Site Practice
Having designed and specified the building envelope, it is important to ensure that the integrity of the pre-finished steel cladding system is maintained during its handling and fitting on site. Good site practice should include ensuring a safe working environment, providing the right training and equipment for all operatives, ensuring the cladding system is handled with care and fitted correctly using appropriate ancillary components.
Site Safety
The health and safety of all personnel should be a key consideration at every stage of the design and construction process. The design should ensure that a safe working environment is created both during construction and into the future.
Site Preparation
Having specified the most appropriate pre-finished steel cladding system, it is important to ensure that the integrity of the cladding is maintained once it has been delivered to site. This will help ensure the best long-term performance in use.Here guidance is provided on the storage and handling of cladding sheets including those delivered with a protective strippable film. There is also a reminder about the requirement to check steelwork tolerances and alignment before installation of the cladding begins. A checklist is provided for easy reference on site.
Construction
The integrity and long-term performance of pre-finished steel cladding can be protected or destroyed by the way it is handled and installed on site. Here practical advice and guidance is provided to help maintain the integrity of the cladding. This includes information about the correct cutting of cladding sheets and panels, installing cladding sheets and panels using the correct fixings and positioning of any sealants as well as protecting cut edges and ensuring good junction details using flashings. A checklist is provided for easy reference on site. It is suggested that the information here is used in conjunction with Site Safety, Site Preparation and Inspection at Handover.
Inspection and Maintenance
Corus has more than 40 years experience in the development and manufacture of pre-finished steel for use within roof and wall cladding systems. This supports the provision of best practice advice for the inspection and maintenance of metal envelopes.
Overpainting
The over-painting of roof and wall cladding with an approved coating can be used to extend the life of the external sheet and restore the aesthetics to a level approaching that of when the building was new. It can also minimise the disruption of the day-to-day building activities, during the refurbishment process.
