Fixing Guidelines EnviroSlat

Fixing & Handling

Storage

It is important to ensure that EnviroSlat is not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive temperatures while stored in packs in order to reduce excessive heat build up.

› Back to top

Working with EnviroSlat

EnviroSlat will expand or contract in length with rising or falling temperatures. All boards should be conditioned before cutting so that they are at an even temperature. Boards are best cut in the shade before they are exposed to radiant heat and in ambient temperatures under 30 degrees Celsius (in the morning).

When cutting lengths of EnviroSlat you should take in to account the temperature of the conditioned boards and allow for expansion or contraction of the boards based on the likely temperature fluctuations over the year at the site. You should allow for some expansion between boards that are butted together or where boards are butted against a post or other structure. We recommend a minimum 5mm gap between the end of an EnviroSlat board and any frame, fixed surface or another board. EnviroSlat will expand by approximately 7-9mm (3-4.5mm at each end) over a board length of 4800mm based on a temperature increase of 40 degrees Celsius.

The surface of EnviroSlat could be as much as 25 degrees Celsius warmer than the ambient temperature when subjected to continuous direct sunlight. Therefore the board could reach a surface temperature of up to 65 degrees Celsius on a day when the ambient temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius.

› Back to top

Fencing/Screening Construction

EnviroSlat is designed to be fixed directly to posts that are fixed in/on the ground. The posts can be made of timber, steel or aluminium and need to be of a suitable cross section and strength to hold the intended fence size/weight.

EnviroSlat must not exceed a maximum span of 900mm between support posts in order to minimize flexing caused by thermal expansion/contraction of the boards. For short board lengths (less than 2400mm) we recommend fixing at 600mm centres.

Spacing between slats comes down to personal preference and the amount of privacy, shade and air flow that is required.

› Back to top

Fixing

EnviroSlat boards can be fixed with screws inserted through the front face of the board (front fix) where the screw head will be visible. Button head screws in either 8 or 10 gauge should be used to front fix EnviroSlat boards. When front fixing it is recommended that you pre drill holes for the screws placed at either end of the board to produce a hole that is 2-3mm larger than the shank of the screw but is still hidden under the button head of the screw. This oversized hole allows for some take up of the expansion and contraction which is greatest at the end of each board. Do not over tighten the screw and ensure that it does not bury in to the surface of the EnviroSlat board. Screws should be positioned a minimum of 25mm from any profile edge. Screws placed within 30mm of any edge must be pre drilled to avoid the risk of splitting.

All screws should be plated or made from stainless steel or brass.

EnviroSlat profiles should be fixed with one button head screw at each support point. We do not recommend using countersunk screws.

Nailing is not recommended for securing EnviroSlat.

› Back to top

Colour & Surface Finishing

The colour of your EnviroSlat board will weather in the first 4-12 weeks of exposure to the elements. After the initial weathering process the colour will be maintained over many years with only very slight changes year on year. The manufacturing process does allow for a very slight variation in colour from board to board and batch to batch of material. Slight colour change may also occur over time as part of the natural weathering effect.

Rough edges on cut ends can be removed using a fine abrasive paper.

› Back to top

Cleaning

EnviroSlat should be washed down periodically with a strong solution of household detergent (“Handy Andy” works well) in order to clean off accumulated dirt/grime.

› Back to top