General Guidelines for Product Care

Storage
Multiwall PC sheet should be stored and protected against atmospheric influence like sun, rain etc. Sheets of the same length should be stacked together horizontally or, if different length, graded with the longest sheet at the bottom of the stack in order to avoid unsupported overhang. The stacks should be supported on timber bearers. Do not stack where they can be walked on or driven into. (see Fig. 24)

Fig. 24

Handling
As with all glazing materials, care should be exercised when handling and transporting multiwall sheet in order to prevent scratches and damage to sheet edges. Each sheet is packaged as follows to minimize the risk of these problems.

Sawing
Multiwall sheet can usually be cut easily and accurately with standard workshop equipment. This includes common circular, hand and hacksaws. Saw dust should be blown out of the channels using clean compressed air. Circular saw blades should be fine-toothed panel blades. When hand or powered hacksaws are used, the sheet should be clamped to the worktable to avoid undesirable vibration. When finished, the edges of multiwall sheet should be free of notches and loose debris.

With thinner multiwall sheet grades (up to 10 mm), it is possible to cut the sheet with a knife. However, it is important that the knife is sharp.

Drilling
Holes should be drilled either by a hand or power drill using a metal working bit. When drilling, support should be given immediately beneath the drill to avoid vibration. Very clean holes are easily obtained. The use of liquid cooling media is not recommended.

Pre-installation Thermal Expansion Allowance
Since Multiwall sheet has a greater linear thermal expansion coefficient than traditional glazing material, care should be taken to allow for free expansion of the sheet to prevent bowing and internal thermal stress, as shown in Figure 25.

Fig. 25

Site Safety
On roof constructions, multiwall sheet should not be used to support a person's weight during installation or cleaning. A temporary wooden beam or other device, supported by the roof members, should always be used. (see Fig. 26)

Fig. 26