DISCLAIMER
This overview attempts to describe one of many excepted methods of installation and is offered as a general guide only. Please read and completely understand this overview and all manufacturer instructions before commencing installation. Although every effort has been made to insure accuracy some errors or omissions may have occurred. Your ideas and comments are valued and appreciated. CLICK [HERE] TO SUBMITSTEP 1: F-4 STARTER w/staple flange and NATIONAL STARTER w/staple flangeNOTE: Level the structure (unit).At the bottom corners of the unit, measure and mark points on the wall equal to the height of the starter including the staple flange. Snap a chalk line between these points. Continue this chalk line around the entire unit. Determine if the unit is sagging by double checking the distance between the chalk line and the bottom edge of the unit. If the bottom edge of the unit is sagging the sag should first be covered with GALVANIZED ANGLE. NOTE: The front of the unit can be determined by the hitch position or by the “down wind” direction the doors open from.NOTE: HURRICANE STRIPS are available for added structural strength.Begin installing the starter directly below the chalk line. Start at the rear of the unit and work toward the front. Hold the STARTER in position and staple the staple flange to the unit at approximately 10 inch intervals. The second and all remaining pieces of starter are overlapped ½ -inch to 1- inch to prevent elements from entering under the starter during transport. If F-4 STARTER was used it should be snipped appropriately and wrapped around the corners of the unit. A brake can be used to get a crisp 90 degree corner. If NATIONAL STARTER was used it should be cut and end at the corner. Starter should be installed on all sides of the unit.
BACK TO MAIN STEEL PAGESTEP 2: METAL SIDING PANELS (lower level)PATTERN TYPES: #2 MESA and #3 MESA DELUXEThe two most popular METAL SIDING patterns in Western Canada for industrial units are #2 MESA and #3 MESA DELUXE. These patterns are virtually identical with the exception being #3 MESA DELUXE has additional horizontal ridges. #2 MESA comes with a PITTSBURG LOCK (PL). #3 MESA DELUXE comes with a SMOOTH LOCK (SL or S-LOCK) LOCKS: PITTSBURG LOCK (PL) and SMOOTH LOCK (SL or S-LOCK) The PITTSBURG LOCK (PL) with staple flange has a lock that is raised approximately ½ -inch and is usually the LOCK on the #2 MESA pattern siding panels.The SMOOTH LOCK (SL or S-LOCK) with staple flange has a lock that is raised approximately 1/3 inch and is usually the lock on the #3 MESA DELUXE pattern siding panels. Customer variations are available on request.NOTE: Window and door rough openings are covered over during the steel installation. To properly cut open the rough openings please refer to the window and door manufacturer’s instructions for details. A DRIP CAP is available to protect the top of the windows and doors.Start installing the SIDING PANELS at the front (hitch/up wind end) and work towards the rear. Window and door openings are paneled over. The pattern runs vertically and the lock end faces toward the rear of the unit. Staple the front end (non-lock end) of the panel first. These staples will be hidden later by the OUTSIDE CORNER. Next, staple the panel’s lock staple flange. Now staple the top of the panel no more than ½ inch from the edge. Staples are placed at every low spot in the SIDING PANEL pattern.

TIP: Staple with one arm while the other is spread over the panel to flatten it.

Repeat this process for the front and back of the unit.
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STEP 3: DIVIDER (first or lower row) often referred to as ‘transitional strip’
The exposed staples used to fasten the SIDING PANELS in step 2 are covered by the DIVIDER. The DIVIDER is applied from the back end to the front end (hitch/up wind end) of the trailer. The DIVIDER is stapled every 8 inches except directly above the panel locks (to prevent buckling). The next DIVIDER overlaps the previously installed DIVIDER by 1 inch. The DIVIDER should be snipped appropriately and wrapped around the corners. Later in the installation the OUTSIDE CORNERS and INSIDE CORNERS will slide under the DIVIDER.

STEP 4: METAL SIDING PANELS (upper level)

The staples used to fasten the DIVIDER are covered by the top level of SIDING PANELS. These panels should line up squarely on the DIVIDER. Use the panel LOCKS as a guide and line up the panel’s pattern with the pattern on the lower level panels. *DO NOT STAPLE THE BOTTOM OF THESE PANELS* Fasten these panels using the same method used in Step 2.

STEP 5: DIVIDER (second or upper row)

The exposed staples used to fasten the top of the second row of SIDING PANELS are covered by the second row of DIVIDER. Use the same process used in STEP 3. Remember to work from the back to the front (hitch/up wind end) and to snip appropriately and wrap the DIVIDER around the corners.

STEP 6: FASCIA
FASCIA should have the same pattern as the SIDING PANELS but the pattern runs horizontally. FASCIA covers over the staples that fasten the second or upper row of DIVIDER and ends at the top of the unit. Roofing material will overlap the top edge of the FASCIA. Work from the back and toward the front (hitch/up wind end) of the trailer and staple the top of the FASCIA every 10 inches (approx). The next FASCIA overlaps the previously installed FASCIA by 1 inch. To reduce the chance of leakage, FASCIA overlap joints should be offset from the DIVIDER overlap joints. The FASCIA should be snipped appropriately where necessary and wrapped around the corners of the unit. A brake can be used to get a crisp 90 degree corner.
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STEP 7: E.P.D.M. (ETHYLENE, PROPYLENE, DIENE MONOMER) ROOFING INSTALLATION

Fully bond the EPDM membrane to the substrate with
MULE-HIDE ACRYLIC WATER BASE BONDING ADHESIVE.

The Acrylic Water Base Bonding Adhesive is applied only to the substrate as a single-side, wet lay-in adhesive.

7-1/ Align the EPDM membrane making sure there is sufficient membrane to cover the unit in one piece with ample material hanging over all edges. Allow membrane to relax at least 30 minutes prior to applying adhesive.

7-2/ Once relaxed, using the cardboard core (or a section of 3-inch to 4-inch diameter PVC pipe), making sure not to move the material out of alignment, re-roll the membrane back onto the core. Only re-roll the membrane to the midpoint of the roof.

7-3/ Always thoroughly stir the adhesive before application. Apply the adhesive starting at the roll and working toward the end of the unit. Adhesive should be applied with a minimum ½ inch thick, napped paint roller. The adhesive shall be applied at an approximate rate of 100 to 120 square feet per gallon. Due to the porosity of a particular board, coverage rates may vary.

(Note: Application rate over Dens-Deck is about 60 square feet per gallon. If Dens-Deck Prime, application rate is about 100 to 120 square feet per gallon)

Never exceed 120 square feet per gallon. Adjust the application rate to compensate for absorption into surface.

7-4/The adhesive is similar in consistency to a heavy latex paint and white in color. Apply a uniform coat to the substrate until it is white in color. Leave no voids when spreading the adhesive.

7-5/As you apply the adhesive, immediately roll the membrane into the wet adhesive. Continue this process to the end of the roof. Repeat this procedure with the second half of the roof. Once the sheet is down, thoroughly broom the entire surface using sufficient pressure to work out the bubbles or wrinkles.

7-6/ Mule-Hide recommend periodically checking the adhesive application rate. Immediately after brooming the membrane, gently pull the sheet back from the end of the unit 1 to 2 feet and check the surface of the membrane. A uniform coat of adhesive should have transferred onto the EPDM membrane. This would indicate a sufficient amount of adhesive was used. Failure to observe a sufficient transfer of adhesive to the membrane indicates a less than adequate amount of adhesive was applied or the EPDM membrane was not immediately rolled into the adhesive while it was wet. The adhesive will turn clear and remain tacky but will not provide sufficient strength to hold the membrane in place. The applicator shall adjust the application rate accordingly. The membrane must be laid into the adhesive while it is wet.

NOTE: If no vents, equipment or skylights are to be installed in the plant it is recommended that openings for such details not be cut out until the unit has been set on its support foundation at the project site.

STEP 8: “J” TRIM” TERMINATION BAR (TERM BAR,) SERRATED “J” BAR or N9855-W BAR

The perimeter of the EPDM MEMBRANE is terminated using “J” TRIM, TERMINATION BAR,SERRATED “J” BAR or N9855-W BAR and for the purpose of these instructions will be collectively referred to as “J” TRIM.

1/ Prior to installing the “J” TRIM install PUTTY/BUTYL TAPE along the exterior side of the unit where it will be covered by the EPDM MEMBRANE. This should be 1 to 4 inches down from the roof surface. The EPDM MEMBRANE should be firmly pressed into the tape with a steel roller.

2/ The “J” TRIM shall be installed over the EPDM MEMBRANE centering the bar over the butyl tape. This will ensure the fasteners used to attach the “J” TRIM pass through the butyl tape. Excess EPDM MEMBRANE below the bar may be trimmed off with a utility knife. If this is a permanent detail, apply a bead of LAP SEALANT along the top edge of the “J” TRIM.

3/ The front corners (hitch end) of the unit may be folded to the sides to prevent air or debris getting into the unit during transportation. The rear corners should be folded to the rear of the units. It is essential that air does not get under the membrane during transportation.
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STEP 9: OUTSIDE CORNER (OSC) and INSIDE CORNER

OUTSIDE CORNER and INSIDE CORNER are applied in two pieces, a lower and upper piece. Prior to installing the corners apply BUTYL TAPE to the underside edges.

If F-4 STARTER was installed the lower corner piece begins at the top of the F-4 STARTER (covering the staple flange) and ends under the first (lower) row of DIVIDER.

If NATIONAL STARTER
was installed the lower corner piece begins at the bottom of the starter and endsunder the first (lower) row of DIVIDER.
In this case the first two (2) inches of both pieces of NATIONAL STARTER
closest to the unit’s corner should be flattened so the corner can sit flat.

The upper half of the corner begins at the top of the first (lower) row of DIVIDER
and ends under the second (upper) row of DIVIDER
near the top of the unit. Fastener positions are covered in STEP 10.

STEP 10: FASTENERS

NOTE: This example is for split panel applications using 48-inch tall SIDING PANELS

The lower row of SIDING PANELS and OUTSIDE CORNER are fastened with two rows of FASTENERS. The first row of FASTENERS is approximately ¾ inch from the bottom of the SIDING PANELS and OUTSIDE CORNERS and goes around the entire unit. For the second row of fasteners, snap a chalk line around the entire unit 22-inches from the bottom of the lower SIDING PANEL. The two rows of FASTENERS are screwed into every second “low spot” in the SIDING PANELS pattern so that the bottom row screws are in the same “low spot” as the top row. To help force out any slack in the SIDING PANELS always screw from the LOCK to the edge of the PANEL. This will help force the slack into the next LOCK.

The upper row of SIDING PANELS and OUTSIDE CORNERS can be attached using the same method as for the lower row.

Use the LOCKS as a guide to screw the STARTER and the FASCIA.