FIBRE CEMENT

PROFILED SHEETING
Choosing & Using

CI/SfB (4-) Rf9

FEBRUARY 2019
 Profile 3 and Profile 6
Eternit, the UK’s only manufacturer of fibre cement roofing
and cladding solutions, has been producing profiled sheeting for
over 100 years.
Today, we offer two ranges of profiled sheeting - Profile 6 and Profile 3
– to a wide range of customers. The products are differentiated by the
size of corrugation in the sheets; Profile 6 having larger corrugations
than Profile 3.
Eternit have always worked to improve safety when using our range
of roofing and cladding products. Building upon over 100 years
experience in the UK roofing industry we have developed a purpose
designed, reinforced fibre cement sheet – Profile 6 – that meets the
high standards of safety in roofing work set out in the Health and
Safety Executive document ‘Health and Safety in Roof Work’ (HSG 33).
In addition to the Profile 6 sheet, we are proud to be able to offer
a complementary range of accessories that meet the same high
standards of safety.
Eternit fibre cement profiled sheeting is manufactured in
accordance with a quality system registered under BS EN ISO 9001.

Which profile?
The decision to use Profile 3 or Profile 6 sheets will depend largely
upon the following four criteria:
1 The scale of the building in question.
2 Compatibility with any existing materials.
3 The distance from centre to centre of the horizontal fixing rails
or purlins.
4 Whether or not the roofing material is to be classified as non-fragile.
Reference should therefore be made to the sheet sizes, fixing details
and product data provided in this brochure before deciding which type
of profiled sheeting to use.

Contents
2 Introduction 14 GRP translucent sheets
4 Benefits of semi-compressed 16 Profile 6
fibre cement 17 Profile 3
5 P6 and P3 comparison 18 Topfix range
6 Colour range 20 Exposure
8 E-Luminate 22 Installation
10 Product selector 24 Ten easy steps to fixing
12 Fittings 26 Working with P6 and P3
The recommendations given in this leaflet are in accordance with BS 8219: 2001 + A1: 2013. For
further information on fixing fibre cement sheets and fittings, refer to BS 8219 or contact Eternit.­

2 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 3
 BENEFITS OF SEMI- COMPARISON BETWEEN
COMPRESSED FIBRE CEMENT P6 AND P3 PROFILES
Eternit Profile 6 and Profile 3 sheets and complementary fixtures are
all made (in the UK) from semi-compressed fibre cement, the optimum
material for livestock, storage and smaller buildings. This table gives
quick overview of the key benefits

Fully Advantage Profile 6 Profile 3

Semi-
Key benefit compressed Metal
compressed
fibre cement
fibre cement
Sectors

Easy to install
 
Moisture absorption*
Ability to absorb up to 25% of its   
dry weight in moisture, minimising
condensation. Fully compressed
Fire performance – Class A2 to
BS EN 13501-1, SAA and Class 0  
absorbs only 15%
Sustainable – able to achieve up
to A+ in the Green Guide  
UK Manufacture
All sheets and fittings manufactured
   Variable pitches
Min. 5° pitch –
can be used as
vertical cladding
Min. 10° pitch –
can be used as
vertical cladding
in UK
Sheet size availability

Single source supply

Stainless steel P6 coastal fixings
   1220mm, 1375mm,
1525mm, 1675mm,
1825mm, 1975mm, 1525mm
designed for semi-compressed sheet Painted and Natural Grey 2125mm, 2275mm, 2450mm
2440mm, 2600mm, 3050mm
2750mm, 2900mm,
3050mm

Longevity
Rust, rot and corrosion resistance in
   1525mm, 1675mm,
Anthracite 2440mm, 2750mm n/a
excess of 50 years 2900mm, 3050mm

Available painted
 
  
Insulation
The thermal and accoustic properties 1220mm, 1375mm, 1525mm, 2450mm,
of fibre cement are better that those E-Luminate 1525mm, 1675mm,
1825mm 3050mm
of other commonly used single skin
sheets, resulting in improved well-
being and productivity.
GRP sheets For use with P6 n/a

Strength
Meets highest strength required to
   Applications
Profile 6 and profile 3 are used in a wide
range of sectors, including:
Agriculture, Industrial, Storage, Commercial,
BS EN 494 Leisure, Housing, and Education
*Absorbency percentages are subject to normal wear and tear over product life

4 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 5
 COLOUR RANGE For more information
Please request the Parts List brochure from infouk@etexgroup.com

Painted colour range Matt painted colours

Experience gained over many years has shown that the Eternit colour These colours are part of the standard colour range but have a
range will meet the wide ranging design requirements in both rural and matt finish.
urban areas.
All the colours have been chosen for their ability to harmonise with the
most commonly used building materials – brick, slate, stone, concrete
and timber.

Bracken (12) Sherwood (17)

Natural Grey Farmscape

Black Van Dyke Brown
Natural Grey is the standard Anthracite
unpainted finish for Profile 6 Anthracite sheets have a pigmented
(GQ 60) (BS 08 B 29)
and Profile 3. surface layer. Together with subtle
variations in tone inherent in any
natural cementitious product, the
appearance will blend with almost
any landscape from the day the
building is erected. Only available
for Profile 6.
Gunmetal Grey Brown
Natural Grey
(BS 18 B 25) (GQ 78)

Anthracite
(Pigmented surface
layer on Profile 6 only)

Cloud Grey Tawny Brown

E-LuminateTM
(GS 92) (GQ 80) The underside of painted sheets can be manufactured with
E-Luminate, a special off-white paint colour that enhances
interior light. E-Luminate is a premium Painted sheet option.

For further details on

E-Luminate, please see
Slate Blue Laurel Green pages 8-9.
(BS 18 B 29) (BS 12 B 29)

Off-White

6 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 7
 E-Luminate in action
E-Luminate* products feature a special off-white paint coating to a
painted sheet underside, researched and designed to increase light to
internal livestock areas or agricultural buildings. Standard P6 and P3
painted sheets are now available with E-Luminate (POA).
A recent case study on a new stable build revealed
exciting results when independent light tests Y

D
STU
were taken.
L umens light measurement increased

SE
substantially, increasing natural light in the CA
building by almost double.
The customer commented:

“The increased light will certainly help energy costs whilst

NEW E-LUMINATE also being an eco-friendly solution: ‘most importantly Bumble

is a happier pony, as an older pony suffering from laminitis,
BRIGHTER WORKING he has to be stabled for longer periods of time. In his new
environment he appears more relaxed than before. It gives me
ENVIRONMENTS the feel good factor to know I have improved his welfare”.
Independent tests proved a higher light measurement both in dark
shaded areas and in the centre of the stable block.

Designed to maximise light Applications

The more we can replicate the natural environment inside a livestock > Roofs & Cladding
or stable building, the better it is for the animals and you. > Storage
> Garages & Sheds
At Eternit, we have been investigating ways that we can help improve
> Stables
the living conditions for animals whilst retaining the performance of
the building and not adding additional overheads like electricity and
maintenance. E-Luminate increases natural light reducing energy
costs, making a brighter future for brighter working environments. Artist’s impression

E-Luminate is a technical product

solution which can be used with
P6/P3 painted sheet colour options in
the following sizes:

P6 1220mm, 1375mm, 1525mm,

1675mm, 1825mm
P3 1525mm, 2450, 3050mm.

Maximum sheet quantities apply per order. POA. Without E-Luminate With E-Luminate
Please call your Area Sales Manager for information. * IMPORTANT: E-Luminate - E-Luminate is not suitable with non-painted sheets as the permeability
of the surface exposed to the weather should not be any less than the permeability of the inner
surface, otherwise the sheets could bow excessively as they absorb moisture from rain and
possibly cracks could form. Although the specialist paint is vapour permeable, it does reduce the
permeability of the products and so, when the underside of fibre cement sheets are painted, the
top surface also has to be painted.

8 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 9
 PRODUCT SELECTOR 04

Cranked crown Ventilating cranked Open protected ridge Two piece close
sheet crown sheet For agricultural use. fitting ridge
01
04

03

05

Two piece Two piece plain Two piece north Curved Profile 6
ventilating ridge wing ridge light ridge

06
05

04 Eaves bend sheet Roll top Vergeline External corner (or plain
bargeboard bargeboard wing barge board)

02
05

Eaves bend roll top Cranked roll top Cranked vergeline Cranked external
06 bargeboard bargeboard bargeboard corner

02
Hooded two piece Disc type ridge finial
ridge finial To suit two piece
To suit roll top barge adjustable ridges­.
05 boards

This product selector is

01 02 06
not exhaustive. See the
Profiled Sheeting Parts
List for full range of
Profile 6
Lengths available: 1220, 1375, 1525, Eaves corrugation Eaves filler available products.
1675, 1825, 1975, 2125, 2275, 2440, Profile 3 closure piece piece
2600, 2750, 2900, 3050 Lengths available: 1525, 2450, 3050 Various back lengths
available

03
NEW
Topfix
Profiled sheet fixings
designed for Steel and
Timber sub-structure Apron flashing piece Movement
buildings. See page 18. joints
GRP translucent sheet
Profile 6 only

10 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 11
 FITTINGS FITTINGS Please refer to the Profiled Sheeting
Parts list for our full range of fittings

Profile 3 Profile 6 Profile 3 Profile 6

Open protected ridge N/A Cover length Eaves corrugation closure Cover width: Cover width:
2200mm 650.8mm 1016mm

Size: 75mm Sizes: 65, 100

back 150, 250mm
Handed left back
and right
Cranked crown sheet N/A Girth: 750 or 900mm

Standard sizes: Eaves filler Cover width: Cover width:

5°, 7.5°, 10°, 650.8mm 1016mm
12.5°, 15°, 17.5°,
20°, 22.5° Handed left Universal
and right

Apron flashing Cover width: Cover width:

Ventilating cranked crown N/A Girth: 750 or 900mm 650.8mm 1016mm

Standard sizes: Angle: 120° Angle: 124°

5°, 7.5°, 10°, Handed right Handed left
12.5°, 15°, 17.5°,
20°, 22.5° Roll top bargeboard Overall lengths:
1525mm
2440mm
Two piece close fitting ridge Cover width: Cover width: 3000mm
650.8mm 1016mm
(adjustable) (adjustable) Available in 200 x 200mm
wing dimensions

Cranked roll top bargeboard Girth:
1050mm
1300mm
Two piece ventilating ridge Cover width: Cover width: 2200mm
650.8mm 1016mm
(adjustable) (adjustable) Available in 200 x 200mm
wing dimensions

External corner (or plain wing bargeboard) Overall lengths:
1800mm
2440mm
Two piece plain wing ridge Cover width: Cover width: 3000mm
650.8mm 1016mm
(adjustable) (adjustable) Available in 200 x 200mm and
300 x 300mm wing dimensions

Plain cranked crown barge board Girth:

1300mm
Two piece hooded ridge finial N/A Available
Available in 200 x 200mm and
300 x 300mm wing dimensions

GRP translucent sheet N/A Overall

lengths:
Movement joint N/A Cover length
1525, 1675,
1525, 2440, 3000mm
1825, 2440,
2750, 2900,
3050 mm
Overall width
Note: Cover widths indicated make allowance for overlap 1086mm

12 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 13
 GRP TRANSLUCENT Request a FREE copy
SHEETS FOR P6 of our comprehensive
Profiled Sheeting Parts List
Email: infouk@etexgroup.com

Advantages  P6 and P3 sheet sizes listed

 Good light transmission  Full range of accessories
 High impact resistance  GRP sheets
 Easy installation  13 exciting colours
 Low levels of expansion  Product selector guide
and contraction
MENDATION FOR POSITIONING POLYESTER PLATES TO OPTIMIZE THE LIGHTING OF THE
G: checkerboard
RECOMMENDATION
atedBUILDING:
and lines
 Resistant
checkerboard
fiber cement
rect•positioning
FOR
to POSITIONING POLYESTER PLATES TO OPTIMIZE THE LIGHTING OF THE
chemicals
and lines
sheets can be combined with translucent plates to provide additional light.
Corrugated fiber cement sheets can be combined with translucent plates to provide additional light.
of translucent plates is essential to optimize the welfare of animals and to
LARGE
Request a
PRODUCT
• The correct positioning of translucent plates is essential to optimize the welfare of animals and to
Typical GRP configurations
avoid
FREE copy
today
RANGE

checkerboard
lines installation
installation
checkerboard
lines installation
installation

NEW
fixings now
available
14 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 15
 PROFILE 6 PROFILE 3
Profile 6 and safety in roof work The lower profile of this product makes it particularly suitable for a
range of domestic, smaller agricultural and light industrial buildings.
Profile 6 is commonly used on all types of building for both roofing
It can be laid to a minimum roof pitch of 10°.
and vertical claddin applications. When correctly installed, Profile 6
has been tested and classified as non-fragile, this must be considered
Profile 3 sheet lengths (mm)
when working to the roof safety requirements of HSG 33.
1525, 2450, 3050
Profile 6 is a high strength fibre cement sheet with polypropylene
reinforcement strips inserted along precisely engineered locations
which run for the full length of the sheet to provide impact resistance.

Profile 6 sheet lengths (mm)

1220, 1375, 1525, 1675, 1825, 1975, 2125, 2275,
2440, 2600, 2750, 2900, 3050.

Farmscape lengths (mm)

1525, 1675, 2440, 2750, 2900, 3050.

650.8 131.2
72.3 19.8
5.8
650.8 131.2
Fixing Fixing Fixing
Fixing 19.8 Fixing Fixing
72.3
5.8 782

782

Technical data
Profile 6 Profile 3
Overall width 1086mm 782mm
Net covering width 1016mm 650.8mm

The cut-away illustration above shows the location of the Thickness (nominal) 6.7mm 5.8mm
polypropylene reinforcement strip inserted in precisely engineered Density (nominal) 1450kg/m3 1450kg/m3
positions in the Profile 6 sheet. Pitch of corrugations (nominal) 146.5mm 72.3mm
Depth of profile 47.6 mm 19.8mm
1016 70
Fixing 6.7 47.6 146.5 Fixing
Profile height category C A
Side lap 70mm 131.2mm
Minimum end lap 150mm 150mm
1086
Maximum purlin centres 1375mm 925mm
Maximum rail centres 1825mm 1225mm
Other products Maximum unsupported overhang 350mm 250mm
In order to ensure full compliance with HSG 33, ridges and rooflights Approx. weight of roof as laid, with 150mm
must also be upgraded. Eternit can supply a full range of fittings to end laps, single skin including fixings 17kg/m2 14.5kg/m2
ensure that the complete roof is non-fragile – see pages 12 to 15 for Minimum roof pitch 5° 10°
details.

16 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 17
 TOPFIX RANGE
Wood and Extra High Head
Extra high head to ensure a
12mm robust rubber washer
better fit of the bit
steel structure (25mm dia) acts as a seal
preventing water penetration
Moulded Washer
fixings for 12mm robust rubber washer
(25mm dia) acts as a seal
Our Carbon Steel fixings for wood
are hot-dipped galvanized

Profiled
preventing water penetration

Shaft Wings
Sheeting The wings open up the clearance
hole in the fibre cement sheet
preventing cracking Why order from us
Suitable for Roofing and
Anti-Corrosion No Downtime Direct Delivery
Cladding Installations
Stainless steel - For aggressive Quantities correct Now get direct
environments
with every sheet order delivery to site with
Carbon steel - Coated for
regular applications
your sheet order

Self-Drilling Suitable For Roofing & Cladding Installations

Self-drilling screw allows for
quick and easy instalment Providing support clips or a solid base is used when
without a pilot hole installing vertical P6 sheets as cladding, otherwise
like all fixings the sheets will sag down under the
weight of the sheets

Stainless Steel A2 New Wood Fixing Topfix range

Our new 130mm wood stainless steel fixing, fills a much needed
Substructure P6 Fixing types Code
industry gap and is capable of resisting years of corrosion from salt,
chemicals or coastline environments. Timber Topfix carbon steel 130mm 4069994
Timber Topfix stainless steel 130mm 4069996
This is an exciting, unrivalled premium product to hit the market
NEW Steel* Topfix carbon steel 105mm 4069999
which will protect the quality and value of your customers’ builds.
NEW Steel* Topfix stainless steel 120mm 4070003
See opposite for details of our new Carbon Steel 130mm fixings.
NEW Depth setting drill bit 4071041
*Suitable for light gauge steel only

18 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 19
 EXPOSURE Lap
This describes how much one sheet overlaps another at either the end
(end lap) or the side (side lap).

When using profiled sheeting the windloadings Pitch

of a location are critical to ensure the optimal This describes the degree to which the roof slopes.
sealing requirements.
Guidance procedure
Exposure zones Step 1: Exposure
Approximate wind driven rain (litres/m2 per spell)
Determine the expected degree of exposure by examining the adjacent
less than 56.5 map.
equal to or greater than 56.5
Step 2: Centres of support
contact the Eternit For Profile 6: Purlins at 1375mm c/c for wind suctions of 1.89kN/m².
Technical Advisory Service
for the Highlands
Rails at 1825mm c/c for loadings up to 1.40kN/m².
and Islands
For Profile 3: Purlins at 925mm c/c for loadings up to 1.79kN/m²
recommendations
(multiple span) or 1.49kN/m² (single span). Rails at 1225mm centres
for loadings up to 1.02kN/m² (multiple span) or 0.64kN/m² (single
span).

Step 3: Lap and seal

Establish requirement for lapping and sealing by reference to the
exposure zones map of the UK and the table below. See page 23
for sealing details.

Sheltered and moderate sites

Less than 56.5 l/m2 wind driven rain per spell
Minimum End lap Lap treatment
Roof pitch (mm) End laps Side laps
22.5° and over 150 Unsealed Unsealed
15° and over 300 Unsealed Unsealed
15° and over 150 Sealed Unsealed
10° and over 150 Sealed Sealed

Moderate and severe sites

More than 56.5 l/m2 wind driven rain per spell
Minimum End lap Lap treatment
Roof pitch (mm) End laps Side laps
25° and over 150 Unsealed Unsealed
17.5° and over 150 Sealed Unsealed
15° and over 150 Sealed Sealed
10° and over 300 Sealed Sealed

Note: Map taken from BS 8219. When buildings stand above their surroundings or are situated On roofs over 10° pitch where parapets might allow snow build up, 300mm double sealed
in open country with no windbreaks, including sites on or near the coast, or on hill tops, they end laps and single seal side laps are recommended. The minimum pitch for Profile 6 is
must be considered subject to severe exposure. 5°. Where slopes are between 5° and 10° the maximum slope length should be 15m with
double sealed end laps and single sealed side laps.

20 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 21
 INSTALLATION Butyl strip Profile 3

Whilst Eternit profiled sheeting is easy to install, the following

guidelines should be observed:
Overhangs
Sufficient overhangs must be allowed at the eaves to ensure that
• The sheets should be installed smooth surface up. rainwater discharges into the gutter. Verges must be overhung by
one complete corrugation unless a bargeboard is used.
• The sheets should be cut with a hand saw or slow speed
reciprocating power saw.
8mm butyl strip Profile 6
• All fixing holes should be drilled, not punched, and should provide
adequate clearance for the fastener shank (minimum 2mm).
• There should be two fixings per purlin or rail covered at the
fixing points shown on pages 16 and 17.
• When using power tools in a confined area, dust extraction
Butyl strip Profile 3
equipment is advisable.
• The dust and swarf generated when working with the sheets
does not require any special handling requirements other than
normal good housekeeping to maintain a clean working area.
Side Laps
Sealing
Fixing Where appropriate, butyl strip sealant should be positioned as shown.
The correct fixing of a sheet is important in order to avoid premature Use 8mm diameter butyl strip for Profile 6 and 6mm butyl strip for
failure, corrosion or leaks in a roof. Many factors influence the fixing Profile 3.
of a roof, such as the purlin or rail type and the nature of the roof in
8mm butyl strip Profile 6 6mm butyl strip Profile 3
question. Particularly important is the type of fastening system used
and compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Topfix fasteners are generally used to fix Profile 6 sheets on a roof as
they provide a quick and effective one step fixing operation. Follow the
recommendations of the fastener manufacturer regarding maximum
roof pitch, minimum purlin thickness etc. Topfix fasteners should be
installed using the recommended depth setting power tool to ensure
the fasteners are correctly tightened. End Laps
The minimum end lap for either Profile 3 or Profile
8mm6butyl
is 150mm, fixed 6
Checking the topfix fasteners for tightness as shown in the section below.
strip Profile

Where double sealing is necessary with 300mm endlaps, the second

butyl strip should be positioned 100-200mm below the fixing.

.
min
mm
150

Where topfix fasteners are not used, 8mm diameter fasteners are
Butyl strip m
used for Profile 6 and 6mm diameter for Profile 3. The fibre cement 50m
sheet must be pre-drilled with a 2mm clearance hole. If using drive
m
screws, the holes must be located centrally on the purlins, if using 50m
hook or crook bolts, the holes should be 4mm upslope of the back
edge of the purlin. In all instances, sealed washers and caps should be
utilised to ensure adequate weather protection.

22 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 23
 70mm

10 EASY STEPS

150mm
TO FIXING
The fixing of a fibre cement roof can be accomplished by most people
if they follow these ten easy steps in conjunction with the illustrations
Mitring plan single slope roof
opposite. In order to weatherproof the roof, the butyl strip must be Ridge

installed as described on page 23, and mitres cut to avoid having four 3 6 6 6 9
thicknesses of sheeting in the same plane at the junctions of side and
end laps.
1 Lay sheet number 1 at the eaves without mitring. 2 5 5 5 8

2 Lay sheet number 2, mitring bottom right hand corner as per

the illustration opposite.
1 4 4 4 7
3 Lay sheet number 3, mitring as per step 2. Continue up the
Eaves
roof slope to complete the first tier.
Direction of lay left to right
4 Lay sheet number 4 at the eaves of the next tier, mitring the Mitres opposite hand for laying right to left

top left hand corner as per the illustration opposite.

5 Lay sheet number 5, mitring both top left hand and bottom
right hand corners as per illustration opposite, and continue
Mitring Profile 3*
up the slope until ready to lay sheet number 6 at the ridge.
6 Lay sheet number 6 at the ridge, mitred as per step 2.

150mm
3 to 6mm
7 Repeat the procedure from and including step 4, working
across the roof from eaves to ridge, until there is room for only
one more tier to be laid, on the right hand edge. 131.2mm

8 Lay sheet number 7, mitring the top left hand corner.

150mm

If necessary, reduce the sheet width by cutting down the

right hand edge. All subsequent sheets in this final tier should
be cut accordingly.
9 Lay sheet number 8 as per step 7, continuing up the roof
slope until ready to lay the final sheet at the ridge.
10 Lay sheet number 9 at the ridge without mitring to complete Mitring Profile 6*
the roof.
Notes:
150mm

1 On a duo pitch roof start both slopes from the same end of the building. One slope will
therefore be sheeted left to right, the opposite slope will be sheeted right to left. 3 to 6mm

2 The corrugations of sheets must line up at the apex to ensure that the ridge accessories
will fit.
70mm
3 When cranked crown sheets are used, both top courses of roofing sheets and the cranked
crowns themselves must be mitred.
150mm

4 Always lay sheets with the correct end and side laps, as detailed elsewhere in this booklet.
5  Do not cut mitres in situ.

* Assumes 150mm end lap

24 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 25
 WORKING WITH P6 AND P3 Working
When cutting fibre cement sheets, try to eliminate the exposure to
dust (refer to Eternit Health and Safety data sheet).

Preferably sheets should be cut at ground level on suitable rigid

supports using hand or powered saws. Powered saws should be of
Storage and handling the reciprocating saw type and NOT disc or circular blade devices.
Experience has shown that hand or powered saw blades having
General 3-3.5mm tooth pitch are most suited.
Profiled sheets should be stored as close as practically possible to
the area of works, on a firm level base, using the profiled bearers (on Preparation
which the sheets are delivered) to raise the sheets off the ground. Prior to sheeting, a responsible person should check that all purlins
Sheeting stacks should generally not exceed 1200mm high unless a and rails are connected securely. Measurements should be taken to
level concrete base is available, in which case the maximum height is ensure that the structure and purlins are true and level to receive
1500mm. A separate stack should be made of each length of sheet; if the sheeting. In particular, a check should be made that the purlins
this is not possible, stack with longest sheets at the bottom and the are spaced correctly for the right end lap, and that the eaves purlin
shortest at the top. It is important when stacking Profile 6 sheets on provides an overhang into the gutter not exceeding 350mm (Profile
site that the smaller ‘under rolls’ are all on the same side of the stack. 6) and 250mm (Profile 3). When the sheeting layout is being planned,
Sheets should always be stored weather (smooth) side upwards. care should be taken to ensure that the verge sheets are cut so that
Stacks of sheets should not be stored in full sun during the summer the outside edge coincides with a crown rather than a trough in the
months as the differential temperature across the sheets can result in corrugations. This enhances the weather protection and can reduce
unacceptable stresses in the sheets and can lead to edge cracking. the width of the flashings.

If sheets are to be retained in the packs for more than 3 months, they CDM Regulations
should be stored inside a building where they can be protected from Specifiers have an obligation under the Construction (Design and
extreme variations in temperature and moisture. Management) Regulations 2015 to identify and evaluate the health and
Ingress of moisture into packs of profiled sheets may cause safety implications of all products and construction methods required
efflorescence staining, bowing during installation or permanent by their design.
distortion.
When handling sheets, lift by the ends only.
Installation
The following guidelines should always be observed:
Natural Grey sheets • Sheets should be installed smooth surface up.
The plastic wrapping should be retained for as long as possible to • All fixing holes should be drilled, not punched, and adequate
control the environment around the sheets. Once the pack has been
clearance (2mm minimum) provided for the fixing shank.
opened, or if the wrapping is damaged and allowing the ingress of
• There should be two fixings per sheet per purlin or fixing rail at
water, the sheets should be stored under cover.
the point shown on pages 16 and 17.
Coloured sheets • Always lay the sheets in vertical tiers from the eaves to the ridge.
Coloured sheets should be stored under cover at all times, preferably • Always fix sheets fully before moving on.
inside a building, but if this is not available they can be stored under a
• To minimise dust, cut sheets with a handsaw or slow speed
tarpaulin. The tarpaulin should be spaced off the top and sides of the
reciprocating power saw. The use of angle grinders is not
sheets to allow effective air circulation and avoid condensation.
recommended.
The plastic wrapping on coloured sheets is only designed to protect
• Avoid deflecting a sheet whilst attempting to force a bearing.
the sheets in transit. It should be removed and carefully disposed of as
soon as possible. • Do not step on side lap corrugations.
• Where regular access is required to reach roof lights, ventilation and
service ducts, properly constructed walkways should be provided.
See back cover for ‘Safety at Work’.

26 PROFILED SHEETING CHOOSING & USING FOR ADVICE, LITERATURE AND SAMPLES, VISIT ETERNIT.CO.UK 27
Safety at work
The recommendations of HSG 33 should be followed at all times:
• A safe place of work should be provided.
• Health and Safety Provisions should comply with current
regulations and be suitable for working at height. The use of
safety nets as fall arrest equipment should always be
considered.
• Profile 6 sheets, when new and first installed in accordance
with our recommendations, can be classified as a non-fragile
Class C roof assembly in accordance with ACR[M]001. Once
the roof has been completed and the netting/scaffolding
removed, if any subsequent access is required on the roof, the
sheets should be treated as a fragile assembly.
• Always use HSE recommended roof access systems whenever
required.

Visit our website to see P6 & P3

> Case Studies & Inspiration
> Technical Product Information
> Brochures and Technical PDFs

Book a free CPD

• Architects and specifiers can book our free CDP presentations
covering the design, specification and installation of fibre cement
profiled sheeting.

Telephone 01283 501555

Email infouk@etexgroup.com
Or visit eternit.co.uk
Etex (Exteriors) UK, Wellington Road,
Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2AP