Fibre Cement Cladding: Storage and Handling
Correct fibre cement cladding storage and handling is crucial to ensuring that your materials remain in top condition before installation. Fibre cement is known for its durability and weather resistance, but improper storage and handling can lead to unnecessary damage, chipping, or warping. To get the most out of your investment and ensure a smooth installation process, it’s important to follow best practices for storing and handling your cladding.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for fibre cement cladding storage and handling, helping you avoid costly mistakes and extend the life of your cladding.
Why Proper Storage and Handling Matter
Fibre cement cladding is a highly durable material, but like all building products, it requires proper care before installation. Without the right storage and handling techniques, your cladding could:
Warp or crack due to exposure to moisture.
Chip or break if dropped or stacked incorrectly.
Become contaminated with dirt or debris, affecting its appearance and performance.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent these issues and ensure that your fibre cement cladding stays in excellent condition from delivery to installation.
1. Choose the Right Storage Location
The first rule of fibre cement cladding storage is selecting a proper location. It’s best to store cladding in a dry, covered area that protects the boards from weather elements like rain, humidity, and direct sunlight. Fibre cement is particularly susceptible to moisture absorption before it is installed. This can lead to swelling, snapping and efflorescence* if the material becomes saturated.
Tip: If indoor storage isn’t possible, store the cladding on a flat surface off the ground, and cover it with a waterproof tarp that allows for air circulation.
*Efflorescence Explained - Efflorescence is a white discoloration that can sometimes appear on fibre cement cladding. It occurs when wet fibre cement cladding begins to dry, allowing water to evaporate through the boards surface. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind water-soluble salts, which are naturally present in the fibre cement, resulting in a white residue on the claddings surface.
2. Keep the Cladding Flat
When storing fibre cement cladding, it’s important to keep the boards flat to prevent bending or warping. The boards are heavy and rigid, but improper stacking can cause deformation over time. Use pallets or wooden blocks to create an elevated, flat surface and prevent contact with the ground, which can introduce moisture.
Tip: Stack boards in small, manageable piles, and avoid overloading to prevent excessive weight on the bottom boards.
3. Protect From Moisture and Humidity
Moisture is the biggest enemy of fibre cement cladding during storage. If left exposed to rain or humidity, the boards can absorb water, leading to long-term damage. To protect your cladding:
Store it under cover: If possible, keep the cladding inside a dry storage facility.
Use a breathable cover: If you must store the cladding outdoors, cover it with a tarp or plastic sheet, but leave space for air circulation to prevent condensation from building up.
Tip: Always inspect the covering regularly to ensure it’s still intact and effectively shielding the cladding from moisture.
4. Handle With Care
Fibre cement cladding is heavy and can be brittle, making proper handling essential to avoid damage. Always carry the boards on their edge rather than flat to prevent cracking or breaking. If you need to move large stacks, use forklifts or other equipment designed to handle heavy materials.
Tip: When carrying individual boards, have at least two people lifting them to distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of accidental dropping.
5. Use Lifting Equipment for Large Loads
Fibre cement cladding is dense and heavy, so lifting large quantities manually can be unsafe. Use forklifts, pallet jacks, or other lifting equipment to move bulk materials around the site. Make sure the equipment has flat forks or pads to avoid putting uneven pressure on the cladding, which could lead to cracking.
Tip: When lifting with a forklift, ensure that the forks are wide enough to support the entire board length and prevent sagging in the middle or ends.
6. Stack Boards Vertically for Safety
If you’re temporarily storing individual boards on a job site, stack them vertically against a stable surface. This reduces the risk of the boards being stepped on, kicked, or otherwise mishandled, which could cause chipping or breakage. Ensure the boards are leaning at a slight angle, supported securely to prevent tipping.
Tip: Use wooden braces or a sturdy frame to hold the boards in place and prevent them from falling over.
7. Avoid Dragging the Boards
Dragging fibre cement boards across rough surfaces can lead to scratches, chips, or breaks along the edges. Always lift the boards when moving them, and avoid pulling or sliding them on the ground or across other materials.
Tip: If you need to reposition cladding over a short distance, use a dolly or hand truck with padded surfaces to prevent damage.
8. Inspect for Damage Before Installation
Before installing fibre cement cladding, inspect the boards for any signs of damage that may have occurred during storage or transportation. Look for chips, cracks, or swelling caused by improper handling or exposure to moisture. Catching these issues early will allow you to replace or repair damaged boards before they affect the integrity of the installation.
Tip: Mark any damaged boards for replacement and avoid installing compromised cladding that could lead to problems down the line.
9. Minimise On-Site Storage Time
To reduce the risk of damage, try to minimise the amount of time your fibre cement cladding spends in storage on the job site. Ideally, you should schedule delivery to coincide with the project timeline so that the cladding can be installed soon after arrival, limiting exposure to potential hazards.
Tip: Coordinate closely with your supplier to ensure the cladding arrives just in time for installation, reducing the need for long-term storage.
10. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Finally, always refer to the manufacturer’s specific guidelines for fibre cement cladding storage and handling. Every brand may have its own recommendations, and following them will help you avoid warranty issues and ensure that you’re caring for the cladding according to best practices.
Tip: Keep a copy of the manufacturer’s storage and handling instructions on-site for easy reference by your team.
Conclusion
Proper fibre cement cladding storage and handling is essential to protect your materials and ensure a smooth installation. By following these best practices, you can avoid common issues like moisture damage, cracking and snapping, while keeping your cladding in perfect condition until it’s time to install. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional builder, taking the time to store and handle fibre cement cladding correctly will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
For more tips and expert advice on fibre cement cladding, feel free to contact us! We’re here to help ensure your next project is a success.