Crane Composites Trowels - Manual (Page 4)

Installation Preparation
Pre-Conditioning
Before beginning the installation, the installer must determine that the environment of the jobsite meets or exceeds all requirements
specifi ed in the installation guide. Prior to installing, remove the packaging and allow the panels to acclimate to the room temperature
and humidity for 24 hours. Acclimation temperature range should be 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) and relative humidity should be 35%
to 55%. Ideally, both the room temperature and humidity during acclimation and installation should be the same as the fi nal operating
conditions.
Installation Conditions
Installation should not begin until building is enclosed (windows and doors are installed), permanent heating and cooling equipment is in
operation, and residual moisture from plaster, concrete, or terrazzo work has dissipated. Installation temperature range should be 60°F
to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) and relative humidity range should be 35% to 55%.
Wall Preparation
Every attempt is made to inspect panels for cosmetic and physical abnormalities prior to shipment, however, all panels should be
inspected for any defects prior to installation. The installer assumes all responsibility for full inspection of product before installation.
If
panels are not acceptable, contact your Customer Service Representative (CSR) immediately. Do not install panels of unacceptable
or questionable quality. Crane Composites, Inc. will not be responsible for installation or removal costs of unacceptable panels. Walls
should be fl at and even. Remove high spots and fi ll in low spots prior to beginning installation. Remove any foreign matter that may
interfere with the adhesive bond. The wall substrate must be dry and free from dirt, dust, and grease. Installation over uneven surfaces
will result in little or no adhesion to the wall substrate, therefore bubbling due to air pockets will form behind the panel.
PAINTED OR PRIMED SURFACES
Painted surfaces will not allow solvent-free or solvent-based adhesives to dry. Consequently, they will not achieve full bond strength.
Painted surfaces must be perforated with a wallpaper removal tool to rough up the wall. If you do not have that tool available, surfaces
must be gouged with a minimum 20 grit heavy sandpaper to break the moisture barrier of the paint. All loose paint, dirt and residue
must be removed prior to installation. Refer to page 4 for assistance in selecting the appropriate adhesive.
NEW GYPSUM BOARD OR DRYWALL
New gypsum should not be painted or primed.
Tapered joints need only a fi ll and taped coating using a setting joint compound. A fi nish
coat is not necessary or desirable. Any extremely uneven areas should be fi lled. Remove all drywall dust.
PLYWOOD
Plywood walls must be fl at and even, and warped plywood should be removed and replaced. Solvent-Free adhesive cannot be used on
any installation over pressure treated or fi re-rated plywood.
CONCRETE BLOCK AND BRICK
Concrete block and brick wall surfaces are by nature uneven, and FRP panels installed directly to these surfaces will likely develop
loose spots, bulges and buckles. An alternate method is to install gypsum board, cement board or another appropriate substrate over
the furring and then install FRP panels according to the standard installation instructions. If it is the owner or contractor’s preference
to install FRP panels directly to a concrete block or brick wall, it is recommended that the panels be installed with Crane Advanced
Polymer Adhesive.
NON-POROUS SURFACES
Non-porous surfaces (i.e., ceramic tile, glazed block, moisture resistant substrates, and metal panels) do not provide a good surface
for adhesive bonding. General-purpose latex-based, polymer or solvent-based adhesives will not dry properly on a non-porous surface.
Advanced polymer is recommended in these applications. Installation over this type of surface can be accomplished with rivets or you
may contact an adhesive manufacturer for additional recommendations.
Environmental Considerations
The following special conditions require additional preparation or installation techniques:
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Prolonged Direct Sunlight on panels may cause abnormal fading and/or rapid expansion depending upon amount of heat buildup. Use
caution in these areas.
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