Lay Prodek sheets into the prevailing wind. They should sit neatly on the preceding sheet, and be fixed at the recommended support spacings. Avoid ‘stretching' the width of the sheet when installing, as this could allow wind and rain to enter. Flashing turn downs into the pan of Prodek should always be notched around the rib for maximum weather tightness. For spans between 1200mm and 3600mm, side lap fasteners are recommended for use at mid-span. For spans beyond 3600mm use two evenly spaced fasteners between supports to secure the side lap. Use either 8 x 12mm self drill stitching screws or 4.8mm sealed blind rivets. On roofing, at the end of the sheets, turn the pans up at the roof crest and down into the gutter using a turn up/down tool.

Walking on Prodek

When walking on Prodek roofing, it is recommended you walk over the purlins to avoid damage. Wear flat, rubber soled shoes and walk flat footed in the sheet pans only. For carport and verandah applications, crawl boards should be used to avoid damage during installation and maintenance.

Using Prodek

Stratco Prodek will have a long, useful life if used according to Stratco specifications. While roofing materials in outer urban and rural areas may have a life-span in excess of 30 years, this can reduce to only a few years in coastal and industrial environments.

Zinc/alum and pre-painted steel should not be used in very aggressive areas such as near swimming pools and spas. It is important that dirt, soil, compost, paving sand, or other materials which retain moisture are not placed against steel sheeting. Concrete should not be poured against zinc/alum material. Check with Stratco before using in these severe environments.

Incompatible Metals

The best way of reducing corrosion is to keep incompatible metals apart. Zinc/alum and prepainted steel cannot be used with lead, copper and monel. Galvanised steel and pure zinc material can be used with zinc/alum, but you must avoid water run-off from zinc/alum onto galvanised material. Fixings such as rivets and self-drilling screws must be compatible with the material they are fixing.

Handling and Cutting of Prodek

For safety, wear gloves when handling Prodek. Ensure your hands or gloves are clean, especially when handling zinc/alum which can mark. Use a coloured pencil for marking steel, as lead or black pencils contain graphite which promotes rusting. Prodek is best cut using tin snips, but for larger cuts it may be necessary to use a power saw with a steel cutting blade or a power nibbler. Avoid using abrasive discs as they can cause burred edges and coating damage. Where possible cut sheets on the ground, and always clean off any swarf and metal filings progressively during the installation. Dispose of off-cuts carefully.

Insulation and Sealants

The use of blanket insulation is recommended in domestic roofing to assist in temperature, condensation and sound control. Prodek can be used with an insulating blanket up to 55mm thick. Increased thicknesses require longer fasteners and greater care when installing.

When choosing a silicone sealant, ensure it is suitable for roofing and guttering use and of a non-acetic, amine free, neutral cure type. Sealants that smell of ammonia, vinegar or lemons are not usually suitable.

Prodek Fastener Selection
	ROOFING Crest fixing	WALLING Pan fixing
Fixing to Steel Self drilling and tapping screw with neoprene washer	12 x 68mm	10 x 16mm
Fixing to Timber Type 17 hex head screw with neoprene washer	14 x 90mm	10 x 25mm
Laying procedure