T18 - Trapezoidal Facade Sheet Metal

• If you are picking up the goods with your own vehicle, the vehicle should have an open loading platform that allows for easy loading and unloading.
• Galvanized and aluzinc sheets must be protected from getting wet at all costs!
• “Manual” unloading should be performed by an adequate number of people; that is, for long sheets (approx. 6 mb), 6 people should be involved, three on each side, taking special care not to slide the sheets over one another, not to bend the side edges, and not to stretch them. Deformation of the sheets during unloading and handling causes subsequent problems with their proper assembly (gaps at the seams).
• The most appropriate method is to unload the goods in the manufacturer’s packaging using mechanical equipment.

• Oiling and passivating galvanized sheet metal provides protection against white rust only during transport.
• Sheets stored in bundles and coils must not be kept outdoors or in areas exposed to moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Zinc and aluzinc coatings, particularly those that have not yet been exposed to the elements—and thus lack a protective layer—are sensitive to water condensation when air circulation is limited (sheets stored in stacks). Special attention should be paid to unloading in winter conditions and storage in heated warehouses. Due to significant temperature differences between the sheets, water condenses.
• Sheets that have become wet during transport or storage should be dried, and then separated with spacers that allow for free air circulation. Once dry, galvanized (aluminum-zinc) sheets should be inspected and coated with a layer of preservative oil.
• Sheets intended for long-term storage should be inspected and then coated with a layer of machine oil (for galvanized and aluzinc sheets), and, above all, protected from moisture (for all sheets).
• Failure to follow the above recommendations results in the relatively rapid formation (for galvanized and aluzinc sheets, this can take as little as a few days) of zinc corrosion —that is, white layers loosely bonded to the substrate that do not provide protection against corrosion.
• Coated sheets in their original packaging should not be stored for more than 3 weeks from the date of manufacture. After this time, the packaging should be opened, and the sheets should be separated with spacers to allow for free air circulation. The maximum storage period should not exceed 6 months from the date of manufacture, under penalty of voiding the Warranty.
• Protective films are used to provide additional protection for coated metal sheets against mechanical damage, stress, and impacts that may occur during transportation, handling, or profiling. Protective films never exempt the user from the obligation to properly protect the metal sheets during storage or from the harmful effects of chemical agents during the processing. It is recommended to remove the film from the finished profiles gradually, piece by piece, before installing the wall and roof components on the building. The protective film should be removed from the sheet metal surface within three weeks of the sheet’s date of manufacture, provided the product is stored properly—that is, at a positive temperature, away from high humidity, and without direct exposure to sunlight. Failure to maintain proper storage conditions may shorten the timeframe for removing the film to three days from the date of delivery.
• Improper storage can make it difficult to remove the protective film and leave adhesive residue on the sheets.

• Use electric shears with a rotating head to cut sheet metal. After completing the installation, be sure to clean the surface of any metal shavings, screws, etc. If the surface is damaged, perform the necessary (spot) touch-up as soon as possible, using paint that matches the original color of the sheet metal.
• If a grinder is used, complaints will not be accepted.

For additional information, please refer to the installation instructions for each specific product.

To extend the service life of roofs and facades made of coated metal sheets, they should be inspected and maintained regularly.

• Inspection – Inspection of the roof/facade should be carried out once a year (preferably in spring) in order to detect any damage at an early stage.
• Cleaning Metal Sheets – Roofs and facades made of coated metal sheets require cleaning at least once a year. Dirt that accumulates on the sheet metal can cause uneven discoloration (due to uneven exposure to UV rays) and reduce corrosion resistance (dirt traps moisture on the sheet metal, gradually damaging it). Dirty and stained areas can be cleaned with a soft brush and water (max. 60°C). If necessary, a mild detergent (pH 6–7, max. 10% solution) may be added to the water. Pressurized water (max. 100 bar) may also be used for cleaning; however, the water jet must not be directed too close to the sheet’s surface (min. 30 cm) nor perpendicular to the surface. At the joints, the water jet should be directed downward to prevent pressurized water from entering the gaps around the joints. Old coatings must be handled with extreme care. Cleaning should be performed from top to bottom, and the cleaned area must always be thoroughly rinsed with clean water immediately afterward.
• Do not use scouring powders, nitro solvents, chlorine solutions, aromatic agents, or products containing salmiak (ammonium chloride) or sodium salts.
• Damage — Any repairs to damage that may occur during the warranty period should be discussed with the roof/facade contractor and may be performed only with the contractor’s approval. Repairs to small areas are performed using air-drying touch-up paints. As a general rule, painting large areas is only possible using special industrial paints designed for the renovation of coatings. The area to be painted should be limited only to those areas that require it (scratches down to the metal layer, corrosion spots, etc.). Surface preparation for painting should be performed in accordance with generally accepted principles. Always thoroughly remove all traces of corrosion—preferably using special brushes or fine-grit sandpaper. Then, the surface to be repaired must be thoroughly dusted, degreased, and cleaned. To degrease the surface, use extraction gasoline or water with added surfactants (preferably with a 1–2% ammonia solution). The repaired areas may show color differences compared to the original sheet metal colors due to natural weathering (aging of the paint under the influence of UV radiation).
• Organically coated steel sheets must not be used in:
  • an environment in constant contact with highly saline water,
  • contact with construction chemicals, including concrete, plaster, wet wood, etc.,
  • in an environment exposed to aggressive chemicals
  • in combination with materials having a different electrochemical potential
• NOTE – Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations must be strictly observed during inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair operations.

The Pruszyński Company is not liable for any accidents that may result from performing the above activities.