In the last blog, we discussed the main points to keep in mind to ensure a seamless and perfect installation of our products. Before beginning the installation, there are some key features and points that must be considered:
Fixing system and panel application
- Check the environment of the area being measured, e.g., moisture levels, heat, UV exposure etc. Will the product specified be appropriate for the application?
- Do I fully understand how the fixing system works?
- Is the fixing system appropriate to the site conditions and application?
Do I know the Supawood fixing system orientation/ direction?
Do I know the Timber Grain Direction?
Do I know my Site Framing Direction (typically runs perpendicular to Supawood fixing system direction)?
Are expansion joints needed for building movement?
What will the Joint Detail be?
- If not determined, have I advised it will need to be a 10mm Express Joint?
- If it is to be a 3mm Butt Joint, will tight tolerances be practical for this project?
- Will all visible surfaces, e.g., on external corners, have edging?
Do I need to build Returns or Bulkheads?
- Do I know what the corner details will look like for these?
- Do I know how I will build the framing for these?
Panel Size Limitations, e.g., panel weight and materials handling restrictions
- Will this affect panel layout or delivery?
- Have I told Supawood?
Are access hatches required?
- Confirmed size?
- Quantity?
- Location?
Do we require services cut-outs or services backing boards?
- Confirmed size?
- Quantity?
- Location?
1. Ensure you are working with the most current plans/shop drawing. Don’t hesitate to ask for a meeting, confirmed details, or updated drawings. If you experience any reluctance from a builder or contractor to supply the information you need, ask them if they are prepared to risk something being done wrong.
2. Refer Supawood Setting Out instructions. Although setting out can be done after site measurements, you need to at least determine your setting out point, before doing your site measurements. Measuring individual panels can only be done after setting out.
3. Mark on the floor/wall the point you are measuring to/from, if this is an arbitrary set-out point, such as a gridline that has been indicated by the builder or another contractor (i.e., when you are not measuring to an actual physical object). This includes finished ceiling and floor heights, which you can mark on a stud or wall.
4. Note on the SUPAWOOD shop drawing the surface you are measuring to/from using the following key:
- Finished Wall Surface - FWS
- Unfinished Wall Surface - UWS
- Concrete floor - CONC
- Door/Window Jamb (inside) - JIS
- Door/Window Jamb (outside) - JOS
- Finished Ceiling Level - FCL
- Finished Floor Level - FFL
- Furring Channel - FC
- Stud (timber or steel)/ purlin - STUD
5. Measure from surface/point to surface/point and write down measurement on the shop drawing.
6. Give tape/laser measure to someone else to cross-check their measurement against yours. If measuring an overall distance as well as broken up measurements within this, you can check by adding them together instead. Check any difference found.
7. If wall is out of plumb, note on the shop drawing the amount of packing that will be required in brackets, e.g., (+10), or measure from where the packing will not be required.
8. If the perimeter of the area you are installing the panels in is badly out of square or otherwise difficult to measure, we suggest a 20mm perimeter express joint, which will give you more of an install tolerance.
Reach out to our friendly team today for any clarifications.
