Care of BlueScope Coated Steel Products prior to installation

Protecting COLORBOND® steel before installation: simple storage practices that make a difference

Good storage and handling practices before installation help preserve the appearance and performance of COLORBOND® steel products. Whether products are stored at a manufacturing facility, distribution yard or building site, taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of corrosion, discolouration, blistering and other moisture-related surface effects.

To support customers in maintaining product quality, BlueScope has updated Technical Bulletin TB-7 Care of BlueScope coated steel products prior to installation. The bulletin provides practical guidance on storing and handling coated steel products while they await installation, helping reduce the risk of moisture-related effects from delivery through to installation.
 

The hidden risk: trapped moisture

While BlueScope's coated steel products, including COLORBOND® steel, are designed to be resilient to moisture from rain and overnight dew cycles, moisture-related issues can occur when water becomes trapped between surfaces for extended periods.

Rainwater and condensation can enter packs and bundles and, when airflow is restricted, create prolonged periods of wetness. This can result in surface damage ranging from temporary aesthetic changes to corrosion and blistering that may affect long-term durability.

This is particularly important for products supplied in nested roofing and walling sheet packs, wrapped bundles, fencing packs and shed packs that may remain stored on-site for extended periods before installation. Moisture is not always visible, making good storage practices important in all weather conditions.
 

Four simple storage practices that make a difference

The key message from TB-7 is straightforward:

Keep packs dry, elevated, ventilated and protected from trapped moisture. If packs become wet, separate and dry them as soon as practical.

Some practical steps include:

• Store packs indoors or under cover wherever possible.
• Raise packs off the ground on a slight incline on suitable dunnage to prevent contact with standing water and promote airflow.
• Cover packs with a loose-fitting waterproof tarp rather than tightly wrapping them in plastic, which can increase the risk of packs "sweating" in humid conditions.
• Where products are supplied in plastic-wrapped bundles, and wrapping is not required for pack restraint, consider removing or opening the wrapping to allow packs to "breathe" and reduce moisture build-up

What if packs get wet?

Despite best efforts, wet packs can sometimes occur during storage or delivery. The important thing is to act quickly.

TB-7 highlights the importance of taking preventative action as soon as practical by separating materials and allowing air circulation across all wet surfaces to speed drying. For nested roofing and walling sheets, separating sheets and allowing airflow between them is often the most effective approach. For wrapped bundles, removing plastic wrapping can help trapped moisture escape and reduce pack sweating.

Early intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of corrosion, discolouration and other moisture-related surface issues.
 

Managing CORSTRIP® protective film

Extended exposure to sunlight can affect the adhesion of CORSTRIP® protective film, making it more difficult to remove when left in place for prolonged periods. Where COLORBOND® steel products are supplied with CORSTRIP® film, the film should be removed immediately after installation.
 

Share the message with your team

Good storage and handling practices are a shared responsibility across the supply chain. Whether you're a rollformer, distributor, builder or installer, taking a few simple precautions can help preserve the quality, appearance and durability that customers expect from COLORBOND® steel.

While the conditions that lead to moisture-related damage can be difficult to predict, taking appropriate storage precautions can help reduce risk.

For more detailed guidance, download and read TB 7 - Care of BlueScope coated steel products prior to installation. We also encourage you to share this article within your organisation and with relevant customers and installers to help promote good storage and handling practices throughout the industry.