Siding and Cladding: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Confirming Your Order and Delivery Details

Before your siding and cladding materials leave the supplier, confirm all order details, including quantities, profiles, dimensions, and any specific finishes. Verify your delivery address and contact information. Discuss the expected delivery window and any specific access requirements for the delivery vehicle.

Consider the type of vehicle that will be used for delivery. Large trucks may require ample turning radius and clear overhead space, especially if delivering long lengths of material. Inform the supplier of any potential obstacles such as narrow streets, low bridges, power lines, or limited access points at the jobsite. This proactive communication can prevent delays or additional charges upon arrival.

Preparing the Jobsite for Delivery

A clear, level, and accessible area is essential for material offloading. Designate a specific staging zone that is close enough to the work area for convenience but far enough to avoid hindering other site activities or becoming a tripping hazard. This area should be free of debris, mud, and standing water. If possible, choose a location that minimizes the distance materials need to be moved after delivery.

Ensure there is sufficient space for the delivery truck to maneuver safely. If a forklift is required for offloading, verify that the ground is stable enough to support its weight and movement. For manual offloading, ensure adequate personnel are available to assist the delivery team, especially for long or heavy bundles of siding and cladding. Confirm any specific offloading instructions or requirements with your supplier in advance.

Proper Storage of Siding and Cladding Materials

Once delivered, immediate and proper storage is critical to protect siding and cladding materials from damage. The primary concerns are moisture, direct sunlight, physical impact, and theft. Materials should always be stored flat and level, ideally elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and improve air circulation. Use stickers or blocking to create an even surface and prevent warping or bowing.

For wood-based products like thermally modified wood or Brazilian hardwoods, protection from rain and excessive humidity is paramount. These materials should be covered with a waterproof tarp or stored under a roof in a well-ventilated area. Avoid wrapping them tightly in non-breathable plastic for extended periods, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew.

Composite cladding, such as Norx composite, also benefits from covered, level storage to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. While often more resistant to moisture, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can still affect color consistency over time, especially before installation. Maximo Accoya, an acetylated wood product, also requires protection from elements to preserve its initial appearance and dimensional stability before it is fixed to the wall. Always consult the manufacturer's specific storage recommendations for your chosen material.

Consider security measures for your stored materials. If the jobsite is unattended for periods, ensure the storage area is secure to prevent theft or vandalism.

Example: Planning Storage for a Thermally Modified Wood Facade

Imagine you are receiving 1,500 linear feet of 1x6 thermally modified Ayous cladding for a 250-square-foot facade. The boards arrive in bundles of varying lengths, typically 8 to 16 feet. Each bundle might weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. Your jobsite is a suburban renovation with limited space and a single-car driveway.

First, coordinate with the supplier for a delivery time when you have at least two people available to help offload. Request a smaller delivery truck if possible due to driveway constraints. Designate a 10-foot by 10-foot area in the backyard, close to the house but away from active construction, for storage. This area needs to be cleared of debris and leveled.

Before delivery, lay down several 4x4 timbers or sturdy concrete blocks to create a raised, level platform, approximately 6 inches off the ground. Place these supports every 2-3 feet along the length of where the longest boards will sit. This ensures good air circulation and prevents direct ground contact. Upon arrival, carefully stack the bundles of Ayous cladding onto this platform, ensuring each board is fully supported along its length to prevent sagging. Cover the entire stack with a heavy-duty, breathable tarp, ensuring it's secured to protect against rain and sun, but not so tightly that air cannot circulate. This setup protects the wood from moisture and prevents warping until installation.

Jobsite Access and Material Flow

Efficient material flow from storage to the installation point is key to maintaining productivity. Plan clear pathways for moving materials, ensuring they are free from obstructions and trip hazards. If using power tools, ensure extension cords are safely routed and not creating hazards.

Consider how materials will be lifted or transported to different levels of the building. For multi-story projects, scaffolding, lifts, or pulley systems may be necessary. Plan these logistics in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling and potential safety issues. Always prioritize safety during all stages of material handling and movement.

Post-Installation Material Management

After installation, you may have leftover materials. Plan for their disposal or storage. Some materials might be suitable for smaller accent projects or repairs down the line. If you anticipate needing extra pieces for future use, store them in a similar manner to the original delivery, protecting them from the elements. Dispose of waste materials responsibly, following local regulations for construction debris.

Before you order

• Confirm full order details (quantities, profiles, dimensions, finishes) with supplier.
• Verify delivery address, contact information, and expected delivery window.
• Discuss delivery vehicle type and any jobsite access restrictions (narrow roads, overhead obstacles).
• Designate a clear, level, and accessible offloading and staging area on the jobsite.
• Ensure adequate space for truck maneuvering and, if needed, forklift operation.
• Prepare a raised, level platform for material storage (e.g., using timbers or blocks).
• Plan for covering materials with a waterproof, breathable tarp or storing under a roof.
• Confirm personnel availability for offloading assistance.
• Establish clear pathways for moving materials from storage to installation points.
• Consider security measures for stored materials.
• Plan for disposal or storage of leftover materials post-installation.

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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