signs of water, its presence between the sheets must be assessed and further action determined. Waiting until the day of installation may increase the extent of damage.
What should be done after receiving a wet delivery?
First, document the condition of the packaging and material and inform the responsible persons. Then apply the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying and separating the sheets. Suitable spacers may be needed to allow air circulation. Moisture should not be left in a closed pack, nor should attempts be made to remove deposits with random chemicals.
When separating, avoid sliding the sheets over one another. Even small hard dirt can scratch the coating. It is also worth checking the edges and contact points with the packaging. If the appearance of the surface raises doubts, clarify them before installation. Once the material is screwed down, assessing damage and any replacement will be more difficult.
How should sheets be lifted without deforming them?
Long sheets must be supported in accordance with their dimensions and the instructions. Do not grasp random unstiffened edges or drag the sheet along the ground. With modules, the overlap areas must also be protected. Deformation that appears minor on site can hinder correct connection on the roof slope.
The number of people and the method of using equipment depend on the length and weight of the material. This should not be determined solely on the basis of whether one person can lift a piece. The surface exposed to wind is also important. Handling should take place under controlled conditions, without sudden bending or the sheet striking adjacent elements.
How long can the material be stored?
There is no single period that is appropriate for all tile-effect metal roofing and types of packaging. The instructions may separately specify the time in factory packaging and the rules for longer storage. It is worth checking them before ordering. A good organisational practice is to shorten the waiting period for installation instead of planning months-long storage on site.
If the work is delayed, the storage location and method must be reassessed. It should not be assumed that conditions suitable for a few days will remain appropriate throughout the winter. This also applies to panels purchased as spares. Record the delivery date and the material designation. This will facilitate monitoring of deadlines and later selection of compatible elements. If the packs have marked batches, keep the labels legible during storage. Do not put all the documents in the contractor’s car. Identification should remain available even when the work is later carried out by another team.
What should be checked just before installation?
Inspect the shade, the condition of the coating and the edges. Check the number of elements and the lengths against the order. If the sheets have been stored for a longer period, do not limit yourself to the top piece. Any doubts should be clarified before the material starts to be laid. This applies especially to traces of moisture and differences in the appearance of batches.
Remove the packaging elements in a way that does not damage the surface. Protective films, if present, require handling in accordance with the instructions. They should not remain on the sheet longer than specified. Preparation for installation is the last opportunity for a calm inspection. Good storage allows the condition of the material that was paid for to be preserved, instead of repairing it before first use.
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