15 Jul Canadian Pattern: Manufactures Installation Guidelines
When installing Canadian Pattern fibre-cement sheets, it is important to properly follow the recommended guidelines to ensure no complications caused by the weather down the line. It will also ensure that the cement sheets are used effectively and are long-lasting.
If the guidelines are not followed correctly, there could be product failure, and it will behave in an unsatisfactory way, which will be difficult and costly to fix.
Below, we’ll provide simplified instructions for the installation according to the Canadian Pattern Manufacturer’s installation guide.
Step 1: Preparing the Structure
Before beginning the installation, it’s important to check the roof or side cladding structure. We do this for a few reasons.
First, we need to check if the structure is suitable for sheeting. The structure needs to be ready for the sheeting to be installed. The expansion joints of the main structure need to be checked and carried through to the roof sheeting. Check the purlin spacing. On the roof, the maximum spacing is 1400 mm, and for the side cladding, the maximum spacing is 1800 mm. Make sure that the roof pitch is under 10 degrees. Both the ends and the side laps must be properly sealed to prevent any leakage.
If you find that there are any problems, fix them or consult with the constructor before proceeding with the installation.
Step 2: Determine Direction
Step 2 is where you decide in which direction the sheets will be laid. Determine this by considering the direction in which the wind blows and how the rain falls. If you are unsure, consult an architect or engineer.
Step 3: Check the Width and Starting Point
Check the width of the roof or the cladding area, whichever area you are using, against the cover width of the sheets to determine the correct starting point. Once done, mark that point on the purlin.
Step 4: Square The Roof
Square the roof cladding by marking a line from the edge to the roof, running square with the ridge purlin through the previously determined and marked starting point.
Step 5: End Laps and Roof Pitch
Determine which is the correct end lap to suit the roof pitch. The positioning of the end lap in relation to the purlins.
Refer to the table below for the minimum end laps:
Table 1: Minimum end laps for varying roof pitches
Important to note:
- The information in this table relates to normal exposure. If there are abnormal weather conditions, such as excess rain or wind, alternative solutions should be considered.
- End and side laps should be sealed where the roof pitch is under 10 degrees.
Step 6: Mitring and Laying The Sheets
Lay one row of sheets loosely with the smooth side up at the edge of the ridge along the starting line that was previously marked to determine the exact length of overlap and mitre. The maximum is 300 mm. Mark out the mitres as per mitring details and then cut accordingly.
Mitring is essential, as it prevents point loads and potential leakages that can happen when there’s an overlap of four sheets at the intersection between the end and side laps. This is where the centre sheets should be mitred. Certain fittings will also require mitring.
Step 7: Fixing The Sheets
Lay and fix the first row of sheets from the edge to the ridge along the starting line. Check the cover width of the sheets using the guidelines, and make sure to make the top and bottom purlin. Secure a line between these points, and then play the sheets down accordingly, making sure that the larger corrugation fits over the smaller one for proper alignment.
For the remaining rows, repeat this procedure. You should tighten and fix the bolts and screws just enough to seal the washer over the corrugation. This will allow for slight movement in the substructure. Hook bolt nuts should be finger-tight plus one turn. But remember to not overtighten the bolts, as this will damage the sheets.
Side Cladding
The general rule for roofing applies to cladding too, with some exceptions.
Sheeting rail spacing can be increased to 1800 mm. It is required that two fasteners per sheet. Anti-sag rods must be installed between sheeting rails. be used at every sheeting rail. Anti-sag rods must be installed between sheeting rails.
For roof pitches that are below 10 degrees, sealing of the end and side laps is required.
Special Sheets
An important note to remember is that purpose-made curved, curved-end, and cranked sheets can be manufactured to suit individual applications.
If you follow the above-detailed guidelines, your fibre-cement sheets will be installed efficiently and effectively and produce the desired outcome. The instructions will ensure that the sheets are installed in a way that they are reliable, durable, and long-lasting.
For more information, feel free to reach out. Online Building: We’re here to ensure that you receive useful information and guidance to make your project a success. Contact us today.