Information on the Triplewall Storm Panels

Panels should be stored inside without exposure to direct heat or light. Exposure to heat or light can cause the protective film to be difficult to remove. Supported, slopped stacking is recommended. Panels can be stacked up to 3' high on a flat, even supported surface.

Protective film

Storm Panels are supplied with a protective film on both sides which should be kept on until the panel is fastened. The panels have one side that is UV protected. The UV Protected Side of the panel is to be faced towards the sun and is identified markings on the protective film.

Fabrication

The polycarbonate Storm Panels won't crack or split when cut or drilled. It can stand extreme abuse; its impact strength is 200 times greater than glass and ten times greater than acrylic.

You can use a Circular saw with a fine tooth blade to cut. You should use a laminate or fine-toothed blade. For radius cutting, use a jigsaw with a laminate blade.

You can also use a razor knife, but you will have to cut on both sides of the sheet to cut clear through.

Use 100 or 200 grit sand paper to clean up the cut edge if needed.

Compressed air can remove the dust left in the channels from cutting.

Pre-drill screw holes in the panels. Do not drill within 1-1/2" from the edge of the panel.

Once holes are drilled in the panel, self-tapping screws can mount it to the frame or supports. 48" wide sheets should be fastened to supports at all four corners and points 6" from the edges of each purlin support and in the center of the purlin support.

When fastening the screws, do not tighten below the panel's surface. 1" neoprene bonded washers should be used with screws. Be sure the washers are large enough to cover the thermal expansion difference.

Thermal Expansion

Allow for thermal expansion during installation at a rate of 1/8" per 3 feet at 100° temperature differentials in width and length.

Installation

Stiff fixing using adhesive or putty is to be avoided. Use only recommended sealants.

Exposed top and bottom ends of a sheet must always be sealed using the proper polycarbonate "U" profiles or an adhesive aluminum tape to prevent dust and dirt from getting inside the ribs.

It is advisable to drill a small weep hole every 12" in the bottom of the "U" profiles for condensation drainage.

Extruded ribs should be installed vertically for drainage. Glazing sheets should be joined using extruded polycarbonate profiles and be installed with their protective UV-stabilized surface towards the exterior. Do not use PVC profiles. Some Aluminum systems are acceptable to be used.

For proper application in a roofing installation, a slope of at least 5° is required.

Cleaning

Panels should be protected from abrasion by the installer. After installation, panels should be washed with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water using only a clean sponge or soft cloth, then rinsed with clean water. Fresh paint, grease, and smeared glazing compound may be removed before drying by rubbing lightly with good-grade naphtha or isopropyl alcohol, followed by a final wash with mild soap or detergent and a final rinse.

Maintenance:

1. 1) Remove Panels after storm or storm season
2. 2) Rinse with clean water.
3. 3) Wash with soap or mild detergent using a soft cloth or sponge. DO NOT use any abrasive cleaners
4. 4) Rinse with clean water.
5. 5) Dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
6. 6) Store in a dry area out of direct sunlight.
7. For information on installing Storm panels to meet certain building codes, contact our technical department.