If unloading by hand, glove and eye protection must be worn at all times. To prevent damage, never
lift the panel from the flat position by the side joint. When handling a panel, care must be taken to
prevent the panel from flexing. Flexing can rupture the panel’s core and permanently distort its’ face.
It is recommended that whenever a panel is handled, picked up, moved or carried, it should be turned
on edge first. Under no circumstances should a panel be handled while flat. Once a panel has been
turned on edge, it should be completely lifted from the bottom by a person at each end. Always lift
panels when removing them from a bundle, never drag. Never lift the panels by the top sheet.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Inspect bundles carefully. Any visual damage should be noted on the carrier’s freight bill. Damage
claims should be filed directly with the carrier. If the bundles are to be used immediately, they should
be placed at strategic locations around the work perimeter. Consult the panel layout drawings to
determine these locations. Store bundles on firm, dry, level ground using the factory provided foam
“stickers” under the panels. If panels are not to be used immediately, care should be exercised as to
location and conditions for long-term storage. For long-term storage, measures need to be taken to
ensure that moisture is not trapped between panels, possibly causing corrosion.
Care should be taken in the unloading and storage of small items – trim, flashings, fasteners,
sealants, and etc. that arrive on site. Cover all pallets, crates or boxes to protect materials from the
weather but allow for ventilation to prevent condensation.
PANEL CUTTING:
Panels may be cut prior to installation or in the final installed position. Proper eye and hearing safety
protection must be worn at all times while cutting panels. When cutting across panel joints, it is
preferable to cut the panels before installing them. If field cutting is required, use extreme care to
avoid delamination. Do not use cutting disks or other high heat producing methods for cutting as hot
filings may damage the painted surface. Avoid cutting equipment and techniques that may delaminate
the panel facing skins. Procedure for full depth cuts:
Measure the distance or area to cut and mark a line on the face of the panel.
To protect the panel surface, apply masking tape adjacent to the area to be cut.
Recheck measurements and proceed with the cutting operation.
Sweep or clean off any metal fragments left on panel after cutting.
Flip panel over and repeat above steps.
Cut foam in between panel skins using a sharp knife, wire or a reciprocating saw with a
blade to match the foam thickness.
File or sand off any metal burrs or rough spots resulting from the cutting operation.
After cutting or drilling of panels, always remove metal chips that have fallen onto panels or flashings
to preclude later damage.
THERMAL BREAKS:
When cutting thermal breaks for cold storage applications, a horizontal saw cut of at least ¾” is
necessary to avoid thermal transfer. Consult your Custom Cooler representative or factory for thermal
break details.
