Marine plywood is usually applied to places where it is durable against moisture. But even plywood that fits this purpose may have problems if it is stored incorrectly prior to the installation. At the construction site, various factors may lead to the deterioration of plywood. In order to use materials safely, plywood storage has to be carried out carefully.
Why Does Marine Plywood Need Proper Storage?
The weather conditions at construction sites may constantly fluctuate, wet work may take place, and storage limits may be imposed. The plywood sheets might arrive before the plywood installation site is prepared, which makes them vulnerable.
Marine plywood is produced from water-resistant glue, which is used for demanding types of work. However, it doesn’t mean that its parts will easily withstand water action if they are improperly handled or stored. Thus, storing it in proper conditions is vital to avoid the damage and loss.
Choosing a Suitable Storage Location
The first step is to find a dry and covered place with good ventilation. Be sure not to place plywood right on the ground since it will expose it to moisture.Plywood should be kept away from walls that have just been plastered, wet floors, and any plumbing work that might introduce moisture when possible. If marine-grade plywood needs to be left on the job site for multiple days or weeks before it can be used, then it is even more crucial that it be stored properly.
Proper Stacking Methods for Plywood
Inadequately stacked plywood can bend, create uneven pressure, and dent the edges. Plywood should be stacked flat on a firm surface, so that it has enough support on the bottom to avoid any problems.
The corners and ends of the plywood should be in uniformity and not stick out on different sides. Do not place heavy tools or any construction material on top of the plywood.
In the case where several thicknesses or types of plywood are kept together, mark them clearly, so that they can be located easily when necessary. This is especially important when marine plywood sheets are sought for use.
Protecting Plywood from Rain and Moisture
Persistent rain can cause problems for the plywood and the exposed edges especially when laminated finishes are not completely applied. Cover the plywood with some kind of waterproof covering while still allowing air to circulate around it during storage.
Do not wrap wet plywood tightly in plastic, as it will trap moisture causing surface issues. If plywood gets wet, reassess it and allow it to dry properly before installation.
Panels that indicate signs of bulging, delamination or other major damage should not be installed without further assessment.
Although plywood for moisture-exposed applications is designed for environments where some moisture protection is necessary, proper storage is still critical to retain the quality of the materials before use.
Safe Handling and Transport of Plywood
Plywood may become damaged if it is dragged on the rough surface, dropped or carried improperly. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the panels in order to avoid getting them damaged. The bigger the plywood sheets, the more assistance is needed to move them around.
While moving the plywood on the construction site, one must secure the edges of the sheets in order to protect them from being hit by other structures, such as scaffolding, walls, tools and other materials.
Inspect the plywood sheets right after unloading them and even before cutting them to check for any possible defects, such as chipped edges, cracks, bumps, warps and delamination of the layers.
Inspecting Marine Plywood Before Installation
It is very important to check the plywood prior to its installation by making sure that it corresponds to the specifications listed for the needed project, as well as the sea plywood grades. Inspect the surface of the sheets as well as their edges to verify wether there are any visible gaps in the layers.
In addition, make sure to read the documents that come with the products in order to learn whether the plywood sheet works well for the job. If the sheet was left outdoors during the rain or is stored incorrectly in any way, one needs to check its condition before making any assumptions about its quality.
The quality of the Royale Touche plywood marine plywood may be evaluated using the data from its specifications and documents. Keep in mind that the final decision should be made after taking into consideration all of the characteristics of the product.
Conclusion
When it comes to proper marine plywood storage for construction applications, it is necessary to use a dry area, make enough support for the plywood sheets, arrange the sheets carefully and protect them from water and impact. Correct check and handling of the plywood sheets helps avoid making them unusable.