Which sandwich roof panel lengths are available from stock?

A depot may hold full packs, single leftover panels or a mixed batch of lengths. Request an up-to-date list showing the product code, thickness of each facing and preparation of the panel ends. This helps distinguish panels that look alike. Ask which pieces are free, reserved or still on order. Confirm lengths and quantities before committing to an installation date.

Give the length measured along the slope. A horizontal plan dimension alone is insufficient. Allow for the eaves, ridge and details shown on the drawings. If two panels meet end to end on a slope, mark the end lap and specify any factory cutback. Check support spacing and design loads for the chosen panel.

Keep the designed eaves projection and the required bearing length when selecting panels. Extending the overhang to avoid a cut or shortening the roof at the expense of bearing changes the design. A stock batch may justify looking at an alternative, but any design change needs approval before you order.

The table illustrates a fictional stock batch. It gives no indication of current stock or prices.

A total of 99.6 m² does not guarantee enough suitable panels for a roof of the same area. Each slope needs the right number of full cover widths at the right length. Check core, profile, coating and joint geometry across the batch, even if the colour matches.

Cutting sixteen 6 m panels down to 5.2 m leaves sixteen offcuts of 0.8 m. At a cover width of 1 m, that amounts to 12.8 m² of unused material before any other cuts or tolerances. Compare the cost of those offcuts with the price and lead time for made-to-length panels.

Follow the manufacturer’s cutting instructions and allow for closing the cut edge. A panel with a cutback at the eaves or an end lap has a specific orientation. Identify the correct end before shortening it. Before reusing short offcuts on another roof, check whether the supports and joints suit those pieces.

Confirm that stock panels can reach the site and be lifted into position. Agree on a vehicle, pack supports and an access route. Tight turns, overhead cables and manoeuvring space matter for long panels. Select unloading equipment and a handling method suitable for the specific product.

Immediate collection may lose its appeal if it involves reloading or several days of storage. Match delivery to the readiness of the frame and the installation crew before reserving. Waiting for the correct size can simplify the job. Where a stock length fits well, an early delivery may still require the lifting area to be prepared first.

Get written confirmation of the panel designation, lengths, quantities, condition and collection date. For second-quality stock, include the defects and establish how many usable pieces will remain after sorting. Recent pack photos help, but you also need identification and measurements. Reserve the actual number of full-length panels the design requires.

Check the delivery against the reservation before installation. Keep the panel details for future replacements. A stock confirmation you can plan around identifies the pieces, their specification and the date on which they will be available.