PROFILE PANELS Slat Exterior Outdoor Windproof Aluminium Balcony Installation Guide

PROFILE PANELS Slat Exterior Outdoor Windproof Aluminium Balcony

Installation Guide

Cutting
For best results, use hardwood blades.
When using a drop saw we recommend a 60-80 tooth blade for cutting.
A Circular Saw and Jigsaw can be used for more intricate cuts. Hole saws can be used for holes but extra care must be taken

Thermal Expansion & Contraction
Profile Panels expand and contracts in length with changes in temperature. This is normal behavior of any wood plastic composite and is not a product fault.
It is most important to take this into consideration during installation of your Profile Panels. The amount of expansion and contraction you experience is dependent on several factors including:

• Climate: Installing in the peak of summer or winter or large changes in temperature between day and night.
• Panel position: If the panels are in direct sun light or part shade etc.
• Panel length: The longer the panels, the more they will expand and contract.
• Fully fastened panels: You will notice less movement in the panels once they are fully installed/fastened to the supports.

General Installation/Tips
Allow the panels to acclimatise to your site conditions.
Ensure End Strips are installed first, then panels installed after to hide all fasteners.
The Final Panel in a row will require fastening in between the slats to secure the loose side.

Thermal Deflection
Due to the nature of polymers this product may exhibit a slight thermal deflection between supports. This can be caused by heat exposure to one side of a panel as opposed to the other.
The extent to which this occurs is dependent on several factors including climate and the direction which the panels are facing the sun.
This phenomenon is not considered a product fault.

Installation & Fastening

FIXING TO TIMBER/STEEL SUPPORTS

Stainless steel 10g x 40mm screws.
Pre-drilling the panels is imperative.
Screw off each panel every 600mm until snug – Do not over tighten.

Fastener Location
Fasteners are placed in the groove on the receiving side of the panel as detailed below.

Framing Center/Fastening

Being a composite product, Profile Panels behave and have different characteristics to timber. To achieve a safe and long lasting Profile Panel installation, it is important to read the following guide in full.

Warnings

1. It is the sole responsibility of the homeowner, contractor or the installer to determine the specific requirements, effectiveness, suitability and safety with regard to any application or use of Profile Panels products.
2. Slat Exterior Panels are not designed to be a freestanding product. They must be installed safely and correctly to fixed posts/rails or a suitable frame.
3. The posts/rails must comply with all the relevant regulations and aspects of the New Zealand Building Code NZAS3604. All supports must be securely anchored to the ground (not floating).
4. Profile Panels must be mechanically fastened to each support. Any single piece of the Profile Panel must be installed over at least 2 spans (e.g Top and Bottom Rail – Not Exceeding 600mm)
5. Profile Panels should not:
   A. Be used as a structural or load bearing member.
   B. Be used in any potentially stressed situation such as a security or safety balustrade or decking.
   C. Be applied directly to a solid surface such as concrete or brick walls.

Safety
Always use proper protective clothing and safety equipment when cutting and drilling.

Cleaning your Profile Panels
It is recommended to clean your panels immediately after installation and periodically as you see fit:

1. Wash the panels with cold or warm water and a soft bristle brush
   Cleaning requirements will vary depending on product use, surrounding environment and weather exposure. We recommend a general clean is performed at least annually.

Natural Variances & Colour
Slat Exterior is made by combining reclaimed timber with a mix of new and recycled plastics. They are designed to have a variation of colour and tone f rom one panel/batch to another.

It is necessary to lay out your panels to ensure you have an even mix of both light and dark tones across the panels prior to cutting or installing to avoid large blocks of single tones. Panels cannot be exchanged or returned after they have been cut. If you do not accept the colour/finish of the panel, do not cut or install it.

Profile Panels are subject to normal manufacturing variations and tolerances. Reasonable variances in panel dimensions are not considered a product fault and due care should be taken when installing to allow for these.

www.profilepanels.co.nz

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