Essential Rules For Storing Aluminum Composite Panels

Aluminum composite panels are quickly gaining popularity in the construction industry, advertising industry, and many other sectors. These excellent panels provide a lightweight, strong, and cost-effective solution to many industries. For example, as a roofing material, they provide excellent insulation, and fire protection and come in many different colors and textures. Aluminum composite panels consist of a core typically made from a fire retardant polymer that is sandwiched between two aluminum layers. The core helps to strengthen the panel while at the same time ensuring that it makes the panels safe from fire.

In many of the areas where they are used, they often have to be transported and stored. This leads to the question of proper storage. We are going to give you tips on storing aluminum composite panels in order to get the best out of them.

Why Storage Matters

Like all building materials, aluminum composite panels require proper handling and storage. Not handling them properly can cause the panels to weaken and this will compromise the excellent qualities that make them such popular building materials. If you are about to purchase and store aluminum composite panels, here is what you need to know about storing them.

Must be Dry

Before any of the panels are stored, you should ensure that each and every panel is completely dry. While these panels are eventually covered with a protective film, they are vulnerable to moisture before then. Moisture can be from a variety of sources including from the manufacturing process or weather. Depending on the amount of moisture, the panels can either be dried through artificial heat or can simply be wiped dry.

Well Ventilated Store

When you store your aluminum composite panels, you should ensure that they are kept in a well-ventilated storeroom. The storage area must be protected from direct sunlight and must also be free of any moisture. While in storage, you should ensure that the panels are kept horizontally. However, you should be careful not to slide one panel over another as this may cause scratches on the surface, ruining the color and even compromising the structural integrity of the panels. This does not mean that you cannot store these panels vertically. However, if you do so, ensure that they are kept in stacks of about 10 each at a ten-degree angle.

Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Them

In a typical warehouse scenario, it is possible for people to place heavy objects such as wrenches on the panels. This, over time, is likely to damage the panels. Such heavy tools can also cause scratches on the panels and thus ruin their visual appeal. Ensure that no heavy objects are placed on the panels. A great way to do this is to have clear signage around where they are stored to remind your employees that they risk damaging the panels by doing this.

Handle Carefully When Loading

When you are loading your aluminum composite panels, you should ensure that they are handled carefully and placed down gently. Do not throw the panels onto the ground or bend them in any way as this will damage them. You should also ensure that such panels are not kept outside for more than six months as this may also damage them.