NORX Cladding: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Understanding NORX Cladding Materials

NORX Cladding is available in two primary material types: wood-plastic composite and PVC. The composite collections, such as Paris, Rio, Rome, London, Los Angeles, and New York, are made with 95% recycled content and typically feature capping on three or four sides. The Barcelona Collection uses PVC boards. Both material types are designed for exterior and interior applications, including walls, ceilings, and soffits, using a hidden clip system for installation. While durable, proper handling and storage are essential to maintain their aesthetic and structural integrity before installation.

The various NORX collections offer a range of profiles and colors. For example, the Rome Collection features narrow panels, while the London Collection offers wide slat panels. Each profile and color choice, from the dark brown Pantheon in Rome to the black Big Ben in London, needs to be protected from damage and contamination during the staging process.

Planning for Delivery and Site Access

Before your NORX Cladding arrives, assess your jobsite for optimal delivery and staging points. Consider the size of the delivery vehicle and the accessibility of your property. Will a large truck be able to navigate tight turns, overhead obstructions, or unpaved driveways? Identify a clear, level area for the truck to unload safely.

Communicate any access restrictions to your supplier in advance. This includes narrow roads, weight limits on bridges, or specific delivery window requirements. Having a designated unloading zone free of debris and other construction materials will expedite the process and minimize potential delays or damage.

Safe Material Handling Upon Arrival

Upon delivery, inspect the NORX Cladding for any visible damage. Note any discrepancies or damage on the delivery receipt before signing. It is important to compare the delivered quantity and profiles against your order. Document any issues with photographs.

NORX boards should be handled with care to prevent scratches, dents, or warping. If using a forklift, ensure the forks are properly spaced and long enough to support the entire bundle evenly. Manual handling should involve multiple people for longer boards to prevent bowing and accidental drops. Avoid dragging boards across rough surfaces.

Proper On-Site Storage to Protect Cladding

Effective storage protects your NORX Cladding from environmental factors and jobsite hazards. Store all boards flat on a level surface, elevated off the ground by at least 4-6 inches using dunnage or blocking. This prevents moisture absorption, ground contact, and potential warping.

Protect the material from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and excessive humidity. Covering the stacked bundles with a breathable, waterproof tarp is recommended. Ensure adequate air circulation around the bundles to prevent condensation. Store away from areas where heavy equipment operates or where other trades might inadvertently damage the material. For example, storing cladding near a cutting station for other materials could expose it to debris or accidental impacts.

While NORX composite and PVC boards are designed for exterior use, prolonged exposure to harsh conditions before installation can affect their appearance. For instance, the Elastic Surface™ technology of the Paris Collection or the GroundGuard™ system of the Rio Collection are designed for installed performance, not prolonged pre-installation exposure to direct, uncapped sunlight or standing water in storage.

Organizing Your Staging Area: A Worked Example

Consider a hypothetical project: a 20-foot by 10-foot wall requiring 200 linear feet of NORX London Collection wide slat panels, each 16 feet long. You've ordered 13 bundles, with each bundle containing 16 boards (totaling 208 linear feet to account for cuts and waste). Each bundle measures approximately 16 feet long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot high.

First, designate a 20-foot long by 5-foot wide area on a paved, level section of the jobsite, away from the immediate construction zone. Lay down three 4x4 timbers as dunnage, spaced at 4-foot intervals (at 0, 4, 8, and 12 feet from one end) to support the 16-foot long bundles. Stack the 13 bundles in two rows, ensuring even weight distribution. Place the boxes of clips and fasteners on a pallet nearby, also covered.

Cover the entire stack with a heavy-duty, breathable tarp, secured with ropes or bungee cords to prevent wind uplift. This organized staging area ensures the material is protected, easily accessible when needed, and does not impede other construction activities. Periodically check the tarp and material for any moisture intrusion or shifting.

Before you order

• Confirm delivery vehicle size and site accessibility with your supplier.
• Designate a clear, level, and accessible unloading zone on your jobsite.
• Identify a secure, elevated, and covered storage area for all NORX materials.
• Ensure dunnage is available to keep boards off the ground and supported evenly.
• Have tarps or protective coverings ready to shield materials from weather and sun.
• Plan for sufficient personnel or equipment for safe unloading and handling.
• Inspect all delivered materials immediately for damage or discrepancies.
• Store fasteners and clips in a dry, protected location.
• Communicate storage and access plans with all relevant project stakeholders.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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