Care should be taken for the protection and storage of materials on-site in order to save on cost in case of damage or theft and also in the interests of site safety.
Joinery
When storing joinery on site, keep it dry at all times. In cases where the joinery is to be stored in the open, ensure the stack is kept well above the ground and covered at the top and sides while allowing ventilation to the stack.
Diagram F2 - Bagged material
Cement, Lime & Mixes
Ensure that all cement, hydrated lime, and premixed dry bagged materials are kept off the ground, covered, and away from damp areas when in storage. Also, ensure that the bags are placed such that they can be used in the order they were delivered.
For ready-mixed sand-lime mix for mortar, tip mix onto a sealed banker board with a sealed base that has been cleaned. Cover mix when it is not being used; this is especially important where coloured mortars are being used as the pigment/some fine material may get washed out, resulting in a change of colour.
Plasterboard
Where possible, store plasterboard in a weatherproof building, off the ground, supported on a level base by bearers more than 100 mm wide at not less than 400 mm centres.
Where plasterboard cannot be stored in a weatherproof building, ensure the stack is completely covered with a waterproof sheet secured all around the stack. Protect the stack from damp rising through from below. Stacks should never be more than 1 m high unless special provisions have been made.
Insulation
Insulation products should be delivered on site already adequately wrapped in polythene or similar. Ensure that insulation is stored where it is covered, protected from direct sunlight and is out of contact with organic based materials, solvents, creosote and pitch.
Seek further information from manufacturer’s regarding handling, storage and health and safety.
Trussed Rafters
Care should be taken when storing trussed rafters that:
Distortion, sagging, or bending does not occur during handling or storage.
They are stored at wall plate position, and vertically for long-term storage. For short term storage, horizontal storage is adequate.
While ensuring adequate ventilation, trusses are protected from rain and sun.
They are stored securely.
If trusses are exposed to prolonged dampness, timber may rot and connector plates may corrode.
Diagram F3 - Short term roof truss storage (horizontal)
Diagram F4 - Long term roof truss storage (vertical)
