Stain Resistance
The products of combustion in the exhaust fumes of internal combustion engines or in the fumes of gas-fire space heaters (eg. propane variety) may stain all paint surfaces. Fork-lift truck engines or petrol driven electrical generators can generate these fumes. Staining can occur even when the coating is protected by a strippable film. Although coatings are formulated to resist this, contractors must take precautions to prevent such staining.
Cleaning Procedure
All internal panel finishes to cold store and food preparation areas need to be kept clean. This will enhance their performance and longevity provided it is done properly. If the walls are likely to be washed frequently, this can result in the bottom of the wall cladding remaining continuously wet with the added risk of contamination from cleaning agents and floor soil. With steel faced panels, corrosion may result, and this can be avoided by protecting the base of the panels with properly sealed angles or channels. Col stores and food preparation areas should be designed to prevent moisture from collecting in crevices. The risk of mould grown on panel faces can be minimised by regularly washing down with fresh water from a hose of a bucket. A solution of fresh water and Tepol or non-aggressive detergent may be used to remove heavy deposits, followed by a freshwater rinse. The maximum water temperature for pressure hose cleaning is 70 degrees Celsius with a maximum pressure of 6900 kPa. Stubborn oil or grease stains can be removed with white spirit on a soft cloth followed immediately by a freshwater rinse. Solvents containing abrasives and cleaners in strong concentrations should never be used. Over-cleaning or scrubbing can do more harm than good. Steam cleaning can also cause problems if the surface temperature of the panels exceeds 60 degrees Celsius.
Repair Kits
Repair kits are available to ‘touch up’ slight surface damage to glass board faced panels. Repair methods are available for PVC coated steel. If panels are badly damaged, advice should be sought from our Sales Department.
Flashings and Ancillaries
Isoclad offers a comprehensive range of ancillaries and angle trims to compliment the extensive panel types. We can also offer advice on any aspect relating to fixings and design details. Jointing sections and flashings are typically supplied in 6m lengths. Longer lengths are also available.
Consultation
Technical advice and salutation is available for complete fire protection schemes and any aspect of insulated panels design. All enquiries are welcomed by our technically competent and cooperative personnel.
Mineral Fibre and PIR Panels
Mineral fibre and PIR panels, as a result of their manufacture, are high compression resistant to both static and dynamic loads. However, if the panels have proportionally thin faces, measures should be taken to prevent delamination of the core from the faces caused by repetitive foot traffic. This can be simply done by temporarily spreading the compression, for instance, with a wooden board.
Walk-on Ceilings and Roofs
- When installed, mineral fibre and PIR ceiling and roofing panels offer a limited walk-on facility suitable for intermittent personnel. Careful consideration should be given to the loading of the panels. The panels are not to be used as a working platform without adequate protection.
- Plant and equipment should not be supported from the panels. Support should be taken from the supporting structure. Installation of equipment is not allowed on unprotected panels.
- Apertures can be cut in the panels, but these must be suitably framed and supported. Advice should be sought from our Technical Department.
- Youngman type boards and catwalks should be used as walkways by all sub-contractors in areas subject to frequent use and access areas.
- Newly installed ceiling and roofing panels should be immediately covered by 6mm thick (minimum) ply/hardboard or similar. Roof areas should be covered for the duration of the site programme or until all services works are completed.
- Ceiling and roof areas subject to future maintenance access should be protected as detailed above.
- Ceiling and roof areas subject to future maintenance access should be protected detailed above.
- Personnel should not gather in groups greater than 2 on any single panel, particularly adjacent to apertures.
- Do not jump or bounce on the composite panels.
- Signs displaying all the above points should be permanently erected at all points of roof area access.
Packaging
Isoclad panels are packed on bearers and are protected from moisture and dirt using plastics sheeting and straps around the panels.
Unloading
Check delivery for damage during transport. Report to the company immediately if damage is found.
Panels can be unloaded by fork-life with a lifting capacity of 2/3 tons for normal deliveries. Special deliveries may need alternative plant such as cranes, side loader or extended forks. For crane lifting, a special lifting beam may be required.
Customer should co-ordinate arrangements with our factory prior to delivery:
– lift only one pack at a time
– lift the pack in the middle of ensure the unloading area is flat and level
– do not store packs of panels on top of each other
– panel edges and corners are especially vulnerable and should be protected
Storage
For short-term storage, panels can be stored outside off the ground as long as the wrapping is unbroken. Panels should be stored undercover or protected from the weather for long-term storage.
If packs are opened, the panels should be covered and protected from the elements with weather/UV proof sheeting.
Handling
All surface finishes on Isoclad panels offer good abrasion resistance. However, care and consideration should be taken when moving and handling panels to prevent damage. When removing panels from a stack, NEVER drag them as small pieces of swarf may be present between the panels which may score the facing. The panels should be removed by turning them on their edge and then lifted.
