Aluminium cladding panels arrive on site with a factory-applied finish that is ready to install. Proper storage and handling protects that finish and avoids costly replacements. Most damage we see on Australian construction sites happens between delivery and installation - not during manufacturing or transit - and almost all of it is preventable.
Why does site storage matter for aluminium cladding?
Replacement panels cost money, but the real pain is time. A damaged panel that needs reordering can add weeks to a facade programme, particularly for colour-matched element13 panels with offshore lead times. Scratched powder coat or stained PVDF finishes cannot be touched up to an acceptable standard on site. The panel gets replaced or the defect gets signed off - neither is a good outcome.
Good storage discipline is straightforward once the crew understands what damages aluminium panels and why.
How should aluminium cladding panels be stored on site?
Start with the basics:
- Level, clean surface. Store packs on level ground, on timber bearers or pallets. Never directly on dirt, gravel, or concrete where moisture pools.
- Away from traffic. Keep panels clear of foot traffic, plant movement, and other trades. A forklift clipping the corner of a pack is an expensive mistake.
- Under cover where possible. Prolonged exposure to moisture trapped between stacked panels causes white oxidation marks - sometimes called wet storage stain or water staining. This is a chemical reaction, not dirt, and it does not wash off.
- Original packaging stays on. Keep panels in their factory packaging until you are ready to install. The packaging is designed to protect the finish during storage and transport.
- If stored outdoors, angle packs slightly so water drains off rather than pooling between panels. Cover with breathable material - not plastic sheeting pulled tight against the surface, which traps condensation and accelerates staining.
- Don’t stack too high. Check the maximum stack height for the specific product. Overloading the bottom panels risks deformation, particularly with lighter extrusions like interloQ.
What causes the most common damage?
Three things account for most of the panel damage Valmond & Gibson sees reported back from site:
- Dragging panels across each other. This scratches powder coat and PVDF finishes instantly. Always lift panels - never slide one across another.
- Concrete and mortar splatter. Cement-based materials bond aggressively to coated aluminium. Removing dried concrete from powder coat almost always damages the finish. If your panels are stored near a pour or a blockwork crew, cover them.
- Late removal of protective film. Where protective film is supplied, it needs to come off within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe. UV exposure degrades the adhesive over weeks, and the film becomes extremely difficult to remove cleanly. On the other hand, do not remove it too early - leave it on during installation and peel it as part of final clean-up.
How should element13 panels be handled?
element13 panels are 3mm solid aluminium at 8.13 kg/m². A full-size panel at 1500mm x 4000mm weighs approximately 49 kg. That is a two-person lift, minimum.
For larger panels, use suction cup lifters rated for the panel weight. This protects both the handler and the finish - gripping panel edges with bare hands or pliers damages the coating and creates a manual handling risk.
interloQ extrusions are lighter per piece, but the interlocking profiles are precise. Rough handling can damage the engagement edges, which affects fit-up during installation. Stack extrusions flat, supported along their length, and avoid dropping bundles.
What about cleaning panels on site?
Construction sites are dirty environments, and panels will collect dust and minor marks during installation. The cleaning approach is simple:
- Routine cleaning: Mild detergent and warm water with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water.
- Adhesive residue: Isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits on a soft cloth. Test on a small area first.
- What to avoid: No solvents, turpentine, or abrasive cleaners on powder coat or PVDF finishes. No pressure washers at close range. No scouring pads.
Keep cement, mortar, acids, and alkaline chemicals away from finished panels entirely. Prevention is easier than remediation.
Does storage damage affect the warranty?
Yes. Damage caused by improper storage or handling on site is not covered under V&G’s 20-year product warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing and coating defects - not site damage. This is standard across the industry, and it is one more reason to get storage right from the day panels arrive.
Document the condition of panels at delivery. If packs arrive damaged, photograph them and notify your supplier immediately.
Storing and handling aluminium cladding well is not complicated - it just requires some discipline from the first delivery onwards. Protect the finish, keep moisture out, and lift rather than drag. The panels will look exactly as they should when they go on the wall.
Need product-specific storage guidance or installation documentation? Get in touch with our team.
Related Reading
- How to Order Aluminium Cladding: A Guide for Installers
- Quality Control During Aluminium Facade Installation
- Scaffolding Considerations for Facade Installation
- Aluminium Facade Repair and Panel Replacement
Last updated: 4 April 2026